Today author Lila Munro is here talking about the research she did for her new military based contemporary novel, The Executive Officer’s Wife
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Research Resource–How did I know?One of the most frequent questions I get asked is why I choose to write about marines, and how do I know so darn much about them. The answer is simple really. I’ve been married to a marine for almost fourteen years. It’s a life unto itself and full of surprises, ups and downs, and adventure. We’ve lived in three states and Okinawa, Japan. I’ve enjoyed it all and wouldn’t change a thing.
I’ve been writing since I was a child, but never thought to do anything with it until about a year ago. It was in researching ways to go about producing the best novel possible that I discovered some of the best advice I’ve ever stumbled over: write what you know. That seemed simple enough. If there’s one thing I know, it’s marines and living this military lifestyle. The added bonus was I love alpha heroes on steroids, thus a perfect medium was born. Marines fit the bill.
By finding my ideal hero in my own home and taking the advice write what you know, I’m able to take my readers on a believable journey with realistic strong characters, and because we’ve lived in so many places I can also present locations descriptively and realistically. As far as the technical jargon and aspects involved, again bonus, I have an in house research center, also known as my husband. I pick his brain constantly. Any “action” I add in my scenes he happily scrutinizes for faults in realism. Anything he doesn’t know about it he finds someone for me who does, and arranges for me to pick their brain. It’s a great relationship.
If you’d like to know more about me and my life as a military wife please visit me at my website: www.lilamunro.weebly.com or you can join in the fun at my joint effort site at www.wickedmuses.webs.com. I work with a great bunch of gals over there.
The advice I stumbled over has become my mantra and the advice I give to other writers: write what you know. Use your available resources. You’d be amazed at what the people around you know. If you can’t find an immediate resource close, don’t be discouraged. Take a few field trips around your neighborhood, you’d be amazed at the people you’ll meet and how open they are to questions and getting to know you. I’ve made acquaintances in the most unusual places and have a notebook full of a wealth of new places to go for information on everything from life in the military, to life as a police officer, to things to hot to mention here I’m sure. Thanks girls at my local Adam and Eve.
Many thanks to my host for letting me stop by and chat today. I’ve had a great time. Happy reading everyone!
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Oh man, do we love us some hot Marines around here. Thanks Lila!
To celebrate Lila’s release and guest visit today, we’re giving away one download of The Executive Officer’s Wife
This book is available from Wild Horse Press. Buy it here
Hi, Lila! Thanks for the advice. It seems simple but I’m sure people forget sometimes.
As for the Marines, one of my cousins is a Marine so when I read about Marines, I think of him (not in an incestuous way, of course): strong and capable.
ironss[at]gmail.com
Enjoyed the interview, Lila! Your book sounds like a great read.
I don’t know anything about the Marines.
Sheree, please tell you cousin thank you so much for his service, we’ve probably crossed paths as some point. Estella, glad you enjoyed stopping by, if you’d like to learn more about marines, their wives, and our lifestyle, please feel free to drop by http://www.lilamunro.weebly.com . I often blog about whatever crazy thing is going on in with this life. And, when I’m not, I’m usually dolling out more writing advice, or giving my opinion on something. Thanks girls!
This sounds like a very good story. I love reading books about men and women in the military. One of my cousins was in the Marines and a bunch were in the Army. I think that most people forget what they do for our country. I pretty much love everything about them.
sstrode@scrtc.com
What’s not to love about Military men? Anyone who has seen Top Gun can answer this one. They are handsome, well-built, play volley-ball and have a cool call sign. No seriously, they work hard day after day to make our country safe from those who wish to do us harm.