The Importance of Research for Writers …. And some pitfalls Part 4

 

This article is based on a presentation I gave about the importance of research for writers and is being published in four parts.  

Problems and distractions

It can be tempting, in the name of research, to get distracted or spend undue time on specific topics.

Example:
I discovered a memorial had been erected to a dingo at an animal reserve in an inland NSW town. The park had closed, and I wanted to know what happened to the memorial. I spent many fruitless hours trying to solve the mystery. It would have been a nice inclusion, but it wasn’t essential to my story and my time might have been better spent.

So, advancing the writing of my book had been hindered, or at least distracted, because of my intense interest in the secondary topic of my book; dingoes.

BTW I am still looking.

Because there was a marriage breakdown and a falling out between Berenice and the society there are some sensitive issues I need to write about in her biography. Some people, for their own reasons or agendas were not willing to talk to me. A further frustration was this led to a significant and very relevant organisation initially refusing to help me with information. After several heated emails they finally provided extremely basic information.

Filling in the gaps.

Regardless of the sources available, there will always be gaps; questions you feel need to be answered. It is hard, but we must pull ourselves back. Ask ourselves ‘how important is this information?’ or ‘can I get around it another way?’ Often there is a solution.

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The Importance of Research for Writers …. And some pitfalls Part 3

 

This article is based on a presentation I gave about the importance of research for writers and is being published in four parts. 

Examples from my own research for my three published books and my current project (the biography of Berenice Walters, the Dingo Lady) are in blue.

 

 

 

Specialist organisations

Historical Societies and Government Archives

Historical societies, government archives, libraries, and newspapers are progressively digitising their records. Here, in Australia and most countries, State and Federal Governments also make archival collections available for viewing and, in some cases, copying.
Most historical societies do not put their full collection of photos on the internet (and I don’t blame them) but you may be surprised at what they have in their archives. They usually ask a small research fee or charge for copies of images. Please remember these people are mostly volunteers caring for our heritage. Income sources like this may be their only means to continue their work.

Example

In Berenice’s notes about her life she mentioned the name of a road I was not familiar with although I had lived in the district for many years. I found the road on an old Gregory’s Street Directory online. The area was very different to what I remembered but it was also 25 years before I have moved there. I was able to clarify not only where the road was (it was now a major arterial road in the Sydney suburbs) but the interesting history behind its name thanks to the efforts and assistance of the local historical society.

Another historical society was able to provide me with photos important to the biography I am writing.

Another great source of historical information is https://archive.org/. Many records on this site are copyright free.

The Births, Deaths & Marriages Office and Land Titles Office are also great sources but fees do apply.

Libraries – physical and online

I love libraries but, the resources of the local library where I lived at the time of writing my books were limited. That doesn’t mean I didn’t bother them – and often.

One of my favourite websites is Trove. Trove is a website set up by the National Library of Australia containing comprehensive data on Australian resources held in libraries across Australia including books, images, historic newspapers, maps, archives and more. I am sure other countries have similar data bases.

Once I find something of interest, I take the information to my local library and they request a copy as an interlibrary loan.

If the publication or document is not available, I can request copies (within the bounds of copyright).

Example.

When researching additional information for Angel with Drumsticks, I knew a newspaper in Rome had covered the Messa dei Giovani. I was able to obtain a copy through a major library here in Australia.

People

Ask an Expert.

Writers, even if not well known, can open doors by saying “I’m a writer, and I’m trying to get the facts right.” If you have a question about a police procedure, ask your local police, if you have a medical question, ask a doctor.

Example

I needed to check information about aboriginal history and legends in my local area. I contacted a couple who are Elders and Knowledgeholders of the Dharawal people and only too happy to tell me all I needed to know.

Your Friends.

Let them know what you are writing about and what you are trying to find out. You may be surprised at their knowledge of the topic and resources you can access.

www.pam.id.au

Follow Pamela King on her Facebook page

Pamela King Amazon Author Page

Pamela King Goodreads Author Page

The Importance of Research for Writers …. And some pitfalls Part 2

This article is based on a presentation I gave about the importance of research for writers and is being published in four parts. 

Examples from my own research for my three published books and my current project (the biography of Berenice Walters, the Dingo Lady) are in blue.

 

 

Where to find research resources.

This article focusses on three key sources
•    Internet
•    Specialist organisations
•    People

Use them creatively

One author I read about spent a morning studying castle plans on the internet then drew a fictional castle so when describing her character’s exploration, it all fits together.

Internet.

Travel and tourism websites

If a travel destination, accommodation facility or attraction does not have a website it might as well close its doors.

If you are writing about a destination the best research is a personal visit. If this is not viable, or affordable, travel and tourism websites can be valuable sources to help you develop a ‘feel’ for your setting with information and images.

Photos and images

If you are struggling to describe your characters or need some prompting, Google images can help.

Example

Your leading lady has red hair, but you can’t imagine her other features. A simple search in Google Images for ‘red hair lady’ will return an amazing collection for your consideration.

The same approach applies if you need a visual image to describe a location, building, architectural style etc.

Google

Google and Wikipedia are a first stop for research but don’t let them be the last.  Be aware that search engine optimisation may drive you to sites that are not reliable. Adverts often come at the top of the list and also may not be accurate for your research.

Another thing to watch in your Google searches is the country of origin. An Australian author I know has .com (international) website. If you search her name under Australia only it won’t come up as a result.

Google maps

Google maps can take you to places you haven’t been and put the distances between one place and another in perspective.

Wikipedia

Wikipedia often appears right at the top of your search results. Just because it come up first doesn’t mean it’s accurate.

Because it can be updated (information added, changed etc) by anyone, its accuracy is not necessarily reliable. I highly recommend using more than one source to confirm your facts.
 
Example 1

When I was writing Angel with Drumsticks about an Italian rock band, Wikipedia, and many other websites stated the band undertook a world tour. This is incorrect and my source for the truth came from band members.

Also, there was nothing on the internet about the success or otherwise of the tour. That should be enough to question it happening.

The source of my book was the band leader Angelo Ferrari. This screen capture shows a list of band members with a link for more information about Angelo.

When you click on the link this is what it goes to:

Now Angelo, in my story was born in Rome but that is where the facts finish. He was born in 1948, has never been an actor and never worked in Germany or Austria.

Example 2

The second example is from my current project, the biography of Berenice Walters, the Dingo Lady.

Berenice and her husband, Bern, moved to Bargo in 1951. Bargo has an interesting history so I decided to include some details in the book.

Searching for Bargo history a Wikipedia page came up with reference to an aboriginal massacre occurring in the district in 1816.

I am familiar with the history and was surprised to read a significant event involving the massacre of hundreds of Aborigines was wrongly located.

It is even worse when you note the reference used.