This is an update of a post I ran in January 2014. To read the original post, click here.
They say children learn best if they can touch and handle what they are learning, if they are given real experiences.
That seems to apply to us writers too.
One of my favorite parts of writing is the research. (Hey, my first job out of college was a research assistant. I got paid to go to the library!)
But the best kind of research is the kind you can't find in books.
About four years ago, I was working on a historical fantasy set in Russia in 1812.
Although it was not possible for me to travel to Russia to see a reenactment, I attended a Civil War reenactment nearby my house, just so I could talk about wartime medicine with some experts.
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| Tools used for amputations |
I also have a falcon in my book, so thanks to some advice from Oregon writer, Emily Whitman, I went to my local Audubon society and met Finnegan:
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| Finnegan the Peregrine |
This last summer (2016), I stumbled on two research opportunities that helped with my current projects. Again, these both happened at different festivals or shows that I attended with my kids, often not knowing that I'm find a gem of insight for my writing.
One, was a medieval sword demonstration, which taught me, among other things that swords fighting is much different in reality than in the movies. And a collie dog show taught me some important facts about that breed (also needed for that same book). Most recently, I am living my research as I just happen to be writing a story set in a school and have recently started substitute teaching.
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| Me handling a medieval sword |
What's next? Hopefully, this summer, my faithful research assistants (a.k.a. sons) and I will learn how to fence.
What has been the most memorable research you have done?
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Who would have ever thought that researching could happen at festivals. I research a lot for my contract job and have learned so much about the world that I didn't know before. I love it too.
ReplyDeleteIt is so much fun! I wouldn't know half as much about the world if it weren't for writing.
DeleteI would love to get paid to go to the library! Very cool... Falcons are so beautiful. You're making me want to write one into my current story. Hmmm...
ReplyDeleteFalcons are really interesting animals. I love them even more now that I wrote about them. Ooh...I hope you do include in your story!
DeleteI love how your kids are a part of your research! I bet they get a kick out of helping Mom with her writing. :)
ReplyDeleteHave the time they don't really realize I'm doing research, but they do like to help.
DeleteThe vast majority of my research has been done through the internet and books, but your methods sound like a lot more fun. The most active thing I did was take a tour of an antebellum mansion and the grounds for background material on a historical novel. It was well worth the time.
ReplyDeleteOoh, that sounds like fun research! That's what's great about writing historicals.
DeleteFirst hand knowledge is always the best.
ReplyDeleteFencing? I bet your kids think you are the coolest mom ever.
Thank, Alex. It's not always possible to get first hand knowledge, but it is the best if you can get it.
DeleteNothing beats enactments. One of my writing buddies actually decided to chop down a tree with a hatchet to see how realistic it was for her story. Turns out, not very. ;)
ReplyDeleteOy! Yes, writing can be a very dangerous but interesting profession, can't it?
DeleteI love how you thought laterally about your conundrum and researched a more local historical reenactment for the purpose of researching wartime medicine. So smart. I fenced for a year when I was a kid. I don't remember a lick of it, except that it never hurt. We were always very safe, we wore the proper gear, etc. Good luck! I hope you and your sons have fun! http://www.raimeygallant.com
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear more about fencing! It's something I've always wanted to try--so it's nice that I have the "writing" excuse.
DeleteMy MG novel is a journey book and someday soon I plan to drive from Chicago to Modesto, CA and follow my MC's route. I'm sure it will change a lot for me. Nice post. It's fun to hear how creative you have been with your research.
ReplyDeleteYour trip sounds really fun, Rosi! I'm sure it will add a lot of depth to your writing.
DeleteNothing like being-there, hands-on experience. Researching as a paid job sounds like something I'd like to do.
ReplyDeleteArlee Bird
Tossing It Out