Photo Credit Don Reiland...but somebody's got to do it.
Yeah, okay, that might not be exactly accurate. See, I write about a guy that lives in the Caribbean so I need, on occasion, to travel to said Caribbean to do a bit of "research." Yeah, that's the typical response I get. That bobbing of the head; that grin and wink. But please, if my accountant calls, go with the story eh?
I'm off to sail the British Virgin Islands with a couple buddies. These first few months as a newly minted author have been quite a whirlwind. I could use a bit of time to off gas. And for me, research is one of my favorite things about writing. I've got a license to learn. Tell someone you are a novelist and you've got a couple questions about what they do, you are more than likely to get a positive reaction. This research thing has introduced me to a bunch of very interesting and intelligent people - people I would have never met otherwise. Hell, I wouldn't have had the reason to.
So you see, that's why I HAVE to go the Caribbean. I have to do research; I have to make my stories as real as possible. It just so happens that a lot of my stories take place in a beach bar in the Caribbean.....
11 comments:
Oh, trust me Mark, I am totally sympatico. Research is grueling. I personally FORCE myself to climb aboard cruise ships to be certain that the Darcy Cavanaugh cruise mystery series is fact based. I endure countless chocolates on my pillow, legions of dining room stewards fluffing my napkins and pouring my wine . . . and, good God, the endless cliche Baked Alaskas and foreign sunsets, trip after trip after trip . . .
But my loyalty to my readers begs me to endure.
Yeah, right. Busted, pal. Dig your toes into the sand and throw back something with rum for me!
Happy sailing!
Candy
Hmmm, maybe I need to develop a series about a travel writer...
I have to go to Tuscany for the same reasons. Or Umbria. Or...
Life's a beach, Mark.
The one I write about happens to be on the left coast of MI.
Apparently your muse has more expensive tastes than mine.
Enjoy!
The lengths we writers go to make sure facts are accurate! What a trooper you are, Mark. You, too, Candy. And those chocolates on the pillow had better be good chocolate. Maybe I should tag along just to check?
I am envious! Happy research.
Geez, what a dope I am! I made the mistake of basing my series in Orange County California, just a 45 minute drive from where I live. But I did get to visit a corn maze in Massachusetts this year!
Still, rum drinks, chocolates on my pillow ... sigh.
Have a blast, Mark!
I'm as smart as a box of rocks. I write about the Michigan Upper Peninsula and tour there when it's subzero. I have to rethink this.
Hmmm . . . if Mark and I write you all in as characters in exotic, far off ports . . . that lets YOU deduct travel (and chocolate and rum)right?
In my last manuscript I wrote about a Russian nuclear reprocessing plant. But did NOT visit. No need to get hot that way.
In my last manuscript I wrote about a Russian nuclear reprocessing plant. But did NOT visit. No need to get hot that way.
Post a Comment