What does an RV trailer dealer, a crossword puzzle master, a doctor, and a lawyer have in common? (And this is the not the start of a bad joke!) These were all the people I spoke with to research my latest book, Hidden Truth (think middle grade Erin Brokovich). When I first started writing, I had no idea the depth and breath of each project. In my mind, it went something like this: Idea. Check. Outline. Check. Research. Huh? I always thought the next step was write a first draft, followed by revise, revise, revise. I was close, and that was coming, but the research had to happen first. The guilt, I had some experience with, so off I went with a friend (thank you, Laurie) to research RV trailers. When the word got out at the RV park that I needed information on what could/would cause an explosion, the generosity of the salesman dried up. Quickly. But, thankfully, there was a nice maintenance man in the back waiting and willing to chat. Then there was the doctor (thank you, Lance). The story had to be grounded in fact, but I’m not a doctor (actually, totally queasy upon seeing blood). What injury could happen? What was the timing? What made sense? The timeline had to work. I did some on line research, but I needed the doctor to put it all together. Next, the crosswords. I love them. Not great at them, but with the help of my son, Josh, a colleague, Eric, and a crossword puzzle master (thank you, Kristy), I’ve perfected my skills for the story. What I learned – creating a true and authentic crossword with every chapter title being a crossword clue, is not an easy task. And, finally there was the lawyer. Now, I actually am a lawyer and could handle much of that part of the story. But, to make it truly authentic, I brought in the expert, my husband (thanks, James). I needed to know what the CPSC would do, the timing, the investigative report and, of course, to see if my deposition skills remained intact.
Authenticity. That’s what it’s all about. So, the next time you read a story, sit back and ask, who did that author have to meet with to make it all work? And, for all the authors out there, do share. Who did you have to talk with to make your story pulse?
