Research - Do It Before or During the Writing?

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I've proven to be a rebel in many areas of writing. At least, according to those who hold to all the "rules" and outright myths that permeate the publishing industry. One area that has become apparent is with regards to the research I do for stories. According to many, I do things backwards. I do very little to no research before I start writing a book and almost all of it while I'm writing.

Since I don't outline (*cringe*) my stories before writing, I have no idea what information I'll need until I need it about 99% of the time. I've tried it "their" way, and the mess was astronomical and the time wasted and lost highly discouraging. I forced myself to dig into research before I ever started writing. I ended up needing to research as I went and didn't use anything I had spent WEEKS researching beforehand. I won't make that mistake again. Consider that lesson well-learned.

A few months ago, I needed to flesh out the idea for Alpha: 1945 First Love. World War II Germany. It was suggested that I "read everything you can get your hands on about World War II." My eyes glazed over just thinking about trudging through all that dull material, and that's aside from one stark reality - do you have ANY idea how long it would take to read ALL the material I could get my hands on about WWII? Ugh, ugh, ugh. Also, do you have any idea how little of that material would actually end up being useful? A LOT of time wasted on research when I could've been writing.

That advice was based on the philosophy of starting "general" research first, then working your way to the specifics. I pretty much see that as taking a 12-gauge shotgun with bird shot to a fly that's 10-feet away for which you just need a well-aimed hit close-up with a fly-swat.

No. Just. No. Unequivocally no!

That's like suggesting someone read everything they can find on:

1. DOGS, when what they really want is information specifically about German shepherds used for herding in modern-day Germany.
2. The US, when what they really want is information specific to a particular three block area of Tucson, AZ in summer.

Think about it. Those examples are NOT an exaggeration when you consider the tremendous scope of WWII versus the information I actually needed for a short story set in Germany with specific circumstances.

Part of the reason I can research so quickly, on the fly while writing, and lose very little time (rather than spending weeks, months, or even YEARS like some writers) is that I go in reverse with my research. I start with the very specific and work my way outward, thereby only researching information that is relevant to MY STORY. I don't spend countless hours researching things I'll never use.

For my WWII research, how that looked was:

1. Information about US spies and saboteurs operating in Germany. (Not Japan or other places US troops were during that war, and not British or German spies and saboteurs.)
2. Instances of major German cities bombed by Allied forces toward the end of the war. (That ruled out 1941-1944 and narrowed it down to 1945.)

I ended up finding both very quickly with well-placed keywords in a search engine. Using those, I found my dates and setting. Then, I expanded research outward to include specific landmarks in Dresden, Germany and activities surrounding the bombing in February 1945. As I wrote the story, I looked at rationing in Germany during that time (rationing looked very different in 1945 than it did earlier in the war, so information about how rationing was in 1941-42 was NOT useful for 1945) and other such things pertinent to the daily life of those living in Dresden during that specific time frame. I found some great reference material, including photographs and first-person eyewitness accounts (WOOHOO!).

I got exactly what I needed for my short story without spending a LOT more time and energy researching information I'd never use.

I repeated that process to research for setting and such for the other historical short stories in the Alpha series. I'll take the same approach when I start work on the Enforcer series. I've long taken that approach when researching topics for my contemporary novels.

What this experience has taught me over the years is that, once again, the "experts" are only experts on what works for them. Just like outlining and doing character questionnaires and interviews, research before writing is a matter of individual style and creative process. Don't let anyone tell you the "right" way to do such things. Try different approaches. Keep what works. Discard what doesn't.

If you want to research as you write, do so!

If you'd rather just write your story than spend weeks or months outlining beforehand, do it!

If you find character questionnaires as mind-numbing and worthless as I do, blow them off!

Give yourself permission to let the story flow unimpeded by all those logic-based procedures.

If you're one of those who research topics to death before you ever pick up the pen or touch the keyboard, and outline every single scene and chapter of your book in the minutest detail before you write, and fill out one character questionnaire after another, knock yourself out. If that works for you, go for it. If any or all of that is NOT working for you, discard it, no matter what some "expert" says.

Enjoy the process. Don't let "experts" bog you down. They aren't you. They don't know you. They don't know how your creative process works, how your creative mind works. If you hang around writers long enough, you'll find that God has created us so incredibly unique and diverse. No technique or method works for all of us. Rather than shoving each other into one tight little box, embrace those differences.

Set yourself free to JUST WRITE! Have fun! In the process, give others permission to love their way, too.

We Interrupt Our Regularly Scheduled Program . . .

Sorry. Couldn't help it.  he he

I wanted to share this interview with Eleanor Clark regarding the release of her ebook "Sarah Jane: Liberty Torch". Oh, and just so you know, this book is available for FREE today. Check it out if you can.

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I’m excited to welcome author Eleanor Clark. She is celebrating the release of her e-book, Sarah Jane: Liberty’s Torch. The resounding theme in this book is, “Let Your Light Shine.” Young readers learn to be a good witness in this exciting story, which focuses on the unveiling of the Statue of Liberty. Through the character of Sarah Jane, readers learn to shine brightly.

With that in mind, author Eleanor Clark offers her top five tips for how children can be great witnesses for the Lord.

Let Your Light Shine Tips:

1). Obey your parents. There’s truly no greater way to be a good witness than to be obedient. Letting your light shine begins at home.  When you disobey, it hurts God’s heart and also sets a really bad example for your brothers and sisters. It also sets a really bad example for your friends.

2). Care for others. When your light is shining bright, you will care even more about others than you do yourself. That means you will care when they get sick, when they have a need, when they’re hurting. You will go out of your way to show them how much you care by praying for them and offering to help.

3). Develop a friendship with those who are unfriendly. It’s not always easy, especially when people treat you rudely. Make a decision to be a good witness to them. Go out of your way to be kind, no matter how difficult it might be.

4). When you’re in a tough situation, ask yourself, “What would Jesus do?” If you follow His example, you will always be a good witness.

5). Don’t hide your light under a bushel. In other words, don’t be afraid to let people know that you have a relationship with the Lord. They might make fun of you when they find out you’re a Christian, but if you stand your ground, they will learn to respect you. And who knows. . .you might just lead them to the Lord by setting a good example.

Shine bright for Jesus!

About Sarah Jane: Liberty’s Torch

Set in 1886 when the Statue of Liberty was dedicated. Ten-year-old Kimberly Dawn is trying to figure out what it means to "be a good witness," but is quickly discovering it's not as easy as she'd hoped. Her grandmother shares the story of Sara Jane, a youngster from their family who traveled from Pennsylvania to New York to see the Statue of Liberty in the late 1800's. Through the life of this remarkable little girl, Kimberly learns what it means to "let your light shine."

Sarah Jane, Liberty’s Torch is the fourth book in The Eleanor Series. You can find the other three books by following these links:

Mary Elizabeth, Welcome to America (.99)

Victoria Grace, Courageous Patriot (3.99)

Katie Sue: Heading West (3.99)

Here’s how you can stay in touch with Eleanor and learn about her upcoming releases:

Website: www.eleanorseries.com

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/eleanor.clark.50

Eleanor Series facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheEleanorSeries

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/Eleanor_Clark

Katie Sue, Heading Home - by Eleanor Clark

Today's blog is an interview with Eleanor Clark about her new release!  Check it out!  Please note, this book is available on Kindle for free from August 15th-19th.

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Katie Sue, Heading West

(Helping Your Child Through Change)

Thoughts from author Eleanor Clark on the release of her new book, Katie Sue, Heading West.

Eleanor, can you tell us a little about your new book, Katie Sue, Heading West?

Sure! Thanks for asking. I love this story. It is (mostly) Set in the mid 1800's when Americans were heading west, and (like the other stories in The Eleanor Series) loosely based on my family’s real story. In this sweet tale, seven-year-old Chelsea Marie isn't happy about the fact that her family is getting ready to move all the way across the country. Why does she have to start all over again, making new Friends? When Grand Doll shares the story of Katie Sue – a young relative who traveled by wagon train with her family from Tennessee to Texas in 1850 – Chelsea learns that she can truly trust the Lord with all of the changes in her life, even the really big ones. (NOTE: From August 15^th – 19^th this book will be free on kindle!)

So, this story is a story about the changes that children go through? Can you elaborate?

Yes, sometimes we get so comfortable in our own little world. It’s hard to move from that comfortable place into something new. Transitioning to a new home (and a new school) is especially difficult on children. I dealt with that issue in this story. Katie Sue moves (by wagon train) from Tennessee to Texas. Along the way, she learns to trust God with the changes she’s going through. That is the resounding message of the story: trusting God as you go through changes. What a great message for girls, but what a great message for grown-ups, too!

What advice would you give parents as their children transition from one home (or school) to another?

Always assure them that they will make new friends and that they are not alone. This is the key thing. Kids need to know that God is right there beside them, even when everything else is changing. In Katie Sue, Heading West, the primary character is given a locket with her best friend’s picture in it. In a way, this locket was a reminder that her “best friend” (Jesus) was always with her, no matter where she went.

You mentioned the locket that Katie Sue wore. Can you tell us more about that?

I’m partial to this story because of the locket that Katie Sue wears. You see, that locket is very real! When my mother was a little girl she was given the locket that Katie Sue wore on her neck from Tennessee to Texas. I always loved it as a child. I wanted to wear it! However, I lost my mama’s locket! Talk about devastated. I cried and prayed but never found it. After my mother passed away, we went to close out her house. While going through her things, I found the locket and rushed home to put it on!

Eleanor, congratulations on the release of this book. It’s the third in the series, is that right?

Yes. The Eleanor Series is comprised of seven books that all released in print form a few years back. They are being released in e-book form (one per month) between now and Christmas. I’m tickled to share that the first two books in the series are already on kindle. Click the links to discover more!

Mary Elizabeth, Welcome to America (.99)

Victoria Grace, Courageous Patriot (3.99)

What are you offering my readers today?

One lucky person will have an opportunity to win a hardback copy of Victoria Grace, Courageous Patriot when they leave a comment at the end of this blog!

You’ve been a delight to interview, Eleanor! How can we stay in touch with you?

Thank you so much for having me! Readers can reach me at:

My website: www.eleanorseries.com

My facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/eleanor.clark.50

My Eleanor Series facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheEleanorSeries

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/Eleanor_Clark

Friends, please check out Eleanor’s series. I think you’ll love it. The Eleanor Series will be a wonderful addition to any library. It will also inspire parents and grandparents to research their family’s history. So, as you’re setting your sites to the school year ahead. . .take a moment to look back at where you’ve come from. No matter what changes you’re going through, God will be right there beside you. You can trust Him.

Become a Courageous Patriot!

Today's post is an interview with Eleanor Clark, author of Victoria Grace: Courageous Patriot. Read and enjoy getting to know Eleanor. Leave a comment, and you could win a free hardback copy of her book!

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Eleanor, welcome! I’m so excited to have you as my special visitor today. Can you tell my readers a little about yourself?

I should start by telling you that I just celebrated a very imbirthday—my 80^th! And yes, I’m still very active! I’ve spent years researching myite them down in The Eleanor Series
 series of seven books for girls of all ages (and good for boys, too). I spend  

All seven books have released?

In print form, yes! And now the books are releasing in e-book form. The first, Mary Elizabeth: Welcome to America, released last month. This month I’m releasing the second book in the series in e-book form. Victoria Grace: Courageous Patriot just went live on kindle!

Tell us about the book you’re featuring this week.

I’m so excited about the e-book release of Victoria Grace. The story is set during the time period of America's War for Independence and is loosely based Eight-year-old Sara Elizabeth has just started a brand new year of school, but doesn't like it. If she had her way, she would just quit and never return. She's just too scared, to be honest. However, when Grand Doll visits the school and shares the story of Victoria Grace, a little girl from their family who lived during the time of the Revolutionary war, Sara learns that God can give her the courage she needs to face life's many challenges.

I understand this story really hits home for you.

Yes. My great-grandfather (several times over), David Spence, fought for my freedom during the American Revolutionary war. That’s why it's so important to me to write a book set during that time period. I’m so proud to have a lineage of courageous patriots and pray my readers will catch the vision!

I love that the stories in this series are based on real family history. What fun you must have had researching!

Oh yes, I had the time of my life. Distant relatives (great-great grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, granddaughters…all played a role in building the characters in this series).

I understand you’ve been very active in political circles and feel strongly about courage and patriotism. Can you tell me more about what freedom means to you?

High on the list are these two things: Enjoying freedom of speech and the freedom to worship as I please. When I talk to my grandchildren about freedom I remind them that we live in a country where we can come and go as we please, buy as equals, and worship as we want. We can speak our thoughts/beliefs freely.

Eleanor, what are your thoughts on the phrase “Freedom isn’t really free”?

Our freedom cost a lot and that price is still being paid today by modern-day courageous patriots like Victoria Grace! I don't even want to imagine the difference between the freedoms we face as Americans and what people in another countries go through. I hope my story, Victoria Grace: Courageous Patriot, shares my gratitude to those who paved the way so that we can enjoy our freedoms!

Speaking of freedom, we just celebrated the 4^th of July. What do you think of when you celebrate this special day? 

The fourth of July is usually about family, watermelon, picnics and fireworks. To me, it’s so symbolic of the freedoms we enjoy! Think about it: in other countries people stand in food lines to get a crust of bread and in America we have all this abundance. We need to freely share what we’ve been given.

What can we do to be modern-day patriots?

Show your patriotism. Stay loyal to the flag and the Constitution. Remember our forefathers (like the brave men in my story) who fought so hard for our freedom so that we can be free.

How do I order a copy of the book?

Victoria Grace, Courageous Patriot is immediately available on kindle. It will be free from July 16^th – 20^th, $3.99 after that), or in hardback (through my website).

Will the other books in The Eleanor Series release as e-books as well?

Yes, and I'm so excited about the adventure ahead! The books will release one per month over the next several months with the final story, a Christmas story, releasing in early December. Here's a list of the titles and release dates:

·         Mary Elizabeth: Welcome to America (now selling for .99)

·         Victoria Grace: Courageous Patriot (just released/free from the 16^th – 20^th)

·         Katie Sue: Heading West (August 15^th)

·         Sarah Jane: Liberty's Torch (September 15^th)

·         Eleanor Jo: The Farmer's Daughter (October 15^th)

·         Melanie Ann: A Legacy of Love (November 15^th)

·         Eleanor Jo: A Christmas to Remember (December 1^st)

What are you offering my bloggers today?

One lucky person will have an opportunity to win a hardback copy of Victoria Grace, Courageous Patriot when they leave a comment at the end of this blog!

You’ve been a delight to interview, Eleanor! How can we stay in touch with you?

Thank you so much for having me! Readers can reach me at:

My website: www.eleanorseries.com

My facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/eleanor.clark.50

My Eleanor Series facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheEleanorSeries

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/Eleanor_Clark

Friends, please check out Eleanor’s series. I think you’ll love it. The Eleanor Series will be a wonderful addition to any library. It will also inspire parents and grandparents to research their family’s history. So, this summer, as you’re setting your sites to the school year ahead. . .take a moment to look back at where you’ve come from. Then, be prepared to leave behind a legacy of love and enjoy your freedoms as a courageous patriot!