Can I enter deductions for expenses incurred relative to researching information for writing my second novel?

Yes, you can deduct the expenses related to researching  for your second novel if writing is a business and not a hobby, but you will need to upgrade to TurboTax Self Employed.

 TurboTax Online Self Employed allows you to  claim all the business expenses. Turbotax will walk you through every possible expense to claim for your writing business. 

You don't need to make money ever year from your writing, but the purpose should be to generate income.

For more information about TurboTax Online Self Employed, follow this link: TurboTax On-line Self Employed

For more information about common tax deductions for writers, follow this link:

 https://www.tckpublishing.com/20-tax-deductions-for-writers/