I asked a variety of authors to answer a few questions that I pose. Of course, I love a twist. All answers had to be no more than two sentences. Brevity presents a greater challenge.
For me the process was delightful as well as insightful. I love that authors can express our personalities and style in so few words. Just check out the varied responses to the first question!
The question: To what extent do you rely on scientific discoveries and research for your writing?
“I do a lot of research for my books. Theoretical physics and the current knowledge of the universe, space travel and so on are vital for my sci-fi. I research anything that is covered in any story – mental illness for example. It’s an insult to readers to just make stuff up in many cases”
Jo Robinson, author of Echoes of Narcissus in the Gardens of Delight
Site: www.africolonialstories.wordpress.com/
“I never craft a story based on research developments, but in an SF piece I’ll certainly co-opt appropriate tech, and if I can find a way to make its malfunction pivotal to the plot, this is where a story can begin to get as clever as it’s entertaining.”
Mel Keegan, author of the Hellgate series
Site: www.melkeegan.com
“I tend to do a ton of research before starting a book. My books have covered, among other topics, The Great Depression along the Gulf of Mexico, money and land uses during The French and Indian War; methods of metal detecting as a hobby; and the death of printed text.”
Author Java Davis, award-winning author of Commune: A Social Experiment
Site: Amazon U.S. author page
“I haven’t written much of modern science into my horror but that doesn’t mean it isn’t inspiring. I have about 15 ideas kicking around on scientific discoveries from the past three years alone that I’d love to get down on paper if time permitted. Some of what we’re finding is amazing but if things went wrong could be quite horrifying.”
Stuart Conover, short story author included in Dead Walk and other anthologies
Site: StuartConover.com
Adrian W. Lilly is the author of The Runes Trilogy, The Devil You Know, and Red Haze.
ADRIANLILLY.COM 
Reblogged this on Jo Robinson and commented:
Thank you for the cool questions Adrian! 🙂
Thanks for taking part! I always appreciate your thoughtful answers.
It is an interesting one indeed. I seem to do more research when translating books than when writing my own but still…
I can see where translating would take a huge amount of research. Thanks for stopping by.
An interesting question and I enjoy reading the variety of replies – it must depend a lot on the type of book being written but some research would be necessary most of the time.
I agree that most books require at least some research. I tend to research quite a bit for my writing. For instance, I don’t like to just guess what the inside of a morgue might look like, I’d rather research it. Thanks for stopping by!