So very excited. Tomorrow I'm heading down to the Newberry Library (employer of Henry in The Time Traveler's Wife!) to do some heavy-duty research. I'm still editing my current WIP, but I have an opportunity to look at some really cool stuff for the next book I'm planning, a young adult mystery set in 1881 Chicago.
You can't check anything out of the Newberry. When you arrive, you must apply for a one-day library card, tell them what you need, then they bring it to you. I might even have to wear white gloves to peruse my documents (notes typed in 1938). How cool is that? Or, rather, how much of a geek am I?
I loooove research. Once upon a time I worked a part-time job as a research librarian. Best job in the world for a Nosy Nellie like me. Have a question? I WILL find the answer.
Tomorrow is actually a research two-fer. After the Newberry, I'm going to a Tarot reader to get my cards read, and to ask her some detailed questions to flesh out a few parts of my WIP. I taught myself to read cards while preparing to write my story, but I learned from a book, which isn't the traditional way. I also scream like a little girl whenever the Death card comes up then shove it back in the deck--not exactly kosher in the world of Tarot readers. So I need a professional. OK, that sounds like I'm hiring a hooker--it's not that kind of book. Really!
So, I know a bunch of you are plugging away at WIPs. Did you do any research beforehand? What is your preferred method of finding stuff out? Google? Personal interviews? Like I said, total Nosy Nellie. Do tell!
I'm so jealous!!! Are you going to search for Henry in one of the cages? Or perhaps a bathroom stall?
ReplyDeleteAnd I can't wait to hear about your Tarot experience. That deserves a post all it's own, no? I find that kind of thing fascinating.
We're kind of anti-research as a rule, but I loved researching the WIP. Of course that might be because it mostly involved pouring through old photographs and journals of myself when I studied abroad.
Ooh, this sounds like such fun! I hope you get to wear the gloves because...you know, it majorly ups the coolness factor.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, research scares me a little. I do it when I need to (which hasn't been a lot so far) and Google and I are like this (X). (X) means tight, by the way.
Sounds like a super fun day in my book. I too am a library geek. My favorite is the Wisconsin Historical Society Library. Spend many hours lost in the archive stacks while working on my history degree. Let us know how it went.
ReplyDeletePS I'm about 1/2 way through Garp. I like it. :)