Outside of Google what resources are there for writers?

When writing your next suspense fiction novel where will you go to gather your information? It goes without saying that Google will be a very good friend. And let’s hope too that your own brain will be of some use.

But let’s forget the internet and your own inner resources for now and look at other areas that may be even better and way more fun!

Libraries are wonderful - not only for their books which obviously are a rich source information - especially historical publications. Most major libraries have access to decades of past newspapers, journals and research documents. These can be searched using various devices. I spent a few hours on a microfiche reader checking newspapers from the 1970's. I found myself getting sidetracked by lots of interesting articles & even some commercials.

Another source for inspiring info is old photographs. Not necessarily just your own. Maybe your parents or grandparents or those of your friends. This can be a treasure trove for information and interest. Maybe a good place to find and develop a new character, describe a scene or to gather the necessary detail for the time period in which you are writing.

Go to a museum and loose yourself! Most major cities have multiple museums and a great many smaller towns have their own smaller, but none less interesting ones - often with some emphasis on local history. A browse in an op shop or second hand book store may prove insightful also. 

What if you’re writing your novel which is set in the present day? If you are able to travel to the locations this will give you a great feel for the area. For parts of my “Max Justice” novels I went to Melbourne and Sydney. Walking through the busy arcades, the narrow lane-ways and venturing to the outer more rural areas was a delight. I took lots of photos.

Let’s not forget the humble television - TV series and movies old and new. And how about the “old fashioned” art of talking to people. Gathering details about their life and experiences can be very rewarding. Talk to anyone - children, adults of all ages or various professionals - police, architects, lawyers or health professionals.

People watching is an interesting pastime, especially in a busy area, like near a train station, in a shopping mall or city square. This can help with character ideas. Make up a story about someone you are watching - Where are they going? What job do they have? Do they have a family? Are they a serial killer? 

Being a writer also involves being a reader. Read often - books, newspapers, magazines, letters, plays, scripts even cereal boxes! Stimulate your brain and the writing juices will flow.