Read this exclusive guest post from Anna Loan-Wilsey about the research that goes into each Hattie Davish Mystery, and make sure you're signed in and comment below for a chance to win a copy of A March to Remember!
In my Hattie Davish Mysteries series, we follow Miss Hattie Davish, a traveling secretary who solves crimes in each American town that she visits. So far, the towns have included: Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Galena, Illinois, Newport, Rhode Island, St. Joseph, Missouri, and Washington, D.C. The series is set in the 1890s.
As I aim to be as authentic as possible, I have had the opportunity to conduct a great deal of research, both of time and place. There is a great deal I am able to glean from both my own personal library (such as Sears & Roebuck catalogs, an encyclopedia of poisons, and a book of 19th-century menus) as well as from the internet. However, the most important aspect of researching my series is the site visit.
The very first thing I do once I’ve decided on the location of a book is set aside three or four days to visit the town. I have visited all the locations in the series before, but the research visit is dedicated for that only. I am always amazed of what I learn when I’m visiting a place not as a tourist, but as a writer researching her book.
When I arrive at my destination, I park my car (as Hattie is a hiker and prefers to walk over using public transportation, I do the same when possible), get out my digital camera, and walk the streets. Only by doing this can I get a sense of topography (several towns have hills that are quite steep and challenging to walk), the distance from place to place (I had to edit a plot idea I had after I walked the entire length of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Wow, that took me longer than I’d expected!), architecture, the character of different neighborhoods—as well as intangibles, such as how the light hits the buildings during a particular time of year or what the air smells like (essential for the seaside town of Newport). I do this until I’m satisfied that I’ve captured what I need to be able to transport the reader to this unique place.
The next thing I do is visit the local library. Local libraries are an invaluable source of historical information that can’t be found anywhere else (including the internet). This includes local history books, historical photograph collections, archived annual city directories and, most importantly, archived local period newspapers. I have found more information searching period newspapers on microfiche than any other single historical resource. For example, I discovered the minutes of a temperance union meeting in a Eureka Springs newspaper and a call to strike by “cottage” gardeners in Newport, both of which influenced the plots of their respective books.
After I emerge from hours at the local library, I head to the local historical museum, a source of unparalleled, otherwise inaccessible, information, expertise, and artifacts. In Galena, I stood inches away from personal possessions of President Ulysses S. Grant, and in St. Joseph, I was able to interview the city’s museum curator and walk the tunnels beneath what was once State Lunatic Asylum #2. I have also contacted local convention and visitors’ bureaus for maps, contacts, and any other information that will make my research trip as productive as possible.
Armed with this wealth of information, I am able to return home to my desk, put together all that I have learned, and create the town and the world as Hattie would have known it.
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As a librarian and information specialist, Anna Loan-Wilsey tracks down information every day that helps to solve mysteries. She earned her B.A. at Wells College and had several poems published in their literary magazine, The Chronicle. Readers can visit her website at www.annaloanwilsey.com.
These sound clever and well done!
I would love to create a character like Hattie and do the research involved–putting myself in her shoes !
What a great career! My life as a secretary was totally boring.
Your careful research makes your books authentic, Anna. Thanks for sharing your process with us.
I love historical mysteries, particularly ones that are well researched.
The book appears to be a winner!
A new series to enjoy – your research shows your dedication and I am sure comes through in your writing; I can’t wait to read!
Would love to win!
Historical mysteries are captivating and fascinating. Great to learn about your research.
Your research trips have been so interesting and allow me to enjoy the fruits of your labor which I appreciate.
I would love to read the book.
I enjoy reading historical mysteries that the author has put the effort into making it as authentic as possible. Also, I LOVE libraries. When I travel I always check out the local library. In small towns, it amazes me how well they have been maintained in their original condition. They are one of my favorite places to spend time at.
I have to admit that I’ve never read a Hattie Davish mystery however I definitely will now!
so wanna check this out.
I’d like to read this book and the rest of the series. The books sound like they are very detailed and authentic.
Her research sounds thorough. I’ll have to look for her books.
I am always impressed with the talent it takes to write fiction, especially mysteries. Further, I appreciate the effort that is put into each book with such extensive research onsite. I will definitely add Anna Loan-Wilsey to my “to-be-read” listing.
interesting kind of research
Good interview.
Yes, please enter me in this sweepstakes.
Thanks!
I didn’t realize how much work is involved in making up a story in a real place. Very interesting.
Excellent interview, I’d love to have this on my shelf, enter me please.
Thanks.
I am so impressed by writers who choose to write historical fiction. I would love to read this book.
I love historical fiction that has been researched properly, especially during this time period in history.
Your dedication to research is both fascinating and admirable.
Historical Fiction that is properly researched is great to read.
I was born in Washington Dc in 1935 but moved to California in 1936. Love reading about my birthplace
I was born in Washington DC in 1935 but moved to California in 1936. Love reading about my birthplace
Sounds interesting. I look forward to reading the book.
I love hearing that authors actually take the time to visit a location they’re writing about. It gives such an authentic feel to the writing. Going through historical documents at the local library and the Historical Society are great ideas for researching period information.
sounds like a good murder mystery
But libraries are not necessary any more. They are old school. “everything” is on the internet. Books are a thing of the past (boy are they , the past, the present, and the future). 😉
This series looks wonderful. It is interesting to hear about your research.
Research is critical to the writing of a historical fiction books, as you want that element that makes it real, and in the end makes for a better story.
It seems that you love the research as much as writing the books. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
sounds like a fun one
Neat, as a history buff I’ll have to check this series out.
Well researched. I would love to read it.
A mystery set in 19th century Washington would be fun! Gorgeous cover–really, really, gorgeous!
As a fan of historical mysteries, I enjoy this series. I would recommend it to anyone who likes a strong female character.
Looking forward to reading this. I like that you explore the regions you write about.
I would like to read the work of Anna Loan-Wilsey.
I would love to read this book!!!
Want!
sounds great sign me up
I would love to read your books. Reading about your research would make me very aware of the settings.
Book looks like it would be a great read.
I’d like to read this
This sounds like an interesting new series!
love the opportunity to win
Thank yo so much for having this How I Build the World of Hattie Davish by Anna Loan-Wilsey givveaway, and for giving us all a chance to win.
I would like this
Interesting research and interesting book.
Thanks for the chance, I would love to win!
I would like to read this.
Sounds interesting!
I love trying new authors – would love to read this!!~
sounds terrific.
sounds like a good read
[b]Is Miss Hattie Davish as cute as Miss Anna Loan-Wilsey?[/b]
Road trips! That sounds like a great way to write!
Thanks for the great giveaway!
Love historical mysteries! Interesting learning about your research methods. I always utilize the local library
thank you for the chance to win
count me in please
thanks for the chance
This is for me. SEND IT.
Pick Me.