Thursday, February 25, 2010

Let's Look Stuff Up!

I have to admit that I really enjoy the research part of a new idea.  I had done a bunch of research and then my pesky Main Character decided that she was going to take the book in another direction.  (I think she was just trying to thumb her nose at me.  That's how she rolls.)  So I began writing what she wanted (bossy) and all is going just duckily, but I needed to do new and different research.  More fun, I totally enjoy it.  But let me make one recommendation to you - When you find a New York Times article about your topic, check to make sure that it is not from the year 1900 before you write down all sorts of nifty and interesting things.

Now don't say I never taught you anything.

19 comments:

Kimberly Franklin said...

LOL! I'll make a note of that. : )

Unknown said...

I really like the research part of writing. Maybe that's why I write historical and timetravel stories.

Roxy said...

You found an article from 1900? Very funny. That might need updating after all. I'm glad you like to research. I do, too.

Unknown said...

I did! And I didn't even realize it right away because it was something about farming and seasons that probably has not changed tremendously.

I know you were thinking "How could she not know her article was 100 years old?" LOL!

Shelley Sly said...

1900? Wow!

I don't dislike novel research, but I don't love it either. (I'm more of a scientific/psychology research person.) But it's necessary for me. I'm always Googling something to make sure I have my facts right.

Shannon O'Donnell said...

Ha ha ha ha ha! Very funny. I'll try to remember that. :-)

Anissa said...

Now that must have been an interesting article!

Ann Elle Altman said...

Ha ha ha , this blog post was short and sweet.

ann

Anne Gallagher said...

This is funny. I probably would have not know it either. I don't look at things like that.

Christine Danek said...

That's funny! I have a whole bunch of research to do--yikes.
Good luck!

Unknown said...

Christine, I thought your first draft was done? Researching for revision?

Unknown said...

Oh geez! lol! Thanks for the tip. And the laugh. You are such a good friend. I'm going to be giggle for at least another half hour... This is something I can see myself doing even with your sage advice. Oh my!

Clementine said...

I love it! Isn't research fun?

Glynis Peters said...

I enjoy research. 1900 would be too late for my POV, she would be into the future. :)

I had her working away on something, and then had to look up as to whether it had been invented or not! Phew, it had.

Unknown said...

The same exact thing happened to me! Your MC sounds just as hard-headed as mine, LOL.

Shoot over to my blog when you get the chance...I left you a little something there today!

Joanne said...

I always enjoy the researching, too, finding that it really informs the story, helps move the plot, and definitely deepens the characters. So I guess it helps to keep the words really flowing.

Alex Adams said...

Pesky main characters!

I love the research part, too. It's easy to sit and read and tell yourself you're reeeeeally "working." :D

Kristi Faith said...

That's a very good point....something I'm sure I would overlook

Anonymous said...

Suggestions from experience! Wonderful. :o)