20/01/2006
Research...
Minimus conducting research for me in Oman with her bestest friend, Sarah...
One of the questions I was asked when I attended the creative writing class in Stockton Heath (see previous post for contact details) was: how much research do I do??
Lots.
That's the simple answer. And I try to keep all my reference books and (wildlife) DVDs and videos in some sort of order!
I also have language CDs so that my ear can become atuned to the rhythm of speech in a particular country. Is it guttural, or does it flow like Italian, like a song??
And as all of you know by now I travel extensively so that I can see the different qualities of light and inhale the scents particular to a setting and most important of all, perhaps... watch the people.
In my next UK release (April 2006), The Greek's Bridal Purchase, there is a line where the heroine- on arriving on a tiny Greek island- observes, 'The sun gave you license to raise your voice, to laugh out loud, to catch somebody's eye and greet them like a friend...'
And it's true!!
Oh, and Linda, in case you're reading this, the Greek island I was referring to when we were chatting and I had a senior moment was Lefkada, or Lefkas, as it is sometimes known!
More photos tomorrow. And thanks to my fab' friend Tess in Singapore for mailing them over to me! Hi Tess!!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
