I am tossing around an idea for a novel in my head, and I am not an experienced writer.  I am posting these questions on my own LJ and on the prime_liquor community, which may not be entirely appropriate but I trust the opinions of the associated individuals.  So if you are an experienced writer or a potential writer, or just a wonderfully opinionated person, please feel free to participate (I'd be most grateful):

1) If you know nothing about the industry or process of the publishing world, but you are chomping at the bit to just start writing, is it ok to write the bulk or entirety of the piece BEFORE learning more about the industry, or are there certain aspects of publishing that really should be explored PRIOR TO the writing?

2) Would you ever put yourself in a possibly dangerous situation in order to achieve authenticity of a scene?  I'm not talking about jumping off a bridge or fighting a foreign war, I'm thinking more along the lines of questionable sexual encounters, drug experimentation, exploring an allegedly unsafe neighborhood or region, or maybe even commiting a low-risk, non-violent illegal action?

3)  If your plan to feature characters in your work that represent a culture that you are largely unfamiliar with, yet their cultures do not play a very large part of the story, what would you think is the best way to research these characters (basic Google research, interviews with representatives of said cultures, fiction or nonfiction literary research, etc.)?

That's all for now.  PS-- I know the best answer for all of these is "Figure it out yourself" or "Whatever is best for you", but regardless any feedback would be most appreciated.

Many thanks.