"Research to me is as important or more important than the writing. It is the foundation upon which the book is built"

Leon Uris’s assertion emphasizes the primacy of research in the creative process, suggesting that its role may surpass even the act of writing itself. He draws a clear analogy between research and a foundation, highlighting the idea that every strong narrative rests upon a well-built base of factual and contextual integrity. The process of research is portrayed not as a mere preliminary step or formality but as the cornerstone that determines the eventual structure, authenticity, and impact of the entire work.

Through diligent research, a writer not only acquires the necessary facts but also absorbs the nuances, subtleties, and complexities of the subject matter. This immersion allows the narrative to resonate with credibility and depth, lending characters, dialogue, and settings a sense of true humanity and accuracy. Readers are consequently drawn into worlds that feel not only vivid but plausible, empowering them to experience the story rather than simply observe it.

Uris’s perspective also reflects a reverence for truth and empathy in storytelling. By putting research on par with or even above the act of writing, he suggests that storytelling is a discipline rooted in responsibility, to history, to real people, and to the reader. Research safeguards against misrepresentation and superficiality, encouraging writers to inhabit the perspectives and realities they wish to portray. In this way, imagination is not stifled but rather guided and enriched by the bedrock of research.

Furthermore, the statement underscores the iterative interplay between research and writing. Writers often discover unexpected threads, insights, or contradictions during their investigations, sometimes redirecting the entire trajectory of the narrative. Research becomes not just a preparatory phase but an ongoing dialogue that continually shapes and strengthens the creative work. In sum, for Uris, writing is not divorced from reality; it is the artful construction built upon the solid pillars that research provides, ensuring that the story stands tall and withstands both critical and emotional scrutiny.