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| I've discussed research in several drama newsletters before. So what's involved in research for drama? It's a little different than research for a work of non-fiction, so I'd like to offer some starting points. That way, you're not wandering the library and internet without a plan or even a clue. I'll also share some ideas for research that you might not have considered. |
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I figured with all my chatter about historical drama and research I ought to give you some suggestions for researching your pieces. Yes, I know. Research. Most people don't like research, but my experience leads me to believe that dreading research has to do with people not being aware of all the options available. Here are some research tips and tricks that will make the endeavor less dreadful and even give you a chance to learn something new outside of your writing.
 While pictures are an old standby for gleaning details about a particular setting, learning the methods used to capture photos can provide just as much information. Photography has undergone quite a few changes over the past 140 years or so, and this is reflected in how photos have been developed. When the photographer could afford it, he (or she) processed prints with platinum. Glass slides, cross processing and even Prussian blue tints also have appeared in photo processing throughout history. Since cost and available materials determined which processes were used, you can use this as a method for developing your setting, establishing how much money people in the time may have had or what kinds of technology would have been available. Likewise, characters could be, er, developed in relation to photography, whether it was a new process (in the 1850s and 1860s) or a technology available to many people. After all, everyone of all economic and social backgrounds has a fascination with cameras and the process of photography. Why not use that fascination to explore a character's personality?
On a related note, don't just go for period details for the physical aspects of the story. Consider reading old texts and newspapers to learn what kind of ideas and beliefs were popular in a given time and place. The next time you're at a used book sale, consider looking at books that seem out-of-date. If they happen to fit the time period in which your story is set (and are ridiculously cheap), think about buying one or two of them. I actually got this idea when I saw a neurology book dating back to the mid-1980s. Though I didn't buy it, I thought it'd be interesting to read through it and see what was considered the most advanced technology and knowledge in that era. Keep in mind this doesn't pertain strictly to scientific books. History, how-to guides and even encyclopedias can shed light on what people learned in bygone eras. That, in turn, can give you an idea of the kind of information your characters would encounter in their lives (be it schooling, job training or independent learning).
While not always the easiest to find, audio and video resources can give you a break from all that reading. While we wrtiers are advised to do a lot of reading to help us enhance our skills, our eyes need a break from all that print. So, have a listen when you can. For research purposes, though, there is a caveat with this tip. Try to seek out actual interviews and raw footage of events, as these are closer to actual primary source materials (which contain more information about specific details). With documentaries and similar specials, a lot of editing takes place to tell a story. Therefore, there is a chance you might not get the information you'll need. Another downside of audio and video files is you will have to take notes, which may require multiple viewings/listenings. If your materials are on loan, you might face a limited amount of time to use the materials for research purposes. Consider scoping out these materials first if you don't want to feel rushed into researching your story.
If you can swing it, conducting your own interviews is a great way to get information and also hear a good story from someone who actually experienced an event. However, you should compare the interview with other sources. Depending on how much time has passed between a given event and the interview, memories are burned into a person's mind in a way that makes them subjective to some degree. Remember to prepare your questions beforehand, but also be ready to improvise. Sometimes an answer to a prewritten question might lead to a tangent you didn't expect (that could be particularly helpful).
My next suggestion is probably not for everyone, namely because it shows my nerdiness. I've been trained in the craft of reading research studies, and I think the data gathered, organized and analyzed in these studies can be useful in writing a story. It might sound boring, but some of these studies (particularly those in the social sciences) can actually answer particularly difficult questions about group dynamics, a popular element of modern stories. In fact, many successful works of writing are based on the interaction of groups of people (or beings, depending on the genre). These studies will not provide all the answers, and they might be more confusing than anything if you're not proficient in the terminology used in the study. However, they can provide you with information you will not find elsewhere. Like I said, this is not for everyone, but if you think you can handle the reading, go for it! 
I know I used to hate research in middle and high school, but college totally changed my mind on it. While much of my research was for non-fiction writing, I think the research tricks I learned are aplicable to fiction. My message to you is to not be afraid of digging for information. The key is to approach it with an open mind and be ready for numerous learning possibilities.
Until next time,
(sig by panthera) |
Hooray, research! Check out this variety of drama stories and research-related items that will either get you thinking about planning your work or provide a nice distraction from it.
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| |  | Dark Eye (13+)
Alaura must travel back in time to stop an act of sabotage...before its too late.
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Much to my surprise, I actually received some really good feedback for my previous issue. I figured discussing the Iraq War in any manner would expose many divisive opionions. However, the feedback stayed on topic, and I'm extra stunned that no one tried to defend Paul Haggis' virtue in the process! Anyway, let's see what people had to say.
From bazilbob: Thanks for another detailed and useful newsletter.
You're welcome, and had it not been for your comments, I might not have written it. So thank you for the idea. Feel free to plant more ideas in my head at anytime. 
From Jay's debut novel is out now!  : Well-thought out and well researched. I really enjoyed this newsletter and I'm glad you shared it with us. I don't think any single situation facing our generation is as divisive... unless you count global warming. (You know, cause we made it up.  ) Definitely a topic of drama.
Take care and Write on!
~j
Thank you, jay, and trust me. My head still kind of hurts from thinking about it so much. As for global warming...that gives me a possible idea for another two part drama newsletter. Hooray, nerdiness? In any case, I agree on the divisiveness of the issue, and it does make for an uphill battle for our generation. I just hope more of them try to actually solve the problem and not slink into the bowels or artistry to escape it.
From StephBee  : Wow! Comprehensive and extensive! Great material on the Iraq war and how to go about tackling it's sensitive nature in drama writing!
Thank you, thank you. It is a sensitive issue, and I think writers of all sorts are not quite savvy to that sensitivity. I personally don't see anything wrong with writing about the Iraq War as it's happening, but I feel writers need to use caution when doing so. Hopefully the newsletter highlighted some of the pitfalls writers should avoid when taking on the issue.
From fleckgirl: This was a great NL Elisa & I think you really hit the nail on the head with all of the various factors, but I think timing is the most important right now. Everyone is too close to it right now & I think there is great difficulty in separating fiction from beliefs and agendas and so, for now, it waits.
Really a very well done NL! And don't worry about that Romance feedback being more than this - you should be proud that you generated that much interest! I thought that was a GREAT NL as well! You have a keen sense of touching on the topics that matter to writers & you tell it like it is. That is a knack that not all people have.
Kudos to you!
Fleck
Thank you kindly, Fleck. I am happy that my romance newsletter generated the feedback that it did. It gives me a little hope that the genre will be seen for more than it's fluffy, Harlenquin-esque stereotype. We'll have to wait and see on that. And I agree that not knowing what is really the truth regarding the conflict makes writing about it quite a challenge. I think what will be really interesting is what kinds of writings about the war will emerge ten years after the fact. That's when things start to get interesting, in my opinion.
Well, June is coming up, so you know what that means. I'll soon be tackling Vietnam War films! The two parter will be split up by the main points I plan to discuss: accuracy and agenda. Any suggestions for films, articles pertaining to the subject, first person accounts of the war and anything else pertaining to the subject is welcome! Feel free to send your suggestions in, and I'll certainly look them over.
And if you happen to miss or misplace a newsletter, feel free to stop by "The Drama Box" [13+]. |
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Drama: May 14, 2008 Issue [#2395]
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