Many genres within the fiction umbrella require an amazing amount of research. When I gravitated away from writing travel and human interest articles and began focusing on adventure fiction, I was surprised to find myself doing as much or more research than I did for my articles. Fiction is still a product of the author’s imagination, but in certain sub-genres it is essential to ground a story’s places, people, and actions in reality or risk losing any shred of believability.
For my latest novel, Shrouded In Secrets, I read through mountains of material, much of which I didn’t understand not being a scientist, archeologist, or super-spy, but the information helped point me in the right direction. I encountered creative challenges and, for the first time in my writing experience, emotional setbacks, but persevered and couldn’t be more pleased with the finished product.
The story begins with a horrifying incident in a remote jungle in Peru, launching a suspense-filled international adventure. I’ve been to all the countries visited in the book, except for Peru, though not necessarily to the specific region of each particular scene. That’s where research and creative license come into play. It’s always my goal to describe places in a manner which transports readers to a myriad of exotic locals, and as much firsthand knowledge as possible, can’t hurt. So, without further ado, here’s a taste of the adventure to come.
The massacre of an unarmed South American village, destruction of one of the greatest man-made wonders of the world, and multiple museum thefts ignite a desperate scramble to locate a deadly group of terrorists. An international team led by the ruggedly handsome, but emotionally scarred CIA agent, Cash Luker, scours the globe in an attempt to keep ahead of those striving to bring thirteen mythical relics together. As Cash’s team closes in on those responsible for the devastation he must conquer past demons in order to save the woman who has captured his heart and prevent destruction of legendary proportions.
This novel has been an intense labor of love and I truly hope that readers will agree that the results merit the years of effort and hours of research.
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Kim grew up in Wyoming, which is where she developed her sense of adventure and love of the outdoors. Since leaving Wyoming she has enjoyed many opportunities to see the world and has lived amid some of America’s most stunning landscapes. Kim started out writing non-fiction, but her passion for exotic world travel, outrageous adventures, stories of survival and happily-ever-after endings soon drew her into a world of romantic suspense. Along with writing adventure novels Kim has also published over eighty travel and geographic articles, and contributed to a travel anthology and cookbook.
You can find out more about Kim and her books at her website and blog. She can also be found on Twitter. Shrouded in Secrets is a featured new release at Prism Book Group.
Bonus!!! Kim would like to give away an ebook (format of recipient’s choice) of her new novel, Shrouded In Secrets, to one randomly selected commenter. Please leave your comment before midnight U.S. Mountain Time, Friday, October 4th, to be eligible. The winner will be selected via random.org and the name posted here on Saturday.
What a great story this seems to be. Will be putting it on my TBR list.
The story didn’t start out quite so complex, but evolved into its present form. I have a BS in geography, so have always been curious about the world. I’ve been to every country in the book, except Peru, though not necessarily to the region of each particular scene. Thanks for the comments and questions and I hope everyone enjoys the adventure.
I think characters and settings come alive more when an author has done the research. Thanks for reminding us of its importance.
Why did you decide to write about so much you didn’t know? Were these areas something you had prior interest in or did it just sound like a great story idea?
Love the premise, and sounds like some very interesting research. Good luck with Shrouded in Secrets, great title!
Sounds like the kind of suspenseful, mysterious adventure book I love. I envy Kim all her travel experience.
Pat – Thanks for hosting Kim.
Kim – I couldn’t agree with you more about the value of good research when one’s writing. It makes a novel all the more authentic, and draws the reader in. I respect you for having done the work it took to research your novel and I wish you success.
Kim– I love the sound of your book. I love a good suspenseful mystery!
Congratulations on your book, Kim! I might write science fiction (which means I get to make up everything) but there are still basics that apply everywhere, like the flight of a space fighter – which echoes that of our own jet fighters. Research is still involved.