Thursday, September 5, 2013

PICTURING THE SETTING - by Lena Nelson Dooley

One of the things I like most about writing historical novels is finding nuggets of information to make the time period more accurate. While I was writing Maggie's Journey, I was having a hard time picturing Seattle, Washington Territory, in 1885. I had looked for books and computer links, but still not much to go on.

When I quit working full-time and stayed home to write (the first time that happened), I started volunteering in our local library. I'm a real people person, and writing is a solitary endeavor. Imagine my surprise when they put me in the back of the library mending books. Still not much contact with actual people. But I learned a lot about how a library runs.

Every library has a reference librarian. This person will help people find the information they need. Since the advent of cell phones with nationwide free long distance, I have contacted a few of these librarians when I couldn't find information.

I decided to contact the Seattle Public Library. I didn't ask for anyone to do my research for me, just a few suggestions on books about the time period. I hit the Mother Lode.

Seattle Public Library system had digitized literally thousands of historical photos and loaded them on line by decade. I used a number of these pictures to help me construct in my mind the areas of the city that I could use in my book. Also, I found a similar site for San Francisco, which is one of the settings in the book three, Catherine's Pursuit.

At one time in writing Maggie's Journey, I wanted to find the name of a nice hotel in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1885. When I used Google to find the information, a map of St. Louis in 1885 appeared along with photos and text about various buildings and areas of the city. Another valuable moment.

Here are a few of the links I've been using:
http://mappery.com/map-of/Antique-map-of-St-Louis-from-1885
http://foundsf.org/index.php?title=Category:1880s

The use of research enriches all my books, whether historical or contemporary.

If you've read my McKenna's Daughters books and Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, please share with us which of the settings you liked best.

13 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    1. Unfortunately, I haven't read any of your books, but I love how the library can help! With a lot of stuff being put on the internet that wasn't there before, it's great when you can find someone to head you in the right direction to find what you are looking for! Thanks for sharing how you came to visualize your settings. Can't wait to read your books and "see" these places!
      tscmshupe [at] pemtel [dot] net

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    2. I use the Internet, too, but I can't let it be my only resource, because much of the information found there is incorrect.

      And I love libraries. I love visiting them and using their resources. I love having author events there, too.

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  2. Lena,

    I was thrilled when I saw this post, as I just bought MAGGIE'S JOURNEY this morning!! I can't wait to start reading and picturing the setting through your words!

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    1. Britney, thanks for telling me. Let me know how you liked it when you've finished reading.

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  3. Lena, this is a great post. Thank you! I know Maggie's Journey is a great book and I cannot wait to read it. I am a lover of libaries as well and in fact, serve on my small local library board. Books are treasures!
    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. Melanie, when I first quit work to become a full-time writer, I volunteered in our local library. I love being around all those books. Now my house looks like a library because of all the books I have, in almost every room.

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  4. I still have yet to read any of the books. I was in the hospital and ICU for a couple weeks after my surgery the 6th. My eyes still cross and I have to keep one eye closed-- so I don't see double--whenever I try to read anything! However, I lived in Seattle for a year in the 90's and I've always wondered what it looked like before it got so big and wild!
    kam110476 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Kam, I pray you recover from your surgery quickly. I loved going through all the hundreds of photos from the 1880s in Seattle.

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  5. I'm learning new things about libraries all the time - such neat things you can do there now! Enjoyed your post, Lena!


    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Bonton, Thanks for stopping by. In this economy, I believe a lot more people are using libraries, and that's a good thing.

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  6. I love libraries and belong to 3. I just have to keep straight which library my books is from. sharon, CA

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  7. I love libraries and belong to 3. I just have to keep straight which library my books is from. sharon, CA

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