When I first started writing, I was told many times, “Write what you know.” Wise advice, and I’ve taken it to heart. But how do you write a story about scuba diving if you’ve never been scuba diving? The answer – you research!
I’m something of a fanatic about research. Here are some of my most memorable research activities:
The Zookeeper’s Daughter – Kelli is forced to work as a zookeeper to receive her inheritance. I signed up for the “Keeper for a Day” program at Salt Lake City’s Hogle Zoo. I had a lot of fun, and met some animals that found their way into the pages of my book.- Burning Danger – Maddie is a forest ranger in Maine who runs afoul of an arsonist. Unfortunately the pandemic kept me from visiting Maine, so I contacted the Maine forestry service to get details of the job and the area. I also did a ton of reading about arsonists. That was interesting, but kind of icky.
- Into the Deep – I happen to be a scuba diver, so in this case I was definitely writing what I know. But I still did research. The book takes place in Key West, Florida and Cozumel, Mexico, so my husband and I visited both places and went scuba diving there.
- The Amish Widower – The main character, Seth, learns pottery. So I did too. I took pottery lessons and managed to turn out a few nice pieces.
- To Hive and to Hold – The victim in this book is allergic to bee stings and is killed when he is attacked by a swarm of bees. I met with a beekeeper and learned a ton! And I got some honey, too. My research also showed me where to buy a substance that has the same effect as bee venom on people with that allergy.
- Dangerous Impostor – This story about illegal gambling takes place in Las Vegas, so I spent a few fun days there, soaking up the atmosphere and playing in the casinos. (I discovered I’m not a good gambler.)
- Murder by Mushroom – No, I didn’t kill anyone with poisonous mushrooms, but I did interview a mushroom hunter who was on call at her local hospital for mushroom poisoning cases. And I read a ton about mushroom poisoning.
Fiction is defined as “something feigned, invented, or imagined; a made-up story.” That may be true, but good fiction is based on fact. I enjoy learning the facts and then forming a story around them. It’s one of the best parts of my job!
