Writing a book takes work, and one of the aspects of that work is research. For some that means sighing and forcing yourself to do something you really don’t care a lot about. For this author/writer, it means getting lost in a world of learning new things. It’s a vital part of writing a book and necessary to be true to the story and your readers.
Here’s some things I researched for my recent release: Knight in Shining Apron, Book 2 of the Appleton, WV Romantic Mystery series:
Restaurants. I wanted to learn about the classier ones, so studied the different employee positions, salary pay, and titles and words used to describe different items about restaurants.
Chefs–their education, their quirks, instruments used in creating their meals, etc.
Food. I needed to know and/or create titles for dishes I wanted to mention in the book.
Ice skating. The moves, especially which ones would be appropriate for a skilled but not a professional skater. I couldn’t have Starli execute one way beyond her appropriate ability.
Classical music. I spent one afternoon listening to several different ones to find the ones that Starli could play, especially during an intense mood.
Diligent research helps to make a book the best possible reading material a writer can offer to his/her readers. Doing the work means you’re serious about giving the best to the world. Don’t shy away from it. Do it, and do it right. You’ll be glad you did when your readers comment like some of mine have done:
- “I opened the book and heard the music.”
- “I felt like I was a sister.”
- “I was right there with Caralynne.”
Check out the research I did in Knight in Shining Apron here: Amazon
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