I'm a huge fan of research and I've learned so much over the course of my writing career. For Wielder's Prize, my debut novel, I did a lot of research into eighteenth century tall ships, life aboard those ships, even the naming conventions on ships, for example there are no walls on ships; they're called bulkheads. Stairs are ladders. Windows are ports. I even learned the names of sails, what sailors eat, their superstitions. There is a scene later in the book that required me to look up the best conditions where various clams and mussels grow.
For book two, which I hope to release this year...yes, I said this year, yikes... I researched Icelandic words, Icelandic landscapes, the kind of vegetation that grows in cold environments. I've fallen in love with the country. So much so, that next year I'm hoping to travel to Iceland. We'll call it research, but by that time all three of my books for the Wielder's Storm trilogy will be out.
As for the strangest thing I've researched, I'd have to say that would be diseases. I wrote an Apocalyptic novel where the end of the world begins with a virus. No, not a zombie novel. I needed to look up germ warfare, terrorism and everything else associated with it. I felt like I had to throw up my hands and cry, "This is research for my novel. I swear!" That novel isn't out yet. I'm holding on to it until I finish my multiple fantasy series.
What have you researched recently?
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I've been busy with edits for Book 2 of my Wielder's Storm trilogy. The title is Wielder's Curse. I hope to release it early December. I won't put it up for preorder this time, but I will give it a discounted price for its first week of release, so keep an eye out! (Or join my VIP Club for updates and you won't miss out--you'll even get a free hi-rez map of Erenna, the world where the Wielder's Storm trilogy is set in).
The photo above is one I took when I went to Sydney's Maritime Museum and checked out the replica of the Endeavor. So...much...fun!
I'm now on BookBub as Elle Cardy, so if you want, you can follow me and recommend my book there ;)
Don't forget to pop on over to Denise's blog. I'm there talking about how writers evolve.
51 comments:
The second one will be out soon? Wow! You have been busy.
Iceland research sounds interesting.
A ship has so many terms that are different than we are used to.
That's great the next book will be out soon. That will be three books for you.
Research is fun, and it can be a little disconcerting sometimes wondering how many government watch lists your browser history has popped up on!
Wow! That’s awesome you’ll be ready to publish book 2 so soon. Hope you get to Iceland to do hands-on research.
Super busy. The covers for all three are done, at least :)
Crazy, I know! But it's so exciting.
Trust me, I'm a writer... ;)
I'm soooooo looking forward to the trip. We are hoping to go around May before it gets super busy.
Well done Lynda for planning to have your next book out before the end of the year! It sounds like you have been doing some interesting research. I look forward to hearing about your research trip to Iceland! ;)
Hi,
You are on a wonderful roll. So happy to see you moving along with book 2.
That inspires me greatly and gives me motivation to keep moving with my manuscript.
All the best and have a lovely November.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
Great that your next one is coming along indeed. haha big brother may be watching after the disease research
I did a little research on ships, too. It's great fun to learn about things we can use later in our stories!
Great photo!
Good luck with Book 2! The year is almost over.... :o
That's so cool you've planned to release your second book before the end of the year.
Your research sounds interesting too. I think it'll be well-deserved whenever you make it to Iceland.
Ooh, Iceland. My daughter went there and did all sorts of scary stuff like scuba diving down streams etc. Glorious landscape apparently. I hope to hear all about it. (Researching, to me, is the best part of writing, oh, and re-writing, love that too.)
Great to hear hear that book 2 is going to be out soon!
Though you may want to delete your browser history on the germ warfare stuff.
I researched old sailing ships recently too, talk about a steep learning curve, but it was loads of fun! :)
Congrats on the progress on book 2. The detail in Wielder's Prize puts the reader right on that ship. I've always been fascinated by Iceland. Land of hot springs and the midnight sun. What a trip that will be!
I can't wait to read a book about Iceland. That is an amazing country.
LOL! Almost every day I say things like "it really is novel research" so I know that feeling really well :)
Heading over to Denise's blog now.
Love your research and I'm looking forward to the next book!
But don't rush it - enjoy it! :)
Happy writing!
Love the way in which you enjoy research, Writing historical novels is one long hunt for details. Have just learned how to sail a Severn trow 🤗 your sailing ship on a much smaller scale.
I think the maritime world is a fascinating area to research, so I'm sure that was fun - and less stressful than researching germ warfare! Good luck with the upcoming instalments!
Thanks, Debbie. It's been an exciting and busy year. I'll definitely let everyone know how Iceland goes.
To hear that I've inspired you to keep going has warmed my heart. Bests wishes for your manuscript.
More than likely ;)
Awesome fun!
Gah! I know, right! It's getting scary. The manuscript is mostly finished, but I need to let it sit. It's with someone at the moment so I can't delve in again anyway. Not until I get it back. Then I need to do a final round of touch-up edits, then format it then waaaaaa!!! ;)
Thanks, Toi. I'm so looking forward to visiting Iceland...and having the full trilogy out too.
I'll probably skip the scuba diving there, but I want to see the rest of it. The place is so rugged and gorgeous.
lol, you might have a point.
I totally agree. There is so much to learn. I hope I did the ships justice in my story.
Just talking about the trip makes me excited for it.
It's an absolutely gorgeous country.
I think only other writers truly understand ;)
Nope, not rushing it. Book 2 has been the MOST rewritten book I've ever written. By far.
I'm going to be walking around so inspired. I'm sure of it.
Nice!! I love reading Historical novels, but I couldn't write one because the amount of research involved would be huge.
So true! ;)
And thanks, Nick
Good luck with getting Book 2 out!
I always say Google should have an "it's ok, I'm a writer" mode.
WTG with all the book progress. Superstitions sounds like an interesting topic. I should Google it for some idea.
Ha! I love it! That would be awesome.
Thanks, Juneta
Very cool, your varied and crazy research topics. :o) My research topics are likely pretty eyebrow-raising too...hopefully the government realizes we are authors. LOL
At least we have some books out to prove it ;)
I've been to Iceland, Lynda, and it was wonderful. In summer, still bring hat and light mitts. :) I love where your research led you. I recently picked up the book, The Ice At The End of the World by John Gertner (2019) that explores Greenland. I'm not sure I'll finish it on the three week library loan so may have to invest in it for my 'research' collection!
What.. another one? You are on a roll, Lynda! Good for you.
Have a great weekend,
Blue
That's a terrific photo. I've researched sailing ships for my sci-fi novels, since the terminology for starships is basically the same as sailing ships. But, it's so easy to keep clicking links, finding interesting info and getting off track.
Now that I'm acclimatized to the hot Brisbane weather, I'll probably still rug up as if it were their winter ;)
Thanks, Blue. Still working on getting it right. I'll only publish it when it's right.
It is definitely a rabbit hole when we go researching :)
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