I’ve always been this way but...I don’t necessarily research for a book I’m writing. No, I research just because I like to learn. Generally, this learning will involve something in the science field.
Here's a great pic of a star with a tail. Bet you didn't know a star could have a tail like a comet, did you? Me either until recently. But I once had seen a binary star that 'shared' matter with its smaller dwarf companion. That led me to write a short story entitled Magician's Tale several years ago.
I’ve always been drawn to astronomy, geology or the biological sciences. This picture is of a cross between a horse and a zebra. Think of how this could spur an alien creature! I recall once that George Lucas said he'd created a number of his Star Wars creatures by combining and intensifying creatures that were found here on Earth.
I also love to research history (who'd have thunk it? I hated History in school!) Ancient history, medieval history, or anything before 1900. And it includes things like paganism, mythological lore, cultural anomalies. I have books and books on cultural anthropology. When I decided to write Altered Destiny, I got information from books and the Internet on Scottish history, the culture, the language...kilts! LOL
I could go on and on but I won’t bore you.
So when I start to write, I already have a lot of fodder for my book. I can pick and choose from all the enticing tidbits I’ve learned over the years to start the story and feel confident enough to move along fairly well. Of course, as the story unfolds my characters will reveal a knowledge I don’t have. Yet. And I’ll sit and rub my hands with glee as I set out on a new learning curve.
It’s almost orgasmic. It’s definitely addicting.
That’s why when I read a book and find new bits and pieces of knowledge that I haven’t before encountered, I get a thrill. It means I have something new that I can check out.
Right now, I’m reading an ARC of The Reincarnationist by M.J. Rose and guess what? I’ve got the subject of reincarnation to research, ancient Rome (which I’ve already fallen in love with and done some research on but, hey, when you’re a research whore, you can always learn more!). MJ Rose has written this story with the confidence of a fellow research whore but she hasn’t just given us a brain dump of everything she’s learned for the book. No, it’s presented in a very logical, understandable fashion and coupled it with a very interesting story to boot. The Reincarnationist will be available in September, if I’m not mistaken, and I’d definitely recommend you read it.
Who knows? It may inspire you to become a research whore as well.
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