Blog 1-23-12

On one of the Linkedin writer chat groups I participate in there was recently a question on how much research was done for the writing.  As a historical novelist there is an expectation that, at minimum, that historical facts will anchor the fiction work.  For MURPHY’S TROUBLES I read at least 20 books, researched specific facts on Google and visited Ireland before I was comfortable.  I believe historical fiction has the responsibility to both be authoritative and credible.

Those standards mean more than just having the broad sweep of events correct in the novel but details can be important.  For example, to ensure that my characters had accurate Irish names, I used several websites on both Irish first names and surnames.  I also researched what type of food was common to eat and researched maps so that when a character travels I could refer to the correct name of the road.  I also consulted maps of cities so that street names were accurate although the particular building in the novel could be fictional.

The surprising thing is that hours of research often results in from one sentence to one paragraph in the manuscript.  Fortunately, I deeply enjoy research and learning about how ordinary folks go about living their lives.

I believe, in historical fiction, there’s no such thing as too much research.  A writer does need the discipline to stop researching and write, it’s a constant struggle.  I’ve learned about myself that research can become an avoidance mechanism for the writing, so I prompt myself with – tell the story. 

Blog 1-9-12

My Magic Hat

After signing a contract with Mischievous Muse Press this April to publish MURPHY’S TROUBLES in 2012 my wife wanted to demonstrate her support.  Not that it was necessary; since I began my publishing quest in January 2010 she’s always been my bedrock.  She was thrilled that I could honestly, by contract, be called an author.  She found an “author paraphernalia” website and ordered a baseball style cap with AUTHOR in two inch letters on the front.

While appreciate of her support, I am far too self conscious to wear the hat in public.  I don’t feel comfortable touting myself as an author with only one book about to be published.  However, I didn’t want to offend her or demonstrate less than deep, heartfelt appreciation.

I decided the cap needed a special use.  I decided that when I write at the laptop I would wear the hat.  Now it is a magic hat.  It helps me focus and I find that the butt in chair time flies by.  It wards off writers block by providing focus when I’m writing.  It also serves as an excellent and acceptable “Do not disturb” sign.

While maybe a hat isn’t for everyone, I highly suggest that you find something in your writing life that has the same magic.