Yes, This Will Be On the Test

Writing, Reading, Laughing

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

The Joys of Research





The Irish blood running through my veins has always tapped a foot, waiting for me to get my arse to Ireland. It took a WIP set in Ireland to finally get me on a plane, and thanks be to St. Patrick himself, I'm glad I did.
                           Glendalough

The country is magic pure and simple. 

I adored the people who by their own admission "Irish it up" which translates to bend the truth as far as you choose to tell a good story.

There aren't enough paint chips or color swatches in existence to cover the myriad of greens in Ireland.               
Druid's Cave - Blarney Castle Rock Close

And yes, I drove a stick shift on the left side of the road and got by with only one popped tyre (Irish spelling) and a wee dent. (I highly recommend the "walk away" insurance.) 

The real treasure of the trip was the research. I've always believed places give off their own unique "vibe." Walking in my characters footsteps, seeing through their eyes, and experiencing that sense of place as they would took my breath away. All the extensive digging I did while writing paled to actually existing in the the realm of my story. 

Ferns Cathedral Ruins



It was also fascinating to see where I was pretty spot on and where I missed the mark.


The beauty of the land, the people, and the Guinness stew - sigh.

I can't wait to write new stories set in this place that beckons me home. 
Charleville Castle




Charleville Forest


Carrick-a-Rede - Northern Ireland

22 comments:

  1. The pictures look beautiful! And lucky you for getting to do your research in Ireland, I've always wanted to go there! I like Irish accents in particular. :)

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    1. You've got to go. It's a life changer. Yes, the accent is definitely yummy.

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  2. Wow! What an amazing trip. My dad lived in Ireland for 2 years in the 60s. Then my parents went back about 20 years ago. They loved it there.

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  3. So beautiful! A place where magic can and does exist. So glad you got to visit and enjoy :)
    I would definitely need the walk away insurance!

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    1. I was there for two weeks and it felt like only a heartbeat. Can't wait to go back. Next time, I get the automatic NOT the stick shift.

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  4. I love Ireland. I have some relatives there and friends who live there part time. I can imagine myself in a wee cottage by the sea. Your pictures were beautiful.

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    1. Thank you, Lee. A cottage on the Beara Peninsula is the dream. Sigh.

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  6. I am so glad that you got to Ireland! I hope to get there one day. Looks beautiful and so much history. Thanks for sharing your pictures with us. Research must have been fun. :)
    ~Jess

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    1. It was a dream come true. One I hope to repeat someday.

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  7. Leslie, the pics are FAB!
    "All the extensive digging I did while writing paled to actually existing in the the realm of my story." That sentence say it all!!

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    1. Thank you, Michelle. It's amazing what a simple iPhone can capture.

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