When does research become obsession?  At what point is the To Read pile just too high?  And how did I keep all these books from falling over?

That last question? I tip-toed.  And I’m listening for the thunderous thump.  As for the others…I don’t think my books can possibly climb too high–but then, research AND obsessing are two of my favorite things about writing!  They’re almost as much fun as the actual writing part. 😀

For me, starting a new novel project (such as this revamp of the Popcorn Potion) begins with a smorgasboard of isolated ideas, snippets of voice, and often the ghostly sense of a new character.  When this chaotic blend begins to coalesce and organize itself, it’s time for me to get to work.

And that means reading.  Writing always begins with reading!  Since this newest project is a middle grade book that may have pink on the cover and will include fairy tale bits and pulled pieces from legends, I get to tap into my personal library of legends, myths and fairy tales.  Those books account for most the bigger tomes in the pic above.  But I’m filling in my research with several volumes from the library, and will turn to online sources, too.  Since I’ve been in boy-mode with NinChicks (just turned in to my agent–woot!) for so long, I picked up some general ‘girl’ books while browsing the library middle grade shelves, and also several of my comps–the books that will be my ‘if you liked her book, you might also like’ recommendations.

And now it’s time to read!

See any books on the table that you’ve read?  Got any to suggest that I’ve missed?

Check out the other blogs particpating in Tween the Weekend for more awesome (as in, additional, but perhaps also more awesome than me?) posts and thanks to the Emblazon group for hosting us!

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