LUCY BURDETTE: I definitely enjoy research (think Paris pastries for example!), but I've never thought through all the benefits the way my pal Daryl has. She's here to tell you what she's figured out along the path of many books!
DARYL WOOD GERBER: Don’t groan. It is. It not only expands my mind, it enhances the book I’m writing. Here are five reasons why I enjoy it.
Research feeds my curiosity
When I wrote the Cheese Shop Mysteries, I tasted at least 1000 cheeses over the course of the series. Lucky me. When I wrote the Cookbook Nook Mysteries, I purchased bunches of new cookbooks. Again, lucky me. When I wrote the Fairy Garden Mysteries—I’m going to release a novella in December—I did a deep dive into fairies and myths, and I made numerous fairy gardens that now adorn my garden. Yes, you guessed it. Lucky me!
Research expands my horizons
I like to armchair travel, which I guess most readers do. But sometimes I need to leave the nest and travel to get a feeling for a new place I’m going to include in a series. For my current series, the Literary Dining Mysteries, which are set in the mountains near Asheville, NC, I visited the city and took a few tours in the surrounding towns with my nephew, who lives there. We had fun. When we ate barbecue in Black Mountain, I knew I’d found my fictional town. Plus we met a number of quirky characters, a few of whom made it into the book, with slight alterations, of course. Next, to expand my knowledge of books, I selected the book that would be featured in the first of the series: Pride and Prejudice. Why? Because it’s a superb story, and it’s the favorite of the bookshop owner in the story. She is like an aunt to my protagonist Allie, a caterer and devoted reader. To properly do the references justice, I reread the book and marked (with sticky notes, mind you—no dog-eared pages or magic markers) the quotes I would include at the top of each chapter. Doing the deep dive made my story come alive. I paid attention to the words, the expressions, and the tempo. In addition, I did extensive research about the clothing, music, and food of the Regency Era. Check out the yummy maids of honor recipe on my website here.
Research helps me realize which stories deserve the spotlight
For my newest in the Literary Dining Mysteries, Murder by the Millions, I chose The Great Gatsby as the book the literary dining party would study and discuss. It happens to be one of my all-time favorite novels. The tragic character of Jay Gatsby breaks my heart. I studied the novel and its themes, and I boned up on the clothing, music, and food of the era. To my surprise, while I was writing the book, I visited New York City, and what was on Broadway? The Great Gatsby. I bought a ticket and ensconced myself in the story and mood, as presented in musical fashion. I’ve got to say, that was some of the most fun research I’ve ever done. The story really deserves the spotlight.
Research can blossom into a personal journey
For the first in the Aroma Wellness Mysteries, which is set in Carmel-by-the-Sea, meaning I could use much of the research I’d already gleaned for the Fairy Garden Mysteries, I delved into how to open a spa business, how to conduct a mindful meditation, what various massage techniques require, and the value of crystal readings. What makes this series a bit of a challenge, is I decided to include a café and gift shop at the spa. Both of those businesses required more research. For the café, I experimented with good-for-you recipes. For the gift shop, I learned about the many items it might sell, including baoding balls and fragrant candles and bonsai trees.
However, the bonus to this research is, in order to learn about singing bowls, gemstones, and essential oils, I visited the Native Spirit Lodge, which is located near my house, and I indulged in a sound bath. What a treat. I came out of that place so relaxed!
The downside of research . . . it can be costly
I’ve spent a lot of money on books, cookbooks, gemstones, and essential oils. I’ve bought way too many fairy figurines—I’m obsessed.
The upside? I love using the oils and rubbing the gemstones between my fingertips. And I love all my new books. I love holding them and browsing the pages. Navigating through Internet sites doesn’t feel the same.
Which is why I’ll continue to leave my office occasionally to conduct in-person research. It’s fun. It’s enlightening. It enhances my stories. Lucky me.
REDS, tell us about some research you've done on one of your projects. Commenters will be entered in a drawing for Daryl's giveaway, a copy of the first in the series and swag!
Daryl Wood Gerber is the Agatha Award-winning and nationally bestselling author of the Literary Dining Mysteries, Aroma Wellness Mysteries, Fairy Garden Mysteries and Cookbook Nook Mysteries. As Avery Aames, she penned the popular Cheese Shop Mysteries. In addition, Daryl writes suspense novels, including the well-received The Son’s Secret, Girl on the Run, and the popular Aspen Adams trilogy. Daryl has published a standalone Christmas romance, Hope for the Holidays, and her short stories have appeared in numerous anthologies. Fun Tidbit: as an actress, Daryl appeared in “Murder, She Wrote.” She loves to cook, garden, read, and walk her frisky Goldendoodle. Also she has been known to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. You can learn more on her website: https://darylwoodgerber.com
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In the beautiful mountain community of Asheville, North Carolina, caterer and personal chef Allie Catt serves up mouthwatering, literary-themed dinner parties inspired by her clients’ favorite books. Her next event is sure to be a roaring success—if a murderer isn’t a killjoy . . .
If it were true that the best thing a girl can be in this world is a fool, then Allie Catt would be out of luck. Fortunately, Allie’s business is a smashing success. And following her Pride and Prejudice event, grander plans await . . .
Feast for the Eyes bookstore manager and Allie’s best friend, Tegan, is hosting a book club soiree and wants it to be a glittering affair based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic Jazz Age-set novel, The Great Gatsby. Soon, Art Deco table settings and visions of flappers are dancing the Charleston in their heads. Even Tegan’s prickly sister, Vanna, is on board. And surely, Allie’s tuxedo cat, Darcy, thinks it’s the cat’s meow.
Amid the planning, charismatic developer Jason Gardner arrives in town to buy some historic buildings on Main Street. He, too, has plans: to create a modern mall. Allie is more than concerned. She even wants to protest. But when Jason invites her to cater a lavish party, she finds him surprisingly likable. Then she’s summoned to his estate for a meeting—and finds him dead.
Once again Allie’s landed in the middle of a crime scene.
I'll never think of research in the same way ever again . . . .
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Daryl, on your newest book . . . what an intriguing story; I'm looking forward to reading it.
Thanks, Joan. I hope you'll enjoy it. ~ Daryl
DeleteDaryl, I love your books, and it seems I am way behind. Lucky me!
ReplyDeleteWhen I wrote my first book, on making money with sewing, I interviewed more than 100 people, and visited a couple dozen workrooms of various kinds: bridal dressmaker, upholstery, costume shop, color guard flagmaker, bespoke tailor, and grocery apron manufacturer, among others. 70 specialties ended up in the book, but there were so many other ideas, it was really fascinating.
wow Karen, you covered a lot of possibilities!
DeleteThat is so utterly fascinating, Karen. Thanks for sharing.
DeleteWow, Karen. I've never heard of "bespoke" tailor. So much always to learn! Love it. ~ Daryl
DeleteThe bespoke tailors in Cincinnati used to make the iconic green sportscoats for the winners of the US Open. It means made specifically for one person, to their precise measurements, and to their exact specifications.
DeleteIf I was ever moved to write a book, I would surely get stuck in the research phase. I love finding out how things work and listening to people talk about a subject with expertise and passion.
ReplyDeleteLisa, it's always a risk, getting sucked into the research rabbit hole:)
DeleteLisa, I think that's one of the blessings and...dangers. LOL ~ Daryl
DeleteIt's the same in academic research. I'm always finding new things in the archive. One's "picture" of a personage is only accurate as the latest information found.
DeleteSo much wonderful research, Daryl! Especially seeing the Great Gatsy on stage. Your new series sounds great - congrats on the new book.
ReplyDeleteI've also done all kinds of research, including riding as a passenger in a small nineteenth-century carriage along old carriage lanes (wearing a long skirt). I talked with a forensic anthropologist about what a ninety-year old corpse would look like and to an organic farmer who kept chickens. I've picked the brains of a bike shop mechanic and the owner of a small breakfast-and-lunch restaurant, and of course gone to numerous wine tastings in northern California. So much fun.
Edith, what a colorful life you lead! I'll join you for the wine tastings. ~ Daryl
DeleteI've done my share of research since that was my job and yes it can be costly when you have to invest in an assortment of databases and I've gone done plenty of rabbit holes to find the answers that I needed.
ReplyDeleteDruAnn, the ubiquitous rabbit hole! Been down plenty. LOL ~ Daryl
DeleteAren't rabbit holes what we live for?
DeleteWow, you do a very thorough job of researching! There's nothing like hands-on to give you the taste and feel of whatever you are writing about.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a college student on overseas study in Edinburgh, my friend and I decided to write our big paper on folk music in Scotland. We started by visiting a folk music club one night. This led to trips to more clubs, bars, and a train and bus ride to a weekend festival in Keith. We interviewed musicians and made notes. Hamish Henderson was on the bus to Keith, so we were able to interview him. We had the best time and continued going to music festivals and events long after the paper was turned in.
Gillian, what a fabulous memory to hold. A what a colorful experience. ~ Daryl
DeleteDaryl, your research projects do sound like fun. I think readers can tell when the language and manners fit the time period in which a book is set. There are probably instances when readers recognize a place or an era or even the costumes and the food, and will notice if something is out of time or place. I love it when I learn something completely new, such as information about the advent of rail travel which was subtly included in a historical romance I just listened to. Fascinating. I did not question the accuracy it fit so perfectly into the story.
ReplyDeleteJudy, when you don't question but just go along for the ride, that's a joy! ~ Daryl
DeleteMorning, Paula B here ~ Many years ago I worked as a freelancer for a local magazine and had such a delightful time interviewing even a couple classmates years after our graduation. There was a rival publisher to interview who was a totally delightful guy who said such interesting things that I didn’t hear my recorder turn off at the end of the tape. Didn’t make that mistake again. Then I went into freelancing as a travel writer where I could interview people who worked in the food industry. I loved interviewing chefs and restaurant owners. Lots of good food and stories.
ReplyDeleteI was once working on a novel partially set in Elkton, Maryland. I did all of the online research I could, I knew about the shops, the history of the place, etc. When a family wedding took us to Maryland, we took a few extra days to spend some time in Elkton (as well as in Annapolis, where that part of the book set in the colonial period took place). Elkton turned out to be nothing as I imagined it to be. The great thing is because of my research on Annapolis, I knew more than some of the guides there did!
ReplyDeleteBeth, when you're informed enough to outshine the guides, that is fun. Just watch out for a jealous reaction. Ha! ~ Daryl
DeleteResearch for my current project has been mostly online. Many, many maps have been printed from google earth. Plus research on guns - hand guns, rifles, and military specific weapons, etc were mostly done on line, but I did learn the basics from a young man in my previous writing group who played war game type video games and had a scarily accurate knowledge of all weapons. Some research regarding the maps was also done in person by driving the same roads in my travels north and south from my home in North Carolina and my previous home in Massachusetts. But since my story takes place in a post apocalyptic landscape, my research hasn’t entailed any trips to fun or exotic places. I do need to travel to somewhere to see military ships that fit in with what my characters will be doing. I foresee a trip to a military museum (I love museums!) in my near future.
ReplyDeleteSylvia, writing any post apocalyptic seems like a huge challenge to me. Kudos. As for military ships, I remember a fun (not research) visit to South Carolina to see ships. ~ Daryl
DeleteCongratulations on your new book, Daryl. I met you at the mystery conference just before the pandemic lockdown in California. I loved your Fairy Gardens mysteries set in Carmel by the Sea. I saw you in an episode of Murder, She Wrote. I wonder if that was when you started thinking about writing mystery novels?
ReplyDeleteResearching can be fun for authors who get to travel to places. I am thinking about authors whose stories are in my favorite parts of the world. They get to travel there to research for their books. I am currently in the midst of researching the years between the First World War and the Second World War in the UK for my first novel. I will eventually need to get on with writing my novel. I find new information every day in my research.
Diana, I find that research can be a big time-suck. Fun but it can prevent us from doing the actual writing. So yes, carve out time for that. Thanks for the compliment on my Fairy Garden Mysteries. I love those books. And no, being on Murder, She Wrote didn't set my path to writing mysteries. Life did. ~ Daryl
DeleteCongratulations, Daryl! The new series sounds like great fun. Research is my favorite part of writing, too. I visited a brain bank and an MRI lab for one of my books. Not nearly as much fun as cheese. Why oh why didn't I write a series with a food theme... The trick is knowing when to say "ENOUGH" and get on with the writing.
ReplyDeleteHallie, that really is the trick. No deep dives for too long. It's fun to be an academic, but all the data in the world can't make it on to the page of a mystery novel. I see research like adding spice in cooking. Too much and the dish will taste horrible. BTW it's your book on writing mysteries that has really focused me on doing the research for each character. Am I good at it? Nope. But it helps with the focus! :) ~ Daryl
DeleteCongratulations Daryl! The series sounds captivating and interests me greatly. When I was younger and way back in the olden days I had to do a great deal of research for university papers. This was very lengthy and involved since there was no internet. I relied on encyclopedias and books. How it has changed.
ReplyDeleteTraveler, no kidding! The old days using libraries and encyclopedias. This is where the Internet has been a huge boon. But then what can you trust? You still have to verify sources, right? ~ Daryl
DeleteIt amazes me what all you do to write a book for us! Love reading your blog! So interesting!
ReplyDeleteI love to quilt and do research on family quilts that have been handed down. It makes them that more special.
Sherry Brown
ozdot4@sbcglobal.net
Sherry, I am in awe of people who can quilt and know the history! Bravo. ~ Daryl
DeleteI don't do research to write a book. But the when I'm interested in a subject, I will research it online and find everything I can on the subject. Lately I've been interested in essential oils and their health benefits. I now use essential oils every days. Frankincense is great for everyday pain.
ReplyDeleteDianne, I wrote the first in the Aroma Wellness Mysteries (came out April) after doing a ton of research on essential oils and aromas and crystals. Fun stuff to dig into. ~ Daryl
DeleteHi, Daryl, and congratulations on the new book! I especially envy you your cheese research! I adore research and it's always a struggle not to let it get in the way of writing. And for me, it's always a good excuse to make a trip to the UK:-)
ReplyDeleteDeborah, a friend of mine is begging me to come to England so we can do some "recon" on cheese in France. We shall see. It's been ages since I've gone abroad. ~ Daryl
DeleteWell, I had a lengthy response written out, even doing some research on Black Mountain, which sounds like a great setting with a reputation for arts and good food. I'm not going to try to recreate my first comment. I'll just say that my father-in-law was from the Black Mountains (part of the Blue Ridge Province of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. The Black Mountains are the highest mountains in the Eastern United States.), not the town of Black Mountain. I've been to the Black Mountains and Old Fort, near it, and Asheville, and on a fishing trip to Lake Nantahala. This all has been over 40 years though. During our fishing trip, we fished a beautiful stream, clear and falling over rocks, where you could actually see the trout in the water from time to time. So many beautiful places in North Carolina. After googling Black Mountain, the town, I would say this fascinating little town only 15 miles from Asheville is a place I now want to visit myself, and it's only six and a half hours from me.
ReplyDeleteWhat project have I researched? Almost anything I do or think about, I research. Yesterday an article about maritime lions led me down the rabbit hole.
Kathy, it's amazing you brought this up. I had never heard of Black Mountain until earlier today, when Steve and our son-in-law were discussing mountains in West Virginia and Kentucky!
DeleteKathy, what a lovely memory to have. You must visit Black Mountain. It is really quaint and had some great ice cream parlors! :) More research on my behalf. LOL ~Daryl
DeleteI can research for a trip we're taking and my husband, who doesn't do any of the planning, will still question what I tell him! Grrrr. I found the Gatsby character to be a sad one. No real friends and always on the edge of the circle.
ReplyDeletePat, that's hysterical. Yes, unless you do the research yourself, sometimes you (they) simply question everything. Frustrating but funny. ~ Daryl
DeleteDaryl, your new book is now on my TBR list. I love reading books that occur in places where I have been. I have family in Asheville and the area (what beautiful country!) and am looking forward to recognizing places in your book!
ReplyDeleteSuzette, I hope you will enjoy the story. It has been so much fun bringing it to life. ~ Daryl
DeleteOh, running in...it's a deadline weekend, so sorry to be late to the GAtsby party! Welcome, and I love this blog, Daryl, and you know I am SUCH a fan! You are a truly devoted researcher--and it clearly shows n your marvelous books. (I have to say, I am thinking about 1000 cheeses. Yeesh. How can you still think about cheese after that?) But I love research, too--how there is always one magical thing that you never would have thought of--that is perfect for the book!
ReplyDelete