Research … the fun bit of writing.
by Mark Robson
July 17, 2009
Some people may hear the word research and think ‘yuck’! I guess it all depends on the nature of the research you undertake. To begin with my decision to begin Tae Kwon Do was made mainly for research purposes. I took up a martial art because my characters were good at hand to hand fighting and, to be perfectly honest, I was a total coward who would have run away at the first sniff of a fight. Learning to fight has not made me more aggressive, but it has given me more confidence in the face of confrontation.
I’ve done many exciting things in the name of research, but none have been quite as glamourous as my next venture.
I’m sure that plenty of people would happily volunteer to come along on this research trip. I’m going to Florida next week on holiday with my family, but whilst I’m there I plan to abandon my wife and children for a few days, leaving them in Orlando while I embark on a research trip to Key West. If you’re not sure where Key West is, here’s a map, but don’t bother clicking on the stars for more detail. That function won’t work here:
Look at the very bottom left … yep. That’s where I’m going to do my research! It’s a tough life being an author, but someone has to do it! And before you ask … no you can’t carry my bags, or hide in one, or anything else that will give you an excuse to come along. Sorry about that, but I’m going it alone.
Am busy trying to set up meetings with the emergency services, the press, the local marine research people and several others to gather information for my next writing project. Still can’t say too much about it yet, but I will give out more details soon, I promise.
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I have just started reading the Dragon Orb now that the final one is on its way to me. Stayed up most of the night to finish the first one. Great stuff Mark. Looking forward to the next series.
I have always believed that if a book is good it can be enjoyed by any age and I am surely no spring chicken.
Thanks very much
Comment by Pat Moren — July 19, 2009 @ 2:08 pm
Thanks very much for your feedback, Pat. It’s wonderful to know that I have readers of all ages enjoying my books - particularly with this series. The covers were designed to appeal to a younger audience than my previous books, but I always try to write in a way that will appeal to all ages.
Comment by Mark Robson — July 24, 2009 @ 8:55 am
when i first saw that research map, i thought it was the carribean! what i am annoyed about though is that i saw you in waterstones, mark, with all the dragon orbs 4 sale. i wish i had bought all of them, then i wouldn’t have 2 wait. poor fang, losing his eye though.
Comment by stephen — July 24, 2009 @ 9:21 am
gr8 books
Comment by stephen — July 24, 2009 @ 9:21 am
Thanks, Stephen. Glad you’re enjoying the series. I’ve been pleased with how the stories have come out.
Comment by Mark Robson — July 27, 2009 @ 10:01 am
i am wondering when will the final book of the dragon orb story will be pulished
Enjoyed ur books tremendously
Comment by Noel — August 1, 2009 @ 7:12 am
i just finished imperial spy that i have borrowed from my freind and now i dont want to give it back!
i didnt realise that there were more books to it. i also didnt know that you had written more books until today.
all my other freinds at school dont want to read it but i dont mind becasue as long as i like it i dont mind.i want to start reading the darkweaver series soon.
i hope i can get imperial assassin quickly.
carry on writing
Comment by hajar — August 11, 2009 @ 4:29 pm
I love the Darkweaver Legacy! I do tae kwon do, too. I am a blue belt. What belt are you? Why is it so hard to find your books in the U.S.? I live in Madison, WI. I am 9 and will turn 10 in October. Also, why did you pick the name Calvyn?
Comment by Jonah K. — August 13, 2009 @ 2:22 am
Noel - sorry for the long delay in replying. I’ve been away on holiday, so didn’t see this until today. As you’ve probably worked out by now, Aurora is on general release. It was officially released on 6th August, I believe.
Hajar - thanks for your kind words. I’m glad you’re enjoying my work. The Imperial series was great fun to write. There may be more stories of Femke and Reynik eventually, but I’m going to be writing something very different in the meantime.
Jonah - The reason it’s so hard to get my books in the US is that I’m not published over there. My books keep getting rejected by the US publishers. It’s frustrating, but I’m going to be trying a different tactic with my next series … I’ll be setting the first book in the Florida Keys. I’m hoping the US influence in this new series will make me more attractive to your publishing houses. Just home from my research trip today. :-)
Comment by Mark Robson — August 21, 2009 @ 12:09 am
finished aurora in 3 hours. best of the lot!
mark, have u got any ideas on your next series? i left an idea in the ‘exciting times’ blog.
Comment by Stephen — August 22, 2009 @ 5:51 pm
I thank you for your ideas, Stephen, but I’ll be pursuing another tack entirely for my next series. I’ll be putting more about my next project in a new post shortly.
Comment by Mark Robson — August 24, 2009 @ 10:28 pm
ok, ill just use the idea to write a series myself.
still cant wait to find out what youre writing about
Comment by stephen — August 26, 2009 @ 8:02 am