Doing Research for OHIO

I do a lot of research for all my books, and I love it. It makes the books more interesting, and it is fun for me to pass along the information to my readers. OHIO! has been more challenging since it deals with the obscure topic of the mounds or earthworks of Ohio.

In January 2023, I was doing research one morning before breakfast and discovered that the Archaeological Society of Ohio was having a meeting that day. It was snowing, but after church, I hopped in the car and sped off to nearby Hillard. I met lots of wonderful people in the display hall and browsed numerous tables/displays of arrowheads and other items. This was the first time that I heard the term "field find." This term is used to describe arrowheads and artifacts found in fields, the most frequent source of finds. 

While I was there, I came across the paperback, "Ohio Flint Types," at the book table. The price was more than I wanted to spend, but fortunately, I was able to find a 1973 edition on eBay. This book has been an incredible source of information for me. 

When I left the meeting several hours later, considerable snow had fallen, making for a slick trip home. But the trip to the ASO meeting was more than worth it. 

First Draft of OHIO - Done!

I have been out of touch, and I apologize. The holidays came and went, and I was busy working on OHIO. Then I traveled a bit in February. 

But I am thrilled to announce that I finally (and I mean finally) have a first draft of OHIO! This has been such a hard time coming. My usual approach—sit down and write, and the story will follow—did not work at all. I think it's because the topic, Mounds of Ohio, is a tricky one to explain to children. I had one plot, then another, then another, and on and on. 

I spent way too much time staring at the computer screen, hoping for a break-through. I should have gone out for a walk, as Margaret Renkl in her new book, A Company of Crows, so clearly explains. Movement is critical to creativity. A study to measure creativity in college students found unremarkable results when they were sitting, but once they were up and moving around, the screen lit up with their brain activity. I will remember that.

The last few days, I have been editing OHIO, and there is still a whole lot to do. But at least I now have something to edit!

I highly recommend Margaret's excellent book, A Company of Crows. It's a walk through her backyard garden, month by month, and so much more. A book to relax and revel in. It's truly beautiful. 

I wanted to insert a cover image of Margaret's book but couldn't. So here's a crow instead.