I have recently been doing some job shadowing. I’m looking to find work that is fulfilling and gratifying in a similar way to writing while still allowing time for it. Talking with people I know who are well-versed in their fields has gotten me thinking about one of the most important aspects of researching for writing: Experts.
Whether you’re writing non-fiction that is purely factual or a fantasy just barely clinging to aspects of our reality, having the correct view of things is essential to making your writing more realistic. I keep an active list of people I consider experts in everything. Whether they’re long-time professionals or experienced hobbyists, I like to keep track of what my friends consider themselves experts in. An element of realism is important so the audience of a story feels connected. I have friends who are photographers, veterinarians, horse handlers, gardeners, and crafters of all sorts. If I ever decide to include elements of these in a story, I find it better to research on my own and ask questions of these experts in my life.
Shadowing also gives an opportunity to collect important sensory details. All the information in the world is fantastic to bring reality to your writing, but it is equally as crucial to get your reader into the place you’re experiencing. I’ve started keeping a small notebook with me to write down sensory experiences in places I visit. The smell of a horse barn, the sounds of the forest, the feel of soft soil in one’s hands, and the visuals of an active surgery are all fantastic ways to add reality to your writing. Humans are naturally observant, even if we aren’t consciously doing it. Think of somewhere you go every day: your office, your favorite coffee shop, your friend’s house. What do you see when you think of it? What sounds do you associate with it? Any smells that come to mind? Imagine that level of detail in your writing, not just creating a visual snapshot, but adding more realism to the reality you created.
Try writing a description of a room that you’re in without being there (using as many of your senses as possible). Read your description later. What did you include? What did you leave out? Rewrite it again and revisit it in a month. When you can start to create a vivid picture of this place, start doing it with other places.
Now, see if you have a friend who you consider an expert. Ask them over for coffee or a drink and ask them about their expertise! People love talking about things they love, so use this as an opportunity to become a mini-expert in a new field! Learn something new and try writing about their day. Now try working it into a narrative! You’ll find that you can create more realistic worlds in arenas you were previously a novice at. It doesn’t have to be technically perfect, but it can appear very real!
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