WHAT'S REAL IN YOUR FICTION by Heather Weidner
Recently, I was asked, "How much research do
you actually do for fiction and how much of your work is true?” There’s quite a
bit of research that goes into writing mysteries. I want to make sure that my
stories are plausible and as accurate as possible.
I mix quite a bit of “real” in my short stories
and novels. All of my settings are actual places. I tend to put my works
in Virginia cities and counties because I write what I know. If a crime
occurs, I make up that location's name. I wouldn't put a horrific or violent
event at a real restaurant or store. But if you've been to the cities, you'll
recognize landmarks, neighborhoods, and street names.
I get ideas for crimes and capers from real
cases, but I usually take liberties with the details. In my short story,
"Washed up," in Virginia is for
Mysteries, a beat up suitcase washes up on Chick's Beach, and it's filled
with some mysterious contents. Back in the ‘80s, there was a real crime where
suitcases filled with body parts did appear on beaches along the East Coast. In
my story, I thought it would be interesting for beachgoers to find something
old and sinister in an unexpected place.
I base some of my characters on combinations of
real people. I blend characteristics of several people to make an interesting
fictional person. And phrases that family and friends say frequently appear in
my stories. I carry a notebook with me wherever I go, and I am always jotting
down names, interesting tidbits, and snippets of dialogue that might one day
make their way to a story. I have two co-workers who keep asking me to make
them villains. I haven't done that yet, but I do hint from time to time that
unruly team members will end up in a dumpster in a future story.
I use friends and family member's names for
minor characters. In Secret Lives and Private Eyes, my sleuth, Delanie
Fitzgerald, gives herself all kinds of aliases in her investigations. These are
usually names of friends and family. And every once in a while, you'll find
police, EMTs, or FBI agents named after my favorite authors, rock stars, or
actors.
I am also very fortunate to be a “CK” (Cop’s
Kid). My dad, now retired, is one of my best sources of information on crime
and law enforcement. He helps me make sure that the crime scenes are described
as accurately as possible. I email him all the time with questions like, “Hey,
Dad. What’s a meth lab smell like?” or “If a body falls overboard, what’s it
likely to look like if it washes ashore four days later?” I am also very
fortunate to be a part of Sisters in Crime. Our local chapter (Central
Virginia) offers a variety of programs with professionals in criminology, law
enforcement, and forensics. These speakers are so knowledgeable and willing to
share information. I also appreciate that they answer all my weird, author
questions without giving me too many funny looks.
Even though my short stories and novel are fiction,
they also contain some truth and reality. And research is important, so that
the work is interesting, accurate, and close to true life.
Secret Lives and Private Eyes – Heather Weidner
Secret Lives and Private Eyes is a fast-paced mystery that will appeal
to readers who like a strong, female private investigator who has a knack for
getting herself in and out of humorous situations. Business has been slow for
PI, Delanie Fitzgerald, but her luck seems to change when a tell-all author
hires her to find rock star, Johnny Velvet. Could the singer whose life was
purportedly cut short in a fiery car crash still be alive? And as if sifting
through dead ends in a cold case isn’t bad enough, Chaz Wellington Smith, III,
a loud-mouthed strip club owner, hires Delanie to uncover information on the
mayor’s secret life. When the mayor is murdered, Chaz is the key suspect. Now
Delanie must clear his name and figure out the connection between the two cases
before another murder – probably her own – takes place.
Author Biography:
Heather Weidner’s short stories appear in Virginia is for Mysteries and Virginia is for Mysteries Volume II.
Currently, she is President of Sisters in Crime – Central Virginia, and a
member of Guppies and Lethal Ladies Write. Secret
Lives and Private Eyes is her debut novel.
Originally from Virginia Beach, Heather has been a mystery
fan since Scooby Doo and Nancy Drew. She lives in Central Virginia with her
husband and a pair of Jack Russell terriers.
Through the years, she has been a technical writer, editor,
college professor, software tester, and IT manager. Visit Heather at www.heatherweidner.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Goodreads.
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