I want to point you to a great post on research and writing by Jeanne Kisacky. It is probably the most well articulated article on research I have read. When I read this post, I truly knew that the author had experienced the ins and outs of research--that she understood how research is great on the one hand but can become a controlling monster on the other.
I felt like she'd been sitting in my home office, staring over my shoulder while I was researching. 8-) Here's the link:
http://writerunboxed.com/2010/05/23/writing-comes-before-research-or-at-least-at-the-same-time/
Showing posts with label novel research. Show all posts
Showing posts with label novel research. Show all posts
Friday, March 18, 2011
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Reveille in Washington
When it comes to research and being productive as a writer, I am an example you should look at and do the exact opposite. 8-)
One of the rules you will always hear from successful writers of historical fiction is that you have to rein in your research--do only as much research as you need and do NOT get lost going down many bunny trails. Get the facts you need then get down to the business of writing.
I can't do that. Not even at the cost of my own success. I LOVE research as much as I love writing. I love exploring history. I love that feel of excitement as I read non-fiction historical texts and immerse myself in a time and place of long ago. It's like being on stimulants or feel good drugs. It's a high. It makes me HAPPY.
I have a scene or two in my next book that will be set in Washington D.C. circa 1860-65. One of the awesome writers on one of my historical email lists pointed me to a book by Margaret Leech called Reveille in Washington (I'd paste in the link for you but for some reason I can't figure out, Blogger is not letting me paste links). It is exactly what I needed to give me a picture of Washington D.C. during that time. I'm only up to page 25 but I have already been highlighting and making many notes, as well as learning several new words of the time that I'd not even seen before.
Now if I were smart, I'd just skim the text, grab what I need and get on with plotting the two scenes in question.
But the book is just too interesting to pass by quickly. I'll keep plotting my novel--and plodding through this great text.
One of the rules you will always hear from successful writers of historical fiction is that you have to rein in your research--do only as much research as you need and do NOT get lost going down many bunny trails. Get the facts you need then get down to the business of writing.
I can't do that. Not even at the cost of my own success. I LOVE research as much as I love writing. I love exploring history. I love that feel of excitement as I read non-fiction historical texts and immerse myself in a time and place of long ago. It's like being on stimulants or feel good drugs. It's a high. It makes me HAPPY.
I have a scene or two in my next book that will be set in Washington D.C. circa 1860-65. One of the awesome writers on one of my historical email lists pointed me to a book by Margaret Leech called Reveille in Washington (I'd paste in the link for you but for some reason I can't figure out, Blogger is not letting me paste links). It is exactly what I needed to give me a picture of Washington D.C. during that time. I'm only up to page 25 but I have already been highlighting and making many notes, as well as learning several new words of the time that I'd not even seen before.
Now if I were smart, I'd just skim the text, grab what I need and get on with plotting the two scenes in question.
But the book is just too interesting to pass by quickly. I'll keep plotting my novel--and plodding through this great text.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Love of History a Stumbling Block to Writing Historical Fiction
Yeah, I know. That doesn't make much sense. At least not on the surface. But it is true.
I love history. Even more specifically, I am absolutely passionate about learning all I can about Arizona's history. From the minute I switched my focus from screenwriting to novel writing, I knew I wanted to make my mark as a writer of fiction, with every book set in Arizona.
If it were possible, I would spend my life researching Arizona history and writing it. I hope some day to be able to retire to Tucson and volunteer at the Historical Society Museum there.
But being a writer of historical fiction and loving history too much can be hindrance to your writing. Especially if you're a perfectionist. I simply can never read enough about Arizona's history. I cannot tell you what joy I receive out of reading one of the pioneer's diaries. Or an account of post life at one of the forts, or reading the account of the early Arizona entrepreneurs.
It's fascinating. It's exhilarating. It's captivating.
And probably geeky. 8-)
But it leaves me wrestling with myself. "Stop all this historical reading! You've got a book to write!"
"Oh shut up!" my other self will say. "I have a right to enjoy the journey. Back off, toots!" (pistols drawn like Yosemite Sam on the mudflaps)
And so it goes. It's why I'm a very slow writer. Well that and it takes me a while to put together all my plot elements.
However, there's no one standing by, tapping their foot and looking at their watch expectantly waiting for the manuscript. On the other hand, I think about the future. When I finally am published. Publishers like you to churn out books these days. Let's hope I'll have several novels under my belt by then because I don't see how I'll ever write to expected speed in this market.
Speedy Gonzalez I am not.
But eh well. I'll just have to be patient and trust that at the right point in time, the writing and reading will converge and I'll have a finished novel in my hands. Until then, I'm going to enjoy the journey.
And by the way, Arizona will be celebrating her 98th year of statehood come February 14th. Happy Almost Anniversary!
I love history. Even more specifically, I am absolutely passionate about learning all I can about Arizona's history. From the minute I switched my focus from screenwriting to novel writing, I knew I wanted to make my mark as a writer of fiction, with every book set in Arizona.
If it were possible, I would spend my life researching Arizona history and writing it. I hope some day to be able to retire to Tucson and volunteer at the Historical Society Museum there.
But being a writer of historical fiction and loving history too much can be hindrance to your writing. Especially if you're a perfectionist. I simply can never read enough about Arizona's history. I cannot tell you what joy I receive out of reading one of the pioneer's diaries. Or an account of post life at one of the forts, or reading the account of the early Arizona entrepreneurs.
It's fascinating. It's exhilarating. It's captivating.
And probably geeky. 8-)
But it leaves me wrestling with myself. "Stop all this historical reading! You've got a book to write!"
"Oh shut up!" my other self will say. "I have a right to enjoy the journey. Back off, toots!" (pistols drawn like Yosemite Sam on the mudflaps)
And so it goes. It's why I'm a very slow writer. Well that and it takes me a while to put together all my plot elements.
However, there's no one standing by, tapping their foot and looking at their watch expectantly waiting for the manuscript. On the other hand, I think about the future. When I finally am published. Publishers like you to churn out books these days. Let's hope I'll have several novels under my belt by then because I don't see how I'll ever write to expected speed in this market.
Speedy Gonzalez I am not.
But eh well. I'll just have to be patient and trust that at the right point in time, the writing and reading will converge and I'll have a finished novel in my hands. Until then, I'm going to enjoy the journey.
And by the way, Arizona will be celebrating her 98th year of statehood come February 14th. Happy Almost Anniversary!
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