Research (writerly: bite me)

[gauchecritic]

I'm setting a possible story in an invented famous place in order to qualify for the Earth day contest. I've found out some fascinating things (to me) and would really like to include them in the story. But they are parochial. The yanquie wouldn't get even the gist but they would be entertaining because they are what I'm interested in.

As an author how far or deep do you go into writing 'what you know' because you find it interesting?

 

[rgraham666]

Unless it's important to the story I leave it out.

 

[MagicaPractica]

I'm setting a possible story in an invented famous place in order to qualify for the Earth day contest. I've found out some fascinating things (to me) and would really like to include them in the story. But they are parochial. The yanquie wouldn't get even the gist but they would be entertaining because they are what I'm interested in.

As an author how far or deep do you go into writing 'what you know' because you find it interesting?

I personally like to learn interesting little facts from stories and books but I wouldn't put it in if it distracts the reader from the story.

 

[drksideofthemoon]

I'm setting a possible story in an invented famous place in order to qualify for the Earth day contest. I've found out some fascinating things (to me) and would really like to include them in the story. But they are parochial. The yanquie wouldn't get even the gist but they would be entertaining because they are what I'm interested in.

As an author how far or deep do you go into writing 'what you know' because you find it interesting?

I like to put little tidbits into my work, and at times I spend more time doing research than I do writing. I think it makes it more authentic, and more interesting.

One of my favorite authors, Nevil Shute put a lot of engineering stuff into his books, and I found it all the more interesting because of it.

 

[TE999]

I'm setting a possible story in an invented famous place in order to qualify for the Earth day contest. I've found out some fascinating things (to me) and would really like to include them in the story. But they are parochial. The yanquie wouldn't get even the gist but they would be entertaining because they are what I'm interested in.

As an author how far or deep do you go into writing 'what you know' because you find it interesting?

If it bolsters the premise and adds to the atmosphere of World X, include it.

Bearing in mind of course, that the majority of the readers are gonna go right by looking for the sex.

Such is the burden of writing erotica.

 

[damppanties]

As an author how far or deep do you go into writing 'what you know' because you find it interesting?

I've done one story like that. It wasn't much appreciated on Lit. I'm thinking of doing another one. (Don't learn from mistakes I suppose. )

Ok, a lot of your readers won't get it, but the ones who do are going to appreciate the story even more because of it. Now, do you want to alienate the majority just because you want to include something only a select few will appreciate? That's entirely your decision.

 

[drksideofthemoon]

I've done one story like that. It wasn't much appreciated on Lit. I'm thinking of doing another one. (Don't learn from mistakes I suppose. )

Ok, a lot of your readers won't get it, but the ones who do are going to appreciate the story even more because of it. Now, do you want to alienate the majority just because you want to include something only a select few will appreciate? That's entirely your decision.

I personally would rather write for the select few that would enjoy it...

 

[Guest]

I'm setting a possible story in an invented famous place in order to qualify for the Earth day contest. I've found out some fascinating things (to me) and would really like to include them in the story. But they are parochial. The yanquie wouldn't get even the gist but they would be entertaining because they are what I'm interested in.

As an author how far or deep do you go into writing 'what you know' because you find it interesting?

Leave them in.

Readers possessing that innate knowledge or those experiences will enjoy the story to an even greater extent.

The readers left puzzled by certain references should damn well look them up.

Don't you, if you come across something unfamiliar?

 

[jomar]

I'm setting a possible story in an invented famous place in order to qualify for the Earth day contest. I've found out some fascinating things (to me) and would really like to include them in the story. But they are parochial. The yanquie wouldn't get even the gist but they would be entertaining because they are what I'm interested in.

If it's for a contest isn't the goal to win (I haven't looked into the contest)? If so, consider if the interesting things would move the story forward or bog it down. I don't mind parochial stuff if it's explained in a way so I can at least partially understand - maybe you could make it entertaining for yanquies.

As an author how far or deep do you go into writing 'what you know' because you find it interesting?

So far I've written strokers, so please take my advice with a large grain of salt. To me, writing what you know and what you find interesting are not necessarily the same thing.

In my latest story, the topic of which I find interesting, I have no idea what I'm talking about so I'm having to do a little research. I'm also bullshitting my ass off (like a pilot taking advantage of an updraft and "scalloping" the plane to a higher altitude - no idea if that's possible).

Bottom line for your story, I'd say if you don't care about the contest that much and are just entering for the fun of it. Write for you and include all the stuff you find interesting. If you do care, at least consider if the detail helps your story.

 

[WarLordwrites]

I'm setting a possible story in an invented famous place in order to qualify for the Earth day contest. I've found out some fascinating things (to me) and would really like to include them in the story. But they are parochial. The yanquie wouldn't get even the gist but they would be entertaining because they are what I'm interested in.

As an author how far or deep do you go into writing 'what you know' because you find it interesting?

Greetings

I think of them as "easter eggs"

I put in words, word play and fun stuff even if they are references that only I get! (if it doesn't actually stop the story dead)

Geography details and place facts give the story versimilitude even if readers never hope to see the places.

So beware the monster data dump but facts sprinkled on the story are like spices even if only you get get to savor the full flavor

Enjoy the journey

WarLord

 

[Stella_Omega]

In my latest story, the topic of which I find interesting, I have no idea what I'm talking about so I'm having to do a little research. I'm also bullshitting my ass off (like a pilot taking advantage of an updraft and "scalloping" the plane to a higher altitude - no idea if that's possible).

WHAAAT? I totally believed you, dude, I was impressed with your expertise.
Suppose I'd tried that later, figuring jomar said it should work- and we all died!

Wouldn't you feel terrible!?!

I do try to make details accurate, but only when they come up. If my sailor boy is climbing around up there where the masts and sails and hemp are, I want to know that there are no ropes on a sailing ship except the bell-rope, and he's actually climbing the rigging and the "Sheets" are not the fabric of the sails... Otherwise, I don't go out of my way to mention it.

 

[jomar]

WHAAAT? I totally believed you, dude, I was impressed with your expertise.
Suppose I'd tried that later, figuring jomar said it should work- and we all died!

Wouldn't you feel terrible!?!

Hi dude...I would, but I wouldn't let you use the steery-thingy without confessing.

But hey, wait until you read the physics of the orb!

 

[jomar]

I do try to make details accurate, but only when they come up. If my sailor boy is climbing around up there where the masts and sails and hemp are, I want to know that there are no ropes on a sailing ship except the bell-rope, and he's actually climbing the rigging and the "Sheets" are not the fabric of the sails... Otherwise, I don't go out of my way to mention it.

Make sure he drops the marlinespike halfway to the crow's nest.

 

[Stella_Omega]

Make sure he drops the marlinespike halfway to the crow's nest.

He already did that, back on deck
You wanna know what a belaying pin is? I can tell you!

 

[drksideofthemoon]

He already did that, back on deck
You wanna know what a belaying pin is? I can tell you!

Belay that chatter Mr.(sic) Omega or you'll feel the bite of the cat.

 

[jomar]

He already did that, back on deck
You wanna know what a belaying pin is? I can tell you!

Excellent. Please stay one step ahead!

Is that the thing they pull out of a slot and use as a club in those pirate fights? Or is that the thing that's been replaced by cleats?

You have the best AV!

 

[BlackShanglan]

I suggest that you never include anything that you're convinced your average reader couldn't possibly understand or be familiar with. The information itself will prove no problem if deftly handled, but the assumption of their ignorance will carry through as a fatal contagion.

 

[drksideofthemoon]

Excellent. Please stay one step ahead!

Is that the thing they pull out of a slot and use as a club in those pirate fights? Or is that the thing that's been replaced by cleats?

You have the best AV!

Yes, the belaying pin could be pulled from the pin rail, and is seen in pirate movies being used as a weapon...I'm not if they were replaced by cleats, but both serve the same function...

 

[slyc_willie]

I'm setting a possible story in an invented famous place in order to qualify for the Earth day contest. I've found out some fascinating things (to me) and would really like to include them in the story. But they are parochial. The yanquie wouldn't get even the gist but they would be entertaining because they are what I'm interested in.

As an author how far or deep do you go into writing 'what you know' because you find it interesting?

Obviously, there are various schools of thought regarding this topic.

When I first read 'Bladerunner,' I found much of the terminology confusing. but the plot and story kept me intrigued. As I read along, I began to understand what the characters and narrator were talking about. Ditto with 'Neuromancer.'

I think quite a few intelligent readers out there would feel challenged to understand what you are talking about, and keep reading in order to immerse themselves in your world.

Don't count out us 'yanquis.' We aren't as stupid as we seem.

The ones who appreciate good writing will continue reading.

 

[Stella_Omega]

Belay that chatter Mr.(sic) Omega or you'll feel the bite of the cat.

That's Captain Omega, Mr. ofthemoon, an' I'll thank you to remember it.
This ain't no Navy ship the Brethren are a democracy. (sort of, some of them anyway)

 

[Stella_Omega]

I suggest that you never include anything that you're convinced your average reader couldn't possibly understand or be familiar with. The information itself will prove no problem if deftly handled, but the assumption of their ignorance will carry through as a fatal contagion.

A rare Shanglan sighting!

 

[drksideofthemoon]

That's Captain Omega, Mr. ofthemoon, an' I'll thank you to remember it.
This ain't no Navy ship the Brethren are a democracy. (sort of, some of them anyway)

Aye, and ye shouldn't be sneakin' up on deck without yur eyepatch, Cap'n sir...

 

[Stella_Omega]

Aye, and ye shouldn't be sneakin' up on deck without yur eyepatch, Cap'n sir...

that's no eyepatch, laddie, 'tis one o' them newfangled French letter things, seems they keep a man from th' Pox.

*grumble grumble I got both my eyes, i do, an' most of me teeth*

 

[yui]

As an author how far or deep do you go into writing 'what you know' because you find it interesting?

Pretty deep for a vignette writer, I think; but I've thought lots of other stuff, so I might be wrong. If you're asking for readerly advice and not writerly, then give me what moves with the story and I'm there. If it's hugely vernacular, and I'm interested, then I'll try to figure it out. The number one rule is don't assume that everyone who reads your stuff won't get it. Unless, of course, you write with that intent in mind, and then, of course, I assume you are capable of writing so that I won't understand, or at least don't have a desire to understand. If I wanna know, I'm smart enough to make mental leaps or at least google. If you write so I don't care ... well, then, that's your flaw, not mine.

Peace,

Yui

 

[Harry Leg]

I always try to let the story decide what stays and what goes. It always has a much better idea than I do.