tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post6193283143116267154..comments2024-03-28T04:55:50.771-04:00Comments on Jungle Red Writers: Kim Fay, Author of THE MAP OF LOST MEMORIES on the "Vice" of Research, and a book giveaway!Jungle Red Writershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646429819267618412noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-53393019214019215972013-12-13T06:57:24.734-05:002013-12-13T06:57:24.734-05:00As a previous librarian and author of four histori...As a previous librarian and author of four historical novels, I totally get what you're saying. I love, love the research part of writing and sometimes have to drag myself kicking and screaming back into the hard work of actual writing. I identify with what you say, including the Time-Life books. I also have a hard time even considering discarding any of my "research" tomes!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00252660770110458366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-41247752375778994092013-12-10T22:02:56.285-05:002013-12-10T22:02:56.285-05:00Reine - Agreed, overlong historical passages reall...Reine - Agreed, overlong historical passages really bog a story down. It's the rare writer who can infuse a unique voice into their "lecture" and pull it off.<br /><br />Your research sounds so fascinating. It's amazing what is available to us when we start searching.<br /><br />As for the drawing - I'm offering the books for reading pleasure, not reviews (unless one feels so inclined), so I will gladly include your name with the others. As far as I'm concerned, if someone likes my book, word of mouth is far more effective anyway!Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15354719566758459929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-77211558229792129012013-12-10T21:21:58.362-05:002013-12-10T21:21:58.362-05:00I love well-researched books. If it's a histor...I love well-researched books. If it's a historic novel it's very important, of course. I like the feel of the history in the story. And while I like to learn a little as I read for fun, I don't want the feeling of reading a history book. I don't like long passages telling or explaining the history, because it takes me out of the story.<br /><br />My own research I am reading Records of the Salem witch trials and records of the earliest slave marketers and merchant vessels that transported slaves. I am also reading the available educational records of the ministers and businessmen, as well as those of their contemporaries, from the Harvard Archives—as they become available. Some have only been recently rediscovered. Some I will have to go back home to read.<br /><br />Kim, I am so far behind in writing reviews of the books I have read recently, I should not be entered into the drawing. I will read your books, though. I'm thrilled to learn about them.Maureen Harringtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03499876353651763590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-21043214777978850852013-12-10T20:07:21.142-05:002013-12-10T20:07:21.142-05:00Lisa - Cocktails or wine - definitely a plan!Lisa - Cocktails or wine - definitely a plan!Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15354719566758459929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-71935249582356685082013-12-10T19:01:03.186-05:002013-12-10T19:01:03.186-05:00That's awesome, Kim. Definitely tap me when yo...That's awesome, Kim. Definitely tap me when you travel up this way. We can do cocktails. (I'm always up for cocktails, or wine, or ...) :-) Lisa Alberhttp://www.lisaalber.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-75997147278557762402013-12-10T18:19:30.092-05:002013-12-10T18:19:30.092-05:00Yes, Susan - I'm definitely going to Boucherco...Yes, Susan - I'm definitely going to Bouchercon (otherwise known as Margaritaville). I'll also be at the Tucson Festival of Books. I'm hoping for Left Coast Crime too, but it's so close to Tucson, I'm not sure it will work out :(<br /><br />Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15354719566758459929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-87220611177564071972013-12-10T17:24:49.292-05:002013-12-10T17:24:49.292-05:00SJ - You said it. There is always something more t...SJ - You said it. There is always something more to learn, and I feel so sorry for people who don't feel that way. <br /><br />I just helped edit a memoir by Janet Brown (author of Tone Deaf in Thailand) about her childhood in Alaska - it's due out next year. I have great admiration for those who live in remote wilderness areas. The view out your window is probably as amazing (or more so) than anything you find on the Internet.Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15354719566758459929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-15540005949246339692013-12-10T17:23:03.888-05:002013-12-10T17:23:03.888-05:00If you'd like to meet Kim in person, I believe...If you'd like to meet Kim in person, I believe she'll be at Bouchercon 2014 in Long Beach, CA — is that right, Kim?Susan Elia MacNealhttp://www.susaeliamacneal.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-23624859531190211122013-12-10T16:37:15.320-05:002013-12-10T16:37:15.320-05:00As a reader, I go from fiction to research! Alway...As a reader, I go from fiction to research! Always something more to learn. Living in a rural Alaskan setting, the internet gives me access to the world in both words and pictures. I read the "Lands and People" book set that came with our encyclopedia when I was a kid, until the bindings gave out.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02662797554528413419noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-44936240155512491252013-12-10T15:40:45.257-05:002013-12-10T15:40:45.257-05:00Lisa - Hallie's book is specifically on writin...Lisa - Hallie's book is specifically on writing mysteries. It's terrific!!<br /><br />Might see you around the real world too. I spent junior high and high school in Vancouver outside Portland. I get up that way sometimes. If I do I'll drop you a note.Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15354719566758459929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-33934124296235238712013-12-10T15:30:45.697-05:002013-12-10T15:30:45.697-05:00Kate - Isn't Angkor Wat the most amazing place...Kate - Isn't Angkor Wat the most amazing place!! I've been there 3 times now, and it never fails to awe me.<br /><br />Regarding the Internet, it's the great black hole, and I love it for that! The one thing leads to another aspect can be so fulfilling. I try to be disciplined, but I also know that serendipity plays a great role in writing, so when it feels right, I follow the links :)Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15354719566758459929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-11492926645133740882013-12-10T15:29:07.447-05:002013-12-10T15:29:07.447-05:00Exploding marketing heads! I'd like to see tha...Exploding marketing heads! I'd like to see that!<br /><br />See you around the virtual world, :-) Lisa<br /><br />P.S. Hallie, I didn't know you had a writing book. I've gotta check it out.Lisa Alberhttp://www.lisaalber.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-7078531538104371912013-12-10T14:49:53.766-05:002013-12-10T14:49:53.766-05:00Kim - I was lucky enough to visit Angkor Wat a few...Kim - I was lucky enough to visit Angkor Wat a few years ago, so your book *definitely* made my 'to-read' list!<br /><br />And I'll add an aspect of research that I haven't seen mentioned yet - courtesy of the Internet, it's not only possible but all-too-easy to start researching topic A, only to click a few links and wind up also researching Q and X, as well! (I'm usually done in by additional links on a website that I enjoy.)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14431306874256373252noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-87969106186175596072013-12-10T14:42:49.716-05:002013-12-10T14:42:49.716-05:00Colleen and Marianne - I'm that way too! If I ...Colleen and Marianne - I'm that way too! If I read a novel or really any book that sparks my interest in the subject, the next time I know, I'm knee deep in non-fiction books.<br /><br />Lisa - My agent and editor are open-minded. As for the marketing department ... they could hardly wrap their heads around The Map of Lost Memories, because it wasn't easy to pigeon-hole. I can't imagine how their heads will explode when I turn in a completely new book! <br /><br />As for the 3-5 years, that's wishful thinking on my part. But I've learned so much about process from the mystery writing community (Hallie Ephron's book on writing is my Bible right now), so I think I'll have an easier go of it from now on.<br /><br />And speaking to having more than one project at a time - I feel that I write best if I can dig in and get a good stretch of writing done, then step back, move my mind elsewhere, and let my subconscious get some work done for me :)<br /><br />Terry - You are always so generous with your praise. Thank you! I in turn love the "research" you do ... live an interesting life first, then write about it later ;)<br /><br />Oh Susan - The Map of Lost Memories was 600+ pages at one point ... I had to kill a thousand darlings. But there's nothing like some sacrifice to make us stronger!! (PS - Just finished Her Majesty's Hope - such an emotional experience. I loved the way you took Maggie in such a new direction). <br /><br />Kathy - I too love our "discussions" here at Jungle Reds. It's such a unique and personal community. I use the blog posts and comments as a sort of daily meditation.<br /><br />It sounds like you and I are identical in our love of research. I'm so glad I came of age before the Internet. There was something so satisfying about being surrounded by books, books and more books whenever I wanted to learn something new. As for my grandpa, he was definitely attuned to who I was, but he also shaped me too. He was a very simple man with little education, and all he wanted for his granddaughters was college (he couldn't have cared less if we got married). He did everything he could to nurture our curiosity and love of knowledge.<br /><br />I'm SO happy to be a part of igniting your further interest in Asia. I fell madly in love with the region the first time I traveled there, and I now consider Vietnam my home away from home. It's so rich with culture and history, not to mention fabulous food!<br /><br />Edith - Thank you for offering to share your experiences and contacts with me. As soon as I get more organized, I'll definitely be in touch.<br /><br />Pat - I totally agree with you on the lecture aspect. I had more than a few art history and colonialism "lectures" in my novel before I edited it down. It was so tricky weaving what I wanted to keep into the story, but very satisfying each time I pulled it off.<br /><br />Virginia - Librarians were my life raft as a child, and I still rely on them today. Your comment warms my heart :)Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15354719566758459929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-51544388248895648502013-12-10T14:20:47.425-05:002013-12-10T14:20:47.425-05:00It warms my (retired) librarian heart to read Kim&...It warms my (retired) librarian heart to read Kim's thoughts on the research process!Virginia P.https://www.blogger.com/profile/07144047427507116354noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-75226419913508313502013-12-10T13:48:17.587-05:002013-12-10T13:48:17.587-05:00Your book sounds great! Must read.
I like to learn...Your book sounds great! Must read.<br />I like to learn history, etc through fiction, but there is a delicate balance. Too much info and it turns into a lecture I don't want to sit through in order to read the story. A good historical fiction will provide solid info with the story and a good jumping off point to direct further research on my part. The 1920s are fascinating, so I can hardly wait to see where your story sends me.Pat Dnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-893044281020910862013-12-10T13:38:52.501-05:002013-12-10T13:38:52.501-05:00Kim, feel free to email me at edithmax at gmail do...Kim, feel free to email me at edithmax at gmail dot com. I moved to Japan in late 1975 and haven't live in California since then, but have loads of family and friends who never left, so ask away!Edith Maxwellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01388006370860482509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-23016151702492731792013-12-10T13:37:59.132-05:002013-12-10T13:37:59.132-05:00My favorite line in your posting, Kim, was "M...My favorite line in your posting, Kim, was "My grandpa did not buy me dolls. He bought me Time-Life series." How wonderful to have such an important person in your life so in tune with the essence of who you are. I, too, loved to peruse encyclopedias as a child. I wish I'd kept the old black ones when my parents died. I still love compendiums of information that lead me to further research. While fellow students, especially during my Masters, complained of the necessity of reading multiple sources for projects or papers, I was in my glory. <br /><br />Whenever I travel somewhere, I like to research the history of the place. Having been to Hawaii (Oahu) several times, I became passionately interested in its history, in particular the United States bold and greedy takeover. I read non-fiction and fiction to feed this thirst for knowledge.<br /><br />Too much research? Can there be such a thing? As you so astutely stated, it's not always possible to fit in all of your knowledge on a subject, but for me, the reader, I get a great sense of satisfaction from the confidence the author exudes in her writing, stemming from that overall knowledge.<br /><br />I'm so glad that you are the guest blogger today, as I always enjoy and learn from you comments here. The conversation yesterday on book buying for Christmas netted me some wonderful titles due to your listings. Also, when I went to look up your Communion book, I did come across The Map of Lost Memories and put it on my list, too. What I am most pleased about, Kim, is that I think you are going to open up a new area of interest for me in the locale of your writing. That's always exciting.<br /><br />I mostly read fiction, but that's misleading because the fiction almost without exception takes me to researching facts concerning a locale or story. I love theme reading, which just naturally includes fiction and non-fiction aspects. <br /><br />Great post, Kim. Now I can be a fan of your books as well as your comments. Oh, and I'm eager to see what you do with the mystery series. Sounds intriguing indeed. Kathy Reelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17004247271452356577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-39652512906686414112013-12-10T13:35:33.437-05:002013-12-10T13:35:33.437-05:00Interesting question about the branding thing…. Pe...Interesting question about the branding thing…. Personally, if I love an author, I'll follow her across any and all genres…..<br /><br />Kim, I think I've come a long way in terms of research and how I present it. I feel it gets better with every book. But sometimes it hurts so much to make those cuts… "Kill your darlings!" Susan Elia MacNealhttp://www.suaneliamacneal.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-19974047212850369252013-12-10T13:11:07.332-05:002013-12-10T13:11:07.332-05:00As someone who has read the book, I'll vouch f...As someone who has read the book, I'll vouch for the "fabulous" description. I loved it. Kim used her research in a way that wasn't overt, but part of the story. Best of luck with the paperback!Terry Ambrosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14859532145979982213noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-18470306042329551042013-12-10T12:44:34.715-05:002013-12-10T12:44:34.715-05:00That definitely answers my question, Kim! Thanks. ...That definitely answers my question, Kim! Thanks. It's nice that your agent and editor are open-minded that way. Seems like things can get a little rigid in the branding department.<br /><br />Also, wow, 3-5 years! Frankly, I like knowing that. Some novels just take longer.<br /><br />I'm impressed (in awe really) that you're working on so many projects at the same time. You don't confuse yourself sometimes? :-)Lisa Alberhttp://www.lisaalber.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-15308000747354434022013-12-10T12:34:27.635-05:002013-12-10T12:34:27.635-05:00Hi Kim. It's great to "meet" you. ...Hi Kim. It's great to "meet" you. I can't wait to read your book. Sounds fabulous.<br /><br />Yes, I love research. Even when not actually researching but only reading for pleasure I tend to want to dig deeper into topics. I remember reading NICHOLAS AND ALEXANDRA (in the 70s?) and spent months just reading Russian history. Deb Harkness' A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES and SHADOW OF NIGHT have many opportunities to veer off into related subjects- and I have. Who knew Gerbert of Aurillac was so fascinating, for example?<br /><br />I've added your book to the top of the TBR list. Can't wait to get it.Marianne in Mainenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-38399934426076221232013-12-10T12:32:07.383-05:002013-12-10T12:32:07.383-05:00Lisa - I LOVE research trips. There's nothing ...Lisa - I LOVE research trips. There's nothing that makes me happier than another excuse to travel back to Vietnam. Next up for me: a few months in the hill town of Dalat to explore the area's history.<br /><br />As for your question about branding, I am working on another novel set in Southeast Asia (this one takes place from the 1930s to the 1970s), as well as a sequel to The Map of Lost Memories. But those books will probably take me 3-5 years each ... that's just the way I roll :) <br /><br />In the meantime, I wanted to have some fun and do something a little different that didn't take me as much time. (I also do well if I work on more than one project at a time, so that I can switch back and forth). <br /><br />My editor at Ballantine told me that she thinks it's good for an author to branch out and not get stuck in the rut of just one type of book. And my agent feels that I'll be able to cross over (since my Asia books and my L.A. books will both stay loosely within the mystery genre), although for another book I'm working on, we are going to try to sell it under a pen name, since it's so different (it's more traditional women's fiction).<br /><br />Does that answer your question? If not, let me know and I'll see if I can be more specific.Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15354719566758459929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-35520778113443460132013-12-10T12:26:20.235-05:002013-12-10T12:26:20.235-05:00This is SO much fun! Be careful Jungle Reds, or I ...This is SO much fun! Be careful Jungle Reds, or I may just try to post every day ... I love these online conversations.<br /><br />Hank - We have a mutual admiration society. Your books are so fantastic! And I love what you say about research being like a treasure hunt ... I especially love it when the treasure I find is not the one I went looking for.<br /><br />Elizabeth - I'm thrilled that you enjoyed my book! And I know what you mean about the dangers of letting in too much research no matter the situation. Giving speeches is so hard when you have more info than you need ... it's such a fine art, paring down.<br /><br />Kaye - Perhaps my novel will help you stay warm. It takes place in the tropics and there is a lot of HEAT in the book.<br /><br />Libby - Yes! Research can be such an adventure in and of itself.<br /><br />Deb - Thank you SO MUCH for taking the paper leap with my novel. I hope you enjoy your journey through Shanghai, Saigon and Cambodia. It was a fun but strange place to research, since I knew the region so well but at the same time knew it in the 1990s, not the 1920s. I was fortunate in that I had access to so much information to help give the book its authenticity. <br /><br />Julia - Your books feel so natural in regard to how you weave the research in. Perhaps that is because you follow your story's flow first. It's funny because even though I do loads of research up front, my first draft is usually a wild ride through the unknown. The research really comes in for in the revisions.<br /><br />Susan - I must thank you for this opportunity to converse with so many wonderful writers and readers. As for your books, I can't imagine how you get any writing done, the research aspect is SO fascinating!<br /><br />Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15354719566758459929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-23579864414698715462013-12-10T12:12:22.970-05:002013-12-10T12:12:22.970-05:00Hi Kim, as one regular commenter to another, it...Hi Kim, as one regular commenter to another, it's nice to learn more about you. I have GOT to read your novel. I can't believe I somehow missed it.<br /><br />For the LA novel, I love your description of how your research flowed from one interest to another.<br /><br />I'm definitely a researcher. Since my novels take place modern-day Ireland: research trips! Woohoo! I have to be careful that I don't slow the stories down with too much description. <br /><br />I have a question. As a branding thing, since you started out in the east, did your publisher want to see more mysteries set in the east? Or was it no problem moving to LA, fictionally speaking?Lisa Alberhttp://www.lisaalber.comnoreply@blogger.com