With the new project comes research - don't worry, Cheerleaders, I'm not spending my entire NaNo time surfing the web. I am writing (3555 words so far). But I also need some quick answers. As I plug in different words and word combinations into my Google search bar, I am amazed at the information literally at the tip of my fingers.I am an Information Junkie. If there's something I want to know, I won't rest comfortably until I've looked it up! My "Favorites" is a mile long over there on the left hand sidebar - unfortunately, not that well organized, but enough that I can find what I'm looking for if I want. Medieval resources, Regency resources, smuggling information, publishing information (which, in turn, contains info sites on queries, synopsis, blurbs, etc), Private Investigator information, inspirational quote sites, the oh-so-Canadian weather sites, a ton of blogs (saved there before I realized Blogger would do it for me in my "Dashboard"), running sites, craft resources, recipe resources (and, in turn, links to recipes I've made and loved), public domain picture sites, work related sites, and, now, a file for all the information I'm gathering on funeral homes and embalmers. I love it.
And it makes playing Jeopardy or Trivial Pursuit that much more fun. Small talk? I can usually pull something from my vast, but shallow, knowledge base to chat about with a stranger. Or be incredibly quick at sharing a link to a great site if a friend inquires about a certain topic.
There are downsides to being an Info Junkie - and that is the amount of time I can whittle away while at my computer. Back in the day, if I wanted to know something, I either got myself to the library, dug out the old encyclopedia or made a mental note to check it out when I had more time. Now? I can be in the middle of cooking supper - chicken enchiladas - and wonder if cheese curds would be a good topping (never having used cheese curds before). A quick tap, tap, tap on the keyboard and, yes, cheese curds can be used in recipes such as lasagna and enchiladas. Done and done! Thank goodness I was in the middle of cooking or I would have spent a half an hour learning more about the 'new-to-me' cheese curd!
So, People of Blogland - any Info Junkies out there? What's in your Favorites? Did you know that cheese curds were what Little Miss Muffet was eating (along with her whey) when the spider sat down beside her?
I love learning new information. Last night I watched a PBS show on animals and their houses. Totally fascinating. I'm not a junkie, though. I can stop any time I want. Any time. Watch me.
ReplyDeleteOoo, shiny shiny Google...
I love trivia! Mindless, useless bits of information that we tuck inside our brains hoping we can draw it out on trivia contest night! (PS - Would you like to be on my team this spring?)
ReplyDeleteHa! You're just in denial, B.E. - I see Info Junkie all over that comment ;)
ReplyDeleteI try to stay away from the PBS, Discovery, Food Network TV channels - one show leads into the next and then the next and...well, you get the picture. BTW - I love Alton's "Good Eats" show that combines quirky info, science and food all in one!
Hey, Sandy - is that the Trivia Night for the Fort Point Museum fundraising? Or something different? Spring - by then this crazy NaNo business will be over! Let me know!!
ReplyDeleteThe really horrible part of getting older is extracting that trivia from the brain. I can snap my fingers, tap my head - know that I know the answer - but sometimes it just doesn't dislodge itself from the other stuff stored up there ;)
Info and writing don't always go hand-in-hand. I've learned to just make a note in my MS **X INFO HERE** and highlight in yellow for quick searching as I edit. I tend to write "lean" on the first draft and when I have the luxury of time to research, I can add in new avenues.
ReplyDeleteAwesome word count, lady! I'm still fighting Iffy but she is insistent. This story is going to be a bit more tongue in cheek than my usual work. I have the added stumbling block of including a "winter holiday" in the story. Gotta love publisher calls. LOL
That reminds me! I need to get back over to the NaNo site and redo my novel info to explain that Iffy hijacked my story. *snerk*
Now, keep writing!!!!! I'll join you soon. No. Really!
Can't wait to see what you and Iffy compromise on - keep us informed, k?
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the tip, Silver - I got to a part last night and clenched my fingers as I wrote stuff I knew was not right. But the highlighting idea will be my new best friend on this writing spiel!
Wow, you're word count looks fabulous! I hope you're still having fun with your new story.
ReplyDeleteThe internet is the bane of my existence. Too many shiny objects to distract me. Add in the ability to live-stream radio from around the world (CBC and BBC) and it's a wonder I get anything done. Some days, I don't, LOL.
Thanks, Lu - I had to have something to keep track, hopefully the meter keeps going up!
ReplyDeleteAnd I have to remember that - "Have fun with the story"! Hey, it's not rocket science, right?
Yep, the Internet is one time-sucking-bonanza-of-shininess-and-information that I can't help but love!
Hi Janet -
ReplyDeleteWay to go! You are off to a heck of a start.
Yeah I'm an info junkie. For years I have known that the Brant goose can attain a top speed of 47 mph.
Did you know that when you look at a statue of somebody or other, you can tell his military history?
If the horse has all four feet on the ground, the guy has never been in combat. (you aren't likely to see that because it's the active guys who get the statues). One foot off the ground means he was in a battle and was wounded and two feet off the ground, he died of his wounds. Three feet off the ground and the horse is going to fall over.
I think I will send you NaNo folk a bit of trivia or nonsense every day. Can I post it here?
Today's? "Are your knees swollen Darling or are you going bra-less again?"
By the way,
ReplyDeleteJenny Marsland's novel Shatter(ed?) arrived today from Amazon. With s&h, it cost $17.91. Jenny said it is selling for $8.50, so I suggest you all hold off till it's in the bookstores.
Please ignore sp. mistakes. If I go back to your blog, all hell breaks lose.
Hey, Connie - I didn't know that about the statue and horses' legs! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteAnd with Amazon, I always make sure I have $25 worth to order so I don't have to pay the shipping and handling. That is usually where the dollars add up.
BTW - loved the bra-less joke. Post a funny in the comment section if you want ;)