I love research. The only problem I have is getting too into it. I love to learn, so I can go way overboard with what I want to know in comparison to what I actually use. I’ve been known to research something for days and then it only gets a brief mention in my MS. Hopefully my latest research will not only make a huge impact on the current WIP but spawn plot bunnies for more stories.
Right now I’m writing a character (Shadow aka Shay) who was brought up as a Wiccan. His parents are not only Wiccan they are stuck in the 60’s, hence the name Shadow. So I’m researching Wicca. Not only do I have several books, I’ve trolled the internet, and have my very own Wiccan to bother with questions. I have to say, I’m captivated. This is as in depth as I’ve ever gotten into any religion. Did you know there are metaphysical stores online? Did you know they sell candle holders and incense burners and all sorts of neat things I a non Wiccan don’t need? Me neither. Unfortunately, I do now. So far I’ve managed to keep the ole credit card in the wallet…wish me luck.
I’ve also had to research Poliosis. There is this cashier at the store, darn her, who has this beautiful long black hair with a white streak. She’s Italian or Latina, so she has this nice dark skin too. Well, apparently I wasn’t the only one who thought she looked striking. Ben pipped up and let me know he’d look spectacular with a white streak. And since he is Native American, with a lovely tanned complexion, I had to agree. Now we are arguing over length. I want him to have short hair, I prefer my men with short hair, but Ben knows I occasionally make exceptions for my NA characters. So we are arguing about it. I say it’s my turn to win, he already got the Poliosis he requested because I agree he would indeed look lovely with a white streak. And he’s already nixed my idea for Shay’s eye color(they aren’t even his eyes!). He’s turning out to be rather bossy.
Next up, I’m researching wills and marriage laws. Doesn’t sound like fun, but I know once I get in there and start researching I’ll learn all sorts of odd things I didn’t know before. After that? Alcoholism, beauty queens, hotel chains, criminal justice degrees and colleges.
Written by JL Langley
JL is a full-time writer, with over ten novels to her credit. Among her hobbies she includes reading, practicing her marksmanship (she happens to be a great shot), gardening, working out (although she despises cardio), searching for the perfect chocolate dessert (so far as she can tell ALL chocolate is perfect, but it requires more research)
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L.M. Prieto wrote,
I LOVE research :) You never know when something you read will show up later in a story. Maybe not the current story, but it’ll eventually be used.
Link | October 10th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Maura Anderson wrote,
LOL - I love resoarch too! I have two issues though - one is the tons of research because I suffer from that disease “Interested In Everything” and the other is that it spawns yet more plot bunnies.
Oh - And I have a pet estate planning paralegal if you need help with your wills and estates research :)
Link | October 10th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
JL Langley wrote,
I hear you. It spawns more plot bunnies for me too. Luisa is right, you never know where the research will show up LOL
O_O a pet paralegal, eh? hmmm, I may shoot you some questions when I jump into that story.
Link | October 11th, 2008 at 9:26 am
Nancy Hanks wrote,
On the topic of research, I always enjoyed researching my college papers more than writing them! However, my research never spawned plot bunnies. Fortunately for everyone, my fiction writing was restricted to exercises required by my teachers. Not my forte, I’m afraid.
Hey, I’m an excellent reader though! I can read them (several times for favorites) a lot faster than you write them. (Sad).
Which leads to my off-topic comment: It’s not nice to taunt us with the cover of the Englor Affair 4 WHOLE WEEKS BEFORE IT COMES OUT. (Whine)
Keep those plot bunnies rolling and I’ll do my part to keep this segment of the economy going!
Best wishes to all the authors posting here.
Nancy
Link | October 14th, 2008 at 6:56 pm