Alexandra Bogdanovic's Blog: That's life... - Posts Tagged "research"

As I mentioned last week, I'm definitely writing another book. And because I'm not one to waste any time once I make a decision, I can now tell you that I've already started doing the research for it.
I must admit, it has been a little bit challenging so far. My grandparents and a lot of the people who knew my father best have died. His remaining friends and family live all over the world.
So far I have spoken to some of my European relatives, and I've really enjoyed reconnecting with those whom I haven't seen in years. I've also enjoyed speaking with cousins whom I've never met.
Because he never spoke much about his childhood or what happened after World War II, there were a lot of things I didn't know about my father until extended family began sharing stories after he died. Now I want to know even more.
The next challenge will be trying to separate facts from family legend. But that should be fun!
So until next time, "That's life..."

So now that I've been home for a couple of months, I'm getting serious about doing the research for my second book. Really serious. I mean it.
To that end, I spent a few hours at the New York Public Library yesterday. I went there to find some books about Yugoslav history, and while perusing the shelves in one of the third floor research rooms I hit the mother lode.
In three large tomes, I found valuable information about Yugoslav history spanning hundreds of years. I also found information about politics, government, culture and education.
To date, I've gotten plenty of information about communism, socialism, past and present ethnic conflicts from my family, but I'm hoping to gain some additional insight from the library books.
In coming weeks, I'll continue my legwork at the New York Public Library and elsewhere. I'll also begin synthesizing the information in notes and outlines.
From there, I'll probably turn my attention to character and plot development.
Once that's all done, I'll finally be to start on the first draft of the novel based on my father's life.
So for those of you who may be wondering when my next book will be coming out, I can't honestly say yet.
But to keep myself on track, I'll be providing you with weekly updates in my blog. That way, you'll get some insight into the writing process from start to finish.
I hope you enjoy it. It should be a fun ride!
Until next time, "That's life..."

So last week, I told you that I'd keep you apprised of how the research for my second book is going. This week, I can happily report that my second trip to the New York Public Library was just as productive as my first.
I found two more books on Yugoslav history and one that was just about Tito. While I am sure they will all be helpful, the one I am most excited about is called The Historical Dictionary of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia by Zeljan Suster.
Published in 1999, Suster's book includes what is arguably the single most important resource for another author planning on setting a novel in another time and place -- a comprehensive timeline. Suster's chronology dates from the 5th century to 1999.
Most importantly to me, it provides valuable context and insight into some of the most critical times in my father's life. Here's a glimpse at what I found.
My dad was born in March 1922. Fifteen years later, Josip Broz (best known to the rest of the world as Tito) became general secretary of the Communist Party in Yugoslavia. World War II began when Germany invaded Poland just two years later, in 1939.
My dad was 18 when his country's government established diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union in 1940, and he had just turned 19 when Germany invaded Yugoslavia and captured Belgrade in 1941.
The war continued for four years. By the time it ended, my father's adventures were just beginning....
Until next time "That's life..."

For some reason I can't set foot in the New York Public Library without thinking about Ghostbusters -- but that's aside from the point.
I was back at my favorite haunt last night, and even though the visit was unplanned, it was productive. In fact, I found and photocopied material from three more books detailing Yugoslav history. It took a couple of hours to find and copy everything I wanted, and as I look at the growing stack of research material on my desk I cringe when I think about how many trees were sacrificed for the cause.
To be honest, I'm starting to feel more than a little overwhelmed by this research project. The subject is dense, and it seems the more I find, the more questions I have and the more confused I get.
So I think it's time to stop gathering material and start sifting through what I've already found. I suppose I'll start making outlines and timelines and take it from there. In any case, the bottom line is, that until I not only understand the history of my father's homeland, but feel confident enough to write about it with some authority, I simply can't begin to think about character or plot development.
What about you? How do you go about doing research for your own books. Do you take a methodical approach or fly be the seat of your pants?
I'm eager to hear what you think.
Until next time, "That's life..."

It happens to every author. Somewhere in the writing process you hit a bump in the road.
For me, writing my second book is especially challenging because my dad died a long time ago. A lot of his friends -- people who knew what happened to him in the former Yugoslavia -- have passed away as well. So, as I mentioned last week, I am left with my imagination... and a few family legends.
I've done a lot of research in order to try and fill in the blanks. I've been to Belgrade. And with my mother's help I have found some of my father's personal effects. At some point soon I will start to go through some more.
In the meantime, as I also mentioned last week, I started my rough draft. Writing as much as time allows, I've written approximately 6,000 words or 14 single-spaced pages (give or take a few words or a page or two).
With the creative process well underway, I plan on continuing my research as it continues. That includes reading as much about Serbia as I can get my hands on.
I just finished the first book on the stack -- a novel called The Mole Men by Negovan Rajic. Born in Belgrade in 1923, the author was just one year younger than my father. The book -- a fantasy -- was about a man who faced government persecution after learning a closely-guarded secret and then trying to share the truth.
In a photocopied excerpt from Contemporary Authors, Volume 130 tucked inside our copy of the novel, Rajic said:
"The materials for my fiction come from my life experiences and the personal stories friends tell me. My stories come as a revolt against the official picture of history as presented by totalitarian powers, who often distorted facts. I believe in the power of the word to transmit human experiences and perceptions. I stand for freedom as the point of departure for any kind of progress, both material and spiritual."
The book is disturbing, provocative and intriguing. It is a must-read for anyone and everyone who takes freedom for granted.
I told my mother as much when she asked me if it was interesting.
"It was written by a friend of your father's," she said.
The plot thickens.
Until next time, "That's life..."