Well, when I started writing my current WIP, I decided my main character needed to be a black belt in taekwondo. Not only for the book to progress the way I wanted it to, but also, because my MC's personality screamed she needed to be a girl that could kick your butt.
Problem was I had watched a lot of taekwondo, and there's a difference between watching and doing. So I enrolled in the Seoul International Taekwondo Academy. Just imagine me (the girl who's danced ballet her whole life and never has hit anyone) doing taekwondo. Yep. I'm a wuss.
But I got hooked! I loved it. You get to learn these cool routines called poomse and kick boards and yell really loud. And I met lots of great friends in my class (see the picture above). Turns out, I like it. So much that now I'm going to have to work my way up to being black belt or at least try.
I just had my last belt test and here's a video of me breaking a board for the test. (And I didn't land on my butt! I know, I was worried, too).
And yes! I got my orange belt!
So how about you? Any crazy stuff you've tried so you could be a better writer?
18 comments:
I went on a field trip with my critique group to visit a psychic reader. Less than one year later her partner was brought up on charges for fraud - true story. There's a book in that real life story.
And CONGRATS on the orange belt! You kick butt
Inspiring story, Christy -- and congrats on getting your orange belt!
Most of the stuff I try out for my books is pretty ordinary, e.g. building a wood and paper model house. Or I steal things my kids have done. My WIP involved cooking, so I'm looking forward to trying out some recipes!
Oh Andrea. Great idea. Maybe I need to write a book about chocolate. What fun that would be!
AAA!!! SO COOL! I love how you leaped up to break it!!!
And hurrah for research--especially if it's something you come to love.
Mostly just wanted to say: GO YOU! How cool was that?! Congrats!
I also think it's really cool that you had the passion for your writing to try out something new and ended up falling in love with it. So often in my WIP I think, oh, I should learn more about this, but I try to do it while avoiding leaving the house. I'm a bit pathetic like that.
That was awesome, Christy!!!! Congrats on getting your orange belt!
Great job on your orange belt! I'm not sure what level that is but I'm impressed with your achievement. I wish I had a tenth of your enthusiasm and energy. :)
Whoo-hoo! Look at you! That's awesome!
makes me miss it. I was a green belt in tae kwon doe and never finished. Maybe i should go back! good job!
There is definitely a difference between watching taekwondo and doing it! I'm so proud of you for stepping out of your comfort zone.
Now that's dedication!
I haven't done anything too crazy -- yet! I might in the future, though.
Congratulations!
Barefoot, too! Yay for authenticity. :)
Love it! Congrats on the orange!
Impressive! Thinking of you guys as you have your last few days at SFS.
How very awesome, Christina! And now, having read part of your WIP, it means even more! I can picture you as your main character!
Congrats Christy!
I've been to psychics for "research." I hope to get to Lily Dale this summer, or at least on a ghost hunting mission. My favorite "research" thing is to sign up for my kids' field trips. I usually learn something, and I get to observe firsthand how groups of kids act in off-routine situations.
Great idea. I wanted to do taekwondo in univeristy. My ex-boyfriend talked me into trying Aikido. No idea why I listened to him. It's not like I listened to him while we were dating (very short time relationship). In the end, I never did do taekwondo. :(
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