"Write what you know." Age old advice to writers. But I would argue this advice is a tad....incomplete. I'd say, "Write what you know, and know what you write." Sure, it would be a lot more fun to just take off down a twisted plot path, but there can be consequences on reckless journeys like that.
I write historical fiction. That means research! Lots and lots of research. Even about things I know well, like my beloved city of New Orleans. I write fiction full of magic and mystery, but there is a base in the real history of the city. It's important to me to do right by the mystical treasure that place is. Like I tell my students, "There will always be someone out there that will know more about these things than you will. Don't give them ammunition to pick it apart. Know your stuff, then create around it." For me and so many writers, this means working and writing next to a pile of books, a million open browser tabs, and pages of interview notes.
Recently, I had the chance to go back to the city that inspires so much of what I write and it was incredible. I came back with more pictures, stories, notes, and books than ever before. I realized that I had never had a visit to New Orleans that was just me and my precious city. It was a completely different experience. She opened her arms to me and showed me wonders I would have never noticed had I not been alone with her. I've said it before and I'll say it again: New Orleans has a soul. She lives and breathes dressed in iron lace with her heart beating in rhythm to the jazz in the air. As long as I've known this incredible city, it was the first time I really felt like she knew me, too. There was no way I was going to let that feeling get away from me as I worked.
I adore reading books about fantastical worlds and characters created in the vivid thoughts of a writer. But, for me there's a richness in a story anchored in the past. A connection to the history of humanity. Preserving that connection by doing right by the time, people, and spirit of New Orleans is a non-negotiable for me when I sit down to write. I need that anchor to hold down the magic around it. Does it add work to an already challenging process? Yep. Is it worth it? You betcha. When I look at what I've crafted from my times with the most interesting city I know, I feel like she's winking up at me from the pages.