One of the best tools available to writers is the Internet. It puts the world at your fingertips. It has made researching my five novels a piece of cake. I can hardly imagine authoring a book without it.
When I write a novel I always set it in a location in which I’ve spent considerable time. It’s important to do this in order to get the “feel” for the location—scents, sounds, attitudes. However, I always need additional bits of information for my novels that I did not come across while visiting the country or city. Enter the Internet as a vehicle to find what I need. For example, in writing my novel, Murder Casts a Spell set in South Africa, I needed to know the color of uniforms worn by police officers. While writing Murder Down Under set in Australia, I needed a description of a mural in Alice Springs created by an Arrente aborigine artist. I found both the artist and the uniform colors on the Internet.
Although my major use of the Internet is to ensure authenticity in my novels, I also use it to locate general information and answers to just about any question I might have. And here’s the big bonus! During my research I always stumble on other information I can incorporate into my stories to make them more real.
If you have not already jumped into cyberspace, consider doing it today. I guarantee you will be as delighted as I am.
More tips:
Great Settings Make Great Mysteries
8 Uncommon Settings for Your Mystery Novel
I’m thankful for the Information Age. I’d be far less happy living any other time. A day does not pass that I don’t search for information and find it. Great post. I can’t imagine writing without the support of the Internet.
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By: Carol Ann Hoel on June 19, 2014
at 3:00 pm
Carol Ann, I’m just like you. I can ask any question and find the answer on the Internet. By the way, I tried to make a comment on your blog and couldn’t get it posted.
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By: Nancy Curteman on June 19, 2014
at 3:50 pm
I’m sorry you could not comment. I don’t know what reason there might be, but I will investigate. Thanks for telling me. Blessings…
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By: Carol Ann Hoel on June 19, 2014
at 6:27 pm