One of my favorite parts of writing is doing the research--and not just the kind which involves cracking open a book or Googling. I love research which is hands on, or when it’s like a treasure hunt where you have to contact one person, then another until you get the information you need.
For a novelette I had published in Orson Scott’s Intergalactic Medicine Show, I asked a glassblower if he could create a heart out of glass, then watched while he actually did it. http://www.zglassblowing.com/glassblowing.htm For a short story, I talked to the Vermont State Archeologist about how clay was harvested and stored by early 18th and 19th century potters, then did some river slogging to remind myself what climbing up a clay bank felt like.
Right now, I’m revising a manuscript—but that doesn’t mean I’m beyond the need for research.
In an attempt to simplify the story's details and make each one have more weight, I decided to replace a jackknife that the main character just happens to have in her suitcase with a straight razor which is important early in the story. The problem was, though I’m quite familiar with handling jackknives, I’m not familiar with straight razors.
Luckily, my husband had several antique straight razors for sale in the shop. And, double lucky, it turned out my husband knew how to hold one. However he wasn’t willing to play the part of the attacker while I attempted to pull out the razor, get a correct grip--then defend myself. “Razors are not toys,” he said. Sheesh. He's such a party pooper.
Check out this youtube and you’ll see why I needed to revise after I changed the jackknife into a straight razor. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI4ak1lJgY4
So what interesting research have you done lately—or are you just having fun relaxing this summer?
I'm having to research rainforest biomes for a scene that takes place in the Baltimore Aquarium. Other than that, I'm researching batik techniques for my art camp this week! Poo on your silly husband - doesn't he understand we writers NEED role play?
ReplyDeleteBaltimore Aquarium? That sounds like a field trip to me. And like a very cool setting.
ReplyDeleteInteresting stuff. I've researched African stick fighting and actually met and talked to someone at a writers conference who's been to Africa and makes and sells stick fighting sticks.
ReplyDeleteNow I want to play with razors. You see the influence you are on me? :D Just now I'm researching Japan's ancient Samurai--and while I'd love to take a trip to Japan, with that out maybe I'll find another way to make it hands on!
ReplyDeleteAlice, that's really cool--especially since you got to see the reasl thing!
ReplyDeleteSuzanne, you have to create a Samurai costume for Halloween this year. You can call it a business expense ;)
I learned all about the game Snakes and Ladders from India. And escaped convicts. And that Phoenix is the kidnapping capital of the United States. But the only one I tried out is the Chutes and Ladders--which I think would be a lot more exciting with the addition of the snakes.
ReplyDeleteOh, Snakes and Ladders sound like a great game to play on a writing retreat. I've got a rather plump garter snake I could bring ;)
ReplyDeleteSeriously, I think part of the fun of writing research is how diverse it is--like games and kidnapping.
I love all sorts of writing research, because it can be so varied and quirky. Writing is continuing education in so many ways.
ReplyDeleteI think you hit the nail on the head, Marcia. It's not just the storytelling and writing, it's the continuing education in a wide range of things which I too love.
ReplyDeleteI believe my next research is going to involve visiting a railroad round house.
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ReplyDeleteMy research hasn't been nearly as hands on as yours. Hmmmm. I think I'm missing out. Thanks for this post, Pat.
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