I’m traveling, at present, lost in the Mangrove wilds of the Florida Keys, my shirt stinking of rum, a cormorant dogging my every step, a new (and stung) tattoo of an anchor on my left ass-cheek.
I’m here doing research for the next Miriam Black book, and this is my first official “research” trip. (It’s done wonders. It’s very hard to write about a place without ever having been there. Particularly if the book is set in just such a location — you can maybe get away with a scene or a chapter or two, but 3/4 of a book? Not easy, at least, not for me.)
So, it seems apropos that today’s question should focus on travel.
But, in particular, writerly travel.
Let’s say you can go anywhere in the world, but it’s for your writing. Whether to serve as inspiration or as research.
Where would you go, and why?
welltemperedwriter says:
Abu Dhabi. Because I’ve got this futuristic city setting that I’m working in and have you SEEN the stuff they’re building there?
April 15, 2013 — 11:28 PM
Natalie says:
I write fantasy, so some castles in the UK. We’ve been to the Tower of London and were amazed at the horrible privvies which were essentially a seat over a hole leading to an outside wall, so that your waste ran down the outside of the castle… stuff like that is important to know.
April 15, 2013 — 11:47 PM
MAH1970 says:
Many years ago I went to a few castles in France as part of our high school’s French club, and we were just as surprised as you were. If I remember correctly, the waste actually cleared the wall by a foot or two, with nothing below but air and the eventual ground – probably terrifying if you were a kid using it. Oddly enough, this got mentioned (and taken advantage of) by Terry Pratchett in his book “Lords and Ladies”.
April 16, 2013 — 8:14 AM
Veronica says:
The UK, specifically Scotland. I’d like to set something there, but like you, I’d prefer to see it first.
April 16, 2013 — 3:31 AM
E.Maree says:
Japan. Without a second’s thought.
April 16, 2013 — 6:57 AM
mwiings says:
Same here! It is an inspiring place and completely different to my current environment.
May 13, 2013 — 11:05 AM
Karen Klink says:
Interesting you should post this today, as I am doing the same—traveling for research for my novel. I’ve read books, diaries, manuscripts and articles, but nothing prepared me for actually being here. Aside from the additional info, i have developed a feeling for the place I wouldn’t have otherwise. Hopefully, this feeling will transfer to the novel.
April 16, 2013 — 11:43 AM
Karen Klink says:
Oops. Forgot to say. I’m in Central Texas and before that, in New Orleans.
April 16, 2013 — 11:44 AM
EK Johnson says:
Atlanta or New Orleans. I like the idea of writing a superhero-genre novel based in one of those older, Southern cities since most of the superhero-genre seems to take place in New York City. Unfortunately, the last time I was south of Virginia I was barely one year old, so I don’t feel particularly qualified.
April 16, 2013 — 7:30 PM
Aspen Gainer says:
Interesting thread! I would definitely go to Spain. There is a song by the group Counting Crows called ‘Holiday in Spain’ and it haunts me so much that ever since I heard it for the first time, I promised myself I’d go there one day. I do love to travel and there is never any shortage of writing inspiration, especially in Europe, but one of the great things I find when travelling is an ability to appreciate my home from an outsider’s point of view. This, in turn, helps me be able to write about my home environment in a more objective way, like the series of linked stories I’m currently working on, which are played out in a prairie town and city. So I guess I’d go for the amazing trip and the many new ideas, but I’d also go so I can come home with a fresh eye.
April 16, 2013 — 10:15 PM
Lala says:
I love to go on roadtrips with my friends. So far, we’ve driven through Croatia, Lapland, and a little bit of the Ukraine. Eastern Europe is the most beautiful place in the world. No other place could even come close. I’d really like to visit New Orleans, though. And Ireland. And Iceland. And Mexico. Ugh! There are just too many places to go!
April 27, 2013 — 5:28 PM