Have you heard the phrase, ‘You don’t know what you don’t know?’
Learning isn’t a chore when you’re writing, it’s a must.
For the people who are excited about researching and learning new things, it’s a great time to be alive.
The internet is a helpful tool in this regard, and through a variety of platforms we can access this knowledge.
You could also consider some of these ideas:
- Join writers’ organizations at the regional, national, and international levels.
- If you have available time, consider volunteering when they host conferences.
- Visit living history exhibits and museums.
- Become a tourist in your own region or the same location as your story’s setting.
- Libraries have either physically or electronically saved local newspapers.
- Some libraries have study groups or historical societies that devote their time creating learning opportunities for others.
- Choose a specific character in your story, then go places where real people have the same interests as your book character.
- That means you might be going to sporting events, thrift stores, specialty boutiques, 4-H events, rock climbing, curling bon spiels, antique shows, or a new pub.
- Stop at historical markers along roadsides.
- Immerse yourself in learning by taking classes in-person or virtually.
- Attend events where guest speakers share what they know about a subject in which you’re interested.
- Work a side-gig where you can learn about the people, culture, and histories, of a specific area.
- For this one, I thought back to my waitressing days.
- Brief conversations or getting to know ‘the regulars’ afforded me opportunities to meet many interesting people.
- Not only that, I got paid and made new friends.
- Double Yay!
