My new WiP requires me to research poetry, art, and London, among other things. I’m reading books about the Romantic Revolution, asking my London friends for British slang, and trying my best to understand poetry (never that much of a strong suit for me). The pre-writing process was so much longer this time, as I tried to absorb as much as I could about these subjects before I started writing.
It’s a lot of work. But what made me so excited about this idea was actually the fact that it would force me to research all of the topics that have fascinated me for so long. My protagonist is educated in areas that I only have a passing knowledge of, and in order to write from her POV, I have to become at least proficient in these subjects. And so I’m growing as a person as I write. And I have a whole lot of random things to contribute at cocktail parties now, so there’s that.
I’ve never had to do much research for a book before, either creating a new world or writing about a contemporary one that was close to my own. But I may start doing research projects for my books from now on, because this is so much fun.
What about you? Have you ever had to research for a book? Got any British slang to share?
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Yes. I've had (still have) to do a lot of culinary research for current book and I've looked for slang in foreign languages many, many times before. Research can be fun, but sometimes difficult. Fingers crossed!
ReplyDeleteI think this is so cool. I've never researched a book. I'm just too lazy :) I'd rather make everything up.
ReplyDeleteI did a bit of research on India for the current WIP, since the setting is Indian-inspired, but then I remembered it's fantasy and let myself twist things e.g. there's a floating market inspired by Bangkok. Later I'll research what could be an impossible injury.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I've had to do considerable research for a book before and you're right, it's invigorating! Good luck, can't wait to hear more about what you crank out!!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like an interesting project. I really love researching stuff, sometimes it can be frustrating, but you'll always find something in the end.
ReplyDeleteEver need slang words, ask away and I will try and help :)
This sounds really cool. I tend to learn British slang when Brits are in shows at the theater where I work. I think researching is a fun part of being a writer.
ReplyDeleteKeren David has a great glossary for British slang at her website
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with your research :D
I'm the worst with British slang. When I read something British I have to keep a pen and paper handy to take notes and look up meanings later. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteResearch is HARD - but it can also be so fun! I live in the UK so I'm pretty good with British slang, though I do find that sometimes even I'm thrown by a certain word or phrase! Desserts make me laugh... I mean, 'spotted dick', really?!
ReplyDeleteI love British slang. It sounds so much more eloquent than American slang. It's probably the accent.
ReplyDeleteOOoo interesting. Learn anything especially cool?
ReplyDeleteI was born in England and lived there until I saw 11 years old. I had a hard time when I moved to Houston because I couldn't understand Texas English. It was like a completely new language. LOL
ReplyDeleteI love doing research for books. :D
Oooh your new book sounds interesting!
ReplyDeleteMy american friends fave expression of mine is dodgy - which I think is the Brit equivalent of sketchy. They also love when I say the hols (holidays)
My favorite thing in school was writing research papers. My friends all thought I was crazy. I LOVE research.
ReplyDeleteBut I don't know much British slang. Sorry.
Shite comes to mind, and piker, bloody, crikey, and snog are a few I've read and heard from Brits. Although I thing the first one came from a Scotsman...
ReplyDeleteOoh, fun! I always do my research at the end, though I haven't ever done a language thing, which makes sense to do at the beginning. Hmmm... British slang. Not my strong point! But looks like you got some tidbits above. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteA few I've learned since living in England: 'hob' means stovetop, and they say 'pudding' in reference to dessert, whether its actually pudding or not. Weird!
ReplyDeleteI'd recommend watching a load of British films & television shows ('In Bruges' is great, & 'Intermission' & 'Snatch' or 'Lock, Stock and Two Smokin' Barrels.' And 'Misfits' for a good show!)