Writing tips from Houston author DiAnn Mills<\/p>\n

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Research for Writer Credibility<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Writing and research go hand in hand. Every topic, whether fiction or non-fiction, needs an element of research to ensure credibility. If the manuscript isn\u2019t accurate, the reader will recognize the flaw and toss our work aside. If a writer is spot-on, he\/she will be rewarded with good reviews and more readers. Sort of a no-brainer for us writers.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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How do we conduct the research process effectively and efficiently?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Focus:<\/span><\/strong> List what is needed for the writing project in chronological order. This includes setting, characters, dialogue, culture, topic, interviews, and settings.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Develop:<\/span><\/strong> What specialty people need to be contacted to ensure reliable information? Create a list of questions.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Map:<\/span><\/strong> Where does the writer need to visit for experience and sensory perception?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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The following questions and suggestions will help the writer focus, develop, and map out a strategic research plan.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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1. Visit the area\u2019s chamber of commerce.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
2. Conduct a web search of the area. Some apps will help you with this: Google Maps, Google Earth, Weather Bug, or travel sites that can be found via apps or websites.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
3. Take or download more pictures than you think you\u2019ll ever use. *Remember, if you use online images beyond personal research, purposes, obtain them from a royalty-free site such as Pixabay or Unsplash.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
4. Interview people living in the area. For a historical setting, this also means reading diaries and journals. How has history affected the community?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
5. Listen to how local people talk. Do they use a distinct vocabulary? Journal these distinctions. Ask permission to record for later playback.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
6. What are the community\u2019s values and expectations for life and each other?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
7. What is their diet? How much of their food supply is local?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
8. How is the area governed?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
9. What are the local hotels? Restaurants? What\u2019s featured on the menus? Any daily specials?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
10. What are the sources of entertainment?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
11. How do the residents celebrate holidays?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
12. Does the community have special festivals?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
13. How does the area experience the seasons, and what are average temperatures?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
14. What are the medical concerns? What kind of medical care is available?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
15. In what kinds of homes do they live?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
16. Where do they shop?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
17. How do the people dress?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
18. Do the arts play a vital role in the community?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
19. How do locals view education, sports teams, and favorite colleges?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
20. How do the residents earn a living?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    Other Considerations<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    21. If the area is near a national or state park, look for research material in <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

          the visitors\u2019 section.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    22. Discover the wildlife and birds of the region.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    23. Study the types of trees and wildflowers.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    24. Locate a map of the area.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    25. Visit the local library. View newspaper archives.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    26. Does politics play a role?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    27. What churches and other religious affiliations are in the area?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    28. Look for documentaries about the area.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    29. What are the people\u2019s joys?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    30. What do people fear?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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    When a writer is cognizant of what is needed to make a manuscript zip with authenticity, readers clamor for more. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    How do you conduct writing research?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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