[Encore Episode] 56: Exploring Another Culture — Research Tips to Get Started and to Avoid Pitfalls
As fiction authors, we’re natural explorers—we chase stories into new eras, new worlds, and yes, new cultures. But when you’re researching a culture that isn’t your own, it can feel like you’re holding a map written in a foreign language.
In this week’s episode of The Confident Fiction Author podcast, I share practical, no-drama tips for researching another culture with accuracy, respect, and confidence—so you can build story worlds readers trust (and love).
Here’s what you’ll learn:
Why accuracy builds trust (even in fantasy) and how it strengthens your confidence as an author
Where to start: books, primary sources, oral histories, and works by members of the culture
How to go “beneath the glass” at museums, archives, and cultural centers (and build real relationships)
Bias checks & cross-checks: balancing sources inside and outside the culture
Want to go deeper specifically with Native American characters? My course Fiction Writing American Indians walks you step-by-step through authentic research and portrayal—without stereotypes or misrepresentation.
You don’t have to research alone—or feel lost. With the right approach, research will energize your writing and spark your best plot twists.
Listen to The Confident Fiction Author Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you can find podcasts.
Episode 56 Transcript
Hey there, my friend, and welcome to this episode of the Confident Fiction Author podcast. I’m your host, Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer.
Today we are going to explore research tips for you when you’re writing about another culture. Because honestly, as fiction authors, we’re natural explorers, right? We chase stories into new worlds, into new heirs, new cultures, maybe even new planets.
But when it comes to researching a culture that isn’t your own, it’s easy to feel lost. Like, where’s the map? How do I get through here? Or maybe you do have a map and it’s in another language. And you just feel like you don’t even know where to begin.
So today I’ve just got some practical tips for you on how to research another culture, how to really approach that research in a good way and in an authentic and respectful way, and really how to avoid the most common mistakes authors make when researching for their novels.
By the end of this episode, I just want you to feel equipped to step into that research with confidence—not feeling lost, not feeling trepidation, not feeling fear around researching your stories. So let’s get into it.
The Importance of Research
Research, as a historical fiction author, I could harp on this all day long. I’ve given entire presentations on how to research your stories. And it’s something that I certainly practice. I’ve practiced it for pretty much the whole 15 years of my career as a fiction author and certainly from the time of publishing my first book back in 2013, which was titled Touch My Tears: Tales from the Trail of Tears.
I did that with nine other authors. We did Choctaw removal stories—from removal from our homeland to Indian Territory, what became the state of Oklahoma. So I started on this journey of research many years ago.
And that, honestly, I’ll just tell you that story. Before I did that book, it was part of my program with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. I was in their Artist in Leadership program. As part of that program, I spent two weeks in Washington, DC, and the majority of that time was doing research. I got to handle Choctaw artifacts, documents, papers, paintings. It was incredible.
Part of my program was bringing that home to my community in Durant, Oklahoma. That’s around where my papal was born, and then he moved down to Fort Worth in his young years, where my mom was born. So we live in Texas, but we have deep roots in Oklahoma.
I brought all of that research back to Durant, invited Choctaws from anywhere, and had authors from five different states participate. It was incredible. We had a wonderful group, and then I invited them into this anthology that became Touch My Tears, my first book.
We took over 5,000 images, but I pared them down to show especially the objects that we were able to observe and handle. It was a foundational experience for me with my fiction writing, and for all the books that came after it. But it was by no means comprehensive or the end of my research. I continue to research to this day to really get that accuracy.
Accuracy Builds Trust
Accuracy builds trust with your readers. Even if you are writing fantasy, thriller, or action-adventure, accuracy matters. Stereotypes or things that feel off can damage your credibility. Readers who know the culture may notice inaccuracies, and that can affect their trust in your story.
The heart of most authors is to portray cultures respectfully and authentically. Hitting that mark builds trust not only with your readers but also with yourself as an author.
Research also fuels story ideas. For instance, when I was writing my most recent Choctaw Tribune series book, researching the Dawes Commission and turn-of-the-century history sparked plot ideas and character interactions that drove the entire story. Research can unblock you, inspire twists, and enrich your narrative.
Where to Start with Research
If research feels overwhelming, here’s a starting point: books. Start with the topic you want to explore and find the best books on it.
For my World War One novel, Anupa Warrior, I started researching because I knew very little about WWI. I looked for books, movies, photographs, letters, and reports. Oral histories and personal stories gave me authentic tidbits to enrich my story.
Books by members of that culture are invaluable, whether history, contemporary fiction, or biography. Knowing history, even for contemporary novels, is essential. Read widely and from varied perspectives—inside and outside the culture—to avoid bias.
Museums, Archives, and Cultural Centers
Museums, archives, and cultural centers offer unique opportunities. I spent two weeks at the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI), accessing archives not on display. I even handled artifacts, like blowguns used in ancient times.
Visiting cultural centers, taking classes, and interacting with experts adds sensory details to your understanding. Meeting people who are passionate about their culture gives insider knowledge and helps you “go beneath the glass.”
Respect Boundaries
Respect boundaries—some cultural knowledge or artifacts are not meant for fiction.
At the NMAI, there were items I saw but would never write about. Some knowledge is sacred or private. Different opinions exist about what is okay to include. Understanding and respecting these boundaries is crucial, even if you have to make judgment calls as a fiction author.
Avoid Cherry-Picking and Bias
Authors often cherry-pick details that serve their plot. Be mindful of your intention. Include cultural elements in a balanced way, portraying both positives and negatives. Avoid selecting only what suits your story or reinforces stereotypes.
Practical Tips for Research
Keep a research notebook or phone notes: Record questions, tidbits, and observations. Always have it handy.
Cross-check information with multiple sources: Use at least two sources to confirm facts. Don’t rely solely on one person or one sensitivity reader.
Avoid shortcuts: Hollywood depictions or Wikipedia summaries often perpetuate stereotypes. Go to primary sources whenever possible.
Be mindful of representation: Avoid one voice representing the entire culture or one aspect representing the whole. Avoid romanticizing or villainizing a culture.
Inspiration Through Research
Research can energize you and inspire your plot. It enriches characters and story worlds while giving readers a powerful, authentic experience.
If you want to go deeper, especially with Native American characters, I invite you to check out my course Fiction Writing American Indians at fictioncourses.com/americanindians.
Closing
That is all for this episode, my friend. Like I said in the previous one, we don’t have a word for goodbye in Chakhtal. We say, “Chi pisa la chike.” I will see you again soon. Take care.
Free resources for you:
The Confident Fiction Author Toolkit: fictioncourses.com/toolkit
Dictation + Scrivener Power Combo Mini Course: fictioncourses.com/dictation
Dictation for Authors: Tools and Tips of the Trade: fictioncourses.com/dictationguide
5 Stereotypes to Avoid When Writing about Native Americans: fictioncourses.com/stereotypes