Whether you are a reader who enjoys stories that take place in the 1950s, or a writer who is writing a story that is set in this time period, you will want to visit this place. I only live 30 miles from Mark Reiff’s Gas Station Museum in Woodland, California, yet had no idea it existed. What a thrill it was to hear about it from a friend!
It made me think about the writing process and the importance of research. To see, touch, smell, hear and sense the vibe of the time or place where your story evolves is invaluable (at least it is for me when I write). All of these sensations become part of the book and help your words develop pictures in readers’ minds.
Before I wrote THE MEDIUM, I traveled to Savannah, Georgia, and explored the city’s Historic District for two weeks (read more about my visit here). Also, a visit to an old farmhouse in California’s gold rush country inspired my novella, THE HERMIT BOOKSTORE.
It’s not always possible for writers to travel to their story location; therefore, they rely on other research methods, such as reviewing online blogs, local newspapers and magazines, maps, travel books, or talking with people who are familiar with a region.
Every good novel worth reading requires some research. And it happens to be one of my favorite steps of the writing process.