The Adventure of ‘Method Writing’
Every author has their own method when it comes to writing and researching their novel. That might be Google, resource books, visits, the good old, trusted library – or relaxing at the laptop with a warm cuppa and perhaps a playlist for added inspiration.
I find it helpful to immerse myself in my writing. I want to live through my characters, see the world through their eyes, hear what they hear, walk in their shoes – or trainers. If I can’t connect with my characters – how can I expect readers to relate? After all, characters are the heart of a story. You want your reader to champion, cry, laugh and feel with them – even when your character makes mistakes, which they most certainly will.
As the saying goes, ‘Write What You Know.’ But what if you want to write about something you don’t know much about? My debut novel Hexed was set in a 17th century themed holiday village called Bellsbury. I’d never been to such a place, neither do I believe anywhere like Bellsbury exists. However, I visited places that were vaguely similar to Bellsbury; York, Canterbury, Rye and Dorset. Due to Hexed being a fantasy story, a lot of my research was mixed with imagination. I don’t know anyone who lived during The Bubonic Plague or was accused of witchcraft – but I could learn how these events affected people and how my characters would deal with it. Not too well it would seem.
The story I’m currently writing is Urban Fantasy with mythical elements, but it’s based around the real life of a fictional musician struggling in the music industry. Although I had a keen interest in this subject, I didn’t know enough about it to make his story relatable to readers, musicians and aspiring musicians.
This is where I adopted method writing. It’s not just spending time with your character, but also as your character in their environment.
Rather than online research, interviews or documentaries, I reached out to local musicians. They were happy to spend an hour openly chatting about their music careers including the highs and lows, the industry, flirty interactions with fans, and all the exciting backstage gossip! I had decided to set my story in Camden; a borough full of music venues, rising bands and a buzzing scene. Plus, I’ve always felt a huge connection with Camden as a visitor/tourist.
This time, I was there as Mordred, my protagonist. I strolled along the bustling High Street, weaving in-between tourists snapping photos and seeing life through Mordred’s eyes. I stopped off at The World’s End Pub to write a chapter of my story; a pub Mordred visits often to scribble song lyrics on a beer mat. I spent time chatting to the owners of a tattoo shop, asking what life would be like for Mordred who lives above one. I ate market food by the canal, listening to my protagonist chat about hanging with his band before a gig. I popped into The Dublin Castle and Camden Assembly music venues to learn how a band would set up through to performing. A week later, I returned to London to meet a producer at Snap Studios to learn all about the process of recording an album.
Fortunately, the job I had at the time involved working at festivals, mingling backstage, hosting music acts – and getting the opportunity to meet Pete Doherty, who shared some great tips for my story. I was living my story. Everything was happening at the right time. Mordred’s story continued to develop. Every time I described my story to people in the music industry I was met with comments such as, ‘That happens all the time,’ or ‘it all sounds so familiar.’ When you’ve got it right, the feeling is just incredible.
My research also led me to attend a Bollywood dance class, a Navratri festival, talking to an ex-drug addict-turned-rehab counsellor, writing song lyrics in Mordred’s rebellious punk voice and spending the afternoon writing in local music venues.
I truly find writing such an adventure. This story hasn’t only led me to places and introduced me to people I wouldn’t have otherwise connected with – but it’s also unlocked new creative pathways and opportunities. When your character teaches you how to trust your instinct and let go, you know you’re onto something special!
