Writing Resources — Let’s Share!

There are a number of resources to use when you’re writing, but they’re often dependant on your genre. Even after deciding a genre, the sub-genres can be exacting, requiring meticulous research.

If you write historicals the dates and history have to be correct. While Regency is considered historical, you craft stories in a finite time period with particular dress, furnishings, class and demeanor. And the Regency Police are waiting in the wings to pounce!

A few books I use regularly are for names. Sherrilyn Kenyon has done CHARACTER NAMING, a beautiful sourcebook for African, Anglo-Saxon, American, Celtic, German, Teutonic and too many others to list, of surnames with brief histories about each one. It helps keep surnames true to storyline or region. For first names I have an assortment of baby name books, and on-line sources to ensure the names stay true to the period. (I cite the Regency Police again. Yes, they are that persnickety!) I even picked up a Cajun French phrase book since all the Cajun French I learned in the oilfield is generally non-repeatable in polite company, and I love the cadence of the language as well as the realism it lends to a story.

Yes, I'm waving hello through the cover!

I love the psychology of a character and I use resource books to tweak them into shape using books such as Rachel Ballon’s BREATHING LIFE INTO YOUR CHARACTERS. I also love the perfect word, which means J.I. Rodale’s THE SYNONYM FINDER gets a real workout. The spine is broken, the pages bent and curled, and the cover damaged past hope. I included the first photo of the Rodale to show just how well used it is. I can literally wave hello through the cover. I said it was well used! It’s such a favorite of mine it’s included in every writing raffle or gift basket I make.

For my stories based in New Orleans I’ve done quite a bit of Voodoo research. I’ve been given voodoo dolls, gris-gris, mojos and numerous books. Papa Legba, a voodoo Loa (or demi-god) is the guardian to the gate of the Spirit World. He’s often represented as a skull wearing sunglasses with one lens missing; the missing lens signifies he sees into both worlds. 

Voodoo is alive and well in New Orleans!

A good book for accurate local haunted history is NEW ORLEANS GHOSTS AND VAMPIRES, JOURNEY INTO DARKNESS…  Take a New Orleans Haunted History tour if you ever have the opportunity. You’ll remember it for the rest of your life! If nothing else, arm yourself with a Place Map and spend the day on a walking tour. Good sources for books while there are Reverend Zombie’s and Esoterica.

A few of Runere's well used resource books.

 

Herbal books, Spellbooks, bells, candles, sage, salt, stones, crystal balls and crystals. Items common to healing and the Craft.

For centuries there has been a failure to make the distinction between healers and witches. I have a number of research books for both those areas. Though I love to share, I’m squeamish about lending one particular book out. It has White Magick in it, but it also has some pretty horrific Black Magick spells in it as well. And yes, that book in the left forefront does say The Supermarket Sorceress!  

For Werewolf stories I have a few histories on Werewolves. I was really surprised to find their presence recognized in a large number of countries, on equal footing with Vampires! I’m particularly fascinated with their connection to Native American cultures.

Werewolf books, playing wolf cub, wolf knife and medicine pouch.

 

I’ve shared a few resources from my genre, the paranormal. I’d really like to hear which resources you use for writing in your genre. Hope we have a really good exchange here to share with visitors!  Thanks!

Writing Recharge — We Can All Use One Now and Then

Got out of the house and visited with Gothicdweller for a little while today. She’s working on an R&R, and I’m really proud of her.

We got to talking about how we both love New Orleans. It’s a personal recharge for me. There’s just something about the atmosphere and life –past and present– that pulses through that city like no other.

Every writer needs to have somewhere special to retreat and recharge. I don’t care if it’s a short trip to completely different surroundings, a walk in the woods or along the beach at sunrise or sunset, or to sink nose deep in a bubble bath. I have enough of a connection to New Orleans that it’s my retreat.

I can close my eyes and describe stepping down the two shallow grey stone steps into Jackson Square, the sun beating down so hard the umbrellas of the tarot and palm readers are a welcome oasis of shade. The height and facade of surrounding buildings, some with wrought iron witches wheels and harp-shaped shutters, some with columns. Jackson eternally mounted on his steed, mists drifting chill across your skin from the fountain, stately live oaks stretching gnarled branches overhead, all surrounded by wrought iron fences. The musicians and street performers on the lowest level, the flower cart lady, the water xylophone man, the metaphysical people, the artists.

The dull sheen of the stone steps and floor of the Square in the glistening rain, the glow of the street lamp globes shrunken and  muted by falling moisture.

Or a moon lit night walk, steps ringing off the slate pathway of Pirates Alley, deep in shadows cast by St. Louis cathedral. You can’t help but listen for disembodied murmurs and watch for the flitting ghosts of Jean Lafitte and his fellow pirates, men who kept the city alive by selling  their ill-gotten wares there. If the ghosts are uncooperative, it’s still entertaining to listen to the priests chastise the vampire wannabes and gothic youth from behind the cathedral gates. They ignore the admonitions, black-garbed figures darting through shadows between pools of light, their youthful laughter floating in the humid air.

I can tell you about the bustle of the French Market, the rich scents of cafe au lait and beignets from Cafe Du Monde, clanging trolley car rides through the Garden District. The clip-clop of a horse-drawn carriage ride, the droning voice of the driver regaling passengers with the city’s colorful history. Then there are the  freighters slipping like behemoths up and down the Mississippi Riverfront, sounding long mournful blasts as they prepare to pass on the one whistle or two whistle side of other ships. The haunting notes of the Calliope that announces the departure of the paddle-wheeler river boat. Savory burgers topped with cool slices of avocado at Yo Mama’s, a quick stop at Reverend Zombie’s for books, candles and incense or to start a Haunted History Tour, all near each other on St. Peter. The midnight opening of The Dungeon, the Vampire hangout on Toulouse, different crowds on multiple levels. I can tell you about getting off the beaten path, back to the wall and staring down would be muggers, knife held low in my hand; a friend swinging the hell out of the buckle end of a camera strap in a pretty respectable imitation of Jackie Chan.

Ethnic foods from so many cultures, Voodoo shops, swamp tours, Cemetery Tours and Marie Leveau, the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans. The Louisiana Museum, the Cabildo, the Mardi Gras Museum, and Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, the oldest bar in the U.S.. Rich in history, there’s something in this city for everyone.

For a writer, it’s a paradise of fact, fiction and nuance. I’ll be headed there next weekend. Visit with my metaphysical friends, indulge in multiple culinary delights, absorb unique insights and landmarks to use in my next book.

You now know my secret getaway. I’d like to know yours. What do you do and where do you go to recharge?