Often, writers get to dive down fun rabbit holes of research where they get to explore the world via their keyboards or bookshelves. In some cases, though, the internet fails, and we can’t find what we’re looking for, no matter how many rabbit holes we check. When that happens, we get to take field trips (if we’re able to).
For me, I changed some rules of magic in my story, and it required me to go back and change some scenes that occur at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, IL (USA). I hadn’t been here in such a long time (and I do struggle with the concept of captive animals), but it was (of course) neat getting to see some of these critters up close.
I mean, how cute is this little guy muggin’ for my camera?
In addition, it does give us the chance to see things that aren’t native to our own homes.
For this visit, I needed to see areas of the facility where there would be direct sunlight, which I couldn’t really tell from pictures (aside from the bank of windows in the auditorium). I did take the time (because $$) to walk the entire facility and enjoy the experience. Overall, I had a lovely time, and I’m already thinking about other writing field trips I might be able to take… 🙂
Look at this little one!! 😍 (Flamboyant Cuttlefish)
Ami Maxine 