The perils of research

So, I'm still diligently working on Ryder & Sophie's story, Keys to Submission. One of the fun elements revolves around a series of hidden keys that the duo must track down. I had a blast figuring out how to create this scavenger hunt. I had a brilliant idea for the placement of one of the keys, but had to do a bit of research to find out if it was even feasible.
Oh boy ...

I found all sorts of information that fascinated me. It was like a choose your own adventure book. One thing led to another and another and another and before I knew it, I'd spent several hours online reading about everything from John the Baptist's head residing in Amiens, France to how the Knights Templar once claimed possession of it. While reading about the Templars, I was fascinated by the tale of the last Templar Grand Master, Jacques De Molay, and the legend surrounding him. Supposedly, as he was burning at the stake, he cursed King Philip (the one responsible for disbanding and ordering the arrests of the Templars) and Pope Clement (the pope who agreed with Philip), swearing they would join him in death within the year. They did.
This re-fueled my interest in another project I'd started years ago about a tenacious girl who breaks curses and a stubborn Duke who happens to be cursed. I pulled it up, re-read it and decided I still liked it. Now, it's back on my TBW (To Be Written) pile! Well, it's in it. I have no idea when I'll get to that one because while I was digging around to see if my curses in that book were viable, I also found myself intently studying some mystical things for another series of Victorian-era books. I'm eager to write those, too. Argh!
So many books and characters!!!
All in all, I spent about 5 hours "researching" (yes, yes, that I should have used writing) but research is an important part of my creative process. It fuels my imagination and helps my muse really take flight.
So, now I'm off to work on Ryder and Sophie. I'd like to get this book to my wonderfully patient and understanding editor sometime in the next month or so!!
And as for that brilliant bit with the key? You'll have to read the book to find out where it ended up! I'll give you a hint, though, it's the third key!
Happy reading,
Jennifer