Message from Leo
It’s a well-known fact that writers often have to
carry out a fair amount of research when working on, say, a novel. In my
case that is certainly true, even though much of the background
knowledge relates to my personal experience, such as operating a
narrowboat for quite a few years. No need for much research there!
Some readers may recall the subject
matter in ‘To Have and to Hold’. For that book I had to learn about the
question of ‘honour killing’. That proved to be rather a surprise and
quite unlike what I initially expected. For ‘Witching Hour’ I needed to
learn about Wicca. Again, a real surprise, as was my research on the
amazing ‘Night Witches’ and their heroic deeds. On one occasion I even
found myself immersed in the murky world of arms dealers. That, as they
say, really is another story.
I recall Dick Francis once saying that
he spent about six months on research for his thrillers, followed by a
further six months writing them. Of the two elements he said he enjoyed
the research phase best. In many ways I can understand that.
Yes, research can be absorbing and
interesting. But on one of the books that I am currently preparing, the
research has led me into areas in which I would be happy to remain
ignorant, so I have turned instead to another subject and another book.
I also need to press on with a short story for members of the mailing
list.
Someone once asked me if writing was a
calm, stress-free occupation. I think you can probably guess my answer
to that.
Happy reading!
