tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post2602114536994607581..comments2024-03-18T23:49:07.106+00:00Comments on Nick Wilford, Speculative Author: How much research do you do?Nick Wilfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-55069597788681935562012-08-26T22:28:55.630+01:002012-08-26T22:28:55.630+01:00I like doing enough research that I feel comfortab...I like doing enough research that I feel comfortable weaving the topic into my writing. Beyond that, I got some great advice at a writing panel lately: Research 80% of the way on your own, then ask an expert to double check your usage.Nicolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10680066584646789184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-81563137784956884792012-08-25T10:27:54.290+01:002012-08-25T10:27:54.290+01:00its such a nice blog to provides info
hope more p...its such a nice blog to provides info <br />hope more people discover your blog because you really know what you’re talking about. Can’t wait to read more <br /><br />from you!<br />for more plz visit<br /><a href="http://www.debtadvisors4u.com//" rel="nofollow">Debt management plan</a>Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08318796413964402394noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-75594051024979215082012-08-24T21:47:35.344+01:002012-08-24T21:47:35.344+01:00Lynda - I do enjoy it. My problem is I don't l...Lynda - I do enjoy it. My problem is I don't like spending too much time on it instead of writing!<br /><br />Linda - Yep, I know. I don't want to be condemned by anyone! And it annoys me too!<br /><br />Cynthia - Absolutely. That's how I feel. Like everything else, it's about finding the balance, I suppose...<br /><br />Rose - I know what you mean, and it occurred to me to ask her after I'd written the post. I've now emailed and had a great answer back! So, progress.<br /><br />Mina - I would definitely like to have someone read it who knows a lot about that area, at least the relevant sections.<br /><br />C.B. - Yep, there's loads of movies (and books) that are pretty implausible, but you get swept up in them. If something's completely jarring, though, it pulls you out.<br /><br />Cherie - That sounds good, but the problem is I don't think I have enough imagination to create the epic worlds of fantasy!<br /><br />Lydia - Checking with those who know is definitely a good idea, but it can be a time-consuming process. I know this from my student journalism days - I think they considered students less important, which is why I'm funny about approaching people as a writer. Maybe I should label myself as an author...<br /><br />Freya - Thanks, I'm working on it. Working in a uni must be cool with access to all that knowledge.<br /><br />Carol - You're absolutely right - fiction is more powerful when it's based on solid fact. Thanks for the reminder!<br /><br />Annmarie - It puts me off too if I know something's wrong. You and the others have encouraged me to pull my socks up!<br /><br />Jay - Good point. It's about a balance, but invention is the most fun part of writing.<br /><br />Lara - If it's sci-fi, though, isn't it about saying what could be possible based on the science of today? That sounds fun to me, but hard!<br /><br />Medeia - I get distracted too. I do think it would be fun to interview people, and I'm sure people like to be considered as authorities on topics. It's just the time factor!<br /><br />Mama J - I'm a looker-upper as I'm going-alonger (!) too. I'd hate to think I'd wasted time by finding out loads of stuff I didn't need, even if it's fun to.<br /><br />Nick Wilfordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-38703972074398955822012-08-24T10:47:21.207+01:002012-08-24T10:47:21.207+01:00It depends what I'm writing. I rarely research...It depends what I'm writing. I rarely research much beforehand (simply because I haven't had the need to with the subject matter) but usually look up things as I go along (good old Google style).Jennifer Joycehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14285381115807201869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-60987323558075970062012-08-24T03:50:37.751+01:002012-08-24T03:50:37.751+01:00I see lists in acknowledgements and wonder about w...I see lists in acknowledgements and wonder about what I'm doing. I do a lot of research, but mainly internet-based, and I get lost doing it. I start looking at tangential topics before I pull myself away to work on the draft. I also do most of my research on the fly.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-51081747099454317492012-08-24T03:49:16.848+01:002012-08-24T03:49:16.848+01:00My first book was totally fantasy and whatever I w...My first book was totally fantasy and whatever I wanted to make of the world. It was so fun to write because I didn't have to make anything fit anything else. My current wip has some science in it, and so I have to keep adjusting and readjusting for the facts of the world. It's kind of annoying, actually!Lara Schiffbauerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13546286607078965432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-30555717433901317142012-08-24T03:06:11.064+01:002012-08-24T03:06:11.064+01:00I do research, but I enjoy having the artistic fre...I do research, but I enjoy having the artistic freedom to take the facts and ask, "What if." You're right, that's the whole basis for fiction, right?<br /><br />I like doing research to establish a baseline of facts, but what fun is there if I can't make my book my playground?Jay Noelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04757777693161610861noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-62529517418404346582012-08-24T02:58:10.348+01:002012-08-24T02:58:10.348+01:00I enjoy learning something when I read a book...so...I enjoy learning something when I read a book...so I hope it is correct information! I was a nurse a long time ago and now when I read stories where the medical stuff is way off, i stop reading.momto8https://www.blogger.com/profile/13964950285763339907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-50381724459439380222012-08-23T22:47:01.436+01:002012-08-23T22:47:01.436+01:00Ask on some writers loops if anyone knows a psycho...Ask on some writers loops if anyone knows a psychologist or psychiatrist who can provide information on different types of amnesia. Ask friends, co-workers.<br /><br />My opinion is fiction is better when the facts are correct. Also cuts down on letters from angry readers who know something is wrong.<br /><br />Nice to meet you on Alex's blog.Carol Kilgorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03745686632918324803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-82274050323322537512012-08-23T19:27:34.257+01:002012-08-23T19:27:34.257+01:00I HAVE to research. I just feel safer doing so.
...I HAVE to research. I just feel safer doing so. <br /><br />I work in a University and I think (secretly) Professors, Drs, research assistants love being asked. One of our Earth Scientist was thanked in a book about the end of the world because she helped the author to get facts right on the possibilities of climate change.<br /><br />DO IT! Everyone likes to be asked. Try someone who may be less busy, like a Post Doc.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-8155289766630323532012-08-23T18:55:29.321+01:002012-08-23T18:55:29.321+01:00I once went as far as finding a random professor a...I once went as far as finding a random professor at the University to discuss whether the Ojibwe dialogue I was using was correct or not. He was nice enough to make a few corrections for me. <br /><br />Thank goodness for the internet, though!Lydia Kanghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00484415427764822386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-27449411787487600772012-08-23T16:38:02.315+01:002012-08-23T16:38:02.315+01:00I suffer from lazy researchitis too. I hate resear...I suffer from lazy researchitis too. I hate researching. I think that's why I write so much fantasy. It's all in my head then and involves very little fact-finding.Cherie Reichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16663147386014122939noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-49748766067154709042012-08-23T15:26:08.121+01:002012-08-23T15:26:08.121+01:00Accuracy is important, but there's also the &q...Accuracy is important, but there's also the "movie logic" that things just need to be believable. :-)C.B. Wentworthhttp://cbwentworth.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-23634389909132746572012-08-23T15:09:08.711+01:002012-08-23T15:09:08.711+01:00I guess it depends what I'm writing about. Th...I guess it depends what I'm writing about. The first book I wrote had a ton of scientific content and I by no means am an scientist or an expert, but I did work in the industry for several years. It's still in the editing phase --you know the never ending editing phase-- but once it is completed, I'll end up having a friend of mine read it to get his science/medical opinion. :) Mina Burrowshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14483363743530076604noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-6740638689522968362012-08-23T14:41:39.091+01:002012-08-23T14:41:39.091+01:00I follow a medical doctor who writes and blogs. Sh...I follow a medical doctor who writes and blogs. She'll answer medical questions for fiction writers- might be worth a try. She's got a side profile pic on my list of followers if you want to look her up. I have to research a lot too- I'm a nurse, but I write medical things and I'm not an expert in everything. Plus my WIP involves the drug cartel, which I'm definitely NOT an expert on. My Colombian husband helps me on researching that topic, since he still follows the news from that area.Tess Julia https://www.blogger.com/profile/17850176812284692371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-32123851947551980522012-08-23T08:21:14.200+01:002012-08-23T08:21:14.200+01:00I think a great story will make up for not getting...I think a great story will make up for not getting all the facts straight as long as nothing's very obviously off. I did a lot of research for the last story I wrote, and while I'm glad I got a lot of the details down, sometimes I felt I might've had more fun writing out what I imagine something would be as opposed to adhering to the textbook. Hope that makes sense!Cynthiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00912167351889969855noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-55826877225356837622012-08-23T03:45:30.438+01:002012-08-23T03:45:30.438+01:00Good post, Nick. I basically do internet research....Good post, Nick. I basically do internet research. If it's on the internet, it has to be right, right? <br /><br />Seriously though, research is good, because there are some readers who will not overlook a mistake in the facts, regardless of the good writing. :(Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-58566268603892800772012-08-23T01:17:36.105+01:002012-08-23T01:17:36.105+01:00I'm a bit of the same when it comes to researc...I'm a bit of the same when it comes to research. Ocassionally I'll hit a subject I'll need to know more about than a quick check, but that's okay because I enjoy research.Lynda R Young as Elle Cardyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09975442291393246148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-1819936907912753152012-08-22T23:15:33.746+01:002012-08-22T23:15:33.746+01:00Mara - I think it could be easy to become obsessiv...Mara - I think it could be easy to become obsessive over it. Put it this way, plot holes and inconsistencies annoy me much more than if a fact isn't completely accurate!<br /><br />Julia - I set my writing in fictional places - I find that works better for me, but I might change that if I needed a setting to be integral to the plot or feel of a book. What did you find out about amnesia? I don't want to be Dan Brown, so that's fine! :P<br /><br />Kim - You're right there. I mean look at all the CSI series - they figure things out much more quickly than the reality.<br /><br />Morgan - Wow, that's good research. I would feel I was being too intrusive by asking them, but if they were keen to help...<br /><br />Shannon - Well, with your genre, there's a lot more room for creating your own worlds and concepts. So yeah, I think the need for research varies between genres. I've actually had some sci-fi ideas... and I think the requirement is that you write about something that's possible based on actual theories and developments? That would mean some strong research for sure.<br /><br />Stu - Yep, but my heart will be broken if people dismiss my writing! Your upcoming research certainly sounds enjoyable - a labour of love, you could say. :)<br /><br />Christine - Yes, it has happened that while researching I've been distracted by other things and gone far away from what I was supposed to be finding out!<br /><br />Mark - Haha, thanks. :D Yes, I think I just need to brush up those journalistic skills - and get over the shyness!<br /><br />Carrie - Wow, you don't mess about! Were you trying to experience what the character would feel?<br /><br />Jessica - Thanks, I may well take you up on that. Do you work in the medical profession?Nick Wilfordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-59105147261265220082012-08-22T22:56:56.464+01:002012-08-22T22:56:56.464+01:00Alex - I know, but even when I was doing journalis...Alex - I know, but even when I was doing journalism I felt funny about approaching people! Like you say, I'm sure most are happy to help though.<br /><br />Julie - Yes, and they can also pick up things that you might not have considered because you're too close to the story. Thanks!<br /><br />Kyra - I'm glad it reads OK. I have learnt about the basics, but as you can guess, I don't think anyone has undergone the "treatment" that is given to my amnesiac (at least I hope not!), so I had better ask an expert their opinion.<br /><br />J.A. - Not fantastical, no. You're right, I should get it sorted. :)<br /><br />Suze - Hopefully I only have tiny holes, but preferably there'd be none. Thanks for sharing your experience. I just need to get over the reservation that my writing a book is inconsequential and a waste of their time!<br /><br />Cassie - Thanks for your story, too. It seems most people are willing to help! And yeah, it's great to have blogging buddies with such a range of knowledge. :)<br /><br />Louise - Well, your stories didn't sound like research papers to me! I see what you mean though. Like everything it's a balance.<br /><br />Ciara - Sounds exciting! I'm put to shame. :)<br /><br />Sara - I absolutely agree. Even if I don't know about the subject and enjoy the story, if I find out later the wool was pulled over my eyes, it taints it for me. I don't want to be that author!<br /><br />Elise - Thanks for your helpful tips. I very much appreciate it. Going to Paris... now that sounds like fun research!Nick Wilfordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-80734554469885936392012-08-22T22:12:05.783+01:002012-08-22T22:12:05.783+01:00Nick, depending on the questions you have, I could...Nick, depending on the questions you have, I could probably help you, or find out for you. I agree with what others have said, if it's not really fantasy and an important part of your story line... you should probably have your facts straight. The internet has a wealth of information, but be careful where you look not all of its good.Jessica Salyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00227752359369023249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-80231673547979319802012-08-22T21:09:14.029+01:002012-08-22T21:09:14.029+01:00Ah, research...
As much as I hate to admit it, I ...Ah, research...<br /><br />As much as I hate to admit it, I handcuffed myself to nearly everything in this house for an abduction scene in one of my books. It was fun explaining those marks... *shudder*<br /><br />Great post, Nick! :) Carrie Butlerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01540590799406170410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-8711435974883683582012-08-22T20:18:41.871+01:002012-08-22T20:18:41.871+01:00Hey Nick,
I knew a fellow once who could help you...Hey Nick,<br /><br />I knew a fellow once who could help you with the research for amnesia, but I can't remember his name :)<br /><br />Seriously, I'm also a former journalist and I bet once you dust off your beat reporter fedora (!) you'll be able to find some experts :)Mark Koopmanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03634424953074803816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-41171826362580439012012-08-22T20:15:27.656+01:002012-08-22T20:15:27.656+01:00I like to research, but usually my stories don'...I like to research, but usually my stories don't require a lot. Just a few definite facts if I'm not sure of them already. I can spend too much time on Wikipedia or cruising the net looking at things when I should be writing!Christine Rainshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08263694662585963900noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-89783787128053354872012-08-22T20:02:53.341+01:002012-08-22T20:02:53.341+01:00I guess in terms of research I have up to now writ...I guess in terms of research I have up to now written about what I know - drinking, madness and dreaming. I found that writing in the first person helps because basically you can blame any innacuracies on the character as opposed to the author!<br /><br />I have though just started writing the third in the FRUGALITY series and due to it being very much a journey from Tollesbury to Liverpool, taking in various sites of historic Beatles significance I feel that I should commit myself to the research - or in other words, go to The Cavern, Abbey Road etc and other places I've always dreamed of going to!<br /><br />Keep up the great work Nick. My advice is don't fret too much about inaccuracies just be guided by your big old heart!Stu Ayrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05001940316941634308noreply@blogger.com