Monday, August 26, 2013

How Far Would You Go?

To get into the head of your characters and write realistically, how far would you go?

We all draw upon our former and current professions to write. We've also heard the adage, "Write what you know." However, sometimes we need details that we can't find on the web. We need to be in the moment. We need to touch, smell, see, hear--even fear--what our characters go through.

Luckily, my career path has involved a wide variety of industries and I'm glad. It helps keep my writing diverse and I rarely lack for ideas or inspiration. I've worked in education, healthcare, banking, hotel management and even at a movie theatre as a teen.

But let's say I want to write about something completely different like an over-the-road truck driver or a stripper. Just how far would I go? Here are some professions I'd like to try in the name of research: 

  • Waitress
  • Bartender
  • Starbucks barista
  • Police officer
  • Fireman/woman
  • Television reporter
  • Wedding planner (although I wrote about one anyway and thought up some great themed weddings if I say so myself!)
  • Amish farmer
  • Boutique employee
  • Bookstore employee
  • Scientist
  • Court reporter
  • Tarot card reader
  • Stripper (I'd watch--not participate!)
That's a pretty exhaustive list and would keep me busy writing novels for years. How about you? What professions would you add? Just how far would you go in the name of research?

20 comments:

  1. What a fun question! I'd like to try park ranger and dance instructor. Think I'd draw the line at trash collector.

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    1. My daughter is a dancer, magician's assistant and dance instructor. She leads a fun life. Park ranger would be cool.

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  2. I've thought about this too. I know some authors travel extensively to research places and other cultures for their books. So interesting!

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    1. I think it's fun to travel to new places. I'm always inspired by the wildlife, landscape and people.

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  3. Can I be Johnny Depp's personal assistant? All in the name of research of course. :)

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    1. Of course! haha Yes, I should have added a movie set to the list. Wouldn't that be fun?

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  4. I keep writing about archaeologists, so that's an obvious one. And a National Geographic photographer. Maybe a jazz singer. The "professions" I'd most like to research, though, would require a little magic and time travel--knight, queen, sorceress . . . .

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    1. Those are all good ones, Sharon! Ooh. Wouldn't it be fun to be a queen, princess or a sorceress? Good thing we all have imaginations!

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  5. I would like to be a musician but I can't carry a tune. I do my research by attaching myself to someone who does what I am writing about, dr., sheriff, lawyer, Indian Chief.
    You are more adventurous than I.
    Good luck. Keep writing.

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    1. I do have friends and family in the know and that does help, Susan. I love the Indian Chief. Intriguing.

      And adventure is fun!

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  6. Police detective. I can give you Tarot lessons if you want. And I know a lot about bartenders and waitress just cause I hang out in bars. :-)

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    1. Good to know I have you as a resource. I do want to mix some drinks, though! I agree about police detective.

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  7. Hey, I do a lot of research on strippers, too. Come to think of it, I haven't written anything since I found that club near my house.

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  8. I think I would be a stripper, what the hell! Who's paying to watch me shake my white Irish booty around?

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    1. Depends on how much alcohol is served, Tom.

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  9. Funny, I've always thought of you as an Amish farmer who's also a stripper! I'd watch, not participate too.

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    1. That's quite an image you have of me, Perry. But you know the show must go on!

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