by
Ursula Renée
With
all the storms we’ve had over the past couple of weeks, it may be hard to
believe that March 20thwas the first day of
spring. Though it will not happen overnight, eventually the days will get
longer and we will be able to shed some of the layers we wore to ward off the
cold. We will also begin spending less time indoors.
Moving
our activities outdoors does not mean we need to abandon our novels. Writing is
more than putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard. Research and observation
are also important aspects of writing.
Once
the weather warms, you may loath the idea of sitting at a computer and
researching life in another place and time. Therefore, instead of simply
reading about it, go out and experience it.
Living
museums like Historic Richmond Town and Old Bethpage Restoration Village not
only offer tours of home built centuries ago, but guides in period costumes who
are willing to answer questions. There are occasional demonstrations, including
cooking, blacksmith, and weaving.
If you
cannot make the trip to a living museum, there are historic homes from various
time periods throughout the five boroughs. Though, there are not as much
activities at these locations, they are still interesting to tour and give
visitors an idea of how people lived in the past. Some of these houses include
the Jumel Morris Mansion, the Van Cortlandt Manor and the Merchant’s House
Museum. More information about these homes can be found on the Historic House
Trust’s website (http://www.historichousetrust.org/).
The
nicer weather can also be used to explore placesyou would like your characters
visit. For a daytrip, you can visit Coney Island, where you can relax on the
beach, ride the Wonder Wheel, visit the New York Aquarium and watch a minor
league baseball game. Or, take a trip to Flushing Meadows Park on a weekend
afternoon, have picnic, visit the Queens Zoo and watch a soccer game.
No
matter what activity you chose, observe your surroundings. Take notes on the
sights, sounds and smells. Memorize the textures of everything you touch and
the flavors of everything you taste. And, don’t forget to take plenty of
pictures.
Though
you may not need the information for a current work-in-progress, you can always
file the notes and pictures away for future reference.
The
most important thing to remember is that no matter where you go or what you do,
enjoy your time outdoors.♥
Ursula
Renée is the President of RWA/NYC. Her first historical romance, SWEET JAZZ,
was released in September 2014 by The Wild Rose Press. When she is not writing,
she enjoys photography, drawing and stone carving. Visit her at
www.ursularenee.com.
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