Make Mine Mystery
July 5, 2019
Research for 'Death on the Vine' not a bad
place to delve into your writing.
by L Lee Kane
Research
If you’re writing what you know or pursuing a different passion, research
is a critical tool for developing the world of your novel. What you learn
during your in-depth
study allows you to engage your reader in your setting. It will help you in
developing your characters, the novel’s moral gray area, and even the
fundamental conflict of your story.
For those
with new topics, the preliminary stage of
research is generally exploratory and involves
reading anything that interests you. As you delve deeper, you will find your research
becoming more focused. You will begin asking questions about particular
locations, histories, or scenarios that involve your subject matter.
At some
point in your research will be necessary to reach out to others. Discuss
information with an expert their expertise
about their interests which can offer perspectives that you will not find in books.
Their enthusiasm and authenticity about the subject will come through in your writing.
It could also give you an idea for characters in your novel. Please do not
expect that a specialist will train you about their work. Make sure you have
done research first and prepared thoughtful questions for your interview
subject. It shows respect for their time and allows you to go deeper with them.
You might meet some fascinating people.
If possible, visit locations that interest you. I wrote a book about the
Central Valley in California. I drove up to Oakhurst and without any recording
devices, pen, or paper I allowed myself to absorb the space and to feel what it’s
like being there. Take mental notes of the things that strike you the most. The
next day I went back for a second visit with my notebook and camera to collect
as much information as possible so I could refer back to it.
5 comments:
Your photo of the vineyard reminded me of the beautiful rolling hills of Tuscany in Italy from where I've just returned. i went on a Chianti and food tasting tour to some pretty exclusive wine estates. Beautiful. And the hillsides of vineyards and olive orchards were so inspiring.... which I could think of a story to go with them!
I didn't take notes, but did take a lot of photos. Perhaps the writing juices will flow now!
I love Tuscany and I was able to get great photos there. I'm not a photographer but everywhere I pointed the camera I got a great picture. I think this photo is either Fresno, Ca or Monterey, Ca.
Sometimes it's fun doing research, especially if you can visit a locale that plays a part in your book. Otherwise, it can be a drag.
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