This is a fun part of the writing process!

I have decided to set the newest novel in the former Yugoslavia. I was a working journalist during the break-up of Yugoslavia into the seven nations that occupy that portion of the globe today. But like everyone, I forget the details.

I went to Powell’s yesterday and picked up a collection of essays from The New Republic, dating 1991 to 1995, so before the civil war. Those essays will give me a good grounding on pre-war Yugoslavia. I also bought a book about a Western aid worker in Serbia during the war.

I love this portion: the basic research stage.

However, Katy King and I also are talking about a trip to Italy in April, and we likely will carve out a few days to travel to the Dalmatian Coast on the Adriatic, and maybe Croatia.

No level of book research ever beats boots-on-the-ground.

I truly love this part of the writing process.