tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001825743960552008.post6544523542234342566..comments2024-03-27T18:06:04.484-04:00Comments on Murder by 4: Marta Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14126647102399666578noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001825743960552008.post-18986257862629730032008-02-21T08:57:00.000-05:002008-02-21T08:57:00.000-05:00Excellent point, and a GREAT topic! Thanks, Marta....Excellent point, and a GREAT topic! Thanks, Marta. We'll look forward to your next piece, as always.Aaron Paul Lazarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06117814221437165664noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001825743960552008.post-48463733379712322772008-02-21T08:44:00.000-05:002008-02-21T08:44:00.000-05:00Yes, Aaron, the scope of the research depends enti...Yes, Aaron, the scope of the research depends entirely on the subject matter and genre. Even within the same genre, each story will require varied degrees of research depending on the subject matter. <BR/><BR/>Another thing to consider is the knowledge we acquire along the way. When I was drafting the first in the Harper series, SILENCED CRY, I conducted an enormous amount of research into police procedures, weapons, street slang, the geography of Massachusetts and it’s laws (the story takes place in a fictitious city in MA), etc. Those things are now my base of knowledge. The research I conducted while writing the second book, THE BLACK PEARL, took off in a completely different direction. <BR/><BR/>The important thing to remember is that whether an author writes sci-fi, fantasy, horror, romance, cozies, or thrillers, at some point there will be an element of the story that needs further study to make it believable.Marta Stephenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14126647102399666578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001825743960552008.post-38988686719435867942008-02-21T08:01:00.000-05:002008-02-21T08:01:00.000-05:00I think Kim's take on cozies vs. crime mysteries i...I think Kim's take on cozies vs. crime mysteries is very valid. Although I don't classify LeGarde Mysteries as cozies (more "literary mystery") - they certainly lean more toward that genre than true crime, which is why I've been less diligent in my own police research. Instead, I put efforts into researching musical history, for example, to weave a shocking link into Gus's heritage, like you'll find in Mazurka when it comes out this summer. I love doing that kind of research! Well, I guess it's 'cause I love French Impressionist music and art so much, too. ;o) Okay, enough hints, I don't wanna blow it for future readers. LOL!<BR/><BR/>Dana - loved your take on writing what you know. That's how my books emerged - with the backdrop of my childhood and current life, gardens, grandkids, family feasts, animals, etc. But the villains had to be made up, and thank GOD I didn't "know" them. ;o)Aaron Paul Lazarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06117814221437165664noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001825743960552008.post-696473813709452862008-02-20T20:55:00.000-05:002008-02-20T20:55:00.000-05:00Hi Dana. Glad you found us!!I've put several books...Hi Dana. Glad you found us!!<BR/><BR/>I've put several books down when the author emerged on the pages (or rather his/her knowledge) instead of the character. That's when research is used to extreme and in doing so, the writer risks boring the reader to death. You're right, it's fiction – make believe, and the reason we research is to give our writing the sense of reality. We want to engage the reader on an emotional level from beginning to end.<BR/><BR/>Hope you'll stop by again. We have a great lineup of guest writers coming up!Marta Stephenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14126647102399666578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001825743960552008.post-32778790079768497632008-02-20T20:14:00.000-05:002008-02-20T20:14:00.000-05:00I don't remember the exact quote, but it was Steph...I don't remember the exact quote, but it was Stephen King who I thought had the best take on "write what you know." He said you know a lot of things that can be used, even if you're not a cop/serial killer/astronaut/cowboy. Are you a butcher? Make a character a butcher. Are you from Madison, WI? Use that. Everything friends and family members have ever said or done is potential fodder. Write what you know applies in the micro level, not just the macro.<BR/><BR/>Fully agree with your advice on research. The topic should be well known, to provide assuredness in the writing. After that, research as much as you need, but no more. It's fiction.<BR/><BR/>I just found out about this blog on Crimespace. I'm going for the feed.Dana Kinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01350344882342624735noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001825743960552008.post-12654014552152234662008-02-20T16:59:00.000-05:002008-02-20T16:59:00.000-05:00Hi Erin! Sometimes procedures can be fudged, espec...Hi Erin! Sometimes procedures can be fudged, especially in cozies where all the murder stuff happens off-screen. <BR/><BR/>Thanks for stopping in!<BR/>KimKim Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13933746166088034102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001825743960552008.post-49115734993571387952008-02-20T16:06:00.000-05:002008-02-20T16:06:00.000-05:00Hi Erin! Thanks so much for stopping by. "I can wa...Hi Erin! Thanks so much for stopping by. <BR/><BR/>"I can waste hours and hours on research, which might not even address the needs of the story." <BR/><BR/>Yup, that's the twosided sword. I think we have to develop a sense for when enough is enough.Marta Stephenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14126647102399666578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001825743960552008.post-74793018201870169932008-02-20T15:58:00.000-05:002008-02-20T15:58:00.000-05:00I can only imagine the amount of 'procedural' deta...I can only imagine the amount of 'procedural' detail you mystery authors have to figure out. I don't think I could ever do that.<BR/><BR/>'Write What You Know' is usually the best advice for a beginning author, whose narrative may get lost in the search for unfamiliar detail. When you set a story in the city you know well, that will show on the page. When you give the character a profession you know, it will be easier to write and even more easier to read.<BR/><BR/>I've had my first taste of research in college, when I had to find back-up references for my arguments. I learned the best approach is to write the first draft, figure out what it is I want to say, then look for details to back it up. I find the same process applies to fiction writing. I can waste hours and hours on research, which might not even address the needs of the story.<BR/><BR/>Besides, when I know what I'm looking for, it always seems to magically cross my path.Erin Aislinnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15173027098367204797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001825743960552008.post-39425934402255110772008-02-20T10:18:00.000-05:002008-02-20T10:18:00.000-05:00That's the acid test, and you passed with flying c...That's the acid test, and you passed with flying colors!Aaron Paul Lazarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06117814221437165664noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001825743960552008.post-86117468850247030352008-02-20T10:16:00.000-05:002008-02-20T10:16:00.000-05:00Thanks Aaron. One of my most treasured reviews was...Thanks Aaron. <BR/><BR/>One of my most treasured reviews was written by a police detective. In it she wrote: <BR/><BR/>"...Her descriptive crime scenes come to life with such reality I found it hard to believe I was reading fiction. Definitely a must read for police mystery enthusiasts."<BR/><BR/>When a professional in the field thinks the writing is accurate, it's pure gold.<BR/><BR/>All reviews of SILENCE CRY are available on my website, www.martastephens-author.comMarta Stephenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14126647102399666578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001825743960552008.post-10801096673986361752008-02-20T10:05:00.000-05:002008-02-20T10:05:00.000-05:00Right on, Marta. You are my hero in this regard. S...Right on, Marta. You are my hero in this regard. Sam does things by the book (no pun intended! LOL) and would be admired by the toughest real life cops. Way to go!Aaron Paul Lazarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06117814221437165664noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001825743960552008.post-750077978950387432008-02-20T08:32:00.000-05:002008-02-20T08:32:00.000-05:00"Write what you know" rates up there with "Show do..."Write what you know" rates up there with "Show don't tell." Both have tripped most writers at one point or another.Marta Stephenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14126647102399666578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001825743960552008.post-15310225836787373262008-02-20T08:30:00.000-05:002008-02-20T08:30:00.000-05:00Excellent advice. 'Write what you know' can be a d...Excellent advice. 'Write what you know' can be a damaging axiom to follow for many writers.<BR/><BR/>I believe there is an appropriate Stephen King quote related to this subject, but it slips my mind at the moment. Perhaps it was, 'Always direct evil clowns with sharp teeth to your bastard of a neighbor'...?<BR/><BR/>No, that may not be the right quote.s.w. vaughnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09102544611773720262noreply@blogger.com