I spent a good part of yesterday out and about with my sister.
It’s always fun when I can combine research, writing, flea markets, and tea rooms, and quality time with loved ones.
Since I spend much of my time in front of a computer screen, I’ve become more conscientious of factoring in “me” time/free time throughout my week.
It’s the healthy thing to do–mentally and physically.
As writers, it’s important that we tear ourselves away from our characters and WIPs every so often, not only to remind ourselves that we still reside in the land of the living, but to nudge us beyond our comfort zones, as well.
Additionally, I don’t think we should be so hung up on a writing schedule that life passes us by. The choice to be proactive about this weighs heavily on the minds of writers. On one hand, we understand we have a job to do, obligations to fulfill, a career to maintain. We take that responsibility seriously; much of it we count as joy. On the other hand, we realize that time doesn’t stand still. We have families to love on, other interests that need attention, and goals besides writing to pursue.
When we give ourselves permission to experience life beyond our writing desks, I believe our world expands for the better.
Take yesterday for instance.
Since I write about small town life, I think the best way to do this is to fully immerse myself in my characters’
worlds. One way I like to do this is by visiting flea markets and out-of-the-way points of interest. These places give me deeper insight into who my characters are, where they might have come from, and how they live today. I’m intrigued by venues of yesteryear. I like to apply my newfound knowledge to my contemporary characters living in the here and now.
My characters’ lives take on new meaning when I’m able to merge the rich histories of their past with their life tapestries of tomorrow.
As my sister and I dined in the quaint, little tea room in a small, neighboring town, I studied the sights, sounds, and people around us. There was no soft music to eat by, only a constant stream of chatter and life marching by full steam ahead. We observed a young mother with two sleepy-eyed toddlers, a group of gray-haired matrons comparing purchases, and hungry patrons of every size, shape, and dress determined to be heard above the den of other voices.
Our meal wasn’t as relaxing as I’d hoped, but the research was invaluable, and my sister and I were able to laugh and visit, despite the swirl of activity. (And the food was simple, but deelish!) I ordered the homemade cream of broccoli soup with hot tea. Of course, I had to have the chocolate mocha cake for dessert, too.
Our outing confirmed what I believe to be true: research trips add dimension to our writing. Not only are they a way to glean pertinent information about the geographic areas we write about, but they also breathe life into our stories and characters in a way that a simple google search cannot.
There’s just no substitute for being in the moment than to actually live out the moment.
In real time.
******
Writers: What’s your favorite part of the research process?
Do you feel encumbered by the constraints of a schedule?
And friends: Do you enjoy tea rooms, flea markets, or out-of-the-way jaunts in the name of fun?
Do you have a favorite way to spend your free time?
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Blessings Always,
Comments 11
Oh yes, I feel encumbered by the restraints of my schedule. For sure! But this past week in particular, I feel like God has helped me relax a bit…and focus on Him rather than my to-dos. Crazy thing is, I’ve probably gotten more done this week than in the past few weeks combined. Huh. 🙂
I so agree with you, though–being in the moment is important! We miss out on too much when our schedule takes control of our lives! I want to manage my schedule rather than letting it manage me. 🙂
Author
Melissa, our schedules can manage us instead of us managing them if we’re not careful. The learning curve in the writing world is one I’m still negotiating. Sounds like you’ve had a productive week! Yay for balance and focus!
I love flea markets and tea rooms! I love to peruse photos and find my characters as well as sketch them out. I do quite a bit of online research as far as setting, occupations etc…but going to a location (if possible) is the very best!
Author
Jess, I love “hands on” research trips, plus they have benefits! 😉 (chocolate cake!)
Research rocks! I love it when Gwynly and I take off to tour historic sights, where I fuel my creativity and learn interesting facts that I can use in my stories.
I love spending time with my sister, too, who is also a romance writer. We have one of our marathon lunches coming up this next week, and I can’t wait.
Author
Keli: I think that’s one of my favorite things about “me time” and research trips–our “creativity tanks” are refueled and we’re ready to go again. Hope you and your sis have a super time!
Loree: I can almost envision you as you go about your research quests. I see you dressed in your Civil War gown as you walk the pages of history in search of the truth.
I do love tea rooms, antique shops, and flea markets. We have a lovely tea room in a quaint town not far from here. I love American history and love visiting historical sites. So much to learn about. I always dig deeper.
That food looks YUMMY! Great idea. For my Viking novel, it was hard to immerse myself, outside book research, videos and pictures. But I’m starting on a contemp. suspense set in West Virginia–easy to study since I live here! Looking forward to being more observant to the “real” world around me!
My favorite part of research is when I need a break from it! I like to take a walk and let the ideas and information roll around in my head until I hit upon “it.”
I do like wandering in little antique shops; and I’ve made some new friends, some writers, some not, and we get together over coffee, tea or frozen yogurt. Food for the soul.
Cynthia,
What fun! I love tea rooms, flea markets and sisters too. Such good nourishment for our being.
Thanks for sharing!
Author
Kate, it really was a special day. Great inspiration for the soul.