Kia ora, I’ve talked about context and that leads to the topic of research. Research is the tool which supports context. Research provides you with facts that you turn into memorable, recognisable, and vivid images. Research is the back room girl. She’s holds the key to context. Without her you’re fumbling in the dark.
Political and economic contexts – what social and/or significant events happened during the time or times you’ve chosen to set the work? War, epidemics, natural disasters, political upheavals eg Springbok Tour, Bastion Point, Homosexual Law Reform, Stock market crash, Tangiwai, Wahine, the assassination of JFK, Waterfront Lockout, Elvis Presley, Rita Angus, Janet Frame’s Owls Do Cry, Keri Hulme’s The Bone People…?
Think about technology and the changes it has brought to all our lives. Telephones, radio, tv, computers, film. Style in clothes, footwear, cars, houses, furniture. Hobbies, leisure pursuits, sport. Attitudes. The information you want will be on the net, or libraries – never met a librarian yet who wasn’t helpful. Birth, Death and Marriage certificates have dates and other information, not always correct though so check with others. Great sources are the National Library, Archives NZ – both Nat Lib and Archives can be found on the net but a personal visit is always a good thing. Film Archives, Newspapers, Photos, Fiction – novels of the time often present a truer picture of a time as well as Poetry, Music and Art. Family and friends.
Remember your writing’s like an iceberg – its the nine tenths underneath that support what is seen on the surface, its the anchor for the boatload of memories and experiences that make up your memoir.
