Funny Things That Happened During Research
For this blog post, I think we need to go back to my most recent research trip to New Orleans.
The goal of this trip was simple. I wanted to make sure every place my characters visited in the book was described accurately. I had a really good chuckle the moment I arrived at the ferry dock. This is where Lucy takes the ferry to Algiers Point.
Yeah... that chapter had to be rewritten.
I'm so glad I made that research trip.
After getting off the ferry in Algiers for a self-guided walking tour, I quickly realized visiting during the hottest part of the year may not have been my brightest idea. I'd read through the tour before I started, but somehow I still managed to go in circles and get completely turned around.
I know. Impressive, right?
Let's just say I walked past the same places more than once. On the bright side, I got to know the neighborhood really well.
About halfway through the tour, I desperately needed a break... and some air conditioning. Thankfully, I found the cutest little British pub, The Crown and Anchor. Naturally, I ordered an ice-cold beer and a packet of potato chips. (Yes, crisps.)
The bartender was incredibly friendly and answered several of my questions about the area before it was time to check into my hotel. I wish I could remember his name. He jokingly told me I should put him in the book.
Sorry, my friend. The pub didn't make the final cut.
Did I sound like a tourist?
Oh, absolutely.
Did I learn more about the neighborhood?
You'd better believe it.
Watching the locals interact with each other was probably my favorite part.
After checking into my hotel and taking a much-needed shower to cool off, I headed to my first dinner. It was the same restaurant where my main character, Lucy Brown, would later have dinner.
I already knew the restaurant was haunted. (Of course I did.)
I explained to my waitress that I was writing a book and wanted to include one of their signature drinks. She brought another waiter over who knew all about it. After giving me the recipe, he mentioned that the owner was there.
Would I like to meet her?
Why, yes. Yes, I would.
She shared stories about the hauntings that I hadn't uncovered during my research, along with a few eerie experiences of her own.
And yes... I kept glancing over my shoulder, waiting for something spooky to happen.
Nothing did.
But the food and drinks were amazing.
After dinner, I wandered over to Bourbon Street. It was still fairly early, so it wasn't nearly as crowded as people imagine. I found a few locations that would work perfectly in the book and made mental notes about how I could rearrange things to fit the story.
Eventually, I decided to call it a night.
Just as I was almost back at my hotel, I noticed several musicians standing on a corner with a crowd gathering around them.
Well...
Curiosity won.
I watched.
I waited.
Then a couple walked down Toulouse Street, the musicians struck up the band, and everyone fell in behind them.
It was magical.
I'd never seen anything like it.
My first thought?
What in the world was that?
Because somehow, after all my research...
I'd missed it.
So what did I do?
I went back to my hotel and started researching... again.
It was a Second Line.
A Second Line is a New Orleans tradition and celebration. The first line includes the people being honored, along with the brass band. The second line is everyone else who joins in behind them, dancing, walking, clapping, and enjoying the music.
Did I join in?
You know I did.
It turned out to be one of my favorite moments of the entire trip.
The next day, I visited a Voodoo shop, and that was an experience all by itself. I watched the Voodoo priestess fill gris-gris bags while praying over each one before it went to its new owner.
Naturally, I bought a good luck gris-gris for my writing desk.
I'm all about good luck. 😉
The more I wandered through the city, the more little details I discovered. No, I couldn't fit everything into the book, but every experience helped me understand how Lucy would have felt walking those same streets.
One place did make it into the story.
The Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge inside Hotel Monteleone on Royal Street.
If you ever get the chance, go.
I met a wonderful woman and her daughter while sitting at the bar. It's usually packed, so I felt pretty lucky to snag a seat.
The people-watcher in me had a blast watching everyone circle like seat vultures, waiting for someone to leave.
And yes...
The bar really does rotate.
That's it for now, my friend.
Check back soon for more behind-the-scenes adventures.
Cheers!
