More on Research

I was recently asked where I find the material for my research into ancient Egyptian practises. My first thought was, the library, of course. I have probably spent more time in libraries in my life, than engaged in almost any other activity, except work. But, that was just too general an answer.

The research I do sometimes requires me to look for the outdated, the obscure, the arcane. Which is why my library is a most valuable resource. I can request books on Interlibrary Loan at 2 AM, online, while the rest of the world sleeps. But, each book I read leads to more.

Most people open a book to the Table of Contents, check out if it is what they are looking for, and decide to take it with them, or put it back on the shelf. I do just the opposite - I open to the Bibliography or Selected Reading. That is where the real action is.

From one book, I can find resource material for countless articles and books, and enough research material to last a lifetime. The back of a book may list magazine articles from the early 1900's, or books which are long out of print. But, that is where my library comes in.

Almost anything can be found online and requested through the library. Believe me, I requested a three volume set of translations of medical papyri which had not been check out since 1965. The dust alone on the volumes was enough to give me black lung. I carefully read each volume and learned more about medical practises than I ever could have in just a general history book. Now, when I write about a particular medical procedure, or an herbal treatment, I know my description will be historically accurate.

Online research has its advantages, but never underestimate the resources available at the library. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to meet people, maybe pick up a latte, and get some fresh air and sunshine, before getting back to that old computer screen.

The Value of Critique

When I first began writing, I was quite reluctant to show my work to anyone. Though I do have a close friend who reads for me, he reads not to critique, but to make sure that I have not missed any pertinent information along the way. He reads from the perspective of someone unfamiliar with my topic, and if he can understand it, then I know I have gotten my point across.

Fiction, however, is a different matter. Plot must be resolved satisfactorily, dialogue must be snappy and precise, and the writer must always be cognizant of providing just enough background information, without intruding too much on the story. Needless to say, though I still have my close friend read my fiction, I have also reached out to writers for their critiques.

I have been fortunate to connect with a number of authors, published and not, who have graciously read my work, in exchange for my critique of their work. Each one has added another layer to my understanding of writing and their words have been invaluable.

Local writers groups, online forums, even Facebook friends of the writing ilk, help to broaden your horizons. Don't ask for too much, but don't be afraid to ask. Our work is close to us, like a child or lover, and we sometimes don't see the flaws - so reach out and connect with another author. The critique you recieve could make the difference between rejection and acceptance.

The Power of Words

As an author, I have always known that my words could have the power to instruct, to inspire, to heal. But, the recent events in my home state of Arizona have made me step back and think of how our words affect people.

Words have the power to hurt, to destroy, to shatter the lives of others. We, as authors, need to be circumspect about our words. I came to the profession of writing to inspire people for change, or to enlighten those who are struggling to find themselves. I do not pretend to know all the answers, but I do hope my words can instill hope, compassion, and peace.

To all my fellow authors, think carefully about your words. Though my books are aimed at a particular audience and appeal to a select few, I would never, with my words, espouse hate. I write with abandon because I love to write, I love the spoken and written word, and I love the free flow of ideas. But, when we use our words for hate, we become no better than the people who caused this tragedy.

Let us lift our voices to better our world, not to add to the anger and division in our society. Hate has become so commonplace we do not seem to be shocked by it, until something like this occurs. As writers, we have the ability to affect so many with our words - let us use this senseless tragedy for change, with the only tool we have, our words.

Getting Started

I will freely admit that I am still a new author. Though I have been fortunate to have three books accepted for publication, I am realistic; I will probably never be on the New York Times Bestseller List, nor will I ever win a Pulitzer Prize.

However, writing is my vocation and my obsession. I love to write - for me it is the pleasure and the emotional release I find in writing. So, when another writer contacts and says they do not know how to get started, I don't really know how to respond.

The one problem I don't have is starting a project. I can't remember ever starting a project on page one, but starting, to me, is the easiest part. I outline, chapter by chapter, so I will not forget what I want to include in the book. From there, I can build my proposal package, cover letter, and synopsis. Half the work is done already.

For me, the hardest part is knowing when to end a project. How much research to include? How long is too long? Should I divide it into more than one book? These are the questions which plague me. Making chapter after chapter flow evenly, editing, adding detail, these are the mechanics of writing. At some point, I need to step back, put the project aside for a few days, then take another look at it.

Too much information, too much description, too much of anything in writing, is counterproductive. So, I usually advise new writers, don't sweat the beginning. Get something on paper, it can always be edited, but starting is your spark of creativity. To be afraid to start is like trying to stifle your voice. Never fear the beginning of a project - you are the master of your creation. Jump in with both feet and enjoy the ride.

Does Writer's Block Really Exist?

Most writers (and books on writing) stress the importance of setting a schedule to write, to be creative, since writing is in fact a career. But, what do you do when you sit in front of a blank computer screen and there are no words to write?

I am a writer who does not follow a schedule. I know when I am more apt to be productive and when it would just be a waste of time to even try. My creativity ebbs and flows depending upon the time of day. So, why should I try to force myself to be creative? Writers out there may disagree, but a schedule, to me, seems to defeat the purpose. Of course, their retort is that it trains the mind to be creative.

I write because I love to write, I am obsessed with writing as an outlet for creativity and personal expression. Why would I want to sit and stare at a blank screen and feel that awful doubt creeping in: am I really good enough, is my work really worth it?

Forcing yourself to write may be a cause of writer's block. I personally don't believe in writer's block, so to speak. I do feel a sense of sadness when I complete a work. And, I need time to step back, relax, and recharge, before I can write again. Is that writer's block? I say no. As with any artistic endeavour, one cannot be creative all the time.

When "writer's block" hits, maybe it is just your creative mind telling you it's time to take a break. I could not imagine writing every day at the same time and expecting my work to be the best all the time. Writing should not be forced, it should flow onto the page from that well deep within the writer's mind, that creative spark that first turned you into a writer in the first place.