[Pluvious]

I'm currently undergoing a long process of research for my first novel. Obviously, I hope to publish one day. Anyway, it seems an endless cycle of reading and note taking. I was just curious what other people do before writing a book. Any authors out there?

What are some books you have found particuarly helpful in your research? Some of my favorites so far have been "Word Painting" by Rebecca McClanahan, "Life in a Medival Castle" by Joseph & Frances Gies", "Tom Brown's Field Guide to Nature Observation and Tracking", "Warfare in the Classical World" by John Warry, and "Cathedral, Forge, and Waterwheel" by the Geis' again, amoung others.

Also, do you know of any good web sites that offer helpful info on the medieval ages and renaissance?

[Drewids]

The first thing I do is make an outline. I write down the first things that come to mind about the progression of the story on paper, but I leave ALOT of room in between for notes.

As for the books, those are just as good as any that I have come across. It seems you have the basics down, but that all depends what detail you want to go through. Some people will mention tracking but not explain the intricies of it. I might suggest getting a book on horses and their tack (anyone will do), also, if there is going to ships or sailing I would get a book on Portugese or Spanish 18th century ship building and sailing.

As for the web site, I use one. It's a great one and has almost anything you would need, including references to writing resourses that have proved invaluable in a pinch.
http://members.home.net/dragonmuse/sitemap.html

[Rob B]

Three books on writing that have helped
1.) How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy by Orson Scott Card
2.) Character and Viewpoint by OSC
3.) On Writing by Stephen King

As for my writing process I have a few books/projects that I am writing. I let the ideas brew in my head for a while and then put the words to computer. I usually just sit in front of the computer and start writing. If I come to a point where I know I will need to research, I make a mental note.

Right now, I am trying to concentrate on one specific book I have been working on for a while now, so I try to stick to writing that one. But if inspiration strikes for the others, I type away and get thoughts on to "paper' before I forget them.

Basically, it is a little chaotic, but I do try to keep it somewhat structured and write a little bit each day. If I can get anywhere between 3 to 15 pages a day(after I get home from my 9-5 job), then the day is productive.

[FitzChivalry]

Interesting, anyone on this board ever got something published? if so mention the name of the book.

[Giarc]

*grin* A guide to the aquatic insects of New Zealand. Does that count? http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/wink.gif

[Pluvious]

Thanks Drewids. And I want so much detail it is hard for me to get started, realizing as I do that I don't know everything!

I have a list of over 300 books on my Amazon account that I am waiting to buy, but that might be awhile. Feel free to visit my wish list everyone...(just kidding).

What I am looking for is some real "gems" as far as research goes. Books or web sites that will provide more than just a few tidbits of info.

Thanks for the website, I'll check it out.

[Giarc]

*wink* Well, if you plan on setting it ina fantasy world dominated by New Zealand stream insects, may I refer you to an excellent resource...."A guide to the aquati..." *grin* Ok, I'll shut up now...you can stop throwing tomatoes. http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

[Drewids]

I haven't written fantasy for publication, just haven't gotten to the point of being brave enough to send it in. I usually write to build my world. For two worlds I have written the religous, political and academic history. About 7 personal histories for each and have the geographical layout for both. That is the most fun for me, the stories come as you write the histories usually, so those aren't overly hard to come by. Keeping the characters interesting enough for people to care about is though.

Pluvious, that web site I jotted down is a gem, if you scroll down on the first page and go to the "Ancients" link, it will take you to resourses about ships, horses, castles etc... plus notes on historic cultures. Check out the writer resources link, it has some real good ones.



[This message has been edited by Drewids (edited December 13, 2000).]

[FitzChivalry]

Heh, Giarc, are you a biologist?

[Giarc]

So the rumours say, Fitz http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif Aquatic ecologist more specifically.