That old librarian who called me out on my lazy research

Back in 2019 I was at the Denver public library digging through microfiche for a historical fiction piece. Older woman maybe 70s walks up and asks what I'm working on. I wave it off like 'just some Civil War stuff.' She pulled out a handwritten diary from 1863 from a soldier's widow. Told me if I'm not using primary sources my characters will feel fake. She was right. Still think about that moment every time I start a new project. Anyone else have a random stranger totally change how you write?

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1 Comment

thea2461mo ago

Microfiche not microfiche. It's microfilm. Common mix up though. But the real point is that librarian gave you the exact push most writers need. Primary sources breathe life into stories in a way secondary ones never can. She sounds like a real gem.