More from the Twitterverse...

While writing entries on alien biology, there are notes on mutations for my human characters. The humans start off with nascent newfound powers, but in my far-future stories set within the same universe, these abilities become special much needed skill-sets. 

Research does not have to be painful!

Research, especially for my creations, has often been a source of pleasure. I know that sounds odd, but experience has taught that when I research, look into information, it actually enriches the story, enhances the art.

Anthropological art, biological artists, those illustrations in science journals and encyclopedias have always fascinated me.

Some years ago, I realized I watched too many documentaries. I was a documentary-junkie. I decided to cut back.

Yet, taking notes from internet research, from numerous resources, checking out books, buying books, viewing documentaries with an eagle-eye, I was driving myself crazy.

It was a simple case of information overload.

Finally, I told myself that perhaps I worked harder, not smarter.

One day, I sat down, and decided to do something different: I would watch the documentary as a casual viewer, not taking notes.

I would tape the appropriate documentaries, disregard those that did not capture what I needed at the moment, and simply write down the experts' names, or a synopsis of the documentary series.

I still buy references -used- and I no longer visit my local library - I have most of what I need from my home libraries as well as what I now glean and receive from social media, and now, thanks to DVR, I can peruse and choose documentaries at my discretion.
Jotting down URLs, learning to categorize Bookmarks, these are the tools and tips for not making research agonizing, but productive, and, dare I say it? Even fun!
 
Yes, life doing research is good again.