Research, Rabbit Trails and Highly Recommended Reading

Oh dear.  We all have nooses we willingly walk into.  Rabbit holes we gladly jump into to explore at the expense of other things.

For me, it's historical research, especially research on 19th century America.  In my last post I mentioned a book I'm currently reading on the history leading up to and including the Civil War but I failed to post a link to that title.

I'm still reading it, and still gobbling it up, highlighting page after page on my Kindle.  My first task is to read the book and highlight important sections (read as: pretty much the whole book--I've had to re-charge my Kindle over and over. LOL!).  Then I'll go back and take physical notes.

The book is Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era by James McPherson.  Here's the Amazon link (available in paper or Kindle.  I currently have it on Kindle but am saving to buy the hardcover version):

http://www.amazon.com/Battle-Cry-Freedom-Oxford-History/dp/019516895X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1378435394&sr=1-1&keywords=battle+cry+of+freedom

Not only is this book itself utterly fascinating to read, it gives me so many leads on other people and books to read (especially since I like reading about military history) that I will be following rabbit trails for some time.  I will literally be taking notes for months just from this one title.

And that leads to the one thing I still struggle with.  I often study history at the expense of actually writing.  But because of the kind of plots I like, I feel like I need a thorough knowledge of not only a particular event but the wide ranging political and economic climate of the times I am writing about.  That takes time.

Time and again, I've heard other historical writers say you have to tamp down on this urge, put down the research, and begin writing.  I know that is inherently true and if I do not I will have to face end of life regrets about the books I wish I'd written.  But doggone it, at this point in my life, I have so many other stressors, I just want to spend some time enjoying reading history for the pure joy it is in and of itself. 8-)

Not only is history enjoyable to read for its own sake, I find that as a Christian it strengthens my faith because history reminds me that no matter the era, humans make mistakes, and no matter the era, we desperately need God to keep us on track.  So for me, studying history has eternal value as well.

Thoughts for Friday

WRITING RELATED:  I am really enjoying reading the nonfic historical reference book Battle Cry of Freedom:  The Civil War Era by James McPherson. 

This book is my starting point of research to get a good picture of the American economic and political climate in the 1840's and 1850's as prep for the novel I'm currently working on.   I LOVE to research.  It is a time consuming joy.  I only wish I had an outstanding memory and could store away facts without having to write them down and categorize them. 8-)  

My thanks to fellow ACFW writer Henry McLaughlin for recommending it as a starting point.  It has been an excellent reference.

Even though I'm not able to spend a lot of time on it, I'm glad to be back to focusing on my novel after a year's time away from writing.  No matter how little time I have each week, I need to chip away at it bit by bit.


CAREER:  Anybody who feels compelled to do so, please pray for me to receive clear guidance on career direction.  I desperately need a career change but I'm at a loss as to how to proceed.  I've got a desire to help people my own age with orthopedic problems, so I've been considering Physical Therapist Assistant or Personal Trainer as choices.  There are a lot of pros and cons to both, not the least of which is being middle aged and making a major career shift.  And maybe that's not even the direction God wants me to go in.  I just need clear direction.  All I know is that a change is necessary to my well being, and I don't feel in my present position I am truly able to serve in a satisfactory way.


PHYSICAL THERAPY:  Drove for the first time in over 6 weeks yesterday.  Doable, but rather painful.  I will limit my driving to just the most necessary trips for right now.  And oh how I wish for a full night's sleep.  Plenty of rest is just as critical to healing as physical therapy.  I pray that as the days pass, sleeping the night through will get easier.  Am seeing a bit more improvement in range of motion, which is great!  Thank you, Lord!


SUNDAY SCHOOL:  Am praying over and reviewing Sunday School course material for teaching youth (middle schoolers in particular).  I am torn between teaching philosophies.  So much of the material today is infused with pop culture references, many of which I do not know nor do I care to be informed.  By the same token, my heart's greatest desire is deeply penetrating God's word into the hearts of these kids so it is there to draw on throughout their lives as they experience one life event after another and seek guidance, comfort, and support. 

I really could care less if the kids know who the Kardashians are, or about the latest movie.  What I care about is how much of God's word is stored away in their hearts.  What I don't know is the best method for sinking it into this attention deficit generation.  I want them to go deep, not scratch the surface.  But going deep seems to be antithetical to the times.


Happy Friday, everyone.  May the steps you are taking toward your goals this week be fulfilled according to God's plan for your life.