NOVEL RESEARCH From Three Authors' Perspectives

Literature is described as the art of written work. Interviews for “Novel Research” are focused on topics that participants have researched before or while composing a written work. 

As for the novel part of the research, the description of the word novel as a noun is: a fictitious prose narrative of book length, typically representing character and action with some degree of realism. 

But the description for the word novel as an adverb is so much more intriguing:

And synonyms for the adverb seem endless: new, original, unfamiliar, fresh, unorthodox,  unconventional, off-center, imaginative, creative, innovative, futuristic, trailblazing, rare, unique, singular, experimental, uncommon, untested, surprising, strange, exotic, . . . 

Researching a new novel, or other projects such as essays or family genealogy, takes the author on a journey to many new places, whether through books, movies, news articles, or physical travel. On Wednesdays in the coming weeks, writers will share their novel research experiences here on a range of eclectic topics.

The boundaries for topic choices

are mostly defined by

the imagination of the author.

(Under BLOG ARCHIVE in the right hand column, click on "2021" and then "April" for the list of novel research topics I blogged about during the April AtoZ Challenge2021).

Below are short excerpts of interviews from three popular authors who previously shared information about research specific to their published works. (Might they return for a Novel Research interview to share interesting details about one of their favorite research topics?!)

Elizabeth Wilder

Granite Hearts

Amazon.com: Elizabeth Egerton Wilder: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle

Synopsis: One family, one journey, many paths, all guided by the strength and wisdom of one amazing woman. 

Question: For your second novel, Granite Hearts, where did your research take you? 

E.E. WILDER: Obviously, we made trips to Fort Knox in Prospect, Maine across the Penobscot River from Bucksport to walk the grounds and tunnels. We drove around on one trip and found the spots to place the Ryan and Hodge homes and I took photographs of the terrain, river and roads. We visited museums, read archived newspapers, and chose names from mid-1800’s genealogies. The only books I read were about Joshua Chamberlain and Civil War battles. I have never thought of taking research from movies – I like to discover my own information. In addition I studied antique maps and searched the areas via satellite using MapQuest. I enjoy digging deeper and deeper into bits and pieces on internet search engines. I love finding the occasional surprise that works perfectly to drive the story. 

***** 

Cheryl Lynn Martin

Menehunes Missing

Amazon.com: Menehunes Missing (Hawaiian Island Detective Club) (9781938388248): Martin, Cheryl: Books

Synopsis: It's just a game, right? Wrong! The Menehune Hunt turns into eerie intrigue filled with danger as The Hawaiian Island Detective Club tackles their second genuine mystery.

Question: What did you most enjoy about the research process of your novel, Menehunes Missing?  

CHERYL LINN MARTIN: My research involves mostly Hawaiian things—even though I knew about The Menehune, I still did some research to learn more. I also did research on foods, a few Hawaii locations, and casts (Leilani gets her cast removed in this book.) I always do a lot of observing of some very special people in my life to put together some supporting characters—my favorite part of research and developing characters! 

And then there was my trip to Maui to do some research on some of the areas on the island—now that’s fun research!! 

***** 

Sandra Nikolai

False Impressions

Amazon.com: Sandra Nikolai: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle

Synopsis: Montreal ghostwriter Megan Scott falls under police suspicion when her husband and a female companion are found murdered.

Question: Research is one of the most important aspects of a writer's work. No matter how knowledgeable the writer is, some research is inevitable. Seasoned authors such as Stephen King may delegate this task. Without the luxury of delegating, did you do your own research for scenes involving the Montreal nightlife, specifically for the strip club Café Cleopatra?

SANDRA NIKOLAI: I grew up in Montreal and am familiar with the nightlife there. That’s not to say I frequented the strip clubs or stood on street corners in the red light district. Heavens, I’m a wife and mother—I have a reputation to maintain! 😊 Kidding aside, I try to ensure that my research information is as accurate as possible. I’ve taken a few liberties with names and places, but the police investigation and legalities—Canadian style—were verified through reliable sources.

 *****

#WriterWednesday - Book Review/Interview: SANDRA NIKOLAI

My guest today is Sandra Nikolai, author of the Megan Scott/Michael Elliott mystery series. Icy Silence is the third novel in this series. I recently received my new e-reader in the mail and this is the first novel I read on it. A great choice.

This is the author's synopsis of the novel:

When ghostwriter Megan Scott and investigative reporter Michael Elliott agree to speak at an exclusive boarding school, the undisclosed deaths of two students overshadow their agenda. Fear mounts as a powerful ice storm cuts them off from the rest of the world—harboring a potential murderer in their midst.

Without access to outside help, Megan and Michael are forced to rely on their wits. Desperate measures drive them beneath the protective façade of the elite high school in a frantic search for a coldblooded killer. What they discover are secrets more terrifying than anyone could ever expect.

Two Interview Questions Relating to Icy Silence

Sandra Nikolai lives in Canada where the winter weather can be a bit unpredictable at times. She mentions on Goodreads that a real ice storm inspired her to write this story. I decided enquiring minds would want to know more so I decided to ask, and Sandra graciously answered.

Without giving away pertinent plot lines, Sandra, can you tell us about your experience with an ice storm and how such weather can be life threatening?

 

SANDRA NIKOLAI:  I’ll never forget the North American Ice Storm of January 1998. It was a system of successive ice storms that hit Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia in Canada, and extended from New York to Maine in the US. Millions of people had no electricity for weeks—some even longer. Tree branches, overhead power lines, and rooftops collapsed under the weight of heavy ice and caused considerable damage. Schools were closed, transport shut down, and people stayed home from work. Major Canadian cities declared a state of emergency, and thousands of military personnel were deployed to help clear debris and restore power at the height of the storm.

Everyone knows that electrical appliances are useless without power. Good thing we’d heeded the government advisory and kept an emergency kit on hand that included candles and matches. We stockpiled bottled water and canned goods that required no heating or cooking, along with a manual can opener. Our wood fireplace in the living room provided the only heat source, so that’s where family members slept. We were lucky that the power outage lasted only a few days in our area. Even so, the whole experience took us back decades when reading by candlelight was the norm!

 Research is an integral part of writing a convincing story. Again, without divulging strategic plot lines, can you share some of your research avenues for this novel, and your normal process of research before and during the creation of a novel?


SANDRA NIKOLAI:  Aside from researching the ice storm as a backdrop for Icy Silence, I researched several private boarding schools in Canada to help create the elite school setting in my story. I adapted tidbits of information I collected about private school guidelines and etiquette and wove them through the narrative. I also researched old abandoned mines. Yes, mines! I’ll leave this peculiar aspect for readers to discover.

I try to do most of my research for the story beforehand so I don’t interrupt the flow of writing, but sometimes it can’t be helped. I’m always on the lookout for that little extra something to enhance reader experience, especially if it evokes any of the five senses. Since Icy Silence is told in the first person through Megan’s perspective, her thrilling ordeals should impact readers all the more.

Thank you, Sandra, and best of success with your Megan Scott/Michael Elliott mysteries.

***** ***** *****

Posting a review of a book you enjoyed reading is the best compliment you can give to an author about their work. With that in mind, I posted my review of Icy Silence, which follows here, along with Amazon and Goodreads

Icy Silence E-Book Review Title: Chilling Tale of Terror

After reading the first two novels in Sandra Nikolai's Megan Scott/Michael Elliot mystery, I was eager for the publication of the next in the series.  I enjoy following the cases of these two likeable protagonists because they work so well together, without undue friction that often comes from mixing business and personal relationships.

Megan Scott puts a romantic interlude on hold to accompany Michael Elliott on a trip to an exclusive college where he will give a talk on investigative reporting. Without warning, students lives are in danger not only from unexplained human sources but from the dangers of a widespread and extended ice storm. The author presents a consistently suspenseful atmosphere, introducing circumstantial evidence that points to an unresolved event in Megan's past.

Nikolai once again maintains a high level of tension as the story progresses to a final satisfying climax. I am already looking forward to the fourth novel in this mystery series.

***** ***** *****

 

LINKS to Sandra Nikolai:

 



Website: http://sandranikolai.com

Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/Sandra-Nikolai/e/B0087RR4XY/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SandraNikolaiAuthor
 

Twitter: @SandraNikolai


 

Sandra Nikolai and "So you know whodunit"

In recent months, I have come across so many interesting and informative blog posts by friends and fellow authors. After reading the article, I usually click "Tweet" to share the link with others on Twitter. Some articles resonate in a special way, and I want to keep on sharing. One such article was written by my friend and fellow author Sandra Nikolai.



Sandra Nikolai,
author of False Impressions
(Megan Scott/Michael Elliott Mystery)

The article is entitled:

So you know whodunit. Now prove it .   

 

Sandra's article begins:

 

When it comes to solving murder mysteries, dedicated fans of the genre have developed an innate sleuthing ability that seems to improve with every additional book they read. True to their passion, they join groups of like-minded members where they exchange comments about the books they’ve read. Many readers post reviews and ratings on Goodreads and other online sites, and aren’t afraid to tell it the way it is.

Please visit Sandra's site to enjoy the full content and comments of her blog post at:

http://sandranikolai.com/so-you-know-whodunit-now-prove-it/

 

 

 

Liebster Blog Award 2013!

Recently, my friend Sandra Nikolai nominated me for the Liebster award. Sandra is the author of False Impressions, her first mystery novel in a series featuring Megan Scott and Michael Elliott. Thank you for the nomination, Sandra!

 

As required of the Liebster nominee, I have pasted the Liebster award in my blog post and will provide a link back to the nominator's blog. In my case, it is  Sandra Nikolai

 

Next I am to answer the 11 questions asked by the person who nominated me, Sandra Nikolai, then compose 11 new questions and nominate 11 more friends to join in the party. The idea is to have fun and introduce new people to your blog site. Sounds like a win-win situation to me! 

Here are the 11 questions Sandra posed for her 11 lucky Nominees, along with my responses:

1. Are you a morning person?

Yes, I am awake by 6, just takes awhile to get oriented enough to make coffee! However, I am also a night person. It is the in-between hours that are not always so productive.

2. What inspires you to blog?

Questionnaires like this one are inspiring. I also like to talk about things related to my home state Wisconsin) and adopted home state (Hawaii.) 

3. What is your current or next WIP about?

My current WIP is the third novel in my Pepper Bibeau mystery series. The story is set in Hawaii. I did much of the initial research several years ago when I visited The Big Island, specifically with a novel in mind. I participated in NaNoWriMo for the first time in 2012 and used that research material as the basis for writing this first draft.  

4. What is the one thing you’d like to do but haven’t had the opportunity?

Study the stars. When I moved to Hawaii, it seemed inevitable that I would become an amateur astronomer. But after settling in Honolulu, I quickly learned one thing it had in common was any major city was too much artificial light to see stars.  

5. Name one of your favorite fictional characters and explain your choice.

Huckleberry Finn has always been one of my favorite characters. To me, his name represents independence. I often dreamed of floating down the mighty Mis’isip, stopping to visit towns along the way, and living a thoroughly carefree life.  

6. What is your pet peeve?

Sudden unnecessary noises, like a slamming door or squealing automobile tires. 

7. What would be your ideal holiday getaway?

A spa retreat with no set schedule - I could choice what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it.

8. Who/what did you want to be when you grew up?

Connie Stevens in the television show ‘Hawaiian Eye’. She was talented, independent, beautiful, and always smiling! What more could a girl ask for? 

9. What is your biggest regret?

Aside from not being Connie Stevens? No regrets. The mistakes and misfires only make the successes stand out that much more vividly.  

10. Name two of your favorite cities in the world.

Paris and Bruge (It’s in Belgium . . . that’s a line from the movie, In Bruge.) 

11. What are the best five words that would describe you?

Happy; Motivated (sporadically); Chocolate-addict; mystery-lover; Aloha  

 

Now, here are the 11 new questions I complied for 11 of my friends:

1. As a writer, do your male characters more often resemble Tom Cruise or Tom Hanks?

2. For the majority of the novels you read, do you prefer the print or ebook format?

3. If your latest novel were made into a screenplay, would your story be best served by hiring director Steven Spielberg or Ang Lee?

4. Knowing you must travel to the location for research, where would you set your next story?

5. Is sending a written letter via the postal service a thing of your past?

6. For 50% of the DVDs you rent or buy, what is the genre?

7. Would you walk a mile for an ice cream cone or reach for an apple in the refrigerator?

8. What is your favorite part of attending a carnival?

9. Most tempting: Banana Split or Hot Fudge Sundae?

10. Do you buy gifts for others that you would like to receive?

11. What is your current or next WIP about?       

 

And now, the list of Nominees I have chosed to accept this challenge:

A. Joyce Schneider @JoyceSchneider1 http://www.thecookandthecardiologist.com/thecookandthecardiologist.com/Embryo.html

B. Karin Kaufman @KarinKaufman http://www.karin-kaufman.blogspot.com/

C. Carole Sutton @cazutt http://casutton.tripod.com/cazutt/

D. Kenneth Hoss @KennHoss http://kenhoss.blogspot.com/

E. Elizabeth Wilder @eewilder http://www.virtual-zen.com/the_spruce_gum_box

F. Richard Weatherly @RichWeatherly43 http://richweatherly.wordpress.com/

G. Laurie Hanan @LaurieHanan http://westoftheequator.wordpress.com/

H. Stella Atrium @SAtrium http://stellaatrium.com/

I. Stacy Juba @stacyjuba http://stacyjuba.com/blog/

J. Cynthia Meyers-Hanson @Hanson8046 http://mchanson714.weebly.com/index.html

K. Alison Bruce @alisonebruce http://www.alisonbruce.ca/

 

Talking Story with Mystery Author Sandra Nikolai

Sandra Nikolai is the author of False Impressions, a Megan Scott/Michael Elliot mystery, that one reviewer describes as “. . .a tightly plotted mystery of betrayal and revenge that kept me guessing until the end. A sparkling debut from a promising crime writer.” Sandra was born in Montreal, Québec, and earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McGill University. As a teen, she discovered her love of mysteries through the Nancy Drew series and was determined to write her own stories one day. Please join me in welcoming my guest today, Sandra Nikolai. 

GAIL: Thank you for joining us today for this interview, Sandra. One of many areas that intrigued me as I read your novel, False Impressions, was your portrayal of 3-Dimensional characters, especially your protagonist. Megan Scott tends to avoid conflict, preferring to reason out a situation. How do you usually deal with conflict in your life, Sandra, and did you use examples of personal experiences when writing this character trait for Megan? 

SANDRA NIKOLAI: I believe that a fair number of personal conflicts can be resolved through logic and compromise if we keep our emotions in check. The pen is mightier than the sword, as they say. This concept is reflected in Megan Scott’s outlook on life as well. As a ghostwriter who is logical and organized and works behind the scenes, my young protagonist isn’t used to conflict—especially in the physical sense. As long as everything runs smoothly, she’s okay. For the sake of the mystery novel, I dropped her into threatening situations to create internal and external conflicts, increase tension, and raise the stakes. Readers can find out more about the ordeals I put Megan through by visiting my blog and reading my interview with her. I also wanted to mention Michael Elliott, Megan’s friend and investigative reporter in the story. As one would expect, his search for the truth triggers dilemmas of a lethal kind and brings even more conflict into Megan’s life. How she deals with these conflicts ultimately decides her fate. Luckily, I never had to deal with such horrific events in my life. 

GAIL: Your debut novel, False Impressions, is set in Montreal. You live in Ottawa and graduated from McGill University in Montreal. My genealogy research took me to many websites concerning Quebec, and I had an opportunity to visit beautiful Montreal several decades ago. While I saw many sights there, one unfamiliar to me is Sunny Watering Hole, Bistro Hot Spot, Montreal, Quebec. Because Megan Scott had never heard of the place, either, I am wondering, is this an actual place or a wonderful figment of the author’s imagination? 

SANDRA NIKOLAI: Definitely a figment of my imagination! I thought I’d have a bit of fun by creating a fictitious name for a pub. I used fictitious names for several other places in and around Montreal in my story. To protect the innocent, of course. J

GAIL: One of the most frequently asked questions of authors is “Where do you get your ideas?” Answers vary, anywhere from newspaper articles to personal experiences to sheer imagination. Have you ever awakened from a dream with an idea that just had to be told, and were you able to remember enough of the details to actually write the story? 

SANDRA NIKOLAI: Ideas come to me from the three sources you mentioned, but most of the time they come from my imagination. If I draw from the news or personal experience, I’ll give the incident a twist or dramatize it to suit the scene. As for dreams, once in a while I’ll wake up the next morning with a solution to a problem I’d encountered in the story the day before. It’s one of those “Aha!” moments when all the pieces of the puzzle seem to have fallen into place while I was sleeping. If I’m sitting at my desk, struggling with a bit of prose, I’ll take a break and do something else. The change in focus often leads to an answer. If not, I’ll move on and work on another scene. A solution pops up when I least expect it. 

GAIL: When I read a novel, I look for strengths within the protagonist and imagine the backstory that led her to the point where she is capable of dealing with crisis situations. Megan Scott is suspected of murder in False Impressions. Having to deal with everything that confronts her, she also manages to focus on this accusation. Has she gained the strength to cope with disaster from events in her personal life or through the demands of her career? 

SANDRA NIKOLAI: Perhaps both. Megan is tougher than what she appears to be at first. As the story progresses, we learn she is an only child, which makes her independent. She lost her father to cancer at a young age, is helping her mother financially, and is saving money to buy a home—signs of responsibility. She works long hours, pays attention to detail, and meets stringent deadlines on the job. These habits spell resolve and diligence. When Megan learns of the murders and then becomes a prime suspect, she’s doubly astounded, but she doesn’t dwell on the gravity of the situation for long. Instead she draws on her strengths to help prove her innocence and find the real killer. She’s a survivor. 

GAIL: Research is one of the most important aspects of a writer’s work. No matter how knowledgeable the writer is, some research is inevitable. Seasoned authors (Stephen King comes to mind) may delegate this task, and one author I know says he does not farm out the research for his risqué scenes. As a debut novelist without the luxury of delegating, did you do your own research for scenes involving the Montreal nightlife, specifically the strip club Café Cleopatra? 

SANDRA NIKOLAI: I grew up in Montreal and am familiar with the nightlife there. That’s not to say I frequented the strip clubs or stood on street corners in the red light district. Heavens, I’m a wife and mother—I have a reputation to maintain! J Kidding aside, I try to ensure that my research information is as accurate as possible. I’ve taken a few liberties with names and places, but the police investigation and legalities—Canadian style—were verified through reliable sources. 

GAIL: The second novel in your mystery series, Fatal Whispers, is set in Portland, Maine. It is always fun to travel to the chosen venue of a new novel and absorb the atmosphere and outline pertinent logistics. When you sit down to record your stories, though, is there a special place where you would most like to write, such as inside your private office, on the beach, or in Rome? 

SANDRA NIKOLAI: Yes, traveling is fun! I visited Portland and knew right away that this quaint New England city would be the perfect setting for my next book. As for my special writing place, I have a home office with a lovely view of the trees outdoors. It’s a quiet place where my muse and I conspire to dream up mystery plots, create characters, and bring the guilty to justice. And I love every minute of it! 

 Where to find Sandra Nikolai on the Internet:

Blog: http://sandranikolaiauthor.blogspot.ca/

Book sale sites:

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Impressions-Michael-Elliott-mystery-ebook/dp/B0086WMMZ0/ref=sr_1_6?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1338295012&sr=1-6

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/172016

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sandra-Nikolai-Author/232889213453884

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6282913.Sandra_Nikolai

Independent Author Network: http://www.independentauthornetwork.com/sandra-nikolai.html