For my fan-fiction writing that I have to be detailed in with regards to flying scenes I do a lot of research and that tends to bleed over into any Sims game that has anything to do with military and JAG. This involves a lot of reading gleaning details to the point where the ordinary lay-person would think you actually have some background in military aviation. That’s what separates a good writer from one who you instantly know doesn’t put in the time to research their material.

Accuracy is crucial when you’re writing for any fandom. If you’re not accurate in detail, fans will know and they won’t be able to immerse themselves in the story.

Write for enjoyment; write to challenge yourself but know that when you take the final step in developing your own characters, your own settings; worlds and plot lines, know that you’ll be held to a high level of detail and the research that builds the foundation for it.