I’ve done research for every single book I’ve written, whether it’s been published or not. I’ve scoured the internet, searched through library shelves and ancient card catalogs. I adore the process.
For the last few books I’ve written, I’ve gotten help. People I know happen to be involved with of all sorts of fascinating professions. From them I’ve learned how to : choose a particular model of gun, write about baking techniques and how a live broadcast works . I’ve even gotten someone who’s a bachata singer to agree to sit down and talk to me 😀
However, the coolest research I’ve done involved unexpected help. Both a famous sports agent and a fascinating guy who’s written scripts for really cool television events agreed to answer my questions How did this happen? Through twitter, of course. How? I’ll tell you.
I spoke to one during a twitter question time. This happens all the time these days. A person is traveling and opens themselves up to random question from their excited twitter following. My question was brief, professional and would not in any way force the sports agent to give confidential information. All I wanted the question to do was fix my plot. The sports agent saw my question and answered it, even went as far as to clarify it. His answer wasn’t what I wanted, unfortunately, but it did solidify my conflict, When I told him I’d finished the story he’d given me the information for, he was glad to hear he’d helped me and wanted to know if he was getting a cameo. I told him he wasn’t, but that he was getting space in the acknowledgements. He seemed to be pleased about that J
The second happened randomly and unexpectedly. I’d gotten to a point in my story where I needed general information about rehersals for a large event. And so I took a chance and asked my potential source on twitter. With twitter especially, the chances of being answered are like slim and none. But, once again, my question was specific. I didn’t want insider information about any specific event, or trade secrets. I wanted general information that would help me write my story. Long enough after I’d asked my question to make me think he wasn’t answering, I got a direct message from him with the answer to my question.
Research can be an amazing, fascinating thing. I hope you like what I’ve put together with mine. 🙂
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Stacey Agdern is an award-winning former bookseller who has reviewed romance novels in multiple formats and given talks about various aspects of the romance genre. She is also a romance writer. She’s a proud member of both LIRW and RWA NYC. She lives in New York, not far from her favorite hockey team’s practice facility.
Twitter: @nystacey
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/staceyaagdern
Website: https://staceyagdern.wordpress.com