The Pyrenees---Southern France

The Pyrenees---Southern France

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Research: It's Not Just For Nerds Anymore--Plus a Special Offer for My Blogging Friends

        When I was a kid, the term research belonged in the inner sanctum of nerdom. People who were into research had pocket protectors, they wore glasses with thick lenses, and had deadly dull personalities--those were the types of folks who did research.


photo by Chy Lane

        Oh, I wrote research papers in high school, undergrad and graduate school, but I never enjoyed the research process as much as I do now.

        For example, I recently sent off a submission to Mozark Press. Part of the story included getting assistance from the fire department. I ended up going to two different fire stations and talking to them about how they would rescue someone who's stuck in the bathroom a small space, what they would wear to a call that is not an emergency (surprisingly, they would not come roaring onto the scene shirtless), and how they would free someone's head from a sink a "trap."  

       I also have a children's story that needs a home. I'm still in the revising stage, but while I'm re-tinkering it, I'm going to research possible publishers.

       Last night, my writing critique group--the WWWPs--went on a research field trip. We studied how a person could use previous job skills to their advantage when working in a new profession. We spoke of how delightful it is to see a person move with confidence and gracefulness. And we discussed the power of good company versus a mediocre movie.

      What research have you ever done--as a writer--that was the most pleasurable? Or, what research did you conduct that ended up being surprising?

         * A special offer to all my friends in Blogland: For those unable to attend our workshop on Sunday, the whole event has been videotaped. All the mini sessions, all the panel discussions, even the keynote address--it's all available to you. All you have to do is send in $19.95 for the DVD and $79.95 for shipping and handling, and every moment is yours to use for blackmailing educational purposes. (This comes to you from Bill O'Connell Productions. All proceeds from the sale of this movie will go directly to cover Bill's much needed surgery--SmartA** Removal.)

Correction: Val, being the scientist that she is, pointed out that the medical/correct/technical term for the operation Bill needs is smarta**ectomy. My apologies for not checking my facts before posting this. 

               

18 comments:

  1. Sioux,
    I, too, learned much from our research. Like:
    1. there are interesting and very different ways to change the size of props
    2. dollar bills are not clean
    3. I prefer Clark Kent's nerdy look to his superman alter-ego
    4. glasses are smart.
    5. slow dialogue can ruin a scene
    6. gorgeous characters do not always equal great actors
    And... I have some new ideas for a potential blog on (halloween) costume ideas. Like... a fireman, tarzan, a rapper, a construction worker...

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    1. Changing the size of props was fascinating. It gives a new twist to the SNL skit of the bodybuilders Hans and Franz who used to promise, "We're going to PUMP you up!"

      Delete
  2. Since your unfortunate bathroom incident, I have been wondering what firemen use to free a head trapped by a sink faucet. A giant crowbar? A come-along? Cooking oil? Butter? The manly sweat collected from the chests of the firemen who posed for the firehouse calendar? I'm sure you were simply doing research that went awry on that fateful day.

    I regret that I cannot purchase your informative, career-changing DVD at this time, since my funds are tied up in gas station chicken and 44 oz. Diet Cokes. I hope Bill's smarta**ectomy will proceed as scheduled. Maybe Linda can get him a discount by supplying some handcrafted surgical instruments made from superfluous jewelry purchased on her recent vacation.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Val, for catching that mistake of mine. I fixed it (added a note) and gave you credit.

      This time, you've used your scientific knowledge for good instead of evil.

      Delete
  3. My favorite kind of research is interviewing family members. I've learned so many fascinating things this way, like how McDonald's put my Grandpa out of business and how my son dreams of time traveling. It comes in handy since everything I write has part of me in it. By the way, good luck with you Mozark Press submission. Is it the bad hair day one?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Debra--Time traveling, huh? I don't know how old he is, but if it's appropriate, has he ever watched reruns of "Quantum Leap" or the old "Dr. Who" shows?

      I know Walmart has done its fair job of destroying businesses--it's sad that McDonald's decimated your grandpa's business.

      Yes, it's the "bad hair" one. Did you submit one of those, too? Did you know they extended the deadline? (Please let Lisa know I am working on an anniversary submission for Chicken Soup, and I'm citing one of her stories as the inspiration/comfort.)

      Delete
  4. Research, research, research... never can do enough research.

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    Replies
    1. Oh, I'd say yesterday evening was enough--at least for one night.

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  5. Before placing Emmylou's picture on my side bar, I thoroughly researched her music, bio, and images. One can never be too painstaking about these things.

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    1. And such a sacrifice that was--such an unpleasant, grueling activity. I'm cryin' a river for you, Shay.

      Delete
  6. Can. Not. Stop. LAUGHING! Bill is having a hey day. From now on he's posting his cerdits as Produced by S.A.P. (Smart Ass Productions).

    ReplyDelete
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    1. S.A.P. might work in a couple of different ways.

      Tell him we have over a gross of orders already. He better start burning those discs...

      Delete
  7. I too learned from the research. Yesterday I learned that good visuals and bad production = entertaining enough. And Sunday I learned that bad visuals and good production = most fun ever. And the right kind of props are great in either case.

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    1. Tammy--Leave it to you to pull something so clever out of your butt. Yes, the visuals on Sunday (at least once I saw myself in Bill's DVD) burned a hole in my retina. But it was barrels of fun. And then on Wednesday something else burned up my eyeballs--in a better way--but it was still a hoot.

      The common denominator--the company.

      Delete
  8. I love research! Like many writers, I have to force myself to stop researching and start writing. I wrote an article for the Women on Writing website a few years back titled "How to Research for the Non-researcher." I still use the techniques I learned when I researched that article!

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    1. Mary--

      That's like those photos/paintings of a person holding a photo/painting of person holding a photo/painting of a...well, you get the idea.

      I will have to check out your article. And I do admit, when it involves a project or topic I'm fascinated by, the research is a pleasure to do.

      Delete
  9. Well, if they don't storm in shirtless, what's the point?

    My background is in history. I love research!

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    1. Mama Zen--That's my contention as well.

      And I love research at times, too. Especially when it on something that I knew nothing about, and many others are ignorant of--because it's been swept under the rug by our country. For example, the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921. So yes, when I am fascinated/driven by the topic, I too love research.

      Delete

Thanks for your comments. I appreciate you taking the time to stop by...