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When a person first starts writing they’re often told to “write what you know.”
Really? I don’t know about your life but my life in Nebraska isn’t all that interesting. I think the comment means we should build on our strengths. Since I’m an RN, my RX for Love miniseries for Harlequin Special Edition deals with medical professionals in Jackson Hole. Makes sense, right?
But for everything I know, there’s so much more I don’t know. Research is still necessary. In my book that’s out this month, Jackson Hole Valentine, I had to research dyslexia, since the hero, Cole, is dyslexic. Then I had to take the research I’d done and sprinkle it in (not shove it down the readers throat) so his experience was both believable and accurate without being a dissertation on dyslexia.
In my book that is out in April, The Doctor’s Not-So-Little Secret, I had to research laws concerning private adoptions.
The book that I’m currently writing (Ryan’s story)–scheduled for February of 2013–I researched Love Tokens.
What is a love token? In the 18th and 19th centuries, coins personalized for a sweetheart were given as an expression of love. Sometimes, if the groom didn’t have much money, the love token was given in lieu of a ring when proposing. Often these coins were engraved with the loved one’s initials, or their name or with a saying.
For my coin, I had it decorated with ivy and hearts and the French words ”Vous et Nul Autre” which means ”You and No Other.” This saying plays into the story line.
These love tokens (coins) were usually carried by the woman throughout her marriage. Often a hole was added and it was worn around the neck, or a pin back was added and it was worn near the heart. Here’s an example of one:
As a writer, I love to learn new things while doing research and as a reader I still enjoy learning something new each time I read a book. This week I’ll be giving away a copy of Sarah Wendell’s book “Everything I Know About Love I Learned From Romance Novels.”
To be entered into the drawing all you have to do is comment and tell me something you learned from a reading a romance novel. I can’t wait to hear what you’ve learned!
Filed in: Jaunty Post
Feb 11th
2012
1:21 am
Sharon Abraham Said:
I’ve learned a lot of English history. I’ve learned that I really do need to travel more. I learned a lot about Australia and how it was settled originally. I hope to go there one day, it has always been at the top of the list.
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Feb 11th
2012
6:29 am
Laurie G Said:
In Pamela Clare’s book “Surrender”, I learned a lot about The French and Indian War and the impressment of Scotsmen into service for Great Britain.
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Feb 11th
2012
10:33 am
Kathryn in Montreal Said:
It depends on the romance you’re reading… from historical romance I’ve learned a lot about the way of life 200 years ago, fashion, social standing, etc. Modern romances deal with contemporary issues… I’ve learned about bullying, ways of life (lobster fishing, maple syrup making). I have to say I like a book that teaches me something. I always loved Dick Francis’ murder mysteries based in the horse world because he would pick a topic or theme and delve into it and weave it into the fabric of the story (banking, wine-making, photography, glass blowing, etc).
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Feb 11th
2012
11:44 am
catslady Said:
I’m reading Journey to Yesterday and it’s a time travel back 110 years. The heroine is in the east but soon will be traveling west and it’s fascinating to learn what they do and don’t have through her eyes. I’m learning everything from fashion to politics. They didn’t have bras lol.
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Feb 11th
2012
12:22 pm
Kathleen O Said:
When I was reading Mr. and Miss Anonymous by Fern Michaels I learned a lot about sperm donor banks.. And what can happen when it is miss used for it’s intended purpose.
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Feb 11th
2012
3:29 pm
Marian the Librarian Said:
Hi Cindy: I bought your latest book today, while grocery shopping. I have been looking for it for a few weeks now. I guess with Valentine’s Day next week, it’s all about timing! Anyway, I just wanted to let you know I can’t wait to read it. Marian
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Feb 11th
2012
7:12 pm
StacieD Said:
While reading Broken by Megan Hart I learned a lot about how to take care of a paralyzed person. The heroine’s husband is paralyzed from the neck down. All of the possible health issues that can appear are terrifying. It really showed how much work it is to be a caregiver. Both physical and emotional.
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Feb 11th
2012
7:20 pm
bn100 Said:
I’ve learned about the different rankings of nobility and how to address them.
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Feb 11th
2012
7:57 pm
Cindy Kirk Said:
Sharon, That’s cool about learning more about Australian history. Isn’t it great to learn new things while being entertained?
Laurie G, I had no idea that Scotsman were pulled into that war…very interesting.
Kathryn, Great comments. I’m going to have to check out Dick Francis’s books.
catslady, no bras…but probably those horrid corsets. ugh! lol
Kathleen, I’m going to have to pick up that book. I, myself am a product of donor insemination. Although in my case my biological dad was at the doctor’s office (before the AIDS epidemic and the need to screen semen so closely)
Marian, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!! It’s one of my favorites so I hope you enjoy it!
Stacie D, It’s certainly not as easy as they show on television….is it?
bn100, I read a lot of historicals, too. And I have really learned a lot from them.
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Feb 11th
2012
9:55 pm
Shana Galen Said:
I learn something new with every book too, Cindy. Sometimes I learn a lot of new things!
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Feb 11th
2012
11:54 pm
LilMissMolly Said:
There’s always little bit of history in each book. I love learning about Irish and Scottish ancestors.
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Feb 12th
2012
10:47 am
Kristan Higgins Said:
That’s one of my favorite parts of writing, Cindy…the cool things I learn! This past book, I had to learn about motorcycles, so of course that meant going for my first ever ride on the back of a Harley. Hey. Someone’s gotta do it. : )
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Feb 12th
2012
1:42 pm
Molly Said:
I think I’d rather have a love token than an engagement ring. I don’t wear jewelry, but I always have stuff in my pockets. Love tokens sound like a lot of fun.
I can’t think of anything I’ve learned from reading books, but I’m sure I’ve absorbed a lot. When I learn new things, I just store the information away; I don’t remember where I learned it. I’m sure I’ve learned lots of details about the Regency era, but there isn’t any one detail I can reference on the spot.
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Feb 12th
2012
3:37 pm
Cindy Kirk Said:
Shana and Kristan….I didn’t think I was the only one who loved learning new things. And riding on the back of a Harley, Kristan? It doesn’t get much better than that.
Lil Miss Molly and Molly…I love learning more about history in a fun, enjoyable way, too!
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Feb 12th
2012
5:17 pm
Chelsea B. Said:
I’ve learned that guys seriously need to read a romance novel. Seriously.
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Feb 12th
2012
5:48 pm
chey Said:
I’ve learned about history.
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Feb 13th
2012
12:03 am
Cindy Kirk Said:
Chelsea,
Love your comment. lol
Chey,
Totally agree about the history…and easy, enjoyable lesson!
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