Well, maybe not for every soul. But for me, research is a thrill. It always has been even way back in junior and senior high. I even went back to school for graduate work and concentrated on the areas of research. I thought about getting another masters degree in order to research some more. But, I stopped with my MA in English. After all, I can research on my own…whatever topic I want.

I’ve found many ways and places to satisfy my deep desire to learn something new or to delve into a topic whether for a new novel I’m writing or a new interest. The library is always a top choice–the smell of old books and the feel of aged paper as well as the thickness of the volume or the well-used softness of the paper. The internet offers many resources too. I’ve found recently that archives in state libraries and museums are an awesome source of information.

On my recent trip to Charleston, SC for research, I bought four new books–South Carolina and the American Revolution by John Gordon, The Life of General Francis Marion by P. Horry, Crescent Moon over Carolina by C.L. Bragg, and A Gallant Defense by Carl Borick. I take these books and a highlighter and read and read letting ideas form for a plot. My focus now is on 1777-1782 American Revolution in Charles Town. Whether nerdy or not, I must admit I love this part of writing. Even though I’m not finished with the research, I couldn’t wait to write the first paragraph. So, the novel writing process has commenced.

What are your feelings on research?