Behind the Scenes: Research
by Lida Sideris
When I started writing fiction, I assumed that very little research would be needed. After all, we fiction writers just make things up, right? Research belongs in scholarly, non-fiction pieces. SO not true.
For my latest novel, I researched everything from the setting to lock-picking to gambling. How many hours of research did it take? The time spent was just about equal to my driving up to Canada at a leisurely pace, while pausing to take in the sights.
Researching the setting was the simplest. An upscale resort, in Santa Barbara, California, served as the inspiration for a fictional retirement community. I’d stopped by the resort numerous times, but viewed it through the eyes of a guest without paying attention to writerly stuff like where would be the best spot on the premises to commit a crime and how? Let’s just say, on my latest visit, I didn’t come back empty handed. I carefully examined details a casual observer would miss, starting with the four S’s: Sights, Sounds, Smells and Surroundings.
Then I sought out the resort’s lonely, dark spots. The real resort was shut down; I couldn’t walk the grounds. I lingered around the perimeter instead and peeked inside wherever I could. The author in me noted the lush plant life and winding brick pathways that curved and twisted out of sight. So many possible places for someone to hide…themselves or maybe even a body!
Next, I researched lock-picking. My fictional retirement community originally consisted of newly built apartments and bungalows with state-of-the-art security. Not so easy to break into, but not impossible, either. Nothing my heroine couldn’t finesse. But the locale I picked was mainly composed of elegant structures built long ago, so I happily settled for old fashioned locks, which were simpler to manage by all involved.
I never realized the big role gambling played in the lives of some senior citizens - often, a detrimental role. Many hours were spent researching the toll gambling takes on seniors, while also learning how to play poker, blackjack and other popular, potentially high stakes games. What kinds of tables are used? How hard is it to cheat without getting caught?
Excess time spent researching ensured I viewed the whole picture. All that research may be condensed into just a few lines in the book…or play no role at all. But one thing’s for certain: researching is a way to make fiction appear real.
I’m always amazed at how much knowledge I absorb through research. Writing books is, hopefully, making me a little smarter. Or a possible future Jeopardy! contestant.
Feature photo by Ryan Magsino on Unsplash, other photos by Lida Sideris