Research, and the things we take with us

There is an adage that you should write what you know. I agree with that, but sometimes you don't know what you don't know. The idea is that if you write about something you have zero experience with, that lack of experience will come through and the writing won't be as genuine. 

Sometimes you have to write to learn something new. 

My first book, TOUCHED BY THE SUN (The Treasure of St. Paul) had me crawling down all sorts of holes doing research. In an effort to "get it right," I learned Italian. I read every guidebook I could lay my hands on for Pompeii and Herculaneum and Southern Italy. I interviewed people who had been to those places, and one told me unless I actually went, I couldn't possibly get it right. When she read the book, she told me I got it right. When I visited, I found more things I might have incorporated, but overall, yeah, I got it right. I ordered little jeweled goblets for swag for my first book signing, and I still have one today.

For every book I write, I inevitably have to conduct some sort of research in order to make sure I have the facts right. Sometimes, the research is to provide a deeper look into something I don't know much about. I learn something from every book I write. I have souvenirs I've collected from some of that research, or as reminders of what inspired a book.

The bulk of my research comes from interviewing people. I've interviewed firefighters and police officers and monument shop owners. When I wrote INTIMATE DISTANCE, I bought myself a gryphon statuette to hang over my computer.  When I wrote COOKIE THERAPY, I learned how to fight off a panic attack. My favorite piece of research was while writing THE TWINS. I needed something my hero could use for "good juju" (essentially). He's a finish carpenter, so I was particularly focused on something wooden. I stumbled upon Palo Santo, and in an effort to know more about it, I bought myself a little cat, carved from palo santo wood. The instructions suggested hanging my cat in the shower to release the fragrant smell, but it sits on my desk. Once I'd discovered there was such a thing, I noticed natural soap makers who sold bath products scented with palo santo. Go figure! How could I resist? Do I buy it for good juju? Eh. Not really. Mostly because I like the way it smells, but it is a luxury item, and the superstition behind it makes it more appealing to someone like me. 

New book is almost done! Final edits from the editor at the end of the month. Make sure you’re signed up for my newsletter for release information.