In 'Credible'
How Much Research is “Enough” for a Fiction Writer to Be Credible?
You don’t need a PhD in marine biology or linguistics to write compelling, credible stories—just enough curiosity to ask better questions. Here’s a friendly guide for science-curious writers who want their fiction to sing without getting lost in the research undertow.
How Much Research is “Enough” to Be Credible?
This question came from a thoughtful reader—and I love it.
Because the answer, for science fiction writers especially, is both practical and poetic.
Research enough to ask better questions. That’s the sweet spot—where science meets story.
You don’t need a formal degree to write compelling speculative fiction. But you do need a foundation strong enough to know what’s plausible, what’s speculative, and what’s just plain implausible.
If you're dreaming up a story inspired by whale communication, alien linguistics, or first contact, your job isn't to master marine bioacoustics. Mastery isn’t the goal. Clarity of imagination is.
Let’s break it down.
A Tiered Guide to “Enough” Research
Whether you're outlining a new world or deep in revisions, here’s a tiered research guide designed to fuel curiosity without derailing your momentum:
Beginner
Actionable Step: Read 3–5 solid sources (e.g., Project CETI, SETI Institute, peer-reviewed summaries)
Credibility Gained: Context and confidence
Intermediate
Actionable Step: Watch 2–3 expert talks or lectures (TEDx, YouTube, symposiums)
Credibility Gained: Nuance and insight into current challenges
Deep Dive
Actionable Step: Read one book or academic paper on interspecies communication, animal cognition, or alien language models
Credibility Gained: Deep plot fodder and layered understanding
Optional
Actionable Step: Take a free online course (edX, Coursera) if the topic truly fascinates you
Credibility Gained: Bonus depth—but only if it excites you, not out of obligation
No single video will make you an expert—and that’s not the goal. Your curiosity is the compass.
Your goal is to follow intentional curiosity. Ask “why?” a few times. Connect surprising dots. When you start forming your own theories, you’ve found your research sweet spot.
Writing Through the Whale Lens
In my Whale’s Song series, we explore how whale communication—rhythm, social memory, bioluminescence, and multimodal signaling—can model alien language in sci-fi.
So instead of asking:
“How do I make this real?”
Try:
“How can I make this plausibly unfamiliar?”
That’s where fiction starts to sing.
[Check out the intro to Whale’s Song here.]
Credibility Starts with Passion
Here are a few trusted sources to spark your research journey:
And remember: your passion is your credibility.
Science fiction is the genre of what-ifs and almosts. Ground your stories in a few solid facts, then let your imagination do the rest.
For Inquiring Minds…
I made you something!
👉 Download the PDF Starter Guide for Science-Curious Writers here.
It’s short, simple, and built to help you research without overwhelm.
If this helped you, I’d love to hear:
What lit your brain on fire lately?
What rabbit hole did you fall into that sparked new wonder or wild ideas? Hit reply or drop a comment—I’d love to hear what’s stirring your imagination.
Keep wondering. Keep wandering.
~JL Tooker