Anyone ever taken a trip to research your novel? Or just taken a trip for fun and ended up doing novel research while you were there?
My family is planning to head the beach soon (yay!!!!) and I've already got pieces of a story in my head that I think I want to do be doing some unofficial research for while we're there. And I started thinking about that and realized I'm not sure I can remember a trip where I didn't do a little bit of dreaming about a story and pay attention to the details of the setting because of that.
So, two things. First--have you done a research trip? Would you if money wasn't an issue? And where would you go? Historical writers, you might have to get creative. I know you can't go back in time, but there are old places you could visit, right?
Second--remind me what I should pay attention to. What are the details that you'd love to see included in a story that help you get a grasp on the setting? Is it what it looks like? What the characters eat? Something else entirely?
Happy Friday!
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First--Greenville, SC. I've been twice and it stirred a story that's simmering on a back burner. I've got more girl-weekend trips in the works (with research as my excuse)!
ReplyDeleteSecond--the sights, the sounds, the smells, the unique little spots to where you are. I've got a specific shop I want to include in my story, and I love to go in to observe and ponder. :)
I've done research trips where I deliberately noted the light, temperature, smells, plant life...all the little details that make a story rich. This was for a historical story so I had to try to imagine how it once was. It's really fun going on research trips. I think they make you more aware of everything so you can create a "you are there" feel.
ReplyDeleteI've been to San Antonio twice, which helped for my book "Remembering the Alamo". Readers said they enjoyed my perspectives on the climate and area, which is good!
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