Since I write historic fiction, I often get questions about research. Stories come to me in images. Physical setting, time period, and characters arrive together, as if conjured by the plot. My stories develop backwards. For my work, the image that inspires a novel or a story is a vision of the closing scene. I guess the truth is I constantly research. I have a lifelong fascination with how people lived in the past -- from the most ancient times to the twentieth century. When the conglomeration of personal interest, dreams, random knowledge and experience leads me to a story, I begin to research the specific time and place, with the goal of deeply understanding the physical, cultural, and social elements that influence my characters' worlds. I start by reading history, as well as time period fiction, and watching films set in that era. For example, for Wissahickon Souls, set in the Philadelphia area and Haiti from 1806 t0 1836, I read John Watson's 3 volume historic account, published in 1842, Annals of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania in the Olden Time. While I researched many other sources, Watson's work was especially valuable. I research and read until I visualize my characters' worlds and see them moving within them. Once I've commenced writing, I research on-the-go, thank you internet. My research goal is to offer authenticity, not historic fact. Indeed, the joy of fiction comes from making up stuff. Research is fundamental, but research serves the story, it doesn't drive it.