I am currently editing a novel where my heroine works with jewellery. I think it captures the essence of the Presents/Modern line –
glamour and passion contained in both the jewels and the design.
But as with any job, the more I uncover, the more
complicated it becomes. In order to give my book that authentic feel, research
is essential and what a wonderful excuse to research diamonds, rubies and
precious jewels! The hours I could spend in the name of research … !
It’s all very well being appreciative of the art and work
that goes into these pieces, but what about the detail? That’s where it gets
tricky. The internet can only help so far without that inside knowledge that is
particular to the country I'm writing about and there’s nothing like incorrect
details to pull a reader straight out of a story.
So, aware of the saying, ‘If you don’t ask, you don’t get,’
I set about asking. And who better to ask than Boodles?
Helpful and prompt in
their reply and for that I can only say thank you.
I think Kate Adie’s autobiography summed it up in the title
‘The Kindness of Strangers’. People are more willing to help than we perhaps
initially expect and doesn't that warm your heart?
