Saturday, February 25, 2012

Being a Writer Isn't Only About Writing

Sometimes it amazes me how much time I spend doing things related to my writing that don't actually involve writing.  I spent a good portion of yesterday looking at maps to get a good idea of the geography of the specific location my main character was in.  I used Google maps to create an underground railroad of sorts for refugees.  I also looked up agricultural reports so I would know what kinds of food would be available for the people in this new novel to sustain themselves with.  This also includes research on weather patterns.

Granted, I wrote a lot of notes while doing this research, and in the end I even hammered out a few paragraphs afterwards.

My husband saw what I was doing and said, "I thought you were supposed to be writing."

Well, yes.  I kind of was.  Maybe it doesn't make sense to some people, but writing isn't only putting words to paper.  There's an entire process that goes along with it.

3 comments:

  1. The same could be said about my artwork. I spend a lot of time looking at other works and researching techniques and Shane wonders why I'm not doodling or painting. Like putting on a play, there's a whole lot more to it than what is seen on stage.

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  2. By the way, here's the link to my blog if you feel like checking up on what's happening in my world. :)

    You *should* hopefully be able to see it. I have it to where it's private besides the people I choose so let me know if it's not working.

    http://maidentomommy.blogspot.com

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  3. It says I need an invitation specifically. If you send me another one, hopefully my computer won't go spastic this time. I swear, technology sees me and gives up on life. That's one of the reasons why it's good to be married to Jamon, though he never seems to understand how I have so many issues.

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