Over-elaborating research

That's a tricky one - but personally I really like good research in a story (not that it has to be obvious or laid out in the story).
I like it when nothing jars me from reading it by reminding me that the author hasn't done his homework.

I think it lazy and condescending to think 'well nobody really cares' or 'nobody will notice' - because some body always does.
It's a personal hate of mine to assume that every reader has the same attitude as myself to facts - so I try (where it's necessary) to be as accurate as as possible.

Note that this is different to a really brazen attitude that says 'I don't care about facts - just go with me' such as you get in films like 'The Core' which I can really enjoy. My annoyance is aimed at writing that 'pretends' to be researched and accurate when it blatantly isn't.

Obviously with fantasy you have a lot more leeway than if tackling science fiction (or something historical) where you need to be more aware of what is possible or what happened. But generally my attitude is make the story fit the facts. After all we're all entitled to our own opinion - but we should all be mindful of the same set of facts.

If there are reasons to counteract know facts then that's ok as well - but an explanation is then required.

 

I can relate to the feeling of being overwhelmed by the level of research I need to do for certain projects. This is all the more true if I'm trying to branch out to subjects beyond my usual interests. Nonetheless, it has been my experience that research is easier to do when you define your topics narrowly. For example, you have less on your plate if you're looking for information about the floor plans of Roman villas* than if you're working with the much more generalized topic of ancient Rome.

* I've actually spent quite a bit of time looking up building floor plans from various cultures and time periods. It's supposed to help me visualize the scenery whenever I'm writing something set in a building.

 

There's only one way. Practice. Write stuff and get feedback. Then write something else. Repeat forever. This is the only way to improve your craft.