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Where does your word come from? What other meanings does it have? This can be a great place to start!
It is an unsurpassed guide to the meaning, history, etymologies, and pronunciation of over 600,000 words. It traces the usage of words through 3 million quotations from a wide range of international English-language sources, from classic literature and specialist periodicals to film scripts and cookery books. Updated quarterly.
Do a big search on your word? What ways are scholars using your word? Any pop culture references? This database will catch uses in news, culture, science and more.
What was happening at the time of the events you're writing about? What historical events relate to your word? News events can provide good places to explore.
More ideas:
Visit the place you're writing about. Go back if you can - it can help trigger memories and can provide detail for stronger imagery and scenes.
Look through old journals and other writing.
Talk to other people in your stories. Who else witnessed your stories? What do they remember? What are their perspectives?