How much research do I do for a book?

Last week, I received a series of great questions from a reader (Hi Robert!). One of them centered around how much research I do for my books.

While all fiction is made up, there's a certain amount of research you need to do, or knowledge you need to have to make it believable. I've always been a medieval and Renaissance history buff, and I spent over five years in the fencing gym. My Olympic fencing weapons of choice are the foil and epee, but I absolutely adore rapier & dagger dueling. Though the most fun is fighting while using a pair of rapiers (which is sometimes referred to as "Florentine style"). I also enjoy using a rapier in my main weapon hand (I'm right handed), with a bullwhip in my "off-weapon" hand (which for me is my left). I've used a smattering of my fencing knowledge in my books, but I'm putting two knock-down, drag out fight scenes in Bewitched & Betrayed. And to make sure I get it right, my fencing coach Wes Caudill is going to help me choreograph it. I really want to knock everyone's socks off with this one. ; )

So for those scenes in Bewitched & Betrayed, I'll probably have to gear up and go at it to make sure that what I write is as realistic as possible.

Lisa