tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post597255696306378292..comments2023-10-05T05:20:59.743-04:00Comments on Piedmont Writer: Buried in ResearchAnne Gallagherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05816355522284492131noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-15406411303469881542011-01-11T21:56:05.880-05:002011-01-11T21:56:05.880-05:00...dearest Anne, at this point, I'm betting yo......dearest Anne, at this point, I'm betting you'd be a holy terror on Jeopardy! <br /><br />"Alex, I'll take 'Life on the Pioneer' for $400, please!"<br /><br />Something to consider:)<br /><br />Have a great week,<br />ELElliot Gracehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06319271528871804399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-91406569523626214622011-01-11T19:49:45.172-05:002011-01-11T19:49:45.172-05:00Oh Anne, I know how you feel! I generally start th...Oh Anne, I know how you feel! I generally start the story first - if I research too much too soon I worry that it'll affect the core story. But once I'm a month or so in, I start in with the research. Last night was one of those square-bracket-filling nights; I was all over research on 15th Century Spanish cooking, names of towns, fruits available in August at that time, the Julian calendar, etc. etc.<br />So fascinating, yet it never ends!Deniz Bevanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17134553551048836979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-17437085435783428082011-01-11T17:28:49.402-05:002011-01-11T17:28:49.402-05:00Sorry I'm so far behind on my blog reading. I ...Sorry I'm so far behind on my blog reading. I tend to find myself down the rabbit hole on research. I start out looking for information on burrying beatles and wind up looking at symbiotic insects of North America. (don't ask). What I need to know is, does anyone use the library for research at all anymore, or is it purely done on line? I feel like I'm kindof cheating or something.Melissa Gillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02700191547004665402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-86621587798081167712011-01-11T16:02:21.092-05:002011-01-11T16:02:21.092-05:00I'm pretty good at getting in and out, but som...I'm pretty good at getting in and out, but sometimes the trail is just too enticing and I get lost for hours. Research is fun!Linda G.https://www.blogger.com/profile/04576828490765434497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-45251878877370086802011-01-11T13:38:14.601-05:002011-01-11T13:38:14.601-05:00These are all good points. Thanks, everyone.
As w...These are all good points. Thanks, everyone.<br /><br />As with other aspects of writing, it's what works best for you. And no one can decide it for you.<br /><br />But I also think one must always be cautious of anything that keeps you from writing, even something as good and as necessary as research.MB Dabneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10072264764613309071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-58901589918458605552011-01-11T11:49:04.013-05:002011-01-11T11:49:04.013-05:00I'm a research junkie. It's what I did whe...I'm a research junkie. It's what I did when I worked in the real world, and it's an addiction I hope never to outgrow (but wish I could better control).<br /><br />I love Jane Austen, her keen insight into the social realities of her time, her grand sense of humor, but primarily the strength of her heroines. Austen's women aren't constantly trying to prove they're better, stronger, or fly higher than men - an issue I have with a lot of contemporary fiction. Their strength is in being women, which I find absolutely enthralling.VR Barkowskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04927993233682731113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-52411514293536457322011-01-11T09:45:39.721-05:002011-01-11T09:45:39.721-05:00Tracy -- I hear you. There's also the happy c...Tracy -- I hear you. There's also the happy coincidence in research, that you may also find something you never thought you'd use.Anne Gallagherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05816355522284492131noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-17375426330620495142011-01-11T08:41:58.382-05:002011-01-11T08:41:58.382-05:00Research is how I learn whether a story line is ul...Research is how I learn whether a story line is ultimately going to stick or not. If I hate the process of looking and reading more about a certain topic, than it's obviously not something I'm passionate about. I can say this, because I often spend HOURS researching things that spark my interest...so I know it can be done.Tracyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03726858055689145824noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-46464859733504341832011-01-11T08:35:24.695-05:002011-01-11T08:35:24.695-05:00Stephen -- Shooting blanks, that's funny. Thi...Stephen -- Shooting blanks, that's funny. This is my 3rd or 4th round of 'serious' research. I keep needing more. <br /><br />Taryn -- I do this too. I started looking for Spencer Percival and ended up with Sarah Siddons. TMI.<br /><br />Anne -- I try and get in and out but it never happens. Like I said, 6 hours last Saturday. And even then I felt like I wanted more.<br /><br />Christine -- I'd love to go back and meet the people of the Regency. Unfortunately we can't time travel yet. But someday I will get to London. That will be good enough.<br /><br />Christi -- I didn't know that.<br /><br />Michelle -- I actually did find a new twist on an old story so that was good for me this time. Problem is, the new story will need more research. Lol.<br /><br />Jennifer -- Jane Austen is my heroine. I want to be her when I grow up.<br /><br />Andrew -- I'm always reading. Even when I'm not, I am. There's always something to be found in a book.<br /><br />Michael -- That's how I'm starting to feel. I'm over researching. And I'm starting to get stuck in the research rut.<br /><br />Jane -- Thanks for coming by. My problem exactly. I start at A and to go to B but by the time I'm done I'm already down to T.Anne Gallagherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05816355522284492131noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-76826951964188326572011-01-11T08:07:54.524-05:002011-01-11T08:07:54.524-05:00Whenever I research it is always my intention to g...Whenever I research it is always my intention to get what I need and get back to writing. It never happens. I'll read one thing that leads me to a new discovery, and that leads me onto something else, etc. I have to force myself away and get back to the task at hand or writing.Jane Charleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01137487095312386152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-91535912873589362802011-01-11T01:19:07.237-05:002011-01-11T01:19:07.237-05:00Frankly, I try to do as little research as I can g...Frankly, I try to do as little research as I can get away with. The stories I write are contemporary and so I feel fairly grounded. I try to write what I know and, since it is fiction, I make up everything else.<br /><br />But when I do research something -- and everything I write requires some research. I don't know or remember everything -- I stick to the subject. Otherwise I get bogged down.<br /><br />I majored in history in college and love researching old facts to gain new understanding of past events, and to see how they influence things today. So if I am researching something and get off track, I can get seriously off track. For me, too much research is another excuse for not finishing a writing project. And I already have enough excuses.MB Dabneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10072264764613309071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-90081752244957238352011-01-10T22:49:57.608-05:002011-01-10T22:49:57.608-05:00I avoid research but it's unavoidable. No matt...I avoid research but it's unavoidable. No matter what my next project is, I have lots to do. Wikipedia is indispensable as a starting point but it also can be frustrating.<br />But the research I'm going to have to do most is <i>reading</i> similar genre books. Never discount that.Andrew Rosenberghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09215333688753781447noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-38264280983287989282011-01-10T20:29:29.337-05:002011-01-10T20:29:29.337-05:00I don't need to do as much research as you do ...I don't need to do as much research as you do for my contemporaries so I'm definitely a "get in and get out" kind of person. :)<br />I love Jane Austen's characters too. They add such richness to her stories.Jennifer Shirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16970585847385511795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-78546883366044712862011-01-10T19:47:56.650-05:002011-01-10T19:47:56.650-05:00I often keep going and get lost in research. It...I often keep going and get lost in research. It's fun. Sometimes I even come up with new plot points, ideas, etc. By the way, I own 3 versions of Emma, and one of them is the Kate Beckinsale one. LOVE IT. :DMichelle D. Argylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09696465137285587646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-7534953513141745192011-01-10T19:41:49.950-05:002011-01-10T19:41:49.950-05:00I'm a ridiculous Austen nerd. I love to random...I'm a ridiculous Austen nerd. I love to randomly speak proper Brit.Christi Goddardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08590491851753709622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-13524578939534915092011-01-10T16:35:29.625-05:002011-01-10T16:35:29.625-05:00I research in person and on the web. I love meetin...I research in person and on the web. I love meeting people who work in the fields that I am writing about as well as reading about the places I set my stories. <br /><br />Right now I am buried in snow :-)Christinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05383099148014297450noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-65750885460059907312011-01-10T13:25:00.428-05:002011-01-10T13:25:00.428-05:00I'm fighting a cold/flu virus too, and I'm...I'm fighting a cold/flu virus too, and I'm impressed that you have been able to do something as productive as research. <br /><br />I love research myself and can get endlessly lost in it. What I have to do is some general reading, then work on the book and only stop to research the details as I need them. Otherwise I'd be forever zooming around the Interwebz, lost in a maze of fascinating details.Anne R. Allenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02420000168356370825noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-90638495653530694742011-01-10T13:24:18.305-05:002011-01-10T13:24:18.305-05:00When I research I always want to know everything j...When I research I always want to know everything just in case in comes in handy after all. The only problem is I start getting ideas for new pieces as I discover interesting things and jot those down just in case I actually get around to it and the thing I'm actually suposed to be researching is neglected :(<br /><br />I hope you feel better.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11271149538259398956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-51548712607118510672011-01-10T12:19:55.593-05:002011-01-10T12:19:55.593-05:00I do both. If I research but end up shooting blank...I do both. If I research but end up shooting blanks I still write as much as I can, then re-visit the text later and do more research. I try to be efficient, but sometimes it takes numerous rounds of research to complete a particular section. But in the end, its all good and I don'r sweat it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-48709441232915822182011-01-10T11:20:26.717-05:002011-01-10T11:20:26.717-05:00Priya -- The hardest part about research thus far,...Priya -- The hardest part about research thus far, is deciding what's important and what's not. I don't want to bore anyone with details that are inconsequential.Anne Gallagherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05816355522284492131noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-58589915902453322622011-01-10T11:19:04.014-05:002011-01-10T11:19:04.014-05:00Theresa -- You hit the nail on the head -- GRADUAT...Theresa -- You hit the nail on the head -- GRADUATE SCHOOL! Well, I guess I would be if this were my MFA!<br /><br />Francine -- Absolutely the catcher-outers and I don't want to be THAT author. And sometimes even the smallest of insignificant details can make or break a story.<br /><br />Becky -- It just started snowing as I went to get another half gallon of milk. I'm assuming we'll be out of school for the rest of the week!<br /><br />Alex -- WEll, I hope it's good. I'd hate to think I wasted all this time for nothing.<br /><br />Roland -- Monster Baby had a cold but what I have is something entirely different and thus, not to be undured. Thank you for your thoughts.<br /><br />Bish -- I didn't expect to like Kate in it but was quite enamoured of her at the end. She was quite young when she made this movie so there was no Hollywood Glam. Very nice little flick.<br /><br />Lisa -- Yes, that is the key -- to not waste it and will thus, use it in my next two novels. And as to impressing people at a party ... I haven't been to a party in almost 24 years so I doubt I'll impress anyone other than the dogs. Monster Baby doesn't care.<br /><br />Tess -- I did NOT know that, so thank you for that lovely little piece of info.<br /><br />Sarah -- Oh, bad Sarah. It's a great flick. Okay maybe not as good as P&P or S&S but sweet nonetheless.Anne Gallagherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05816355522284492131noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-6487165152209610862011-01-10T11:07:32.014-05:002011-01-10T11:07:32.014-05:00yay, I completely understand this post. I am in th...yay, I completely understand this post. I am in the midst of writing two publications about my work in India and while it might differ in form from a novel, it's very similar in some ways. I've spent hours and hours doing literature reviews and have so many interviews that I'm not sure if I'm willing to cut out of my paper. So I understand where you are coming from. Good luck!Priya Shankarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18414730198707625395noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-2472246301775913472011-01-10T11:01:07.243-05:002011-01-10T11:01:07.243-05:00i typically just get in and get out. But then, it ...i typically just get in and get out. But then, it depends on what i'm researching.<br />Also, you know, i don't think i've ever seen Emma. Shame on me.Sarah Ahiershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02795455714801965956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-65451562796746691552011-01-10T11:00:44.555-05:002011-01-10T11:00:44.555-05:00I have a love hate relationship with research...it...I have a love hate relationship with research...it can consume so much time that I don't ever get to actual writing. It's good you're being thorough ,though and if no one has suggested to keep a file of those bookmarks, consider it. I was surprised when my editor asked for a bibliography for my historical novel and so, so happy I had one already put together to give her! Maybe you already know this...<br /><br />have a great week!Tesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10014195715998913268noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-92026552779407584522011-01-10T10:55:11.769-05:002011-01-10T10:55:11.769-05:00I have done thus! I like that phrase.
That's...I have done thus! I like that phrase. <br /><br />That's great that you love to do research because the more you learn, the better off you are when you go to a party & can impress others! :) The advantage you have is that if you can't use the research material in your current project, you can use it in a future project.notesfromnadirhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09904500676081267972noreply@blogger.com