Hi friends,
Happy to be back with you this week. With all the information available at our fingertips for research, it’s easy for me to research from the comfort of my home. I can call and talk with experts via Zoom or on the phone, I can order research books online, and use search engines to find practically everything I need to write a strongly researched book. However, I love to take my research on the road and do as much hands-on research as possible. Many of my close writing friends do as well, some traveling as far as England like Julie Klassen, or to a cabin in the woods like Becky Wade. Often we travel for writing retreats to interesting areas, never knowing where we might learn something or see something special that will one day end up in our novel. Plus, hanging out with writer friends is tons of fun!
Some of my favorite trips include researching adventure activities and sports for my Alaskan Courage series.
White-water-rafting the Colorado river with a guide who could easily be Matthew Mcconaughey’s twin.
Researching history by taking a three-hour private tour of Gettysburg Battlefield for my Chesapeake Valor series.
I even got to pick out the exact spot my victim’s body was found.
Last but not least, I enjoyed some firsthand research in Wilmington, NC for my current Coastal Guardian series.
I took a boat ride on the Cape Fear River to learn about both the history and current events in Wilmington.
Took time for the most important part of research. Checking out the local coffeeshop.
I even had friends jump in on the fun, getting this Guardsman to take a picture with The Killing Tide. Thanks, Joy!
Question for you: What kind of interesting subjects or locations do you enjoy reading about?
Happy Wednesday,
Dani
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I love seeing the snippets of your research trips, Dani! So fun! I don’t always get to visit my settings when writing a new book, but when I can, it always makes the experience so much richer. To walk where my characters might have walked and seen what they might have seen helps bring those little details to life that really enrich a story.
I had the pleasure of visiting the small town of Kingsland, TX a year ago, which is the setting for my upcoming June release. There is a bridge there that was built for the railroad back in the time of my story, and it ends up playing a key role in the plot. Being able to see that bridge in person and even walk a few steps on the railroad ties made envisioning the scene so much easier.
Oh, what an exciting experience for you, Karen. I definitely agree. Being able, when you can, to visit these locations sure make for wonderful research. You always do such a great job in your books! Can’t wait for your June release.
These pictures are so much fun! The one of us in DC brings back wonderful memories. 🙂
I know. Crazy to think how long ago that was now. Must rectify that 🙂
I wouldn’t be disappointed if your next research trip brought you to the Philly area. 🙂 I’m open to any settings and subjects… it’s the characters that bring them to life for me. So as long as the characters are fun and draw me in, I’m game for anything and look forward to learning what they have to teach.
Hmmm. Can’t imagine why you might pick Philly 😀
It is full of so much history and such a cool town!
That’s a great point, Joy! It really is the characters.
I love to read both about places I haven’t seen and times I missed visiting like the wild west. I have found and read a few books from my neck of the woods and it is interesting to see how other authors see and describe the Pacific Northwest.
I write a bit of both, some places I have been and some I would love to visit. I enjoy getting to see glimpses of back East through your eyes since I haven’t made it there yet.
So glad you’re enjoying the glimpses of the East Coast through my eyes. I agree. It’s so fun reading books set in your own area. I’m the same way. I’ve written about two series’ settings I have been to and one I haven’t but would love to.
I love this post! I am taking my first official “research” trip in June, following the Oregon/California trail for the book I am currently working on!
Oh how exciting, Jacinta! Hope you have an amazing time!
Dani, Thank you for sharing these fun glimpses of your research trips!
So glad you enjoyed them, Caryl! Thanks so much for taking time to stop by the blog today.
I loved traipsing around the Vanderbilt University campus seeking out buildings that were around in the 1940s, and comparing the current map to my copy of one from 1942. We trotted around in the heat and humidity, and whenever I said, “Found one!”, my poor suffering hubby snapped a pic. And I can’t even describe what it meant to visit the Ryman Auditorium. This sort of on-site research really adds to a book, right?
Yes, it absolutely adds to a book. That must have been such a fun exploration for you 🙂