Guest Blog: The Dark Side of Research by K.A. Stewart and Giveaway - July 8, 2011

Please welcome K.A. Stewart to The Qwillery.

The Dark Side of Research

Everybody thinks that the great thing about writing fiction is that we can just make things up and it doesn’t matter if it’s real or not. So not true!

In order to make something fantastic truly believable, there must be a few grains of truth in there. The easiest way to suspend disbelief is to base it on something factual. And the easiest way to do that is to do research.

I don’t know a single author that doesn’t do a lot of research. Sometimes, the research is extensive. Historical authors are known for this. It takes a lot of work to make sure that everything in a historical novel is true to the time period. It can be something as small as figuring out just when the high heel was introduced into regular fashion, or something as large as knowing the exact geographical areas were covered by a key historical battle.

Sometimes, you do the research just for one sentence, one tiny factual thing that you want to have correct. Do Glocks have a safety? What is the melting temperature of silver? What plant is known to have magic-neutralizing properties? It may seem insignificant, but for a reader who knows the correct answer to any of those questions, getting it wrong can yank them right out of the story.

The internet makes research a breeze. Anything you can think of, you can type into a search engine and pull up a hundred different links to possible sources. However, there is a dark side of internet research, one that will suck a writer down into a black abyss from which they might never emerge.

And no, I’m not talking about typing that phrase into Google that you think sounds innocent, only to pull up sites that no amount of brain bleach can remedy. No, I’m talking about the hazard of too much research.

With a wealth of knowledge just a mouse click away, it is entirely too easy to become lost wandering the information highway. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried to look up one tiny fact for one tiny sentence, only to find myself four hours later with more knowledge of the history of the yo-yo than is healthy and I haven’t written a single word!

Beware the black hole of internet research. You may set out aiming to look up how many bullets a certain magazine holds, but the next thing you know, you’re lost in the realm of low-sodium soup recipes, misspelled cat captions, and vintage clothing knock-offs. Time ceases to have meaning, and you may not realize you’ve forgotten to feed your pets until they start nibbling on your toes.

It is best, when researching, to use the buddy system. Let someone know that you’re going in, and arrange to have them check on you after a pre-determined time period. Often, even putting the research aside for a few moments to answer a Tweet or a text can free you from the hypnotic spell. Resist the urge to have your research buddy accompany you into the internet, as this usually only results in both of you becoming lost. Sadly, two people can become ensnared even easier than one.

If you don’t have a research buddy available, try setting an alarm for yourself, perhaps on your cell phone. Or, order a pizza shortly before you begin. When you have to leave the computer to pay the pizza guy, you stand a better chance of extracting yourself from the research fog.

Research is a fun and fascinating activity, but it should only practiced with all safety precautions taken. By following the few simple suggestions above, we will all live to write another day.


About K.A.'s Books

A Devil in the Details

Jesse James Dawson 1
(ROC, July 6. 2010)

When it comes to demons, always read the find print.

Jesse James Dawson was an ordinary guy (well, an ordinary guy with a black belt in karate) until one day he learned his brother had made a bargain with a demon, Jesse discovered there was only one way to save his brother: put up his own soul as collateral, and fight the demon to the death

Jesse lived to free his brother-and became part of a loose organization of Champions who put their own souls on the line to help those who get in over their heads with demons. But now experienced Champions are losing battles at a much higher rate than usual. Someone has changed the game. And if Jesse can't figure out the new rules, his next battle may be his last...

Amazon : B&N : Book Depository : Borders

A Shot in the Dark

Jesse James Dawson 2
(ROC, July 5, 2011)

Jesse James Dawson's vacation is interrupted by a pack of hell-spawned creatures. To save friends, family and himself, Jesse will have to put his trust in his most dangerous enemy-his personal demon.


Amazon : B&N : Book Depository : Borders
















About K.A. Stewart

K.A. Stewart has a BA in English with an emphasis in Literature from William Jewell College. She lives in Missouri with her husband, daughter, one cat, and one small furry demon that thinks it's a cat.


K.A.'s Links:

Blogs:
On Literary Intent
The League of Reluctant Adults (group)

Twitter





The Giveaway

THE RULES

What:  One commenter will win a Mass Market Paperback copy of A Shot in the Dark (Jesse James Dawson 2) from The Qwillery.

How:  Leave a comment answering the following question:

Have you ever " become lost wandering the information highway?"

Please remember - if you don't answer the question your entry will not be counted.

You may receive additional entries by:

1) Being a Follower of The Qwillery.

2) Mentioning the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter. Even if you mention the giveaway on both, you will get only one additional entry. You get only one additional entry even if you mention the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter multiple times.

3) Mentioning the giveaway on your on blog or website. It must be your own blog or website; not a website that belongs to someone else or a site where giveaways, contests, etc. are posted.

There are a total of 4 entries you may receive: Comment (1 entry), Follower (+1 entry), Facebook and/or Twitter (+ 1 entry), and personal blog/website mention (+1 entry). This is subject to change again in the future for future giveaways.

Please leave links for Facebook, Twitter, or blog/website mentions. In addition please leave a way to contact you.

Who and When: The contest is open to all humans on the planet earth with a mailing address. Contest ends at 11:59pm US Eastern Time on Friday, July 15, 2011. Void where prohibited by law.

*Giveaway rules are subject to change.*