Researching... Is it a good thing, or just a pain in the arse...

Researching stuff for you books is a good thing really, as it helps you get the facts right so that the story seems more genuine... But sometimes it is a total pain in the arse; I have been looking up Vikings and some of the sites contradict each other so much that I'm not sure which one to follow. The one that gets me the most is the spelling of different things I.E. Valhalla... I have come across it spelt: Velhalla, Vallhalla, & Valhalla.  Odin was another name that it was spelt two ways Odin & Odinn. But I must admit they have some of the coolest names in history for their people... my personal favourite: Kusi - person who inspires fear and dread.  that is one awesome meaning for such a small name.

The bad thing for me is that when I begin looking up stuff, I have a tendency to get sidetracked and end up at the polar opposite of where I was meant to be.  but I suppose that is the fun thing about it I am always looking up new things.

Why am I looking up Vikings I hear you say; it is because I am writing about Vikings for the Hot July Days, short story Anthology.  

Now you know why I am researching Vikings. I am writing my Take on what is going down... but alas; you will just have to wait until the stories have been released to see just what I come up with.  So many authors doing such a wonderful job and there are going to be so many stories to choose from... I say good luck and congratulations to them all... 

I personally can't wait to read them all.