Read Teresa's story at Make Way Partners
When I begin a writing project, I seldom know where the research will lead me. I'm a hybrid plotter/pantser. In other words, I know the general path I will take, but I try to be open to the leading of the Lord to alter my course. He did that as I wrote my first novel manuscript, and He's doing it with this work-in-progress.
I write middle-grade novels primarily. Even in the case of fiction, for it to ring true, it must spring from truth. This work, The Second Cellar, does that. At its beginning, however, I did not imagine that my journey would take me to Darfur and beyond, albeit vicariously.
I write middle-grade novels primarily. Even in the case of fiction, for it to ring true, it must spring from truth. This work, The Second Cellar, does that. At its beginning, however, I did not imagine that my journey would take me to Darfur and beyond, albeit vicariously.
A friend involved with foreign and domestic missions, upon learning about my wip, is serving as a liaison between me and the founder of another ministry--this one involved in rescuing children and women from modern-day slavery in Islamic countries. I look forward to talking with such a courageous woman. As any interviewer worth her ink knows to do, I will first thoroughly study her website and blog, so that I won't waste time asking questions she already has answered on those sites. Such perusal usually gives rise to other deeper, more probing questions.
Another likely stop on my research odyssey will be a visit to the immigration office in Indianapolis. Only the Lord knows where else I will travel in my quest.
Another likely stop on my research odyssey will be a visit to the immigration office in Indianapolis. Only the Lord knows where else I will travel in my quest.
Dear writing colleagues, what strange and unexpected turns has your research taken you? Please click "Comments" and tell of your experience.
Write on!
Because of Christ,
Sharon
Write on!
Because of Christ,
Sharon
What a lovely experience you will have talking to one of these "angel's on earth". I have such admiration for people who devote themselves to missionary work and hope some day to find the courage to go to Africa myself. I'm sure you'll be blessed and your interest will be a blessing as well.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Melissa. I'm definitely looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteWrite on!
Because of Christ,
Sharon
With my novel Attack Zone, it took me to a very dark side with respects to conservative Christian talk show hosts and the absolute hate that is heaped on them/their families for their outspoken opinions. I had no idea of the kind of hate they receive on a daily basis. And I mean real down and dirty hate, hate, often, signed, Your brother or sister in Christ. Ouch!
ReplyDeleteOh, have mercy, Linda! That's really terrible, especially those that are signed as, "Your [brother or sister] in Christ." Yes, sometimes our research journey takes us to such places--places not so much geographic as spiritual or emotional. This one I'm on now will no doubt venture at least to the edge of darkness. Thank you for sharing your experience.
ReplyDeleteWrite on!
Because of Christ,
Sharon