2015 Willamette Writers Conference

Jam-packed with engaging anecdotes, advice and humor, this session promotes putting authenticity in your fiction through researching the topic, interviewing experts and “doing it” where possible. Example: To write an adventure novel involving snowboarders, I took up the sport, interviewed avalanche survivors and studied helicopter accident reports. To set an adventure in Colombia, I used books, You-Tune, a video, the internet, specialized map services and a student from the region to gather information on flora, fauna, native peoples, the politics and much more. (I also offer anecdotes from other authors’ research methods.). How and why to conduct research that will make your fiction writing more authentic; know when to stop researching and start writing; how to find, approach and glean information from experts