Preeti asked Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni:

HI Chitra, Im a big fan! Im also a budding writer, working on my first novel. I see myself as some one who would like to write like you, about India and Indians. I am working on a historical time period though and struggling with the research aspect of it. I want to ask you for tips on how to do historical research? How much time to spend on it? Where to source it from? How do you do it? Thanks!!!!!

Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni Preeti, research is always challenging.for historical novels, you will have to use a good library. I would recommend going to the research section of a good university library and asking the librarian for some sources. Fortunately, with the Internet, much of our research has become easier. The trick is not to spend too much time – I try to get all my research done within six months. otherwise I would never have time to write the novels. and I try to focus on things that I will actually need for my book. I also make it a point to read some historical novels set in that time to see how other writers have done it.

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