But this sort of research isn’t interactive. It also typically isn’t customized to your specific needs. Thus, you can spend a great deal of time wading through reams of information to get to the facts and details you truly need.
Many times you’ll get the very best information most quickly by speaking with an expert. A ten minute phone conversation might just save you from hours of trawling through page after page of useless information. And more often than not, an actual human being will have insider knowledge that will keep you from making embarrassing mistakes.
For example, a medical book might give you the correct terminology for a hospital procedure, for example, but that term is likely not the one bandied about among the hospital staff. Using the more formal term will make your information seem stilted and naive and could cause readers to lose confidence in your authority over your story world.
Finding experts
You need the right kind of expert who can speak to your story’s particular situation. Your family doctor might know the standard procedure for treating a broken leg, but his knowledge is likely limited to treatment best practices under ideal conditions. You know, in a clean, shiny hospital. But what about injuries in non-ideal conditions, when X-rays and surgery are not readily available? Your family doctor isn’t going to be much help—partly because he will fear opening himself to legal liability by dispensing advice that isn’t clinically defensible. Your better bet would be to find a military field medic, or a mountain climber trained in first aid—someone who has experience with non-ideal conditions.A golden truth I learned in journalism school is that people love to be considered experts (well, eight out of ten; take into account a certain percentage of natural jerkiness in the general population). Start by approaching people you already know, and be as specific as possible with the kind of information you’re seeking.
| Look! A plethora of experts! (Photo DMedina from morguefile.com) |
When you meet people, keep your radar attuned to where their interests, experiences, and training intersects with your story world and bravely ask questions. A simple request like “tell me about yourself” can turn a dull party into a research extravaganza.
I once got some amazing research done while at a church luncheon. I was seated by a friend who is a speech-language pathologist, and realized she might know something about speech problems in stroke patients, an element in my story. So I said, “I’m working on a story in which a grandparent has a stroke. What kind of speech problems might he possibly have?” That short chat was more focused and helpful than hours of reading. She knew in practice, not just theory, how patients behave and what the stages of recovery look like. That kind of information is pure gold.
This technique is great for those socially-demanding seasons when you shuttle from wedding to graduation to baby shower. Think about how your story might connect to every person you meet. Tap their knowledge and expertise as a professional, volunteer, hobbyist, or representative of an age group, family role, ethnicity or religion. And if the setting isn’t appropriate or convenient to have a useful chat, arrange for another time to interview them.
Your personal contacts might also lead you to other experts in their extended networks. The idea that every person on earth is “six degrees of separation” from any other person is actually pretty amazing when you think about it. Anyone you regularly cross paths with, from your mother to your plumber, likely knows someone who knows someone.
But don’t be afraid to take a leap and call or e-mail a stranger whose name you uncover while researching. The worst they can do is ignore you or say, “Sorry, I can’t help you.”
What kind of expertise would help you write your story?
This is such good advice! It's truly amazing what you can find out about others just by asking a few simple questions ... it's being brave enough to initiate the conversation that's the toughest part. :)
ReplyDeleteStart with people with whom have an established relationship, like I did with my speech-language pathologist friend, who I've known for years. Often the expertise you need is closer than you might realize. Once you get comfortable, then it's easier to go to the people they know, and then approach strangers.
DeleteI REALLY need to do this but I'm so awkward about starting conversations.
ReplyDeleteI am really chewing over your statement about thinking about how your story might connect to everyone you meet. WOW. Food for thought.
As I mentioned to Jemi, when shyness is an issue, start with people you know. Being a good interviewer takes practice.
DeleteBut also social situations where you're meeting people can become research gold. It helps me come out of my shell when I can connect a new acquaintance with some area I've been researching: "Oh wow, you're an ICU nurse? That's so cool. I've always wondered __________." See. Easy segue. Even general characterization can be helped by interviewing people: "What are some of the challenges of parenting teenagers?" could help with writing a mom or dad in YA. "What social media are you into?" could help with teen characters. "What do you do for fun?" could help with a wide array of characters. You don't HAVE to create every character from scratch in your imagination, after all. Let real people help you!
Gleaning information from an expert is always the best advice. I love finding people who know their profession and are eager to share information about the details you can't find that easily from online sources or books. Besides, people love talking about what they do and it's a great way to overcome a strained conversation with people you don't have history with. Great advice.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lee. I actually used "no more boring parties" as a tagline when tweeting about this post, because I've found this technique great for breaking the ice with strangers even though I'm naturally pretty shy. When you can find a connection between someone else's passions and your own (your fiction for instance), it's energizing and fun for all.
DeleteGreat advice. Every time I talk to someone in person, their expertise on the subject usually opens it up further than my limited knowledge could imagine. I often wind up getting some key piece of information that I hadn't even considered.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! I've had a number of great plot ideas present themselves because of that kind of "something extra I wouldn't have thought to ask" from an expert.
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