Researching a new novel takes the author on a journey to many new places, whether through books, movies, news articles, or physical travel. When asked what I most enjoy about the research process of writing, I look back to my second novel because it is set in my home state.
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| Lambeau Field Green Bay, Wisconsin |
Some of the highlights of my research trip to the eastern portion of the state included meandering drives around the countryside and along the shores of Lake Michigan; a ferry boat ride from the tip of Door County Peninsula to Washington Island; a tour of an ostrich farm; the sight of a beach made up of limestone pebbles polished by millenniums of wave action; experiencing Packerland and cheese curds anew; and eating fresh perch.
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| Ostrich Farm on Washington Island Guide is holding an ostrich egg |
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| Pebble-filled beach on Washington Island (School House Beach) |
My research also included visits to local Wisconsin libraries to view past newspapers, and an interview with a Brown County Police Sergeant. My relevant reading material consisted of such eclectic topics as medical procedure, hypothermia, special breeds of dogs, a 1970 Green Bay Packers - L.A. Rams football game, roofing, roses, and rose chafers.
Is it any wonder I remain zealous about the research process of writing a novel!
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Thank you for visiting today and throughout April. This year's AtoZChallenge has been another great experience and I am so happy to have met or reconnected with many wonderful bloggers. The Scavenger Hunt for designated words for each letter of the alphabet was quite a challenge within a challenge and added to the fun. I'm still short a few but will continue scavenging and will include a detailed list in a follow-up post.
Aloha nui!
What a wonderful trip that was! As for that ostrich egg - wow!
ReplyDeleteWell done and making it to Z.
Yes, wow, Keith - to the egg and to the final post of #AtoZChallenge2021. We made it again!
DeleteReading about your love for research makes me want to dig my heals into my ancestral history. Every year, I reckon I will make time and then I get distracted by some project or pursuit.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a pleasure reading your posts Gail.
Congratulations.
Thank you, Arti. After a short break to recuperate from the #AtoZ, hope you jump into researching your ancestral history. Maybe the information can be the topic of you AtoZ next year.
DeleteWhat a fun celebration of the joys of research! Congratulations on finishing another Challenge.
ReplyDeleteBlack and White: Z for Zerzura
Thanks, Anne. We made it to Z! Will hop over to read about your interesting "Z" choice Zerzura.
DeleteGail, I've enjoyed reading about your books and the research involved and especially learning about Hawaiian customs and history.
ReplyDelete“Z” Tull:
http://tao-talk.com/2021/04/30/a2z-2021-jethro-tull-songs-day-26-crazed-institution-from-too-old-to-rock-n-roll-too-young-to-die/
Nice to hear you enjoyed the posts, Jade. Hawaiian customs and history continue to fascinate me. Thanks for visiting throughout April.
DeleteCongratulations on finishing the challenge, and for this ending Z post 😉
ReplyDeleteThank you! A nice sense of accomplishment when we reach "Z". I look forward to reading your final post also.
DeleteA lovely way to end the A-Z challenge, thanks for sharing your experiences of writing and research.
ReplyDeletehttps://iainkellywriting.com/2021/04/30/the-state-trilogy-a-z-guide-z/
You're welcome, Iain. We made it!
ReplyDeleteWell done on completing your A2Z, I love research myself, but I end up in so many deep tunnels.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I know what you mean about ending up in deep tunnels - sometimes forgetting the original topic of research. Feels good to know we made it to Z!
DeleteI've enjoyed your series Gail, and this is a great final entry. Is there anything more fun than zealous research? Well maybe the zealous curiosity that drives it. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Deborah. Yes, curiosity does keep the drive for more research active.
DeleteThis has been a fun theme, and a lot of interesting posts. Thank you for all the visits, I'm happy you joined A to Z this year! :)
ReplyDeleteThe Multicolored Diary
Thank you. After missing 2020, I was eager to jump in again so this year makes 10 years of participation.
DeleteSo glad I popped over to your blog on the last day of the challenge. Research. Takes us down so many paths. Just happened to see you went to Wisconsin...Washington Island! We live directly on the other side of Lake Michigan. We have a small plane. Each summer they have a big fish boil at the grass landing strip on the Island we attend(weather permitting). The Wisconsin shore line is a wonderful place, as it is on our side. Glad I stopped by! Did you go there from Hawaii to do your research?
ReplyDeletePulp Paper & Pigment-My Fiber Art Blog
Wisconsin is my home state, Linda, so I was easily able to work in the research during a visit. And what is more "Wisconsin" than a fish boil! Thanks for visiting.
DeleteI stayed in Madison for almost a year in 2005 during my deputation in the US and even got a library membership .... it was a huge public library I remember ....used to shop at malls, eat Mexican,Italian, Chinese food or drive down to Milwaukee with friends.... so I feel a connection when someone mentions Wisconsin :)
ReplyDeletehttps://pagesfromjayashree.blogspot.com/2021/04/z-for-zoo.html
So glad to hear you were able to experience Wisconsin during your stay in the US, Jayashree.
DeleteWhat a wild and fun journey- so glad to have shared it!
ReplyDeleteYes, cheese and perch included, Wendy!
DeleteWell done on completing the challenge, Gail.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dara. We made it!
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