In journalism school we were trained to look for three sources to verify subject matter for our stories.
Fact or Fiction, research is still research. That means you, the writer, are not the source unless you have a gazillion letters after your name. But if you are a cubby-hole inkslinger trying to make a few bucks here and there, you must use attribution, identifying experts in the field or looking up statistical data to pad your stories.
In my book, Texas Justice, I needed a train schedule from Austin to Galveston, Texas, so I would know how long the trip would take in the 1800s. Couldn’t find the information anywhere. Oh, the frustration!
I also needed some photographs to show me what old buildings looked like. One of those happened to be a train depot office and in the window the ticket agent had posted a sign that gave me the information I needed for the trip.
What a lucky Irishman, I am. Lesson learned: Don’t overlook photographs when searching for information.
In a recent meeting, we talked about using AI as a possible source for research. I’ve done that. With all the pros and cons about AI, it is smart not to accept the comeback statement to your request. That ties right in for the three-source rule I learned in college.
But it gives you a lead. I look at AI as an advanced form of Googling your subject. Gather ye data where ye might, but don’t stop until you’ve checked each reply several times.
My favorite source to go to is Wikipedia. I’m sure you’ve heard not to trust the information because it’s written by who knows who. That’s fine. Again, what you have are not facts, just a lead.
But here’s what nobody tells you: Look below the stated paragraphs and you will see a line of external references for the subject matter. Make note of them and go to those sources. I have found bona fide publications that you can quote once you have followed up with a separate search command.
Be sure to do your own listing of source material (depending on what you are writing).
- Researching Your Subject - June 6, 2025
- Who Ya Gonna Call? - March 11, 2024
- How Do I Start? - May 8, 2023