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Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/45950
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/45950
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

## Get cozy at your local library.

Before the internet, this is where we all did our research. As long as it's a well-stocked library, there should be plenty of books on the basics of explosives. Use the central library where you live, not a branch. If your central library (or only library) isn't very good, go to a larger city if there's one within an easy commute. A college library also works.

Remember, terrorism is only one use of explosives. A very small percentage of uses. They are also used in warfare (read up on how WWII troops destroyed bridges), mining, creating tunnels for cars or trains through mountains, and bringing down outdated buildings.

If you search for those uses online, you should be good. In the library, no one will even notice. If they do, tell them you're doing research for a novel. Because you are. And focus on the uses that involve military history or infrastructure. You can also befriend the librarians and they'll help you find better resources.

In the US, the [Patriot Act allows the government to request your library records](https://www.ala.org/ala/washoff/WOissues/civilliberties/theusapatriotact/usapatriotact.htm). Yes, this is as oppressive as it sounds (us Americans are used to it; I hope you non-Americans are properly horrified). So my county's library system dumps all trace of records for any books that have been returned. They do this on purpose for this reason. If you don't check the books out, there's no record. But if you need to take some home, find out what your library does. I found out when I found someone's family snapshot in a book I checked out and took it to the library to encourage them to contact the last person who checked the book out (they couldn't do it).

## Interview war buffs.

Go to a Civil War reenactment and ask questions. If someone seems knowledgable and open to it, ask if you can take them to lunch and pick their brain for your novel. You can also try WWII and other vets, or history buffs from all modern(ish) eras.

Do you live somewhere with a railroad museum? Especially in a mountainous area, there will be info on how explosives were used. No great details but sometimes even the broad strokes are enough to help you form a picture and know what questions you need to ask next.

Museums of many kinds might be helpful. Along with local history societies. Poke around, there's likely to be something local to you (or perhaps worth a short trip).

Original score: 4