Okay, what’s today? I am supposed to have written how many pages by now?
The kids have two days off for teacher planning, my husband is out of town on business…hmm, I didn’t have this on my calendar. Insert reality into my perfect schedule. Looks like I will be writing this weekend to catch up.
Well, I mightn’t have been able to write as much as I’d planned, but I did trade emails with Regency expert Nancy Mayers about a plot point, turned in my cover ideas to my editor (yes, the cover conference for my October 2006 book is this week) and started thumbing through research books for needed information.
This brings me to today’s topic: Research.
Like many authors, I could get lost in my research. I find history fascinating, as my rather large collection of period books can attest. Finding a great period detail within the yellowed pages, well, it’s like discovering gold.
The problem is time…or rather lack of it. But historical detail is important to me, and my readers. My solution? Being judicious.
At this point in my career, I have a working knowledge of Regency England and Scotland. This basic understanding of titles, society, etc. allow me to craft my core story.
Still, as I draft my book, needs for research will arise. I could stop and crack open a book or three right then, but at this stage of writing it is far too easy to give into the lure of reading, especially if its book-related.
Research is not writing. Don’t fool yourself.
Most authors I know grapple with the balance been deadlines and research. But I was lucky. Very early on, a veteran author passed along a great trick, which I’ve adapted for my own use.
As I write and come upon a need for research, I simply type in what I need within a set of brackets…for example [need visual and membership requirements of Tattersalls in 1816.]
Why brackets? Because if you use Word, the brackets are searchable (in Word under EDIT, click FIND and [ ).
When I reach the end of the book, I simply FIND all of the brackets and like magic, I have a list of my research needs.
Later, when I locate the information I need, the first thing I do is remove the brackets and in that same spot I include a note (click INSERT then COMMENT.) In this balloon I include the source of my information, page number, and anything else I might need to verify to my copyeditor that the information is complete and correct. Oftentimes, I include multiple sources—which might include books, the internet, magazine articles, etc.
If you click VIEW, you will always be able to see your comments. I never delete these. When I send in my manuscript (these days, you can usually just attach the file to email and push send) the information is not immediately visible, but its there.
While the editor reads/edits the manuscript, I can always indulge in additional research if I wish—and then add that information when I receive my revisions.
Bottom line, never skimp on research, but be smart about the research you do.
