Research and Interviews

With each of my novels, research is a key component in delivering a story with as much credibility as possible. Readers are savvy. They have a wide knowledge of subjects, and if, by chance, a writer touches on a topic close to a reader’s heart or training and doesn’t get it right, believe me, he will be promptly informed of his mistake and with it, lose the reader's trust. Hiding behind the all-encompassing license of “fiction” doesn’t work.

As a student knows and is taught, research is a necessary task in completing writing assignments, especially those dreaded term papers. Like students, writers’ research takes on a similar investment. As we’ve all been warned, Internet resources, although abundant and wide, may or may not be the ideal writer’s toolbox. It can be a good place to start, but I have learned it’s advisable to double check and verify any topic with good old fashioned interviews.

Interviews are a delightful way to not only broaden a person’s knowledge base with firsthand information, it also affords the opportunity to meet pleasant and interesting people, form working relationships, and flatter the interviewee.

Whenever I run across a novel scene in need of special attention to detail, I contact a person with appropriate credentials for educational purposes. While working on two of my novels, I could have easily and lazily relied on television's CSI series, a seemingly authentic rendition of forensic science, and hope their advisors got it right, but alas, like the Internet, not a recommended option. 

There is no need to be shy. Most individuals I have approached for help have been more than willing and excited to share their expertise—and then some—especially when they find out I’m working on a novel. They appreciative my desire to portray correct information and don’t mind sharing books they’ve read where the author wasn't diligent in rendering technical aspects. 

My most informative specialists include an undercover cop, an FBI agent, a firefighter, a forensics worker with our local police department, and the list goes on. One particular gentleman in forensics was so thrilled that I sought his advice, we enjoyed a long conversation in which I collected a wealth of information and an invitation to call any time. On another occasion, the FBI agent invited me to his home where we chatted for at least two hours. I am particularly in awe of their talents and fascinating fields. 

Being a writer may seem like a tedious, lonely job, but truly isn't. I have met so many wonderful people who have enhanced my writing process and have my heartfelt thanks for their insightful and priceless contributions. I hope I have not let them down in the final product.