World of Writers discussion

As a historical fiction writer, I do a TON of research for each of my books (like, months' worth). I mainly use Wikipedia and other online sources with .gov or .org signs instead of .com, because they are more accurate regularly, in addition to lots of nonfiction books. I'm always open to answering questions! :)

KC (Not accepting group invites) wrote: "Jenna [or anyone, in particular, I'm open to suggestions] (If I can call you that, I am unfamiliar with the ways of this group so far), do you happen to know anything about Native American times? I..."

That's kind of like saying, "Okay, tell me about white folks." Haha, it's a very broad question, because Native American tribes are all very different from each other, and originally came from different parts of the world (perhaps during the Ice Age, when the roving nomadic peoples could have crossed by land). Most are poly-theistic, believing in one great god who created the world (the Great Spirit) and several lesser gods/spirits under him. Sometimes these lesser spirits were things in nature, like trees and animals. Other times, they were made up, like their Thunder Bird/Fire Bird, which later on inspired the cars of the same names.

Every tribe had their own traits and beliefs. Some Native American tribes had very light, almost white skin; some had bright, almost red skin; some had dark, almost black skin. Others look more Asian, like the tribes in Alaska. They also build their homes differently from tribe to tribe, only some tribes using the standard tee-pees we see on TV. They each had their own languages, and some tribes (Cherokees mainly) even had their own written alphabet. They had their own dances, their own systems of government, their own customs, their own clothing and body decorations (paint, piercings, jewelry, tattoos, etc.) that varied from tribe to tribe. Every tribe was different, and no two tribes were the same. Some tribes were even matriarchal, which they never show on TV.

Step one is to find out what Native American tribe(s) lived in the area where your story takes place, and then direct your research at just that tribe.

S. wrote: "KC (Not accepting group invites) wrote: "Jenna [or anyone, in particular, I'm open to suggestions] (If I can call you that, I am unfamiliar with the ways of this group so far), do you happen to kno..."

What S. said ! I'd suggest using the internet to narrow down your search of what tribe you wish to study further into and use for your book, then you may want to consider getting books about that one tribe (if you can find any), as they tend to have a larger amount of accurate information in one place. Native American tribes are really interesting to study, good luck!!

Jenna Marie ~Let it Snow~ wrote: "As a historical fiction writer, I do a TON of research for each of my books (like, months' worth). I mainly use Wikipedia and other online sources with .gov or .org signs instead of .com, because t..."

Oh that's good to know! I'm currently working on a story that's somewhat relating to the Revolutionary War, so those were helpful tips!

✨ava✨ {Merry CHRISTmas} wrote: "Jenna Marie ~Let it Snow~ wrote: "As a historical fiction writer, I do a TON of research for each of my books (like, months' worth). I mainly use Wikipedia and other online sources with .gov or .or..."

Personally, I think Wikipedia is perhaps a good starting point, but it can often be biased or flat-out wrong I've found. ANYBODY can write a Wikipedia page about anything; even you or I could.You would do much better to read nonfiction books that were written as close to the time period you're studying as possible. Also, try finding journals and letters written by people from that time period. I've read Anthony Wayne's letters myself, about him chiding his wife for letting Torries stay at their inn as he's off fighting them. It's stuff like that that breathes life into the flat people in history books.

S. wrote: "✨ava✨ {Merry CHRISTmas} wrote: "Jenna Marie ~Let it Snow~ wrote: "As a historical fiction writer, I do a TON of research for each of my books (like, months' worth). I mainly use Wikipedia and other..."

Yes, I've heard that about Wikipedia, I usually don't use it. I'm just trying to find some basic facts, but I have different articles pulled up.

Let me make a suggestion: Quora is a great place to conduct character-related or experience-related research because people ask and answer about all sorts of questions:

"What's it like to run away from home?"
"What's it like to have been shot/electrocuted, etc."
"As someone with ADHD, what is school like for you?" etc.

Dana wrote: "Let me make a suggestion: Quora is a great place to conduct character-related or experience-related research because people ask and answer about all sorts of questions:

"What's it like to run away..."

Great idea! I've used Quora for research like that, too.

Wikipedia can be inaccurate, so I always use multiple sources when using them. The main reason I use it is because I work with some very unusual time periods and topics and cannot find very many sources for them. For instance, my current book is about a little-known illegal resistance newspaper in Holland during WWII, and the only online information I could find about it was a Wiki article I had to translate from Dutch. Of course, I use books to do my hard-core research, but Wiki is a start for me.

This might sound weird, everyone, so brace yourselves lol. So far we've mainly talked about historical fiction, but I'm sharing my research theories lol.
I'm a fantasy author, which means most of my research revolves around blood and weapons. I know. Great life, right?
But personally, I've discovered that oftentimes the best way to research is to not do an internet search, but to set up a situation where you experience it firsthand.
Obviously this doesn't work as well with fact-based things for historical fiction, but for experiences, it does.
I've gone pretty extreme before, but I've also learned to turn little moments into research.
For example, the very first time I drew a sword out of a scabbard, I learned that it's not easy. You have to stretch really far.
The first time I shot a bow, I learned that you have to aim in a different spot than you'd think.
First time I ever got a serious injury, I learned what it's like to have to stay calm.
I've done pretty crazy things, but I'm also a Dauntless Gryffindor, so basically a maniac, so maybe don't copy me. XD
The point of that really really really long rant is that you can't rule out experience. Experience is what makes a story magic. If you can feel it, you can write about it.
Okay, thanks for coming to my TED talk lol

Carsie Rose wrote: "I so agree, Denali! Experience really does make all the difference!
XD that's why I try to make the characters I'm doing my POV from not good with certain weapons, but in my stories injuries someho..."

Why not talk to some real-life war vets, get their stories, and include their actions, feelings, and coping mechanisms into your book? Make your ex-soldier feel real.

Carsie Rose wrote: "That's a great idea! I should do that...
I think most times my dad helps with things like that (he's law enforcement, not exactly the same, but plenty of high adrenaline/crazy situations, and he's ..."

If you ever need help with archery and/or HEMA (swordplay), I can help. More so with archery, but I know a bit about HEMA.

Carsie Rose wrote: "That's a great idea! I should do that...
I think most times my dad helps with things like that (he's law enforcement, not exactly the same, but plenty of high adrenaline/crazy situations, and he's ..."

You know, a lot of authors who are skilled in different types of fighting and wrote books about it are on Goodreads. Why don't you use the Ask the Author feature on their profiles if you have specific questions? You can go right to the source, and you can still be introverted, haha.

Is anyone an expert on witchcraft? I know a bit about it since I've been trying to learn about it and understand the basics, but a lot of sources can be unreliable or too opinionated/specific for me to properly take in information. Anyways, some sources or good facts would be great.

I am learned in supernatural happenings and witchcraft in the Bible. Otherwise, I can't (and won't) help you there.

S. wrote: "I am learned in supernatural happenings and witchcraft in the Bible. Otherwise, I can't (and won't) help you there."

in the Bible? i didn't know they mentioned witchcraft
do you know any verses or what they say? not like for the book but out of genuine curiosity. i always love learning about religions

alice仙境 wrote: "S. wrote: "I am learned in supernatural happenings and witchcraft in the Bible. Otherwise, I can't (and won't) help you there."

in the Bible? i didn't know they mentioned witchcraft
do you know a..."

It's a deep subject, so if you have any questions about anything, please feel free to reach out to me. :-)

You should know some basic Christian history before we dig any deeper. God created angels in Heaven before he created man on earth. There was a war among the angels, resulting in several angels being cast out of Heaven... the "fallen angels". Satan was among those cast out. Satan envied God's power, for God was much more powerful than he was. When God created man, Satan saw his chance to use what small power he had on those weaker than him. He caused man to sin and taught him to lie, doing what he could to seperate man from God to give himself more control over them.

God was always, and will always be more powerful than the demons of Satan. Throughout history, in many countries and by many people, the supernatural miracles of God are present and have been recorded. Things that defy scientific explanation have happened, and can be proven today. God was seen by thousands of people to part an entire sea, creating a road for Moses to lead God's people across, and then collapsed the water on their Egyption enemies. Not many years ago,this road through the sea was actually discovered by an archaeologist named Ron Wyatt. It was littered with Egyption chariot parts, including gold-plated chariot wheels, horse hooves, and human remains. Two large poles were discovered, one on each side of the road, with ancient Hebrew written upon them, saying that they were erected by King Solomon to commemorate God's miracle for posterity. Other great miracles have also been proven.

Satan always wanted to discredit the Lord, so that he could take credit for the Lord's power. Witchcraft was one way for people to worship the creation instead of the Creator.

Think of this: if God wasn't/isn't real, then why is there so much evidence to the contrary? Even Satan believes in God. If God is real, and is supernaturally all-powerful, then why should we worship anybody else?

In Exodus 22:18, when Moses' people were free for the first time in generations and were so used to being ruled that they needed God to give them a series of laws to follow, one of the rules was "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live." This was before the age of grace, when Jesus died for our sins so that those who believed in him and repented could be cleaned of their sins and have a new life. The law making witchcraft a capital crime was brought about for several reasons, mainly because it gives honor to the devil which is owed to God alone. (Matthew Henry Complete Commentary)

Deuteronomy 18:9-13 says, "When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire," This refers to the worshippers of the false god Molach, who would send their children through the fire. If the fire devoured them, they were considered sacrifices to their idol. "or that useth divination, or an observer of times," Meaning a soothsayer. "or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God." God wants only the best for His children, and he does not want them to be deceived by evil trickery.

In 2 Kings 9:22, Queen Jezebel was accused of witchcraft and other sins.

In Acts chapter 8, it tells the story of Simon, from the city of Samaria (the capital of Palestine), who used magic tricks and other trickeries to bewitch the populace into thinking he was a great sorcerer. The disciples of Jesus came to the city to teach the people of God's goodness, and how the son of God was come to wash away all of their sins, baptizing people with water as a symbol of this washing away. Simon watched and wondered at all of the people who felt the Spirit of God enter them, and he saw that it was real, believed, and was baptized. He was in awe as he watched the apostles do true miracles in the name of God. He offered the apostles money to teach him to do these miracles himself. The apostle Peter replied, "Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter; for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thy heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity." The miracles were a gift from God, not a magic trick to be bought and sold.

Ezekiel 13:18 likewise talks about certain tricks used by false prophets or seers.

I hope this helps. There are many more references to be found, and I can show you if you'd like, but I'm typing all this with a flip phone where I have to hit a button three times to get the right letter, so I'll have to save the rest for later if you are interested.

S. wrote: "alice仙境 wrote: "S. wrote: "I am learned in supernatural happenings and witchcraft in the Bible. Otherwise, I can't (and won't) help you there."

in the Bible? i didn't know they mentioned witchcraf..."

That's so cool ! I really do enjoy learning about all kinds of religions or ways of life. That was kind of the paragraph of my dreams for a huge nerd like me (totally not super into angelology heh-). I'm planning on eventually reading the Bible since it has so much to look at and analyze! Seriously, thank you. And if you have more or the article, that'd be appreciated :) But now I gotta clarify some things \/
Well you were right, the witchcraft I meant was pretty different from that. it reminds me of how in the Bible Hell is sometimes referred to as Hades when in Greek mythology it refers to the god versus a place. I think that the Bible was probably talking about black magic, which is actually heavily frowned upon by most witches in the witchcraft community. Most witches actually believe in only focusing on good actions that benefit the world or please the god/s of whatever religion they are. Things like love potions are a heated debate because many white magic witches (although not all) believe it's wrong and manipulates others. Another interesting fact I learned was that the pentagram, which many commonly see as a sign of the devil, is meant to ward off the devil and other evil spirits! I was surprised to learn that because I had spent a long time thinking it had something to do with satanism. Many witches, since witchcraft isn't a religion, have their own religion and some are christian.
Since you seem like you're a christian (not sure if you are, forgive me if I'm wrong) you may have gotten the wrong idea of what I meant for the story- but I can assure you that I don't plan on making my novel about the devil or anything of the sort. I think many people believe all witches to be evil, although plenty of them worship God and believe black magic is wrong. Of course, that doesn't mean to undermine the Bible's definition of a witch, seeing as words can have many different meanings in certain texts due to language or interpretation from the time (think the Hades thing from earlier).

I feel like I sound mean for that text above because it's so long, but explaining witchcraft is kind of hard kdajkfd. I don't mean to be mean and I really do appreciate the Bible and other religious books or just religious things in general. They help shape our world and are honestly so beautiful

You're not being mean. God gives us all free will to believe what we want to on earth. Disagreeing with somebody else isn't mean at all; it's only natural. I am a Christian, and a student of the Bible. I study the meanings of words in the Bible by going back to the ancient Hebrew and Greek roots. That last post I wrote wasn't actually an article, it was written by myself, with a couple brief quotations from the Bible and Matthew Henry.
Love potions and many "spells" that bring healing or perceived healing actually fall under the heading of "pharmakeia", the Greek word for "sorcery" and "witchcraft" in the New Testament. This is still considered evil and deceitful in the Bible and in the eyes of God. Because the meaning of the word Christian is to strive to be like Jesus Christ and share his faith/beliefs, a witch cannot be a Christian. It is an impossibility, as Christ and his apostles plainly spoke out against such things.
Galations 5:19-21 lists many things that, without seeking God's grace and forgiveness, will inhibit somebody from entering Heaven. Witchcraft (pharmakeia, which includes so-called "white magic" and administering of potions) is listed as one of those deadly sins.
As to hell/Hades in the Bible, the word hell was translated mostly from the Hebrew word "sheol", which literally meant "grave" or "pit". It was the hole where the non-believers without eternal life would be buried. The bodies in the pit were often creamated with fire (i.e. fire and brimstone). It did not necessarily mean what many Christians today believe it meant; an underworld for sinners to live forever in tortured agony. Only in the New Testament does it mention Hades, and it only used the word 11 times out of 55 total mentions of the word "hell". According to Strong's, the #1 reputed source of accurate Greek and Hebrew translations, the word Hades had three meanings at the time period the word was used in the Bible. One of those meanings was death and the grave, which coincides with the use of the word "sheol" earlier in the Bible and is most likely the intended meaning. In fact, the word Hades was even translated as "grave" once in the New Testament.

S. wrote: "You're not being mean. God gives us all free will to believe what we want to on earth. Disagreeing with somebody else isn't mean at all; it's only natural. I am a Christian, and a student of the Bi..."

Wow, it totally read like an article. I can see you as a journalist for a magazine of sorts :o
When I mentioned the love potion, I meant it as not endorsing it, but I'm sorry if it came off as me saying it's a part of white magic.
I think the christian witches do basically everything christian, although they do things more like meditation and feeling one with the universe versus manipulating others with spells to do things and would involve praying to the Lord in their rituals. I'm obviously not super experienced so I wouldn't fully know the lifestyle, but I do know that one of their core beliefs is to use what God gave them with the nature around them and use it to spread happiness. It's really sad if that's the case as they seem like they're trying to do good, but I don't believe that they're overtly trying to do something harmful. This is only referring to the ones who aren't, like, cursing people and stuff and would instead try to bless someone to become better.
I didn't mean for it to mean I was saying Hades meant something other than, I meant for it to be that definitions can mean different things. I'm not really the best with words a lot of the time lol and I wish I could get better at making things make more sense
Thank you for all the information! It's hard to find people experienced on one religion as a lot of people just casually follow it or don't have one at all. :)

alice仙境 wrote: "S. wrote: "You're not being mean. God gives us all free will to believe what we want to on earth. Disagreeing with somebody else isn't mean at all; it's only natural. I am a Christian, and a studen..."

Thank you. I'm an author and an editor, so I try to write well. :-)

The "witches" you are talking about usually follow the New Age religion, and incorporate unChristian beliefs in their practices. Oneness with the universe is one of those beliefs, and it is deeply rooted in heathen Eastern religion. I am actually a certified herbalist myself. You can use the herbs to heal and make use of the plants God gave us without earth-worship, Satanic rituals, chants, Eastern religion and spells. Those types of people actually give herbalists a bad name among the Christian communities.

If you have any more questions about the Bible or Christianity, I'd be happy to help if I can.

S. wrote: "alice仙境 wrote: "S. wrote: "You're not being mean. God gives us all free will to believe what we want to on earth. Disagreeing with somebody else isn't mean at all; it's only natural. I am a Christi..."

Alright! Thank you so much!

alice仙境 wrote: "Is anyone an expert on witchcraft? I know a bit about it since I've been trying to learn about it and understand the basics, but a lot of sources can be unreliable or too opinionated/specific for m..."

What kind of witchcraft are you wanting to research?
There is the spiritual practice of witchcraft. I am researching it myself, but I am not an expert on it, but I can lead you to some YouTube channels by people who are active practicers.

But then there is the witchcraft, which could be a part of the witch-hunts, and there are several books written by witchhunters which I can send you to. (They're mostly about how to find a witch).

Just wondering...Because I would love to help. :)