At the October monthly meeting, Alda P. Dobbs, 
author of BAREFOOT DREAMS OF PETRA LUNA (Sourcebooks Young Reader, 2021) shared resources and research tools for historical fiction/nonfiction writers.
For Dobbs, a story passed down by family led to her learning how to research the historical context and facts surrounding her family’s experiences. As an engineer turned self-taught researcher, she then wove history into her debut novel, which was recently selected for the Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List. Dobbs has a follow-up book deal set for 2022.
•Resources “To Find Gold for Your Novel:”
– Inspiration/Passion (e.g., a family story)
– Basic Facts: who, what, when, where, why, and how
– Historical Data: characters’ histories; religious/cultural/political views; local/regional/world events; technology; education; work; diet; clothing/fashions; medicine/healthcare; entertainment; dwellings/buildings …
•Research Tools:
-Libraries and Librarians: local/state/national (public and private)
•Special Collections and Genealogy Departments
-Online Books and Catalogs:
•Worldcat.org
•Books.OpenEdition.org
•GutenBerg.org
•Babel.Hathitrust.org
-Overdrive and Google Books
-On-Site Visits/Travel: experience settings/environments; visit museums; observe
-Maps: Sanborn maps; Google Earth maps; museum maps
-Photographs/Art
-Newspapers/Periodicals
-Journals; Memoirs; Translations
-Farmer’s Almanac; Sears Catalog
•Weave Historical Facts into Your Book:
-The “95% rule” (most historical research is not going to make it into the book so it does not dominate the story, however, it informs your writing)
-Cross-reference sources
-Fact check
-Incorporate language and voice
-Share knowledge and wisdom
-Celebrate ancestors and keep their spirit alive
-Find a connection to today (history repeats—learn from the past)