Caution spoilers ahead

I'm a book review reader. Not just reviews of my own book, but in general. Reviewers are, of course, a generally intelligent bunch of individuals, no matter whether they write for a published journal, a blog, or simply post on a retail site or on Goodreads. I usually find reading their thoughts stimulating and enjoyable.

Here's one thing that I've always appreciated and respected in book reviews: the convention of marking spoilers as such, and even hiding them from view unless someone chooses to click on the jump/link/hidden text and read.

Because if reviews really are for readers, as they're supposed to be, it's a bit rude to just come out and say [spoiler ahead! highlight to read!] BRUCE WILLIS WAS DEAD THE WHOLE TIME, right?

Regarding SANCTUM, like many books, it has an ending that's unexpected. Many readers have commented about it in very general terms, and I love that. And I'm grateful that they let other readers experience that same thing for themselves.

What I don't love: A review that flat-out says (without the spoiler warning) something like: "At the end of the book, Malachi and Lela [highlight to read] come on now, people. You didn't really think I'd tell you that, did you?!? And that's how it goes."

(To be clear: I'm not talking about one review of SANCTUM in particular, and not even only about reviews of SANCTUM, just using it as an example)

But anyway, to all reviewers out there: I adore you. And I respect your right to do what you do. If you feel like your critique of a book would simply not be complete or coherent without revealing specific details of plot twists, etc., go ahead--just mark them clearly! [If revealing the details isn't necessary for the review, may I suggest you leave them out or speak of them only in the most general of terms?] It gives your fellow readers the choice--whether they want to be spoiled or not. It's the polite thing to do.

</rant>

 What do you guys think of spoilers? How do you define "spoiler," and what kinds of things should be marked as spoilers? What can be included without that kind of warning? Laying out the ending is obvious (or should be?), but what about all that stuff in between? And--do you read spoilers? Do they enhance your enjoyment or ... spoil it?

A map of my WIP research beware spoilers below!

I'm about 20k words into my new WIP, and it's been a pretty fascinating ride so far (er, to me). This one seems to be coming slow and steady, in part because it's complicated and I'm still figuring things out, and in part because my job has been incredibly demanding lately. I took a pause yesterday afternoon to plot my way through the next 30k words or so (I usually do a broad outline with lots of notes, then create more detailed scene-by-scene maps, connecting the "dots" of the big moments). I also did some more research.

I don't know how you guys do this, but when I get going on research, I really go. It's a little like Alice down the rabbit hole. Sometimes I follow a thread that ends up being irrelevant to the WIP, but I don't mind because I learn a lot of new stuff and I think it's just part of the process. To show you what it's like, I've created a map of my research-y thoughts and searches from one afternoon. But beware. There are spoilers down there. Somewhere. Maybe.

There we go. That is ... pretty much what the inside of my head is like. For most of those boxes (plus several others I couldn't fit onto the page), I did multiple searches, followed hyperlinks, cross-checked facts, explored related topics, and occasionally watched instructional or informational videos. For some, the search wasn't quite as intense--like for "sundresses", I was just looking for something to describe my MC as wearing, because fashion for my characters is not exactly my strong suit (heh). Then I went scampering back to my WIP outline and frantically typed notes to myself, tying things together and mapping things out.

If your brain works like mine does, then you are now privy to my entire plot, so SHHH! Don't tell! If you're wondering about my organizational skills ... bwahahaha! I'm well known at work for having the messiest office in the suite. I get a lot done, but my organizational style is idiosyncratic at best.

What's your research process like? Do you chase down every thread in order to be completely accurate? Do the minimum because you don't want it to interfere with your creativity? Get it all done up front? Pick up information as you go? What would your research map look like?

Remember to check out Lydia's Medical Monday post and Laura's Mental Health Monday post (Laura's is a must-see today)!