Don't fret about picking a project with easier research topics. For the most part, they don't exist. Those that do exist are boring as h e double-hockey-sticks.
That's so true. There really is no such thing as an easier research topic -- nothing that's really interesting, anyway. Besides, a more challenging research project forces a writer to stretch herself a little and is more satisfying in the end.
I don't get into really sophisticated ideas, so all I need from hubby is a yea or nay on whether something is potentially plausible or completely ludicrous. For example, I needed an invention that would make someone incredibly wealthy. Rather than going into tremendous detail it came down to him creating a simple process that generates vast amounts of clean energy from granite. Yup, the Canadian Shield is a huge energy resource in my story. As it's a romance, the science is secondary and nobody wants to get in too deep. (Thank heavens.) The bonus is that his invention happens before the story starts so I don't have to explain it. Wow! That was really good planning...except it wasn't planned. *chuckle*
That's a fabulous example of how to generate a great idea and implement it in a really smart way! And it makes sense that you wouldn't worry about explaining the science if you're basically creating a back story for why your hero is so wealthy. Although it wasn't planned, it was a wonderful bit of luck that the science happened before the events of your story.
Do whatever research you need, but don't let it consume you. All you require is enough to get the buzzwords right and to be somewhat plausible. You're not writing a scientific thesis.
Great advice once again, especially as I do have a habit of including more details than I need after doing research. As you say, it's the buzzwords that are important.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2011-01-06 02:00 am (UTC)That's so true. There really is no such thing as an easier research topic -- nothing that's really interesting, anyway. Besides, a more challenging research project forces a writer to stretch herself a little and is more satisfying in the end.
I don't get into really sophisticated ideas, so all I need from hubby is a yea or nay on whether something is potentially plausible or completely ludicrous. For example, I needed an invention that would make someone incredibly wealthy. Rather than going into tremendous detail it came down to him creating a simple process that generates vast amounts of clean energy from granite. Yup, the Canadian Shield is a huge energy resource in my story. As it's a romance, the science is secondary and nobody wants to get in too deep. (Thank heavens.) The bonus is that his invention happens before the story starts so I don't have to explain it. Wow! That was really good planning...except it wasn't planned. *chuckle*
That's a fabulous example of how to generate a great idea and implement it in a really smart way! And it makes sense that you wouldn't worry about explaining the science if you're basically creating a back story for why your hero is so wealthy. Although it wasn't planned, it was a wonderful bit of luck that the science happened before the events of your story.
Do whatever research you need, but don't let it consume you. All you require is enough to get the buzzwords right and to be somewhat plausible. You're not writing a scientific thesis.
Great advice once again, especially as I do have a habit of including more details than I need after doing research. As you say, it's the buzzwords that are important.