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A relative once said to me, “I always know where you’ve been on holiday because of where you set your books.” And it’s true. In the early days of my writing career I always wrote about places I’d visited or by borrowing books from the library. Mostly, though, I combined it with holidays.
I waited for ages once to question two scuba divers who I’d spotted in the sea off the coast in Cornwall. Fortunately it was worthwhile because they willingly answered all of my questions.
On another holiday I visited a private airport because I wanted to know what it felt like to fly in a helicopter. I had a fantastic time talking to two guys and if it hadn’t been for petrol rationing at the time they would have given me a ride. I’m not sure I would have accepted. I’m definitely a feet on the ground sort of person. Although I have to admit I’ve been in a helicopter since (persuaded by my husband and children) and to forget my fear I concentrated on taking photographs.
The very first time I went on a cruise ship was not for a cruise (I couldn’t afford it in those days) but because my hero was a doctor on a cruise ship. I sent a letter to the cruise line asking if I could look over one of their ships. They happily agreed and I was given a guided tour of the whole ship, including the hospital where no one is usually allowed unless they are ill. And as we were down in the south of England my husband and I turned the whole trip into a holiday, spending several more days along the coast.
The Lake District has featured more than once in my books. It’s one of the most beautiful areas in the UK and I’ve spent many holidays there – for both research and pleasure. My recent e-book, Rachel’s Redemption, was set there following a holiday. I was able to visualise the exact spot where my hero kissed the heroine for the very first time.
Although the internet has changed the way I do research I cannot help wondering whether it’s a good thing or a bad thing. It’s good for finding quick answers. But is it good for our health? Wouldn’t we be far better off in the great outdoors?
I'd love to do research that way, Margaret! I typically write about places I've already been or know well, but someday, when I have fewer responsibilities, I'm going to pick a place to research and go there!
ReplyDeleteDon't forget I use the internet more these days, Jennifer. Although first hand is good it's often easier to look things up on the computer.
DeleteMost of my novels are set in places I know (even though I've sometimes given them different names). I much prefer to write about places/areas I know. Even though we can find out so much on the internet these days (and 'drive' with Google street view), I don't think anything can beat personal experience of somewhere.
ReplyDeleteI've never been anywhere purely for research, but use my memories - and the dozens of photos I always take everywhere!
You're so organised, Paula. I bet all your photo's are filed so you know exactly where they are when you want them. By the way I forgot to mention the time I went to see a stud farmer (research) and he said all his mares were sent away for covering. Me in my ignorance asked what he meant and he didn't actually blush, but he couldn't look me in the eye and said, "Er - mating."
DeleteAll my Ireland photos are on my computer, but with 10 visits since 2007, I still have to think, 'Now what year did we go to Mayo' or 'When did I take that photo of Clifden's main street?'
DeleteLOL about the stud farmer! The only person I've ever 'interviewed' was a local veterinary nurse, and she looked at me slightly askance when I asked where they kept their controlled drugs. I had to explain rather quickly that I didn't intend to break in that night and steal them!
To be honest, I haven't been able to go on holidays for many years. Owning a farm with cattle requires someone to be present daily.
ReplyDeleteBut earlier in my life, I took many with my family. I use those memories a lot.
I do tend to use places I've actually visited as the setting for my books. It's so much easier for me to describe something I've actually seen, plus I usually have a ton of pictures for reference, than to create something completely new.
ReplyDelete