Ok. So I know I said I was stressed out and trying not to be and stuff. But really? Writing novels ain't digging ditches and it ain't soldiering in Iraq. It ain't even sitting in a cubicle working for the man. I know this, even though sometimes I forget. Like Jamie Ford said in the comments yesterday, writing a novel is something I "get to do" and I am trying to enjoy every moment of it.
On top of the simple joy of writing a good line or a good scene, sometimes because I'm a novelist I get to do interesting, fun or silly things and call it "research." For example, there was my trip to Idaho Springs. And the other day to understand how to write a specific scene I had to go drinking and sex-toy shopping. I had to! For my book! Could I have made up the 70-year-old couple walking confidently through the store? Sure, but it probably wouldn't have dawned on me. Now they're in N2 and they're wearing leather. Let's face it: there was a LOT of stuff in there that never would have dawned on me. (Strap-ons for women to wear with men? Flavored anal lube?) Actually, the store was a clean, well-lighted place mostly filled with colorful, plastic gadgets and gizmos from China, much like a Toys R Us.
For obvious reasons I didn't take pictures, so you'll have to take my word that a fun time was had. For a bit. Then I got kind of sick to my tummy. Middle-aged ladies should not chug margaritas. Not even one. However, anything for veracity in my writing, right? Because now I can vouch for the fact that one marg slurped very quickly could very well make one sick enough to barf all over a pair of fur-lined handcuffs.
And on top of the fun of writing and research, by blogging about it, I probably have at least one or two of you interested in my next book. So really my drinking and sex-toy shopping outting was research and marketing.
Next up, the big reveal: What is this mysterious N2?
13 comments:
"For obvious reasons I didn't take pictures..."
hmm, why not? :D
Hmmm, I think I should change genres. Your research sounds a lot more fun than mine.
Did you REALLY buy the fur-lined handcuffs?
All I do know is that N2 sounds like a great read...even in research form! ;)
Strap ons for women to use on men.
Oh, I would so love to write about the psychological complexity of this couple.
Maybe I will ;0
OK that's two way cool trips in the name of research. If you have to make a third, let me be your research assistant! I'll bring the camera and the digital voice recorder!!! ;)
O, Actually there was a great big sign on the door that said no cameras of any kind allowed.
SR, I didn't purchase anything that day. For the purposes of my story, I'm assuming that any store will have a "you barf on em, you buy em" policy.
Larramie, Thanks for the vote of confidence!
RB, You're a braver writer than I. :)
Lisa, I'll have to see what I can come up with. Seems like people trying to get to know each other would need to go to...I don't know Hawaii?? Lay on the beach for some real bonding?
furry handcuffs?
flavoured anal cream???
strap ons?
And you say this couple on the book is who old?!? Well whooeee...lots to look forward to as we get older then isn't there?!?! LOL!!
Now you're talking!
Um, I'm going to Hawaii too. Just so you know.
Sounds interesting, very interesting. Can't wait to hear more.
Clever woman!
Can't wait to hear more. :)
Such good research! I am so intrigued!
Rebecca, All are invited on the Research Tour of the Islands!
Travis, Theresa & Ello, Thanks for your interest. I'll be posting a synopsis of sorts soon.
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