The Most Interesting Research

In today’s post, I’ll be discussing the most interesting information found during the research phase of a book.

When I was writing The Bone Maiden, I knew very little about the Crescent City. Although I had actually been to New Orleans twice before, once for Mardi Gras and another time for just sightseeing, after peripherally studying the city I realized that I still had a lot to learn.

I discussed in a podcast titled, How to Write, the advantages and challenges of the popular idiom ‘write what you know’. I’ll touch on some key points here. There is weight behind the idiom of ‘write what you know’ and good reason for it. Writing from a source of knowledge—from a well of experience and life skills—is an invaluable resource. It allows you to better connect with your reader, to convey your message in terms that are close to you. It sharpens your attention to detail (you know that’s where the devil is, right?). It improves pacing and tension and helps bring out your natural voice. But if in the end all that still isn’t good enough, then what?

Then you research, research, research. Absorb as much knowledge about the place you’re writing about, the people, the things in your story to make it come alive—to make it jump out of the page for your reader. So, what did I do to learn more about New Orleans? I pulled out a map. I studied the geography of the city, the way the streets intersected and were shaped by the river. I learned about the proximity of major landmarks and how close Lake Pontchartrain and the surrounding bayou was to the location of my story. I searched the internet for as much information as I could find. What I did next was even more important. I picked up the phone and called businesses and spoke to real humans. I interviewed them. Found out real tangible information that I never would have known otherwise.

What are the juicy details? I learned that New Orleans is a city rich in history and culture. My story, The Bone Maiden, is centered around New Orleans Voodoo and its frightening mystique. What I found was that their craft was and is closely tied to Catholicism. It is a diverse religion that I hope I captured successfully and respectfully. One of the most famous people in New Orleans Voodoo was Marie LaVeau, the Voodoo Queen. She was as respected as a nurse and mother as she was feared as a voodoo priestess. Her grave is found in Cemetery #1 and is one of the most visited gravesites in the United States.

Two adjacent buildings which sit as a focal point of Jackson Square, are the St. Charles Cathedral and the smaller building next to it, the Cabildo. The St. Charles Cathedral’s steeple juts high into the sky above the city and holds a rich history. It is the oldest running church in the US. So, what about the Cabildo next door? It was the location of the signing of the Louisiana Purchase which opened the west to expansion. A little extra tid-bit is that I own a coin from the sunken ships that were carrying Spanish doubloons which never made it to shore. The ship’s sinking and the loss of that fortune actually led to the Louisiana Purchase.

Two impressive landmarks in and around New Orleans have to do with transportation. Yes, really. One of the most popular landmarks was a way to get into New Orleans. It is the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. It is the longest continuous bridge over a body of water in the world. It is enormous and a sight to behold. If you ever get the chance, drive across the bridge and experience it firsthand. The second landmark wasn’t something you drove on, but rode inside. The St. Charles Avenue Street Car is the oldest running trolly in the world. It runs all across the great city allowing you to absorb the natural wonders of New Orleans in style.

When you’re all done with your travels, you can unwind at Antoine’s Restaurant. It was Established in 1840 and is one of the oldest family-run restaurants in the United States. When you’re done stuffing yourself with classic Creole dishes, head on over to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop — built between 1722 and 1732 to wet your whistle. It is reputed to be the oldest structure to be used as a bar in the United States.

Thank you for joining me as I explored my writing journey. Continue reviewing my blogs and don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter where I share writing topics, behind-the-scene details, and members-only content. Remember to go over to my media page to watch my podcasts and learn additional content or view them on YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok. Like and subscribe for more content.