Author Life Musings – Odd Things I Have Had to Research and That Time Otto Nearly Barfed

You would not believe the things authors have to research. I am thankful I am not a crime thriller author. Though, to be honest, I did study criminal psychology in college, and some of it is quite fascinating. That said, I have still had to research some things I never thought I’d have to research.

Some things I need to research make sense to a certain extent. For example, I have had to research the Gutenberg printing press (had so many YouTube videos saved, y'all), archery and other weapons, and wounds. Other things don’t sound like I should know what they are, but I actually do (I have surprised myself with the things I didn’t know I knew). For example, a costrel (I mean, who has ever even heard that word?). I had not heard the word “costrel” before becoming a writer. In case you are wondering, it's essentially a medieval canteen (you can actually buy some on Etsy! Seriously, if you are a cosplayer or a renaissance fair fan, check them out).

But when it comes to odd things I’ve had to research, there is one topic that stands out, and always will. The oddest thing I have found myself researching so far has to come with a mild TMI warning (you’ve been warned…it’s not that bad, don’t worry). I was writing a scene in The Story in which everyone in the Valley is trapped and ill. I was minding my own 21st-century self and wrote that Otto “barfed.” My brain suddenly came to a screeching halt, like a gramophone bumped by unruly kittens, when I realized that the term likely wouldn’t have been used in the time period I was modeling my fictional world after. So, yes. I have, in fact, spent time out of my life searching for the appropriate 16th and 17th-century term for “barf.” In case you are wondering about this too, it is, according to my research, vomit. I was kind of disappointed, to be honest. But what are you gonna do?

You’re welcome, by the way. Have fun working that fact into a conversation. Or maybe don’t work it into a conversation. Just a thought.