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All in the name of research

I take my research seriously. And while I can never interview a vampire, a goblin or a fairy I do read up on the mythology.

Sometimes research is more practical. I've been doing martial arts since I was ten and have done several different styles to get a feel for different techniques. I've done archery and the Tough Mudder (because you never know when a character will need to get over a 9 foot high wall--it’s not easy, nor is moving quickly over rocky/muddy/steep terrain for 20km).

My latest bit of research involved knitting. I know, you’re all thinking I've gone soft all of a sudden, but how else was my hero going to make socks? There are no department stores on the new colony of Solitaire*.

My Nana taught me to knit and over the years I've knitted bits and pieces but I have always shied away from socks, I mean there’s a toe and a heel and they look tricky. Reading the pattern makes them seem even trickier!

So in the name of research I bought wool and some double pointed needles and took a stab.

While juggling 4 needles was only slightly less tricky than trying to give my boy cat, Sarsen, his worming pill there was also less blood (the cat doesn't like tablets and has attempted to carve out my veins more than once).

I am now pleased to say I have two thigh high socks, and they were way easier than I expected. Now when my hero talks about making socks I know what I'm talking about.

Check out how unimpressed Sarsen is with my socks. He’s comatose with delight!

*Solitaire is the planet ES Siren is travelling to. ES Siren is a multi-author sexy sci-fi romance series being written by myself, Mel Teshco and Denise Rossetti. The first books will be out later this year :)

Comments

  1. Your new sci-fi series sounds great, Shona. I completely lost myself in the Ender quartet earlier this year.

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  2. You have my utmost respect if you can knit socks. I tried knitting and even made a few things but I hated it. The yarn took on a life of its own and tried to strangle me on more than one occasion. Your attention to research is what makes you an excellent author...and those socks are absolutely awesome! Are they the same color in your book?

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    1. no, the socks will be quite boring in the book.

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  3. That's pretty impressive. They look warm too :-)

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    1. I just have to wait for the Aussie winter to start :)

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  4. Those socks are adorable! Way to immerse yourself in research.

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  5. Great socks. I have never had those kinds of skills. I barely manage a needle and thread.

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  6. The series sounds fun and I love the socks!

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    1. ES Siren has been lots of fun so far! Working with other authors in the same world is a new experience for me.

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