Every time I start a new project, I suddenly have a laundry list of things I need to “research”. I put that in scare quotes because I suspect that it’s actually a subconscious strategy to derail myself. I can’t possibly write! I don’t know enough yet!
Here’s the current list of suspect preoccupations:
- Bantu knots/cornrows (thanks to everyone who answered my burning questions!)
- building styles and materials of Savoy/Hautes-Alpes (fortunately, I have a book with good pictures!)
- lichens (yes, you read that right)
- types of stone that might typically be found near layers of shale
- time of year gorse would be in bloom
- incunabula
- 15th century riding boots (ok, those last two I tend to look up all the time anyway)
I mean, they’re all useful things to know, right? I’m not just goofing off, here, am I?
Yeah, I kind of am. I hereby issue myself an official reminder: write first. Look up the precise species of marmot later.
Rachel Hartman 
What about the taiga?!?! Or do you already know enough about it from being there?
Ha! They haven’t reached the taiga yet! And thanks for giving away the punchline of the whole book! Geez. It’s like you’re trying to ruin my life or something. 🙂
So was the taiga part of the outline that your editor approved?!?! Cause dang, that is exciting. If you need to do any more taiga research in person, just let me know and I’ll be there 😉
Er. I didn’t actually mention it. I mean, it may be OK to be Takei in YA, but taiga inclusion is still REALLY CONTROVERSIAL. So, yeah, I was just gonna spring it on him. Of course, he reads this blog sometimes, so you’ve just ruined my life AGAIN. That’s twice in one day. I don’t know how you’re going to top that.
(Note to the uninitiated: Rebecca and I have been in the business of ruining each other’s lives for 36 years. Don’t worry. We’re professionals.)
Wow, I come back to see that I have inadvertently ruined your life twice in one day. Dang I’m good!
Editor dude, trust me, the taiga is AWESOME and completely fitting for the book. Even though I don’t know the plot. It is awesome though. And with all the big bucks you are going to make from Rachel’s books, you can take yourself a nice trip to Alaska and see for yourself. 🙂
That’s CAPTAIN Editorpants, wenchlet, and you will salute when you address him! And I’m thinking yes, more Alaska for everyone! That can only be a good thing.
Dang, your editor makes you salute? I’m much less formal with my authors…once they’ve pledged everlasting fealty and obedience to my every wish, I usually let the day-to-day stuff slide.