Steve Wilson's Blog - Posts Tagged "research"
The Role of Research
A frequent question relates to research. How much is required to create one novel? In my case, nearly 50% of my time is spent gathering background, and a great deal of that is done on the front end. My current manuscript is backed up with an outline that runs 23 pages; additionally, I have a lined pad where I've jotted down notes that are just as long. To compose a single paragraph sometimes requires several trips to the internet, to confirm a source or refresh my memory about something I've learned in the past (I try not to take anything for granted).
And speaking of the third installment, consider these topics. For book three, I had to return to Neill's roots in Eastern Europe (and to a greater extent, Central Europe). Here are a few of the subjects that required research:
* Poland's Husaria
* Russia's political structure
* Missile defense shields
* Tactics of the Russian Navy
* The role of the media in Polish life
* The missile technology of Iran
The tone of this book is different from the preceding two, but it could be argued that each varies in flavor. 'Red Sky at Morning' was couched in the politics and culture of Eastern Europe, and was the introduction to the series, and to Neill's character. 'Tempest of Fire' was more of a 'boots on the ground' type of story, with a heavy emphasis on technology and the volatile interactions of the Asian world. In 'The Trinity Icon', (working title), questions raised in 'Tempest' begin to be answered, the intricacies of geo-politics are explored, and there is more of a revelatory aspect to Neill's background--along with a heightened sense of romance.
And speaking of the third installment, consider these topics. For book three, I had to return to Neill's roots in Eastern Europe (and to a greater extent, Central Europe). Here are a few of the subjects that required research:
* Poland's Husaria
* Russia's political structure
* Missile defense shields
* Tactics of the Russian Navy
* The role of the media in Polish life
* The missile technology of Iran
The tone of this book is different from the preceding two, but it could be argued that each varies in flavor. 'Red Sky at Morning' was couched in the politics and culture of Eastern Europe, and was the introduction to the series, and to Neill's character. 'Tempest of Fire' was more of a 'boots on the ground' type of story, with a heavy emphasis on technology and the volatile interactions of the Asian world. In 'The Trinity Icon', (working title), questions raised in 'Tempest' begin to be answered, the intricacies of geo-politics are explored, and there is more of a revelatory aspect to Neill's background--along with a heightened sense of romance.
