Author Vannetta Chapman has written a number of novels featuring Amish characters. Today, she's going to share some lessons she's learned while researching her books. -- Sandy
Vannetta: I will have two books releasing in March – Murder Simply
Brewed and An Amish Garden. Both are set in northern Indiana. Murder Simply
Brewed begins a series that will take place in Middlebury. An Amish Garden
returns to the town of my first Amish series, Shipshewana. These will be books
number 9 and 10 for me, the first having released in 2010. I thought that today
I’d share with you what I’ve learned during that time regarding research—both
virtual and in person.
- It is worth it to spend your advance, or a good portion of your advance, on in-person research. Although you can learn a lot about a place on-line, it’s not the same as drinking coffee at the local café, meeting with the local librarian, and generally puttering around town. I’ve been to the northern Indiana area four times since 2010. Every trip has been worth the expense.
- Take lots and lots and lots of pictures when you go. Since we’re in the day of electronic photography, there is absolutely no reason to hold back. I take pictures of things I’m only mildly interested in. That’s okay. Let your interests guide you. For example, while in Middlebury, we learned of a local Amish farmer who was raising camels in order to sell their milk. We walked down to his place and took a few pictures. Two years later, the idea of camels and the Amish has become a nice subplot in my series.
- Ask questions and collect contact information. I have visited Amish in their home, in their stores, and even in their schools. While it’s not proper to take close-up pictures in those places, I’ve learned a lot from the time I spent there. I learned details that are important to my story. I always retain contact information so I can send a book, a thank you card, or future questions.
- Spend more time rather than less. If you can afford 5 nights by staying at a less expensive hotel, then do! What’s important is that you get the feel, and often the history, of the town.
- Use on-line research judiciously. I visit a place before I start a series if at all possible. In March I’ll begin a series set in Oklahoma, but I won’t be able to visit there until June. That’s okay. I’ll go ahead and write the story and add details after my visit. In the meantime, I’ll use on-line research, but I’ll do so carefully. I only have 6 months to write a book, actually 4-5 when you leave time for sending to pre-readers and editing. So I limit my on-line research. If I have a question, I pop on-line, find the answer, and then get off. No straying down bunny trails.
Research is an important part of every writer’s work. It
adds flavor and authenticity to our writing. Here’s hoping that your research
will bring you the answers you need to write the next bestselling novel.
Where has your research taken you? Do you have anything to add to Vannetta's list?
~~~
Vannetta
Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. Her novel, Falling to Pieces, was a 2012 ACFW
Carol Award winner for best mystery. She writes Amish mysteries for Zondervan,
Amish romances for Harvest House and Amish novellas for Abingdon and Zondervan.
All of her books have been Christian Book Distributor bestsellers. Chapman
lives in the Texas hill
country
with her husband.
You'll find Vannetta at www.vannettachapman.com
