Experiance and Research

When I was a little girl, mom used to say that I lived in another universe.  She would say that I needed to ground myself and come back to reality now and then.  I finally told her one day, some years ago, that she couldn’t have been more wrong.

I don’t think there’s anyone in the world who’s more grounded than a writer.  Because if you can’t live in the world and feel it, then how can you write about it?

The two most important things for me, as a writer, have been experience and research.

For instance, you can’t write what it feels like to love someone, unless you really have loved someone.  Like wise, you can’t write what it feels like to have your heart broken unless yours has been shattered.  Sometimes, it needs to be ripped apart over and over again so you can really feel every little part of heartaches sorrow. When it comes to writing, you can’t make anyone feel something that you, yourself, have never felt. 

I can tell when I’m reading a book, which experiences the writer has and has not had.  If you’ve never lost a loved one, you have no idea what it feels like, and if you try to write it anyways, it will feel hollow and unbelievable.  People act certain ways when dealing with grief because it’s both physical and emotional.  If your character is not exhibiting these common traits, then the reader won’t feel it.  And as sadistic as this might sound, it’s a really, really good feeling to sit and watch someone read your story and see their expressions change from smiles to tears.

My mother didn’t realize that, when I was little, and I’d be sitting out on the deck for hours doing, well…nothing, that I was actually absorbing.  I was feeling the breeze on my skin and describing it to myself. I was feeling the rough planks of the wood deck beneath my fingers, hearing the sound of the trees, birds, traffic, air planes, neighbors, lawn mowers…this could go on and on but I’m sure you get it. 

Did you know that air actually has a texture and a taste?  That books have a very specific smell?  That taste is actually about 80(ish)% smell so when you smell something, you’re also tasting it too (think if that next time you walk into an extra stinky bathroom).  Rock smell different from bricks.  Kittens smell different from cats.  Every human being smells different.  No two smell alike unless they’ve been living together for a very long time and even then there are differences.  

My point is, if you don’t live now you can’t write about it.  So you have to make an effort to pay attention to everything that’s going on, right now.  Even when it seems like nothing is happening at all. 

Instead of wishing for better times when times are bad, wallow in the bad.  Feel every second of it.  Not only will it help you to write about it, but when things eventually get better (which they always do), they seriously feel that much better. 

Don’t be afraid to go out and experience life and take chances because every experience is another tool in your tool belt.  Try running through the snow barefoot so you can feel how much is sucks, then write about it.  Describe it.  You might be surprised what comes out (you might even find yourself doing it again).

But enough about experience.  On to the research.  Unless you don’t mind sounding like an idiot, DO YOUR RESEARCH!!  If you’re character is carrying a gun, research guns, in fact, go shoot one and take it apart (educational fun weeee!).  Know your trees and plants and animals.  If you’re character is a farmer and you live in a city, go help out on a farm somewhere for a couple hours.  If your character is a pilot…well that one could be difficult.  But there are some very helpful video games.  If your character is a police officer, walk into the police office and ask if you can ride along with someone for a night (they usually don’t mind and actually appreciate the company.  Especially if you’re a cute girl). 

Use the internet, use the library, use people!  I know that last one usually has a negative connotation, but you might be surprised at how cooperative folks can be when you start out with, “Hi, I’m a writer and I’m researching_______.  So I need to talk to an expert.  Can I pick your brain for a couple minutes?”  Not only did you just compliment someone and make them feel important, you’ve probably made a new friend and now have a new wealth of information at your disposal. 

Remember those two things.  Experience and Research.  People might think you’re crazy (those of you who may think I’m nuts, now know why) but you’ll have an insight that most people don’t ever even consider.  You’ll stop looking at things as just things and start seeing them for the shapes, colors, textures and smells that they are.  Even people are just big, moving colorful shapes that smell funny and make sounds, but watching and feeling them is what makes them human to you personally.  If you want to step away from the human race, just separate those two things (if you’re writing about aliens or serial killers), just make sure you put them back together again. 

Well, I hope this helps.  Experience and Research!!!!!!!!  Now go lick a brick and describe what it tastes like (it’s very interesting).