And the winner is... Also, research vacation anyone?

And the winner is....

Huge congrats to Laurie Bumpus (Bump) for winning the "Where are Kari's Bookmarks" contest!

There were so many clever entries, it was hard to choose. But Laurie's conversation among the bookmarks from inside the envelope as they went on their journey was hilarious! Your tea set will be in the mail shortly :-)

And speaking of traveling and journey's...have you ever traveled in the name of research?

We all research in various ways and with the Internet today, so many authors have the luxury of going about their research from the comfort of their own homes. Can you imagine writing years ago when research of any kind had to be hands on or from books alone. We are so lucky today.

Yet....

I would love to go on an actual research trip sometime. That would be so exciting and add that extra spark to our work as writers. Our very own Liz is going on a cruise this week all in the name of research. Her third Clueless Cook mystery is going to take place on a cruise, so she decided to take one. How thrilling to go behind the scenes. I can just hear her conversations...

"Oh dear Mr. Chef, can you tell me how to best kill someone off with food on a cruise ship?"

"Um, well, ma'am....SECURITY!!! Get this crazy woman out of my kitchen before she poisons us all."

"Ah, yes, poison. Nice! I just might have to use that. And I'm not crazy...I'm just a writer."

"Sounds to me like they're one and the same."

"You have no idea."

I can't wait until Liz gets back so we can hear all about her adventures. Hopefully there will be pictures, too.

I have never traveled specifically for research. Although I have done research while traveling for other things. Recording various settings I might use one day with notes and pictures. Studying the people and culture, etc. But to actually go behind the scenes to interview the real pros and get an inside look at what really goes on seems to me it would add another level of reality to a book. A more vivid account and accurate portrayal.

Yes the Internet provides us with all that we need, but I'll bet the details and descriptions a writer uses after having actually been to a place or actually done something themselves are second to none.

So tell me, have you traveled for research? Have you gone behind the scenes? Have you actually tried out some of the procedures? What lengths have all of you gone to "in the name of research?"

Kari wants to know :-)