Enjoyed the twist of the journey through the words. Still digesting, in fact, all those shadows and light and startling new views. Excellent.

Research can be great fun and is often a wonderful surprise. And sometimes the research that comes AFTER the first couple of drafts of a book affirms how wonderful your instincts are.

Imagine my delight when, after I'd included Dresden, Germany as the 1920s childhood city of a character who loves classical music and opera, I learned that the city had been a cultural heart with one of the greatest opera houses in Europe. Dresden was infamously fire-bombed in 1945 and so much was lost; however, rebuilding that great city continues today. The restoration of the Semper Opera House is nothing short of a miracle. The original building is featured in my upcoming novel, Living Underground.

Thanks Susan for sharing Sharon's story of her research. And thanks Sharon for sharing your discoveries in the caves of Nottingham. It is so great to actually go to the places we write about because primary research will lead you to even deeper knowledge and understanding. Looking forward to getting your book at the next WCDR meeting. I enjoy YA fiction and history -- the perfect combo to let the imagination go wild.
My recent post Strolling and the magic of being Receptive