Researching Obsessed
✨️My Search History While Writing Obsessed✨️
As much as I wish I understood everything I wanted to go into my book, the fact of the matter is, some things were definitely out of my knowledge bank, and out of my control. Trust me - it happens.
When I originally sat down to write Obsessed, I had a clear picture of who Jackson was - The Golden Boy, QB... and Abby was just his childhood best friend. But as soon as I put pen to paper (I'm old fashioned like that), I discovered something unexpected... Abby was Korean.
I did not plan that - I knew next to nothing about Korean culture, but here we were... I dont think I could have written her any other way - this was her story, and it meant I had a lot of learning to do (a lot of which never ended up in the book, but I needed to understand what her life would have been like, an American girl, born to Korean Immigrants, who's best friend wasn't just an average white American, but a boy!
Yes, I searched other things too, some of which I understood from. writing Addicted (foster care systems, etc...) and I studied way more football than I ever imagined (Go Bo Nix!)
Obsessed is a Second Chance, Friends to Lovers, Forbidden Relationship story that is sure to tug at your heartstrings, and have you rooting for them to make it work.
QOTD: What was something you looked up recently?
#RomanceBooks #BehindTheScenes #IndieAuthor #SearchHistory #BookRecommendations
When writing a novel that involves cultures or subjects unfamiliar to you, thorough research is key to authenticity and respect. In 'Obsessed', the revelation that Abby, a main character, is Korean prompted extensive learning about traditional Korean parental expectations and cultural nuances. This is a common experience among writers who want to portray backgrounds accurately and sensitively. Understanding the strictness of traditional Korean parents toward dating helped frame Abby's internal and external conflicts, enriching her characterization with realism that resonated with readers familiar with that culture. Delving into traditional Korean dishes also enhanced the story’s texture, allowing the author to weave subtle cultural references into the narrative. Beyond cultural aspects, the author also researched sports details—especially about football and the recovery timelines for injuries like ACL tears—to truthfully depict Jackson’s challenges as a quarterback. Learning from real athletes like Bo Nix added credibility and excitement to the sports scenes. Additionally, exploring the foster care system informed aspects of the story related to second chances and found family, deepening the emotional stakes. These research topics, though not always explicitly included, enriched the author's understanding and ultimately created more layered and believable characters. For anyone writing intersecting themes—such as culture, sports, and social systems—immersive research not only prevents stereotyping but also connects readers emotionally. As a researcher and writer, it’s fascinating how each piece of information, from food to family traditions to sports advice, can inspire authenticity that elevates storytelling. In your writing journey, embracing unexpected discoveries about your characters can open new narrative directions. Much like Abby's cultural background surprisingly guiding her story, being open to learning and adapting helps craft a story that feels alive and genuine. What recent topic have you researched that unexpectedly enriched your perspective?
