I use October for research too.

Do I need historical information such as what they wore and ate?

Do I need contemporary information such as google maps or street view? Perhaps hop onto zillow or realtor.com to learn more about the housing and see photos of what's inside.

Do I need to formulate world rules such as magic or a high-level scientific explanation? Do i need to talk to someone about the high-level scientific explanation?

Do my characters have names, personalities, and a list of attributes?

If I waited until November 1st, I might be sidetracked by all of this. Or get into the novel, and then realize that something that I already wrote is absolutely wrong.

Sharon from New Jersey