When I quit working full-time and stayed home to write (the first time that happened), I started volunteering in our local library. I'm a real people person, and writing is a solitary endeavor. Imagine my surprise when they put me in the back of the library mending books. Still not much contact with actual people. But I learned a lot about how a library runs.
Every library has a reference librarian. This person will help people find the information they need. Since the advent of cell phones with nationwide free long distance, I have contacted a few of these librarians when I couldn't find information.
I decided to contact the Seattle Public Library. I didn't ask for anyone to do my research for me, just a few suggestions on books about the time period. I hit the Mother Lode.
At one time in writing Maggie's Journey, I wanted to find the name of a nice hotel in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1885. When I used Google to find the information, a map of St. Louis in 1885 appeared along with photos and text about various buildings and areas of the city. Another valuable moment.
Here are a few of the links I used:
http://mappery.com/map-of/Antique-map-of-St-Louis-from-1885
http://foundsf.org/index.php?title=Category:1880s
The use of research enriches all my books, whether historical or contemporary.
If you've read my McKenna's Daughters books and Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, please share with us which of the settings you liked best.
I'll choose a winner from all those who leave comments for an ebook copy of one of these books:
The Spinster and the Cowboy
The Best Medicine
You can choose the book you win in either a Kindle or a Nook edition.
8 comments:
I like the Arkansas setting in Maggie's Journey. I LOVED that series!
Campbellamyd at gmail dot com
Thank you, Amy. I loved adding the Arkansas setting. I was born and grew up in Arkansas. I even graduated from high school a little west of North Little Rock.
Love that picture of you and your hubby, Lena. When I begin a story I go looking for what was happening in that point in history that might add to the authenticity of the period.
I haven't had the opportunity to read these books, but I'm dying to get my hands on them. Our library doesn't have them and I'm disabled, but as soon as I can save my money I will be reading these books. Books sound fantastic. I'm looking forward to reading all of them. Enjoyed your posting.
Barbara Thompson
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com
Lena, your research is evident in all your books. That's one of the reasons readers love you so much.
I also love the photo of you and your husband. Y'all are such a precious couple!
That picture was taken at the PrimeTime Valentine banquet this year. You can't tell in the picture, but my jacket was black lace.
You and Lynn Coleman are two of "go to" people for historical information. You two seem to know it all.
You and hubby looking good, Lena. You do know that all my husband's family are from Arkansas and I have four cousins born and reared in North Little Rock and Little Rock. Going there in October.
Martha, I didn't realize we had an Arkansas connection. Small world.
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