Authors are constantly researching. It’s obvious that nonfiction writers do massive amounts of research, but even mystery authors have to dig up facts like bullet calibers, the nuances of poisons, and the physical appearance of a drowned person’s cadaver (these are just random examples).
That’s the big stuff - the pieces of data that must be accurate in order for the plot to move forward. The little stuff isn’t always so obvious, but may form the backdrop of a novel. Maggie may have to make an object using a new type of yarn, Diana may have had to become infinitely more flexible during yoga classes, Michele may have to visit countless vineyards (poor her, I know!) in order to describe a particular cabernet, Heather may have had to learn more about fertilizer than she ever wanted to know, and Deb is probably knee-deep in facts about beekeeping and honey-production as we speak.
As for myself, I’ve cooked dozens of recipes (some of which were bombs) to include in the pages of my supper club books, gone on fad diets, and taken exercise classes when I’d rather be laid out on the sofa watching a nice BBC series. I’ve read books on antique canes, how clocks run, Moses’ journey out of Egypt, and the history of commercial fishing in North Carolina. From one book to the next, I never know what I’ll be researching next.
Next week, on Thursday morning at 9 a.m., I will conduct the oddest research yet! And just between you and me, I’m a little nervous. Okay, I’m actually freaking out a bit! Why? Because I’m going to see a hypnotherapist! Indeed, by this time next week, I shall be prone on a therapist’s couch in a deep state of relaxation. Things will be suggested to me. Specifically, I’m asking to be cured of my sugar fix, so hopefully any subliminal messages will focus on that theme. Do I have an issue with sugar? Sure I do! And do you know who else has one? James Henry, the loveable, but pudgy hero of my supper club series.
For his sake and for the sake of the rest of the Flab Five, I’ve signed up for three sessions and, every evening for three weeks, I’ll to be listening to a CD that supports the therapy.
I hope I can relax. I hope I can trust the therapist. I hope I can use the experience to its full potential in The Vulgar Vegetarian. Oh, what I do in the name of my craft!
How about you? What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever researched or done to land a job?
PRIZE ALERT: Next Thursday, I will pick a name from those commenting on this post. The winner will receive a $30 email gift card to Amazon (see? you'll qualify for free shipping this way!) Good luck, my friends!
32 comments:
Let me know if it works. I haven't started my exercise routine for the new year, maybe I can think my fat away?
No? Well, at least I'll be looking forward to the book. :)
As Oprah said this week, What are you hungry for? (I still think it's food, but maybe not...)
We expect a full report on the hypnotherapist, JB! I suppose that I should dining out regularly at extravagant restaurants for the Gourmet Girl's sake, but I don't think my wallet will allow it! On the other hand, perhaps I should send Chloe on a tropical vacation...Hm...All of a sudden I'm feeling quite sure that she needs to experience Hawaiian cuisine. Okay, I'm off to book tickets!
The hypnotherapist sounds fascinating. We'll wait for details.
One of the more amusing moments in my quest for information was when I met with the head of the UMass Experimental Orchard. I looked him in the eye and asked, "what's worth killing for?" He took me seriously (and the result is Rotten to the Core).
I did have one bizarre interview for a travel agency in Berkeley, many years ago. There was a large (very large!) parrot roaming free, and he perched himself on the chair I was sitting in and breathed down my neck for the whole interview. I didn't get the job.
I've always wanted to try a hypnotherapist..I think it is fascinating..I haven't decided if it actually works or not so you have to let us know!
That sounds like fun. Kinda scary, but fun LOL. I'm sure you'll use the info you gather to write another fab story =)
Just don't let the therapist convince you sugar is bad...gasp!
Good luck with the hypnotherapist. Please let us know how it goes, as I too, have a problem with sugar...primarily chocolate. As far as research goes, I have not had any real interesting experiences with regards to trying to land a job. Though with my current job I've gone to a lot of places I likely wouldn't go to in my "normal" life: shipyards, hookah bars, Caldean men's clubs, the player's dugout at Petco Park to name a few. I guess you could consider that "research" since at least some part of my experiences could end up in something I write.
JB, I'm sure your experience with the hypnotherapist will be interesting, to say the least. I worked with a few in my day job as a school psychologist, and all were very convinced what they did helped.
Oddly enough the toughest research I ever did was for my spa book, Murder of a Botoxed-Blonde. I'm not a spa kind of girl, but allowing myself to be wrapped in seaweed and parbroiled resulted in a terrific opening scene for this book. Although my sleuth investigated the scream she hears while in this situation, I instead locked the door. ;)
HOW EXCITING!!! You'll definately have to post and let us know if it works! Hypnotherapy has always fascinated me.
One of the best things about writing (for me anyways) is the research part. Sadly, I haven't figured out how to get past it. LOL
My son, having hurt himself in men's gymnastics in HS, occasioned me to take a slew of classes (more than that, as it turned out) @ the American Institute of Hypnotherapy (AIH).
After seeing a specialist (M.D. specializing in spinal surgery and diagnosis) in the area we live, regarding muscle and bone damage, pain was the big issue. First and foremost was the basics on the 'organicity' of the problem, and that THAT was fully addressed before looking into pain issues. I'm not a big proponent on medications, especially pain medications, by the way.
The problem is NOT with the therapists when it comes to an individuals being overweight and to their food-over-intake, it is as you already have written, THAT there is more to it than just hunger. It's the psychological and psycho-social aspects, which can vary a lot between different individuals.
The ONLY person who hypnotizes YOU is YOU. More intelligent ppl are capable of easily going under MOST easily. The lower IQ, the younger patient, and the very old...these may have difficulty 'being hynotherapeutically hynotized'. I have earned my RN, BSN, PHN, Professional Medical Coder, and really dug deeply into this subject field. (Okay, I'm a nerd-sort of individual). I WANTED to KNOW. For my sons' sake, I really REALLY dug into the theory, practice, and a wide swath of work relating to pain management and hypnotherapeutics.
ONE "MUST" trust ones' hynotist/hypnotherapist. I have plenty to write on this subject field. HYNOTHERAPY DOES WORK...however, as with just about anything, it really depends upon you. And by gum, after your M.D., you MUST trust that therapist. You know, a lot of social workers who counsel, as well as psychiatrists, and psychologists do use this field for alternate therapy. Because it frightens ppl, it is often called things like Visualization, etc. REALLY, really common to NOT call the multiple uses and ways of using the thereapy...hypnosis.
I'm impressed that you are doing this. I've observed "help" with early pregnancy nausea...immense help, also with pain at delivery time, decrease of need of meds in surgery which makes that aspect of surgery much less dangerous, and eradication or actually, honestly close-near eradication of an individuals' problem with anxiety.
This is all dependent upon the M.D. first, then the therapist, and the clients' own psychological outlook as well. There are lots of factors that can make this WORK. Also, there are a LOAD of factors that can decrease the final out-put or expected bottom line. To the point of null.
Hynotherapy can help in women's main management in monthly challenges with mentral cycle anomnalies and with PMS. ONCE AGAIN, it depends upon the person/idividual and what is all really going on there. M.D. focus FIRST-most on organicity, always is essential.
AGAIN FIRST: a medical doctors' total physical regarding whatever problem/s, and the organicity documented and throughly examined !! Sorry to dwell on this, however: HYPNOTHERAPY is something that really works. Do it only with proper backing and follow-through, first.
I hardly KNOW it all, but wrote 75 papers related to this subject in earning my DCH in the area. Do I do hypnotherapy. NO. That kind of work never EVER was my intent nor direction. I wished my son's pain to be addressed. It was. By the way, he still sees that specialist in spinal/bone problems. However, help has been had, and I feel strongly that hypnotherapy WORKS. Again, for us, we aren't ppl who much like or care to have medication for pain as only way of addressing pain issues.
See "ALWAYS" a specialist first for all medical-associated problems. I'm working with auto-hypnotism on a couple issues myself, thanx to FIRST my physician's full physical and understanding and backing, first-most.
Do I need to lose weight? Yes, and I am doing weight watchers, and what especially helps for me: which is walking in a beautiful 'green' neighborhood where I feel safe. Consistency. THAT really works and slowly takes it off, for me.
**re (yahoogroups)
That sounds really interesting! I hope it works for you. I'm not a writer so I haven't done any research since I was in school unless you count looking for new, meatless recipies! I'm a vegetarian and I'm looking forward to reading your new book!
Carol M
Hypnotherapy, huh? Sounds interesting. Keep us posted, JB. And okay, I have tried some wine in my day for research. And it was tough. I swear it was.
Some of the other things I've done include interviewing detectives (including an ongoing online interview with a Detective in Australia for A Vintage Murder), interviewing vets (for the horse info) and trainers too. For Tacked to Death I took a polo lesson and even though I have ridden all of my life, that was not easy. I was so sore later. Not to mention the instructor was a total chauvenist. I have never been called "baby," or "sweetheart," so much in my life. Yuck!
I like the research part. I always liked doing reports in school, so it sort of feels like that to me.
Good Luck, JB. Let us know how it goes.
Cheers,
Michele
The brain is a curiously maleable thing...I bet the therapy works great, if you dive into it!
When I was in my teens, I had major knee surgery, and I prepared for it with hypnotherapy and tapes. The nurses were flat out astonished at a number of post-operative matters sailed through without issue. That was a lesson I carried through...and still use in my life.
Research...sigh. I interviewed some cows once. But that book is still hoping to be born.
--Doranna
Even if it doesn't work...what great research material! And the comedy potential is boundless. :-D
I do a lot of research, but my main "thing" is that I am observant and I really analyze what I see -- my whole family is this way. Whenever we had parties part of the fun would be the comparing of notes the next morning, we all were very good at watching and interpreting...it was a family of Miss Marples. :-D Although I expect my dad would prefer to be thought of as...well, not Poirot. Sherlock Holmes maybe?
Sheila's experience sounds like a scene from a Donna Andrews book! Ha ha!
The hypnotherapy sounds interesting and you'll have to tell us if you find it useful.
Hopefully the lucky winner of your drawing will use the Amazon certificate to buy your series! :)
I would love to know if the hypnotherapist works as well. I have never gone that route myself, but had a friend to try it and swore by it. I thought it seemed rather flaky, but she assured me it worked. She had asked for help with chocolate. She said (at that time) that she had no desire for chocolate - none whatsoeve. Does that seem right to you? Me neither! I mean, come on - it is chocolate after all!
Fascinating! Hope for lots of updates on your progress/research.
I'm assuming next week or the week after we'll get a report on the hypnotherapy? Sounds interesting, but sort of scary as well.
A teacher I worked with kicked her smoking habit using hypnosis though and she's still smoke free 15 years later!
Caryn
Visiting a hypnotherapist sounds interesting. Good luck!
I co-edit an antique tractor magazine with my husband. I spend a lot of time going to antique tractor shows across the country, and visiting individual's private collections. Interesting, and I love the travel, but never would have pictured myself with this type of job.
Rebecca
I tried hypnosis once, but could not go under. I did see a hypno show where some of the group I was with went up on stage and did some really funny things. Good luck!
good luck with that...I don't think I'd ever venture to see a hypnotherapist.
Good luck and have fun, JB! That is quite some research.
Hmmm. Can't think of anything really out of the ordinary for me. I did plant a hummingbird garden of my own, but that was more fun than research.
I did have to cold call the Massachusetts State Police to ask how PIs attained their licenses. That took some courage. :)
It's a toss up for me between being finger printed for my job at the school or walking behind the bar full of contractors after not bartending for over 20 years. I complained about my finger prints more because I had never been finger printed - ever - and I was saving that for something "good." LOL.
Good luck with the hypnotherapy! I tried hypnotherapy twice, the first time it worked and I was hypnotized, the second time I wasn't able to be hypnotized. It was the same hypnotherapist, I'm not sure, maybe I couldn't relax enough the second time. It was a strange experience the time I did go under. I remember the therapist telling me to raise my arm or close my eyes, and I would do it, but supposedly, hypnotism can't make you do anything you wouldn't be OK with to begin with. I underwent hypnotism to help with an eating disorder (anorexia). I can't say if the hypnotism worked, but after that point, I was more dedicated to recovery, and while I have had mental relapses from time to time, I haven't had behavioral relapses, so maybe there's something to it? I've been in recovery 9 years now.
wow You are really going the distance to make sure your writings are authentic. Hope it is helpful.
JWIsley AT aol.com
I would be way too scared to try hypnotherapy. Hope you get the results that you want.
I am not a writer so have not done research but would love to do research on all the carousels of the world. Just thinking about that makes me dizzy. Any one need help with that - have suitcase & will travel!!
Be very intersting to hear of your experiences and then seeing how they translate into your book.
Sadly I'm not a writer and the only research I've done was for my BSc as a very mature student but it was very interesting finding man made ideas and strategies that plants have used for years.
JB, I am currently enjoying "Fit to Die" as we speak. I love reading about James and the crew. I haven't really had to do anything crazy to land a job...since I always wanted to be a teacher, even my summer jobs "way back when" were good, sensible jobs that would look good on my resume: tutoring, summer book program at the library, etc. I would love to try writing a children's book one day and have jotted down some thoughts, but the book I have in mind would be about personal experience growing up with my grandmother vs. something that needs research. Good luck with your "continuing education"!
Back in college when I was always looking for something outre to try, a girlfriend and I went to a hypnotherapist (or perhaps charlatan!). It had absolutely no effect upon either of us. I'm interested to know your experience.
JB, I'll be waitng for your comments. Sounds fascinating.
Oh, lots of luck with the hypnotherapist! I'd be too scared for that, I guess. I hope you'll post about it, though. Curiosity and all ;)
I'm no writer, only papers for university (studying literature, languages and religious studies), but out of curiosity and to help with my chocolate addiction, I'm looking into psychotherapy. It's interesting how it works and I hope it has a good effect and I'll eat less chocolate...
I'm not a writer, but researching hypnotherapy sounds really interesting. And scary at the same time. Good luck! Looking forward to updates.
Can't wait to hear how the hypnotherapy turns out. Maybe that's something that would be useful for me in staying focused and motivated.
Thankfully most of my recent research has been conducted via the Internet and I haven't had to do anything really crazy/scary/unusual. But I guess anything is possible at any time.
I'll definitely be watching to see how the hypnotherapy pans out in the book, too!
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