Q: There is often so much to see in new places—how do you determine what is important or useful for writing? Now do you ferret out the hidden gems?
In a previous post, I explained how I determine where to stay when traveling. How I pre-plan like a mad woman. (I suggest reading this post for background.) How I ferret out the gems of an area follows a similar trajectory.
Once I’ve laid out a tentative itinerary for a trip, I deep-dive on research. To be honest, I usually have a reason for where I go, so I already have an idea of what’s around, what to look for, where to explore. So, I’m essentially building on that. But once I’m physically in a location, boots-on-the-ground so to speak, I Google street names, history of the area, read AAALLLLL the signs with any information, and then Google some more. Being physically present and aware of surroundings usually triggers more Googling, and the uncovering of a few gems. Caveat: to find the gems, there needs to already be a plan in place with some basic research front-loaded. It’s impossible, for me at least, to find the more elusive elements if I don’t know what is already known. It also helps that I’m an extrovert. I talk to strangers and pet all the dogs. This is a great way to learn about local history that won’t be found on the internet.
I always have a notebook with me. I take copious notes and review them in the evening. It’s during these reviews that some nugget, some anomaly or idea, will jump out at me. That’s when I know I have something worth revisiting, either actually returning to a specific location or writing about it until my mind quiets.
As for how I know if something is important or useful—I don’t. At least not initially. Unless I’m on a research trip, and looking for very specific details, I’m not clear on how the information may inform future work. Hence the necessity of the notebook…and pictures. It may be months before I realize how something can be used. For example…
In June 2023, I went to NYC to see Fat Ham. I figured while I was there, I’d try to see another show. Then, as I’m searching for tickets, and noting which ones were Tony nominees and winners, I started looking at the theatres. Not the location so much as which is the oldest, which one is haunted, for whom were they names…you get the idea. One afternoon, I went for a walk and decided to photograph some. I thought I might use the pictures or what I learned for a future newsletter, but I had no idea how that would look. But I was in the city, had researched the theatres’ histories, and had some time to stroll around the theatre district—why not take pictures? Long story short, these pictures, and the topic of theatres, ran in my September newsletter—approximately ten weeks after I’d gotten the idea.
Some of this is learned from decades of travel. I’ve learned, from experience, when to take a picture, understanding through trial and error of what “speaks” to me at a later date. But most of know what’s useful and ferreting out the gems comes from being curious. And being myself. I write what I’m interested in. I write articles and stories I’d like to read. I travel and explore to keep myself entertained. So, I take pictures, take notes, walk my ass off, and let my subconscious do the rest.