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Monica Burns | Word Fail
February 15, 2012
No matter what the subgenre, research is necessary when writing a book. For some
of us, research is just as much a passion as getting our words onto the page.
Over the years, I've done a lot of research for my books. However, some research
isn't found in books. Sometimes a writer visits a place to experience its
sights, sounds, and sensations. It helps them translate that experience onto the
page for a reader. Experiencing research first-hand is amazing. One such moment
for me occurred in April 2007 when I fulfilled one of many life-long dreams. I
toured the King Tut exhibit. When a writer experiences "word fail" when trying to describe something, it's a
sure sign it's a phenomenal moment. Writers rarely have "word fail." We might
occasionally get writers block, put words down in the wrong order, or despise
our words, but "word fail" is something monumental. It's our way of saying we've
come up against something magical. Even now, almost five years later, I still
find it difficult to come up with the right words to describe what I saw. For a large number of people, research is a dark library with tall stacks of
dry, musty smelling books. Think an Indiana Jones type of library. For me, the
best kind of research, outside of my beloved reference library at home, is
sensory exhibits. Places or events that transcend a book and make history come
alive. The King Tut exhibit did this for me. Like the Tut exhibit, it's my job as a writer to create that "you are there"
sensation for my readers. Strong characters aren't enough. I have to build a
landscape around my characters that pulls the reader into an unfamiliar time and
place. Sometimes I learn how to do that by actually experiencing something. At
other times, my knowledge comes straight from research books. Like many writers,
maybe one percent of my research goes into a book. I might read one research
book and use only one reference sentence from that book to make my work sound
authentic. Since I've never been to Morocco, my research for my February mass market
reprint, KISMET, was
extensive. I worked hard to capture the essence of the country and its people. I
even went so far as to buy an English-Arabic Dictionary. I think I succeeded
when it comes to creating the Morocco of the late 1800s. Based on the reviews, I
think there are a number of people who thought I captured the robust essence of
the Moroccan world, and it's my hope that new readers will think so too. So what type of "you are there" exhibit, object, person, place or event
left you with "word fail?" Let me know in the comments below and you may be the
winner of PLEASURE
ME
Comments
14 comments posted.
Re: Monica Burns | Word Fail
For me to say it is a "word fail" may not be quite right but I would have to say: 15 years ago I was in a terrible accident and I still have not been able to get the right words out say what that was like for me. My family and friends were an amazing support for me. I was truely blessed with their love and I can't even come close to describing that!
(Wendy Hulbert 8:49am February 15, 2012)
I am not sure if this counts but I suppose I might be able to say that going to "Harry Potter World" was one occasion were I experienced "word fail". I can describe some of the things I saw but it was an amazing place for me to go since I am a huge Harry Potter fan. Another place I experienced "word fail" would probably be the Grand Canyon.
(Chelsea Knestrick 10:47am February 15, 2012)
I still laugh at myself because I had a Vice President come into
our company & I was supposed to represent our office. He
was the most handsome man I'd ever seen...I was literally
speechless. However, I did get over it & explained to him what
had happened. We all got a laugh out of it & I took a bit of
ribbing about it. Later, when we were at seminars, he would
ask to sit at my table...he knew I wouldn't be hitting on him as
so many did...He knew I was happily married & he'd just gotten
married..so I was safe. lol Penny K.
(Penny Keeler 1:04pm February 15, 2012)
Sometimes the right words won't come out... I have had that happen a few times when trying to explain or describe something to someone... I find that I not great with words and have a hard time getting what I want to say out there in the right way...
(Colleen Conklin 1:20pm February 15, 2012)
When I got to go see my favorite bands concert.
(Natasha Donohoo 4:11pm February 15, 2012)
When I'm around an guy I have an attraction too.
(Deb Pelletier 4:51pm February 15, 2012)
For me, I describe "word fail" as having an Alzheimer's moment (caused by mental block, forgetfulness and/or being nervous at the time). Usually, I don't have difficulty at all describing or remembering things all the way back to the age of 3 yrs. old, only when confronted or put on the spot about a certain event or episode, I may forget names or a word I want to describe what I'm talking about. It's frustrating, when I have to come up with another word which isn't the one I'm looking for to express myself.
(Linda Luinstra 5:57pm February 15, 2012)
The Tut exhibit sounds amazing. I saw body works at the Science Museum and
couldn't stop talking about it for days. So not exactly a word fail =)
Traveling and seeing beautiful places would be a huge perk to writing about a
foreign country, I think I should try it (or at least tell my hubby I am!)
(Lexi Hansen 7:21pm February 15, 2012)
I just love the name Kismet. I haven't heard that in years!
(Molly Wilsbacher 9:22pm February 15, 2012)
Enjoyed reading your blog. Can't think of a comment, so I guess this is my word fail moment.
(Sheila True 12:10pm February 16, 2012)
The truest "word fail" I ever had was delivering
my children, the joy, magic, happiness, and so
much emotion that can't be described.
I am an emotional person, one that feels music,
art, and history. The first time I heard boccelli,
the first time I saw the statue of the kiss, the
first time you stand in a spot rich with
history...the simple awe of them that leaves you
wordlessly and breathless.
(Carla Carlson 10:26am February 16, 2012)
Ladies, I apologize profusely for not being here until now! The day job has not allowed me hardly any time to even answer email. Yesterday and today were 10 hr days. But I'm here now!
Wendy, what a fortunate woman you are to survive a terrible accident, and it's awesome that you had such a wonderful support system!
Chelsea, you've been to two places I've not been, but I totally get what you're saying I experienced that at the Golden Gate Bridge too! Definitely word fail there.
Penny, isn't it nice to be friends with a guy without any expectations at all! I've got several male friends who I wouldn't even think of in any romantic way. They're just friends. Sounds like you made one!
Colleen, I am TERRIBLE when it comes to expressing myself verbally. I can ramble on and never quite get to the point. So don't feel bad at all!
(Monica Burns 10:02pm February 16, 2012)
Natasha, I imagine I'd feel the same way if I ever got to see Barbara Streisand in concert. I'm a HUGE fan of hers. Have been trying for years to get a ticket to her concert, but that moment would definitely be a word fail moment.
Deb, Don't you just hate it when you want to be totally cool and act like you're not befuddled when a good-looking guy is around??
Linda, I'm getting more forgetful every day. I've taken to Post-it Notes with a vengeance. My desk at work and home are covered with them!
Lexi, the Tut exhibit WAS amazing. I'd wanted to see the original one that came when I was in school, but my parents weren't interested and/or couldn't afford tickets or the trip. So going to Philly to see it was a dream come true. And YES, traveling for research is a MAJOR plus to writing!! LOL
Molly, I'm delighted to hear you like the title. I remember the very old, and not so popular, musical Kismet. My mom used to own the soundtrack to it. Don't remember much about the story line though. But it took me months to find the right title for the book, then suddenly BAM there it was. Go figure. LOL
(Monica Burns 10:08pm February 16, 2012)
Shelia, LOL I'm glad *I* was the reason for your word fail, today. LOL Thanks for reading
Carla, I *totally* get word fail with child birth. You can't even begin to describe the pain, because the minute you have that small bundle in your arms, its as if you've never been in pain. I LOVE Andre Boccelli. His song The Prayer with Celine Dion is one of my favorites.
(Monica Burns 10:11pm February 16, 2012)
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