We’ve all read about various authors and their different methods of research. Today Erin McCarthy is visiting with us to tell how she does research. With two recent releases, Hot Finish and The Beast Within, Erin has been doing a lot of research. I want to do research like hers.
Step One: Come up with an idea about something you know absolutely nothing about.
Step Two: Get very excited about this idea and pitch it enthusiastically to your editor.
Step Three: Jump up and down when editor loves it and buys it.
Step Four: Panic when you realize what you know about this subject is less than nothing. Sub zero. As in the red deficit of knowledge.
Step Five: Total immersion in said subject.
Basically, I don’t recommend this method for anyone who wants to stay sane and stress free. But what I did was in a few short weeks, read every book I could on the subject, including NASCAR for Dummies. I watched hours and hours and hours of racing, taking notes on the vocabulary, strategies, and team dynamics. I went to NASCAR.com and read up on the tracks and the schedule, and listened in on radio conversations between drivers and their crew. I also hit the track live. See the pic of me and my awesome friends Jen and Adrienne cheering on the drivers.
That’s how I recommend you do research… grab your girlfriends and a cooler of beer and head out! Of course, for my current release, THE BEAST WITHIN, this doesn’t really apply unless I wanted to tromp around the woods in search of wolves. But I am having a super spooky Halloween house warming party and that has to count for something, right? 🙂
What do think? Could you do that kind of research?
Trade the cooler of beer for something else, and I could definitely do that type of research. Especially if it was traveling around Europe. Or going to football games. (I’ve got varied interests :P)
Although, Erin, if you were *really* dedicated I think you *would* go into the woods looking for wolves 😉
Absolutely I’d do that research. Sign me up for your next excursion and I’ll be one of your galpals. I take great notes!
I’d love to do this kind of research…I’d have so much fun XD
Hi everyone! Thanks for letting me drop by and chat with all of you.
I think if I’m going to go into the woods to look for werewolves I should do it in France. Which may just be an excuse to go to France, but I’m cool with that. 😉
It was super cold that day at the track but we had fun!
Hi Erin!
your kind of research sounds quite interesting and cool but I would go crazy after a while *g*
greetings, Ina
I love it – looks like you were having fun 🙂
Hi! Since you’re going to the woods in France, keep a lookout for truffles. I’ve wondered whether wolves would be good with truffle hunting but I guess they’d rather eat meat.
ironss[at]gmail.com
I bet your Halloween party will be a blast! Sure wish I lived close enough to come.
I hope I could research like that… it actually sounds somewhat fun to completely submerse yourself into something you know nothing about, but have an interest in. Have a great Halloween party!! I’ll be living it up as well! =)
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