Wednesday Writing Advice – Research

Write what you know, they say.

But what if the story you’re telling takes place in an era, place or even a different gender than your own. What do you do?

You research it!

Researching the background for a story is one of my favorite parts of writing. In order to tell a complete story, you will need to know enough detail to make the scene come alive for the reader.

For example, my current manuscript is based in Los Angeles. I’ve been to LA several times (my sister lives there) but my character to lives in a certain area of LA. That’s where good ol’ Google comes in. I was able to find a home on Zillow that fit my character. From there, I download the home lay out to be consistent with the family’s movement and room descriptions.

Google Earth is another useful tool to explore an area. I’ve used it to virtually walk down the street in an area. I’ve done this with restaurants too.

But it’s important to not get bogged down in the research. You only need a few intimate details to make a scene come alive on the page.

Happy Researching!

Wednesday Writing Tip

The great Toni Morrison once said, “If there is a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, you must be the one to write it.”

Write your story. Worry about selling/marketing it later.

#writinglife #stories #writer #mdrayfordwrites

25 Things A Great Character Needs « terribleminds: chuck wendig

Found this wonderful list browsing the internet.  This has some good information and I will make sure to incorporate them in my own writing.

25 Things A Great Character Needs « terribleminds: chuck wendig.

25 Things Writers Should Start Doing


 

Back on Chuck Wendig’s blog today.  Here is a new link for any writers out there.

http://terribleminds.com/ramble/2012/01/17/25-things-writers-should-start-doing/

 

 

25 Things Writers Should Stop Doing


Finish the damn book already!

I just discovered Chuck Wendig’s blog.  It was just the kick in the rear that I needed to get refocused about my novel.

Thanks, Chuck.

If you are a writer, please click the link below.   If  you are not a writer, click it anyway.  The advice can be applied to any endeavor and will make you smile.

25 Things Writers Should Stop Doing.

You’re welcome.