I think I've just lost five pounds in fear sweat. " Peabody mopped at her face. "Now I want a cannoli. I don't know why. " With a laugh, Roarke shifted to grin at her. "I'll buy you a dozen, precious. " "Cannolis, for God's sake.
Does research get in the way of the story? It certainly can. Anything can, given that as writers we're all geniuses at procrastination. But mostly research teaches me about the world. Which often shows me the way, in terms of the story.