How important is being factually correct in your stories?

[serria]

Do you find yourself fact and detail checking everything possible when you write? Do you think "creative interpretation" or flat out ignoring facts is always a flaw of writing?

I think every genre has its own popular muddling of facts. Crime dramas might show a crime being easily solved with minimal evidence. A sci-fi might ignore physics for the sake of flash, explosion, and convenience. A historical drama might have two characters interacting who never would have met one another... and so on.

I find that when I write, I really make an effort for accuracy, though sometimes I wonder if it isn't better to relax the rules a bit in a way that might ultimately make for a better story - at very least, faster and more interesting pacing. On one hand, muddling facts is said to be something that throws people who are "experts" in that particular area out of the story, but on the other hand, is it justifiable when most people probably won't know or care either way?

What do you think? Have you ever had to debate whether being completely factually accurate or plausible is worth it or not?

Comments

[inkdust]

I can get so bogged down in fact checking. I think the need for it depends heavily on setting, for instance high fantasy compared to historical fiction. Plausibility, I suppose. Another factor is how integral the detail is to the plot. Side details are more easily excused for the sake of the story. I think I strive for accuracy mainly because I'm always bothered if I notice handwaving or lack of realism when realism is intended in books or movies. I do think it would be better for my writing to try to set aside fact checking during the first draft and focus on the flow of the story, but I'm not sure how well my brain would cooperate...