Does #Romance Require #Research? #Writing

Good morning, friends. Nona Raines here. I'm proud to be a romance author. Unfortunately, romance writing is often downplayed as not being "real writing." When it comes to fiction genres, ours tends to be looked down upon as Cinderella sitting in the ashes. Never mind that ours is the top selling genre of fiction. And sadly, too often romance writers are not looked upon as "real" authors. But we work hard at our craft, and it also involves a good amount of research. Today I want to share some of my adventures in research.

*No, I don't mean that kind of research, LOL.* Kindly get your mind out of the gutter! :-) Though truthfully, I've been known to research sexy topics when trying to spice up a love scene.

In my first book, One Good Man, the heroine was a librarian. For the character of Andie I used my own career in public librarianship to guide me. 

For more on One Good Man, please go here.

For other books, I've had to research my characters' careers. I've also researched locations, cities, and landmarks. Having friends and family who live in certain spots can be very helpful.  Good old Google is your friend. Google Maps and Google Earth can be very helpful when trying to get the "real feel" of a place.

You can go old skool and use books, as long as they are up to date.  Sometimes even an out of date book can give you insight into how the job has changed through the years. Your local library is a great resource and if it doesn't own a copy of the book you need, can often borrow a copy through interlibrary loan. Speaking of the library, let me give a shout out to the fact that internet access is available for free at most public libraries--in case a person does not have the means or the access to their own computer or modem.

But let's face, nothing beats the internet. When it comes to researching careers, you can find a lot of information. There are plenty of blogs and websites devoted to different types of careers and jobs. I found a lot of info this way when researching Emergency Medical Service personnel for No Promises.  I found not only interviews, but video as well. Even comments on blog posts can be extremely enlightening. And don't forget good old YouTube--though there you must be careful to separate the wheat from the chaff.

For more on No Promises, please go here.

But our best resource is always other people. Interviewing folks about their real life jobs is so rewarding. Talking to someone provides real insight into a person's career and relationship to it. I've found most people more than happy to share information. During my research I've interviewed several EMTs and paramedics, a highway worker, an owner of a consignment shop and a 911 operator.  If you're polite and respectful, most folks are only too happy to share. Facebook friends too can be amazingly helpful. I've quizzed a few about working retail for my current WIP.

That's about it folks. As important as research is, we authors have to be careful not to fall down the rabbit hole and get lost. At some point we have to get busy and write! :-) Delivering a good story is what it's all about.

Have a wonderful week, all!

Nona Raines

Hot Contemporary Romance
Edgy ~ Emotional ~ Erotic
www.nonaraines.com

#Paramedics Are Not Ambulance Drivers! #NoPromises #99cents #newadult

Happy Friday, friends. I'm still celebrating the release of my New Adult romance, No Promises. Remember, it's available for only 99 cents through the month of January!

Blurb:

A new adult romance by multi published author Nona Raines writing as N. Raines

She never met a stray she didn't love…

In high school, Sam Pennywell had a massive crush on Rick Russo. But he was her cousin’s boyfriend and strictly off-limits. Meeting Rick again years later, she can hardly recognize the man he’s become.

As a paramedic, Rick’s career is all about helping others. But in the line of duty, he’s become one of the injured. He’s caught in a dark place he can’t escape on his own. He can't make Sam any promises of love. Promises are too easily broken. 

Sam spends her life taking care of sick and homeless animals. She's never met a stray she didn't love, and Rick is the most important rescue she'll ever make.

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B019LPXOGQ

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/no-promises-4

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1070562159

All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-nopromises-1955852-149.html

Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-promises-n-raines/1123260173?ean=2940157825188

  

Rick,the hero of the story, is a paramedic. While doing research on his profession I learned a few things I'd like to share with you.

1. Don't Call Emergency Service Personnel "Ambulance Drivers."

Paramedics and EMTs do a lot more than driving the ambulance and running the siren. In my state, paramedics must complete a two year degree program. They're able to give medications and trained in advanced life support. They must be certified and renew their certification every three years.

2. Their jobs are physically taxing.

All the lifting and carrying they do can take a toll. They may have to carry individuals who are heavy, sometimes down flights of stairs. This is especially challenging in an apartment building where there is no elevator. They may have to deal with people who are uncooperative or aggressive due to alcohol, drugs or mental illness. Occasionally, they are even physically assaulted. They have to keep calm and behave professionally at all times while protecting themselves and others.

3. Their jobs are emotionally taxing.

Emergency service personnel are often first at the scene in cases of child abuse. They have to help a child who has been hurt by his or her own parent or caretaker. They are on the scenes of accidents where innocent people have been hurt and killed by drivers under the influence. They see some terrible, heartbreaking sights yet must keep their feelings under control and do their best to help the injured and transport them as quickly and safely as possible. These tragedies may take an emotional toll on first responders and filter into their personal lives.

4. They don't get the pay or respect they deserve.

Emergency service personnel work long hours under difficult conditions to save lives. While they are responsible for keeping people safe and getting them to the hospital as quickly as possible, their assistance often goes unrecognized by the public. They often have to deal the results of society's inability to provide enough care for the indigent, the homeless and the mentally ill. They also have to deal professionally with people who abuse the system, keeping them from those truly in need.

5. They care about people.

Actually, this was one thing I didn't have to learn from reading a book or scouring the web. I've been fortunate enough to speak to several Emergency Service Personnel and their good humor and love of humanity shines through. They don't get much pay or many pats on the back, but they don't complain. Still, it's time we "civilians" recognize everything they do and give them the recognition they deserve. They, along with firefighters and police officers, are the first on the scene when we need help.

Have a wonderful weekend, all!

Nona Raines

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Now available: my newest releases, Her Kind of Man  and No Promises