Fun Research?

One of the things I love about being a writer is research.


Some of you may be saying to yourself, research, YUCK!
But what if your research involved travel? 

Now that's the kind of research I'm talking about!


My first book, Watched, is set in Montana and Washington DC, so I traveled to both places so I would know exactly what they were like.

My hubby in DC

Niceville High  Michele's new school

My second novel, Protected, is set in Florida and Washington DC, so I traveled there several times. Florida is a big place. Besides, who would believe a town is truly called Niceville?

Niceville's Stadium where Michele cheered

My the final book in the series, Created, is set in Belgium, Prague, and Spain, so guess where I'm going this summer...you got it. I simply can't wait.

Here are some pictures of Germany. I bet Belgium looks similar.

Me, having some fun in Orlando.
Where am I?

I love experiencing the things I will be writing about. It gives an authenticity to my work that would be hard to achieve otherwise. My bank of pictures is amazing. It also makes for a fun time with my family. We get to do things that we might not do if I didn't have my character doing it in my novel.

When my characters run down a street, it's most likely a real street I've walked down.

It's true, it's not all fun and games.I do take lots and lots of notes. Sometimes my family goes one place, while I go another-in the name of research, instead of fun. And sometimes, I get so excited about something my character is doing, I have to sit and write and write. Now, if I'm at a table in the shade by the Seine river, what does it matter, right?

Seine River

Just remember, when you research, you want to use as many primary sources as possible. Primary sources are first-hand accounts. You can be that primary source.
A bit of advice...
Make a list of what you need before you go, or you'll forget. It's only natural when you're somewhere new and exciting to forget the real reason you are there.

When you experience things first hand, it adds depth to your writing and your story.  Your readers will feel it, too.

So, get out and experience the world. What do you have to lose? Did I mention it was tax deduction?