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.

The Importance of Research for Writers …. And some pitfalls Part 1

This article is based on a presentation I gave about the importance of research for writers and will be 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.

 

 

Introduction
Most people would agree research is essential for non-fiction work. It is obvious you must have your facts straight or you lose all credibility.

Is it enough to simply check facts?

Is it necessary for fictional work?

Non-fiction must also hold the reader’s interest. That means building your background images as much as presenting facts and developing the personalities of the characters.

In the case of fiction, readers need clear images of time and place so you will need research to paint clear and accurate word pictures.

Example 1
In the biography I am writing, Berenice grew up during the Great Depression and World War II. I needed to include additional information about life in Australia about that period so younger readers have a clear idea of time and place. That meant doing my research.

Example 2
In her recount of her trip to Germany in 1987 she recalls her experience of passing through Checkpoint Charlie. It wasn’t until my third reading of her story I realised there is a whole generation (or two) that may not be aware of the Berlin Wall and the division of Germany. To clarify t for those readers I have included a brief explanation.

What information needs to be researched?
Here are some points you should consider for your story.
 

Facts – getting your facts wrong will destroy your credibility as a writer. Check and double check your facts.

Images – the graphics and images you build with your words. This applies to scenery, fashion, transport, architecture etc 

Location history and industry – you can’t put a space age industry in a 1925 cotton farming district - unless you are writing science fiction. If your location has an outstanding historical feature or relies on a specific industry you should also be familiar with relevant facts.

Writing science fiction?  Having made my previous point, and this is far from my field of expertise, don’t think you can avoid research. It may have come from your imagination, but many sci-fi readers are also science geeks, so you better bone up on current scientific advancements, research, and innovation.

 

A Dog’s Heart and Soul by Susan Webb - Guest Writer

Jemma

Dogs are better than us. You only have to look into the eyes of your four-legged family member to see the truth of it. 

By comparison, even the best of us, are deceitful and self-serving, unworthy of their love. We give them the remnants of our time. Complaining bitterly of the inconvenience if their needs don’t fall within our routine.

They give us everything. At our beck and call, bowing to the demands of training, living their lives to our timetable and within our imposed restrictions. 

They love us with the fullness of their hearts. Other than food and shelter, it is their only other need is love. That we try and love them with the same selflessness is all they ask. We fail them time and time again. Even when they are beaten and broken, all they want is our love.

A dog will give up its life to save you and yours. Your family is its pack and they will put themselves in harm’s way to save every member of their pack. Even the life of a stranger is worthy of their bravery. I wish I could say humans lived up to this standard. We don’t. Animal shelters are full of dogs. Dogs that are no longer wanted as consumption obsessed owners move on to a new and cuter pet. Dogs whose only crime was to grow too big, be inconvenient, need training or medical help. Dogs that have been starved and neglected, there are cages upon cages of them. Dogs that can no longer make money for their owners by breeding, fighting or racing are thrown from moving cars, discarded in the bush, put down all for the crime of outliving their usefulness. Then there are those who have been beaten and kicked, mistreated by beings who are so much lesser than the dogs they exert power over.

I remember having a debate with a minister of a church about whether animals have souls or not. He believed only people have souls. That animals were mindless (read dumb) creatures that humans were given dominion over; to use as we please. I think he missed the point. I think animals do indeed have souls, they show selflessness, empathy and love. They can grieve loss.

We may not understand the way they communicate or know if they possess the same sense self-awareness we do, but that does not mean they are mindless.

No, I tell you, animals, especially dogs, are more truthful in their interactions than we are, when they love it is with every fibre of their being. There is no agenda, no conditions to their love. I do not think humans were given dominion over animals. I think if anything, they were given into our care, to treat humanely, with care and respect. A task that we were charged with, one which we often fail.

I informed the minister that my staffy showed empathy and cared about other life forms, more than some people I know. I told him how she would play gently with our cats, right up until they caught some small creature. She would then growl and charge at them until they dropped the hapless little thing. Jemma would then stand over it, protecting it from the cat’s advances, and bark until one of the family came to rescue it. Once she saw it was safe, she’d return to playing with the cats, like nothing had happened. This same dog, would check on us if we were sick or upset, snuggle up and offer comfort. If an argument erupted in the house, she’d stand between the combatants and bark until they gave up and reconciled. If we hugged, she’d want in on the action. When playing with my nephews, she would play with each of them differently, according to their abilities. Both boys were of similar age, but one was lively and boisterous, while the other had issues with balance and coordination.

Klunk

My husband and I currently have a 50 kgs ‘bits’a’ named Klunk. He has the most beautiful temperament, wanting only to make friends with any other creature he meets. ‘Klunk’ is an unusual name, but it suits him down to ground. It’s the sound we would hear as he scrambled under the house to hide when people came to visit. You see Klunk is a rescue dog.

He was 18 weeks old when we got him from his foster carer, he’d been rescued twice in the short ten weeks he’d been away from his mum and he was broken. He came to us with a double row of puncture wounds around his neck. He was under weight and had no idea how to play. Klunk is a rottweiler-staffy-lab mix and has the misfortune to look like a Pitbull.

It is my belief that at one point, he was taken to be a fighting dog, only he didn’t have it in his heart to fight and so was discarded. It took a lot of love and care to teach him how to play.

It took 6 months before he realised that he could walk away from his food without fear of going without. It took longer again before he began to enjoy going for walks and didn’t have to be cajoled out of the gate, afraid of every noise and stranger. It is one of my greatest joys to see him happy, to see that big weapon of a tail lashing madly through the air, to see him laying all-four paws in the air, upside down on the lounge snoring, confident in his safe haven of a home.

This goofy looking, big boofhead is a smart dog, easy to train and eager to learn, even so, at 6 years old, he’s still afraid of people he doesn’t know. He runs around barking and watching every move and gesture. Too much eye contact, from anyone except my husband and I, panics him. He so desperately wants to make friends with people, but his fear shuts him down. Even when he does eventually form attachments with our visitors, he needs to reform them the next day or the next visit. He is still broken and when he is afraid, he can’t seem to make long term memories. It breaks my heart every time I see that fear rise up in him and I am reminded that people did this to him.

I remember that I told the minister he was wrong. I am not overly religious, but I have to wonder how someone who purported to be a representative for God, who guides and counsels his flock on earth, could have so little understanding of God’s other creations.

Dogs do have souls, souls and pure hearts. More worthy of heaven that most of us could ever be.