My latest epiphany: When it comes to research, talking to an actual person can be good for your blood pressure.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the world wide web as much as the next guy. It definitely has it’s place when it comes to research. But it also has its drawbacks.
The biggest one?
Online research can be a giant time-suck and there’s no guarantee you’ll come out on the other side with a solid answer.
My latest research mission? Life as a reporter in a big city and what would happen when this reporter becomes the focal point of a huge news story. I needed to make sure the plot points I had in store for this reporter were realistic and believable. But I kept getting vague or contradictory information. Even via email.
I was stuck. I was overwhelmed. I was ready to right click and delete the entire file.
Until I shut my laptop and went to a local news station to shadow a reporter for the morning. Not only did I meet a very lovely woman (Chris Minor from WQAD, Channel 8), I got all kinds of answers. Solid, reliable, wonderful answers.
She took me around the newsroom, the studio, and even let me tag along as she covered a story out in the field. I sat face-to-face with this woman, told her about my story, and brainstormed ways to work out the kinks. The whole experience felt like one huge sigh of relief.
Once I got over the awkwardness of, “Um, yeah, so I’m writing this novel. Can I ask you some weird questions?” it was 100% completely worth it.
Thanks to Chris, my story will be that much more accurate, that much more believable, and that much more nuanced. I don’t have to second-guess everything I write anymore. I can proceed with confidence.
3 Signs that it’s Time to Shut Your Laptop and Find a Real Person:
- You’re getting contradictory information.
- The more time you spend researching, the more confused you get.
- Even though you think the story could be great, you’re about to throw in the towel.
5 Benefits of Talking to a Real Person:
- You won’t end up on a wild goose chase
- You can trust the professional. You might not be able trust the Internet
- You can engage in a back-and-forth dialog which leads to new, exciting ideas
- You can ask personal questions you probably won’t find online
- You get to meet somebody new and get them involved (If you’re wondering why that’s a benefit, check out this post, Are You Getting Others Involved?)
Let’s Talk: Does talking to a real person make you nervous? If you’ve done it, can you share your experience? Which do you prefer – getting your information online or from real people? Why?
Thanks for sharing, Katie. It's something I need to do but keep putting off till "the time is right." Thanks for the nudge. Glad it went so well for you. It sounds like a great story!
Hi Katie –
Thanks for the practical advice!
Talking to a real person doesn't phase me. I've run to one of my sources more than few times.
I do my research both online and in person. Both methods have their positives and negatives. One thing I like about a real person is the give-and-take of conversation. Sometimes they volunteer information I didn't know I needed.
Blessings,
Susan 🙂
What an excellent post, Katie. This is how writers used to operate before the advent of the internet. Isn't it fun?
I don't have to do much research in my devotional writing, but occasionally I've called on a farmer or zoo keeper to get my facts straight. It's so worth the time and effort.
Congratulations on your success!
Katie, I'm glad you enjoyed your time spent shadowing the reporter. I have a hunch Chris had fun, too. Most people love talking about what they do and having an eager audience.
I write historicals and have gotten great information from those who know about the period I write. As you said, there's nothing like talking with a real person.
I'm glad to know I'm in good company with other writers who are nervous to ask to spend time with someone to learn about their occupation. Most commenters here have brought up my same fears (not published, feel like a pain in the buttinski, don't want to waste anyone's time, don't feel legit…). For Pete's sake, I have a scene where I need to know the inner workings of a library, and I'm too embarrassed to ask the librarian for some time to answer questions.
Thanks for the hands-on advice though. It's just a matter of working up the nerve.
Eek!
Barb
Sounds like such a fun day! I love talking to people, but I don't love calling up a semi-stranger to ask for a favor!
I had to do research on horses this fall, and one of my girlfriends invited me to talk to her horse-loving college kids. I learned so much that I couldn't find online.
You're right–the confidence of actually seeing what we need makes the experience worth it.
Fantastic post! I was forced to do a lot of interviewing in grad school for journalism. After the first time, it gets so much easier. When I was researching the book I'm querying, I interviewed a dozen people to help get details right about living in Brooklyn, living in the UK, mental illness, trauma treatments after car crashes, and lots of other topics. I discovered that most people love to talk about themselves and be considered an expert. I'm willing to bet the reporter you shadowed thoroughly enjoyed your visit and will totally talk up your book when it comes out!
Oh, yeah, I'm scared to talk to real people. I think that's why I like the write what you know advice to much 🙂 But you make great points about what real life research can do, and I think it makes writers more confident about what they're putting down on paper.
Congrats on doing this great research! I bet your book is going to be awesome 🙂
I think this is an absolutely essential part of research for authors. The internet can only get you so far, and, as you said, you can get overwhelmed by contradictory information.
When I was researching my manuscript, I knew that I wasn't going to get the information on law enforcement that I needed from the internet. So I cold called the Massachusetts State Police. And in the end, instead of a phone call, I got 90 minutes in the Essex Detective Division with the Essex District Attorney and the head homicide cop for the Detective Division. And it was terrifying. Which is silly, because I hadn't done anything wrong, but what is it about cops that scares the heck out of us? But when I walked in, they gave me gifts and said 'what can we do for you?'. So unbelievably generous with their time and knowledge. The Detective Lieutenant also let me walk out of there with his copy of their homicide protocols (which I copied and FedEx'd back to him) and his personal cell phone number (and I've used it to call him for questions). This is the kind of information that you simply can't get online. And it makes the difference between fiction and reality in your writing.
To Eileen above, I did exactly what you are describing as an unpublished author and it didn't seem to matter to them. They were thrilled that I would chose their department and their location for my setting and were more than willing to help. Give people a chance and you may find that they surprise you.
Eileen – you ask a GREAT question. Sort of in line with what Terri asked.
I think Jill says it best when she wrote: "People love to feel like experts and share their expertise."
This truly is what I've experienced.
Here are some tips:
First, it's important to know that even with a book contract, I didn't feel any less silly! I still was nervous and I still felt awkward about taking up her time. So it's not like my book contract erased the awkwardness.
Second, although this is the first time I've shadowed a person on the job, it's not the first time I've contacted REAL people for research. Once I called a piano repair lady and another time I talked to a laywer for almost an hour on the phone. Both times, I had to start with the very awkward, "So, I'm a novelist, and I have some research questions for my latest novel that I'd love to ask you if you have the time." I didn't say anything about whether or not I was published or not. Only one of them asked if he could get one of my books, and when I said publicatin is something I'm working toward, he was very interested and supportive. Both people were INCREDIBLY willing and helpful. And I accomplished SO much more during that phone call than I could have on the internet.
It's very true – People like to be experts and most people are more than willing to help.
The worst that can happen is the person says no, they are too busy. The best that can happen is we get great information, we make a new friend, and we get to share our journey with another.
Okay, this scares me, Katie!!! I hate having to gather information first hand if I can't do it secretly. By secretly I mean without the person knowing it's for a novel. I'm suspecting that once one is published this wouldn't be such a problem as you can say "I'm a published author and I'm working on my next book, would you mind helping me out here?" Whereas, when you're not published, and you know there is a gazzilion (sp?) other wannabe authors out there it just seems like it would be a huge time suck for them for a story that will probably never get published.
Sorry, I'm rambling, but how does one get beyond this?
Absolutely,%100 correct. I used to write mysteries (don't anymore). I studied books on criminology, visited a cadaver lab, went to a conference on crime scene protocol, etc. Finally, finally, after I realized I hadn't got to the heart of what wasn't working in my books, I forced myself to interview a veteran cop. And guess what? He didn't bite. He was the nicest man. People love to feel like experts and share their expertise.
This is hilarious! and INTRIGUING. I want to read your book now!
I never have the guts to ask people if I can shadow them. Maybe you could go ask them for me! You're so outgoing.
The research advice, I love. thanks Katie
ANd I LOVE your comment on Mike's post. It's why I thing you got it goin' on! You see things the way they are.
Very cool.
Tana – is it ridiculous that I don't know what green light means? Does that mean if the book is or isn't contracted? But no, this book isn't contracted. She was just helpin' a girl out. 🙂
Jaime – I took Chris out to lunch after. But I think overall, people are VERY willing to help other people out. Especially if they get to talk about and share something they are experienced or knowledgeable in. But I totally understand that hesitancy. It's something I struggle with a lot!
Terri – I think you're right. In the past I have made phone calls, but this time, I do think it helped to know that I have some books coming out. It gave me some confidence. BUT (and this is a BIG but), I don't think the people we're questioning care very much one way or the other. She would have been just as helpful if I wold have told her I'm an aspiring writer. She was just very interested and supportive all around. 🙂
Oh wow! I think that is so coll that you were brave enough to call someone up and ask to interview them like that for a book. I think now that you are being published it gives you more credence.
I'm an extrovert but talking to a REAL person for research totally intimidates me. i think it's because I feel like I'm using them or using their time for selfish purposes and giving nothing back. Except a thank you and maybe a gift card. But … yeah … I feel assumptive 🙁
How wonderful! I think that's one of the coolest perks of being an author. Did she ask if your book was green-lighted before she let you shadow her? I know that's a stipulation put on by the FBI. Just curious.
Sounds like you had a great time! And very productive. 🙂
Sadly, the people I'd most like to talk with for my stories…they're dead.
I do the next best thing and talk to museum curators and academics.
Love this Katie. I'll be seeking out some professionals in the future as well for all the reasons you list. So glad you had a fun, positive experience.
way to go doing that! Great advice.
So cool, Katie. An OB/GYN joined our small group and I was thinking score. Not only b/c she's a dear lady but of course b/c I'm dealing with that profession in my WIP. 😉
~ Wendy
I enjoyed this post, Katie! "Once I got over the awkwardness of, "Um, yeah, so I'm writing this novel. Can I ask you some weird questions?" it was 100% completely worth it." –Funny because it's true!!
And YES. I am trying to work up the nerve to interview long-time residents of my novel's setting. While I've spent time on the Historical Society's web site and read a book on local history, my research has yielded a bare-bones picture of the early 20th century. I need details!
Tabitha – heck yea! I would totally ask. Just make sure you tell him your a writer – not a person who actually sees death before it happens. 🙂 OR, you could pretend to be a person who sees death before it happens and get an actual first-hand experience of what a psychiatrist would say. 😉
I love this advice. I can see times when it would add the touches of realism that makes fiction real.
I can't see me popping down to the Thames embankment to chat to the shadowy figure from MI5 or 6. Even though that would have helped me – heaps ;D
As an unknown, unpublished writer, yeah, I'd be nervous. Sounds like you had a great day!
Great advise! I have been wondering about doing this because the new book I am working on features a psychiatrist who is dealing with a teen who believes she can 'see' death before it happens. I want to know what she would do. You can't just google that kind of info. I am still a bit scared to rock up and ask that kind of question. It'd make me sound like a bit of a delusional freak wouldn't it?
What do you think, should I ask?
I LOVE that you got to follow around a news reporter! How great is THAT!!!