In writing, research is very important. At a recent writer’s conference I took a class that focused on this very subject. While writing Zenobia- Birth of a Legend, Russ Wallace visited the Pyramids in Egypt. Russ wrote a wonderful scene where Zenobia visits the Pyramids in Chapter twenty-nine. I think his experience of being on location and seeing them for himself allowed him to explore deeper into his senses. When reading Zenobia – Birth of a Legend, I can time travel to the 3rd century and experience things as Zenobia did. I can visit exotic places like Egypt and I don’t even need a passport. Of course nothing can replace the real feeling of being there but isn’t it nice that you only have to open a book and you can be transported to another time and place?
THE HOW, WHERE, AND WHY OF RESEARCH—AND IS IT
REALLY NECESSARY?
Presented by Lynn Gardner
James Patterson said: “Just like the Associated Press, I have my own style manual. “JP Writing Style and Book Elements” is a list of nineteen bulleted points that I keep within arm’s reach whenever I’m working. Point number 18 is written in capital letters, because no matter how often I read it, I need to be reminded that it is of the utmost importance: RESEARCH HELPS. DON’T FAKE ANYTHING—NOT BRAIN TUMORS, NOT DROWNINGS, NOT EVEN A BEE STING.”
Google and Wikipedia should not be your only form of research.
Set fun places. Use your five senses when describing a setting.
Twelve important things to remember as you begin researching your story
- Being on location is the best kind of research.
- What action will take place, maybe there is a local story you can use.
- Find an expert, a local in the area, take tours and ask tour guides. See if there is an offbeat place that everyone goes and sees. A good website to use for local facts is the Chamber of Commerce.
- Notice names, people, places, and little details you would only know if you had been there. How do the locals dress? What do they drive? Find out what hobbies they have.
- Create your own town if you want but if you use a real town get it right.
- Talk to a real person. Call park services or a professional in the town.
- Ask specific questions about the town when exploring but don’t overload with all this information in your book. Pick the most important parts.
- Drowning & bee stings – test the scene out. Make it believable
- Antagonist has to be as smart as the protagonist.
- Don’t believe everything you read. Get 2 references.
- Find someone who does the same job as your MC and get their thoughts on the profession.
- Readers live where you’re describing. Build your story on sensors and impressions. Describe the seasons.
- *Bonus* – Have a passion for characters and location. It’s as important as good grammar.
Tip – Google earth is a great place to visit a location without really being there.
Lynn Gardner writes mysteries and I’m currently reading her book
Amethysts and Arson. Lynn’s detailed research makes you feel like you are really there. When I’m finished you can read my review at
http://juliemartinwallace.blogspot.com/
