Writing News
This week I am still researching modern Mexico. When I wrote Overturned I had a document about Ancient Assyrian culture that was over 80 pages long and covered everything from the curses used to keep people from trashing a monument, to the best way to drink beer so that the barley husks didn’t get stuck in your throat (through a golden straw of course). I took the titles from this document, made a few changes (took out the “kings brag about war and torture” section and added the “Chichen Itza” section) and behold I had myself my very own modern Mexico research document.
Last week I was just going through vacation sites and getting a feel for things. This week I started being methodical. I would choose a category from my research document, like “customs”, and then google that and start copying quotes that were useful. I still have a ways to go but I got a good start. In fact, I now know that if one is invited to a Mexican home for dinner, it is incredibly rude to arrive on time. You must come at least 30 min. late or be viewed as a culture-less fiend.
I also created a significant portion of my “Interview Questions” document and bravely e-mailed two bloggers who lived in Cancun. And to my amazement, they both e-mailed back saying they would not shun me for life if I e-mailed them my lengthy list of detailed questions about the folk and foliage of Cancun! I salute you Cancuncanuck and Rivergirl, for bravery in the face of my ceaseless inquiries and devotion to the scenery details of your city. Bravo.
