Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Researching Like a Detective by Gail Pallotta



When researching, sometimes you need to dig deeper than just online and book resources. Author Gail Pallotta shares her suggestion to take your research to a deeper level. -- Sandy

Gail: I think of a researcher as I do a detective, the more he snoops the better. 

The internet and resources at the library offer material on most subjects. When a researcher keeps digging there, he often turns up a golden nugget to make a book shine. But what if he wants more? 

A good option—compose questions from research thus far and interview an expert. While recording the answers, make mental notes on topics to explore further. While the interviewee is talking, listen for what’s missing. This may be an oxymoron, but so often gaps occur in conversation.  If so, ask the expert for more explanation. It’s always a good idea to make sure the questions who, what, when, where, how and why are covered.

For example, someone being interviewed might say, “During World War II, I traded a piece of jewelry for a pair of nylon hose.” Today, some might think that was an unfair trade and ask why.

He or she probably would learn that hose were in short supply during WWII as a result of nylon rationing. Don’t stop there. Ask for the story behind the jewelry trade and if there are more personal anecdotes that can be shared.  

Two important aspects of research are curiosity and a yearning to know more.

Even though I have personal experience for my book about Chronic Lyme disease, Barely Above Water, I researched the science in it. Also, this book includes questions and answers in the back by two experts, David G. Lee, D.C., Ph.D., C.Ad., and Raphael d’Angelo, M.D., who’s also a holistic doctor.  



Have you ever had an experience when your research took a surprising turn when you consulted an expert?



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Award-winning author Gail Pallotta’s a wife, Mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach
sunsets and getting together with friends and family. A former regional writer of the year for American Christian Writers Association, she won Clash of the Titles in 2010. A 2013 Grace Awards finalist, she’s been a best-selling author on All Romance eBooks. She’s published four books, poems, short stories, and several hundred articles. Some of her articles appear in anthologies while two are in museums. Visit Gail’s web site at http://www.gailpallotta.com

Find Barely Above Water on Amazon.


David Lee, D.C., Ph.D., C.Ad., runs Wellness Revolution Clubs in Woodstock, Georgia, and Daytona Beach, Florida. To learn more about him visit http://www.pmadirectory.us/georgia/woodstock/health-practitioner/david-lee

Raphael d’Angelo, M.D., and holistic doctor, runs ParaWellness Research Program in Aurora, Colorado. To learn more about him visit https://www.alliance-aromatherapists.org/tag/dr-dangelo/