Eastern European Research Trip
When I was in sixth grade, our teacher Mrs. Hannah Graham decided that each member of our class of 40+ students should write a term paper. She taught us how to use note cards and how to write a bibliography and footnotes. The assignment, which at the time seemed overwhelming, included a forty-four-mile round trip excursion to the closest library to do research.
The minute we walked into that library (Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Bayliss Public Library), I felt quietude descend like reverence. I sat at an old scarred table with my tidy pile of lined note cards and my stack of books, and, as I filled those cards with my looping, sloppy handwriting, I was hooked. Could there possibly be — somewhere out there in that huge, wide world — some way that I could make a living doing research?
(These are a few of the books and articles that I’ve used as research sources for my current novel-in-progress, BONE FIRE. Photo taken in my office. Now I have pick up all the books…)
The answer to that question, happily, was yes, and now as a writer of novels set in prehistoric times, I still adore doing research, both through reading and through hands-on learning. So last year, when my editor at Open Road Integrated Media, Maggie Crawford, expressed interest in a novel set in Neolithic Europe that I started years ago, I began to dream about taking a research trip along the lower Danube River. That dream came true for me this year, April 9 through 20, 2015. And my husband, Neil, good sport that he is, dreamed right along with me!
Now my dream is to share that trip with all of you.
I hope you’ll join me tomorrow as we fly out from our local Chippewa International Airport and into the wild (we hope not) blue (we hope so) yonder!
Happy Traveling!
Sue
I loved the food, Jackie. Especially the pastries! I love to try new things, and even Neil, who is kind of particular about what he eats, enjoyed the meat dishes and the breads.
Thank you, Sharyll! Another favorite travel companion! Hannah Graham was a great teacher. I remember really being “stretched” to do my best in her class. You are so right. We need more just like her!!
Hi Sue, I can’t wait to read all about your travels in Eastern Europe. How did you like the food?
love, Jackie
How well I remember Mrs Graham, she was an excellent teacher and we learned and remember our English. We need more like her now…..I’ll be following you Sue…..Love Sharyll