Facing Fears
Over the years, I’ve done some interesting research for my books. Police ride alongs; P.D.s and morgues; wineries; S&M shops, (yeah, I really did) to name only a few. THE FIRST WIFE presented an even bigger research challenge: horses. Not only did I know nothing about horses, I was terrified of them.
I pressed on anyway, visiting farms and shows, wandering around barns, learning the various breeds and even witnessing the artificial insemination of a prize Danish Warmblood. (My assistant and I referred to this as our “Fifty Shades of Neigh “moment.)
And I wrote, and wrote some more. The whole time I had this feeling that something about the story wasn’t working. Finally, I realized what it was: I hadn’t created a real, sensory connection with my setting. How could I write about horses or riding without actually experiencing it myself?
So I put on my big girl panties and took up a friend’s offer of a riding lesson. I confess my legs were shaking pretty bad, but I did it. And actually, sort of, enjoyed it. Certainly enjoyed the exhilaration of facing my fears head on. From that moment, the story fell into place and came alive. I even incorporated my fear—and overcoming it—into the novel by putting my protagonist through the very same thing. I love it when a plan comes together!
I hope you’ll put THE FIRST WIFE on your Want to Read books list!
Best wishes,
Erica
I pressed on anyway, visiting farms and shows, wandering around barns, learning the various breeds and even witnessing the artificial insemination of a prize Danish Warmblood. (My assistant and I referred to this as our “Fifty Shades of Neigh “moment.)
And I wrote, and wrote some more. The whole time I had this feeling that something about the story wasn’t working. Finally, I realized what it was: I hadn’t created a real, sensory connection with my setting. How could I write about horses or riding without actually experiencing it myself?
So I put on my big girl panties and took up a friend’s offer of a riding lesson. I confess my legs were shaking pretty bad, but I did it. And actually, sort of, enjoyed it. Certainly enjoyed the exhilaration of facing my fears head on. From that moment, the story fell into place and came alive. I even incorporated my fear—and overcoming it—into the novel by putting my protagonist through the very same thing. I love it when a plan comes together!
I hope you’ll put THE FIRST WIFE on your Want to Read books list!
Best wishes,
Erica
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I will read your book cousin!!
Ellen Sowins