There's all types of research. Searching the web for factual sites on our topics, hitting the library, joining a class, asking the experts and so on...
But I've found that the best research comes from real life. I think what separates one book from another is how the author captures emotion. When they get that right, the reader goes through the roller coaster with the character. That's what we want. We want to feel what they feel.
As a writer, we need to draw from our own experiences, watch others to see how they handle situations and then somehow get it down on paper. That is so much easier said than done. But it can be done. It has been done.
Yesterday was a very emotional day for me. My heart pounded, my hands shook, my leg jumped, my ears roared, the tears flowed, my head ached and then my body shut down. It crashed. It had to. A person can only go through so much emotion before it needs to rest and rejuvenate. I've rejuvenated. Today is a new day. A good day.
I'm not sharing this so people will feel bad for me. I'm sharing it because we've all been through it. We've all had those kind of days, those kinds of moments. It's how we come out of them that make us who we are. I plan to remember those emotions, my bodies reactions to them and pour that emotion into my story. I want my characters to feel. I want their bodies and their minds to react. And I want it to ring true.
On a lighter note...
This one was Knights vs. Pirates. Who would win in a head to head challenge? They demonstrated each of their weapons and that was truly amazing to watch. I'd love to get my hands on a couple of authentic ones. Anyone have any idea how much an authentic morning star would run me?
Anyway, it was a great show. I can't wait to watch when William Wallace vs. Shaka Zulu!
Do you use real life as research?
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
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16 comments:
Elle,
Yes, real life can be so useful in research, especially as you mentioned the emotions, the body reactions, the physicalness of the moment. There have been times in my life when the stress and emotions have run so high I knew if ever I could write about it anyone reading it would deem it so far over the top that it went beyond possibility or probablility. :-)
That's when we have to determine as writers how best to make what's happened work for our story or our characters. Take care of yourself.
Mary Jo,
I never thought about it maybe seeming too over the top. Once again we walk that fine line, don't we?
Great insight!
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
Elle,
Check at the RenFest for the morning star. It won't be cheap but it will be authentic. I think whether we know it or not, life -is- research. We're constantly learning things each and every day of our lives, from phone numbers or e-mail addresses to the shortest route to the mall. Lots of stuff.
Using personal experiences in your novels is a great idea, but I agree there is a fine line, and I think it lies within each person that will read your work. Some of them will think that your descriptions of a character's emotions are over the top while some will think it wasn't enough. You can't please everyone so you got to please yourself, as the song goes.
Chris,
I will check it out at RenFest. That has to be the coolest weapon!
This line is getting finer by the minute. I hope I don't fall off. Who knows which side I'll land on.
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
Elle,
As long as you land on your feet it's all good. If it feels right to you to funnel those strong emotions into your characters and it also helps diffuse some of your own stress, then I say go for it.
If you want instant gratification, try here:
http://www.museumreplicas.com/default.aspx
Awesome site, Chris! Thanks!
Barb
Deadliest Weapons is a great show. We watch it all the time.
I think real life is the best research. It is always fun to people watch and learn from them.
BJ,
People watching is my favorite sport! I'm really good at it too. I can sit anywhere all day long and watch people doing all sorts of things. I love taking my computer and making up stories about what I think their lives are like. Maybe that could be a new game show???
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
Sounds like a cross between 'What's My Line?' and 'This Is Your Life'...Call it 'What's My Life?' Seems like a great show to me!
Oh, Deadliest Warriors sounds right up my alley!
Tori,
I'm not sure when it airs, but you'll love it!
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
Tuesday nights at 10/9 pm on Spike TV.
Drawing on our personal emotions/memories in almost any aspect of art can be advantageous. I do so with my writing and I also dug deep 'back in the day' when I was singing professionally and really wanted to emote a certain feeling. Lends a certain reality to the song/passage, something genuine.
Regarding that show, that sounds awesome! Going to have to look it up. AS for weapons, I don't have a morning star, byt I do have replicas of William Wallace's sword as well as Excalibur. Does that count?
SIS Beth
Thanks, Chris. I've set my DVR!
Beth,
Making it genuine is what I'm going for!
Oh, yes! Your swords definitely count!
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
I always try to write from my emotions... in between using researched facts. For instance, thinking about things that make me angry can make a fictional confrontation between my characters really pop. The same goes for sadness, happiness, and fear.
I know how hard the last few days have been for you, Elle. Glad you're getting rejuvenated.
I haven't seen Deadliest Weapons, but it sounds interesting!
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