Policy Press

Fiction and Research

A Guide to Connecting Stories and Inquiry

By Becky Tipper and Leah Gilman

Published

Jul 30, 2024

Page count

164 pages

Browse the series

Creative Research Methods in Practice

ISBN

978-1447369738

Dimensions

216 x 140 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Jul 30, 2024

Page count

164 pages

Browse the series

Creative Research Methods in Practice

ISBN

978-1447369721

Dimensions

216 x 140 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Jul 30, 2024

Page count

164 pages

Browse the series

Creative Research Methods in Practice

ISBN

978-1447369745

Dimensions

216 x 140 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Jul 30, 2024

Page count

164 pages

Browse the series

Creative Research Methods in Practice

ISBN

978-1447369745

Dimensions

216 x 140 mm

Imprint

Policy Press
Fiction and Research

Discover how fiction can breathe life into your research.

Fiction – in the form of everyday storytelling, prose, plays, films, folktales, and comics – can be powerful and resonant. This engaging book introduces the ways in which fiction can inform, inspire and enliven all kinds of research.

Presenting a range of case studies and examples from diverse disciplines, this book explores how and why researchers have employed fiction and fictional techniques throughout the research process, including using fiction to communicate research findings. An essential primer to thinking creatively with fiction , the book:

-discusses a range of theoretical perspectives on the use of fiction in research;

-explores challenges and ethical questions for researchers using fiction;

-offers practical advice, creative prompts and resources.

Enabling the reader to reflect on how fiction might be used in their own research, this comprehensive introduction will help students and experienced researchers embark on their own research-based fiction projects in no time.

"This is a gem of a book! Engagingly written with fascinating examples, it is inspirational in its approach to the exciting interface of fiction and research, yet also practical in its focus on critical thinking, reflective questions and creative exercises. An essential part of any creative researcher's toolkit." Jennifer Mason, University of Manchester

“This is a wonderful work that I wish existed long before I embarked on a path combining roles as researcher and fiction-writer. Tipper and Gilman do a marvellous job looking at the generative intersection of fiction and research and discussing the potentials, pitfalls, hopes, and possible failures at each turn. I felt so inspired reading this that I had to put the book down to jot down all the ideas that kept popping into my head." Sherine Hamdy, University of California, Irvine

“A compelling, detailed and comprehensive guide for anyone interested in the relationship between research and fiction. Entwining literary and academic examples and references, it is accessible, warm and thought-provoking!” Candice Satchwell, University of Central Lancashire

Becky Tipper is a freelance writer and researcher.

Leah Gilman is Wellcome Trust Research Fellow in the Department of Sociological Studies at The University of Sheffield.

Part 1: Thinking about Fiction and Research

1. Tracing Connections between Fiction and Research

2. Theoretical Approaches to Fiction and Research

Part 2: Fiction in Practice

3. Examples of Fiction in Practice

4. Difficult Questions

Part 3: Creating and Sharing Fiction

5. Crafting Fictions: Practical Notes and Creative Prompts

6. Next Steps: Sharing Research-Fictions