So, as an author I do a lot of research when writing my books. When I wrote
GETTING LUCKY
NUMBER SEVEN, I knew that Beck was going to be a hockey player. Admittedly,
I didnโt know a lot about hockey, except for there was something hot about
hockey players, so I got busy doing my research. Since he and Lyla also share a
love of chemistry, I also had to do research on what most people in college
level chemistry study, and I found a ton of fun chemistry jokes online that I
sprinkled through the novel. Lyla also makes a college bucket list, because
sheโs sick of being the chemistry nerd who stays at home with her cat, so I
looked up what items were on peopleโs college bucket lists.
So here are my top five ways to make research fun.
1. Pictures of the hero are necessary. Lots and lots of pictures to make sure
you get the details right, from scruffy faces, to eyes, to how the guy looks
without his shirt. Itโs hard work, but someone has to do it.
2. Attend a hockey game. Iโd never actually been to a hockey game, but luckily
one of the top colleges in the nation plays in Colorado Springs. I booked two
tickets and took my husband along with me. It was fun cheering for the home team
and eating concessions as I studied the ins and outs of hockey. It was colder
than I expected, which hello, itโs ice, but coats & gloves are a must.
3. Pinterest. This has some to do with pictures, but I found a ton of funny
chemistry jokes on Pinterest. Most I even got, which made me feel smart. And a
lot had chemistry cat, which combines Lylaโs two lovesโcats & chemistry.
4. Phone a friend. Or three. I have a lot of friends who are hockey buffs, so
whenever I had a question, it gave me an excuse to call or text or FB message
them about all the questions I needed to know. My editor also learned a ton
about hockey throughout the process.
5. Music. This might seem like an odd research point, but for me, I have to find
the right music to set the mood for my books. โSleeping with a Friendโ by Neon
Trees had just come out and it was perfect! Thanks to one of Lylaโs bucket list
items involving karaoke, Flo Ridaโs โRight Roundโ also ended up playing a bigger
part of the book than Iโd ever imagined.
So thatโs it. When you have a big project, how do you like to research & what
makes it more fun?
About GETTING LUCKY NUMBER SEVEN
What's your lucky number?
Lyla Wilder is done being the shy, chemistry nerd extraordinaire. While every
other college student is out having fun, Lyla is studying. With her cat. Well,
she's played it "safe" quite enough, thank you. So she creates a "College Bucket
List"?with item #7 being a night of uninhibited, mind-blowing sex...
But she needs some help from her man-whore best friend.
Hockey player Beck Davenport thought Lyla's transformation would be subtle. Man,
was he wrong. With every item she ticks off, Beck finds himself growing
seriously hot for his sweet, brainiac best friend. And if he's not careful,
he'll end up risking their friendship in order to convince Lyla that he might
just be her lucky #7...
About Cindi Madsen
Cindi Madsen sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting revising, and
falling in love with her characters. Sometimes it makes her a crazy person.
Without it, sheโd be even crazier. She has way too many shoes, but can always
find a reason to buy a new pretty pair, especially if theyโre sparkly, colorful,
or super tall. She loves music, dancing, and wishes summer lasted all year long.
She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with
her husband and three children.
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