I talk about researching cultures to write authentic characters. Then it occurred to me that it is possible that someone might not know how to get started, particularly for cultures that are quite different from their own. Or you don't know anyone from that background. Here are my suggestions.

Start by asking yourself questions about how someone would get to know you or your family. How would you describe the area in which you live? What are the things that people assume about your background that irritate you? What stereotypes do you battle?

Then head for Google to get information about the country and read about the customs. See what you can glean from their mode of dress, celebrations, economics, and class system, if they have one. If they have a class system, can someone move from one level to another, why or why not?

From there take a good look at their news media. You can't believe what details you can get. Do not dismiss the minutia, that's what is going to give you the true flavor of what you're after. You want to see what you can pick up about the crimes that are reported and the emotional reaction to them, career offerings and how one achieves them in that area, the things they deem important enough to report, and what is popular right now.

Contacting a travel agency will lead you to a goldmine of information. Ask for brochures of that area and the best times for travel and why. These will offer you current pictures and common dress. It will also give you an idea of the weather and climate. Ask about entertainment and if there are any cautions for travel there.

And don't forget to look into their history; particularly if there have been civil wars or border disputes. A fount of information can be found about religions, political positions, and taboos. This will also give you insight into why certain customs and laws were formed.

And finally, try to find an elder of that community and interview them about their childhood and how things are different today. I haven't met a senior yet who isn't ready for long conversation about the good old days.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Once you begin your journey, you will begin to build your own list of questions. Make sure you keep a record of all interesting tidbits. They may not be useful for your current project, but you never know what you'll be writing next. You'll be surprised at what you can learn about yourself while you're learning about others. Enjoy the journey.