Research for Story

Ok, I am writing a fantasy book that takes place a long time ago. Does anyone know anything about what the goverments in... like Europe years ago? I mean like what laws and stuff? I know its confusing but I need to know. PM if you need me to make it clearer.

Do you have any specific government in mind? If not, then I suggest you narrow your topic and then use Google.

I can't give you specifics, especially if you don't have a particular era you're writing about, but I can point you in the right direction. If you go to the library, in the non-fiction section, the dewey decimal number to look for is 940.1, or any number from 940 to 990 for specific countries.

When I was researching medieval society, I found children's books like Life in a Medieval Castle as a good place to start for the basics. For the thirteenth century, Life in a Medieval City has lots of great information, such as how businesses worked to what medicine of the time was like.

Think about:

- What era you're looking at.
- Which government (i.e. which country) you want.

"A long time ago" can be anywhere from twenty years ago to five hundred. And obviously, Europe has quite a few countries with many different governments.

Pare it down to a couple of keywords. "English government 1500s" or "Ukranian legal system 1920s" or whatever you're looking for, and try out Google or Wikipedia. Chances are, if you look around, they'll be able to give you a lot more than you bargained for.

Hope that helps!

You might want to look up monarchies.

I'm under the impression that this story is turning into historical fiction because bridging the gaps within the story seems to require research. This isn't a bad thing, and in some regards, just ignore me. I've become a historical fanatic (and an incoherent rambler).

Still though, I agree with Snoink and to futher on her suggestion, I suggest doing some reading about the U.K. too. Depending what this government entails, it might help to get an idea how the countryside, British dialect, laws/government, the Queen, etc. If the story is based, or even loosly, around the U.K., I suggest researching the country. This way you'll be somewhat familer and the story will be realistic.

Hmm, I don't know if its going to be historical fiction because I am not really setting the story in England or anything, because I am going to create my own country and world, but I would like to get an idea of what things where like back then because thats the time period it takes place in..... I think

Right, OK. Gotchya. So, it is fantasy but if you're looking to get a feel of your world, try the main source. Read a few books or even look at pictures of England. That at least will give you an idea of your world, while you create a mental map.

I'm sorry I'm not being much help but I also had five hours of sleep, lol. Best of luck, and if you question, I might be helpful with specific questions. My novel is about the American Revolution, and I've researched in depth. Therefore, if its related to England, I might have an answer or at least I can point you in the right direction, in most cases.

Best of luck! The beginning stages are always vague and a little frustrating but once the writer understands their characters, the conflict and world; their hooked!

Depending on what type of country you want your story set in, and what era, the fuedal system of government would also be something to consider looking into.

Of course, since it's fantasy, reading up on myths and fairy lore is also a good idea.

Yeah, as soon as get out of my wheelchair I am taking an emergency trip to the library and getting books on myths and anything fantasy. I have a feeling its going to be a LONG time before I really start writing this story because I need to research so many things. I am working on my other book, Saving Charms right now since I don't need to do hardly any research for it. Thanks for your help everyone!

I have a feeling its going to be a LONG time before I really start writing this story because I need to research so many things.

I've spent nine months researching, while I was writing my novel, and I've heard other writers on this board have been working on theirs as long as four years. Prior though, I spent four months of solid researching; reading, interviewing people that have a firmer grasp on the 18th Century than I, and cross-referencing before I wrote a single word.

Actually, technically that's a lie. I wrote the title, than spent the four months researching, LOL! So, you're not alone.

Guess that means I need to do a bunch more research! Oh well, I am. lol