The Basement Office

I wish I had had enough time to research this new novel I’m working on this summer.

The writing is going well, as the widget on the right bottom of the home page sidebar will attest.  I’ve met quota every day so far (which, considering we’re only on Day 7, is nothing to brag about YET, but it’s a good sign).  The story is flowing well and my alpha reader is enjoying it.  I have a clear direction in my head and I’m allowing myself to suck.  It’s all good.

I’m coming into so many situations though that I feel that I’m missing good scene or story opportunities because I don’t know enough about the mythologies involved.

Now this isn’t slowing me up any.  It’s not even blocking me.  I just wonder how my scenes/plot/characters would turn out if I was more knowledgeable.  I’m a firm believer in “write what you know, within reason” or at the very least, write what you are familiar about.

I’m a little familiar with some Celtic mythologies and I’m delving into other cultures as well, but there’s so much to learn!  I know enough to keep writing, but if I knew more, oh what could I weave in?

I have to think that research is important to be able to seize every opportunity when you write.  Any little fact could be an interesting twist, a great description, an unusual situation just waiting to pop up in your manuscript to grip your readers.

I decided to write about it today because in the winter, when I decide to revise this yet untitled manuscript, I intend to really delve into the subject matter(s) and take the time before I edit/rewrite and I want to note how different the story will become.  I think it will be an interesting thing to see.

Anyway, it’s been a busy day, and usually I have more words down, so I’ll stop procrastinating and get back to work!

And to those of you following “my adventures” and cheering me on.  Thank you, it means a lot to me.