Research Tips

This is the topic I talked about at the PSWA workshop. Here's a brief overview:

Of course there's the Internet--and information person at most libraries.

As a member of PSWA, I have access to the listserve where I can ask all sorts of questions and get the best answers https://policewriter.com/

I've asked what a skeleton in a truck in an attic for many years would look like: how a cadaver dog acts when searching for a dead body; funniest vice crime; and anything about firearms. 

I've learned the difference between a robbery and a burglary.

Ways to kill people. Ask on line, books on poisons.

Indian Lore: talking to natives, learning the history of the Indians I'm writing about, reading books about various tribes, legends and mysthology.

Learning the history of the place where your story takes place. 

Pay attention to people and what they have to say.

Talk to police officers--they love to tell their stories. Go on a ride-along. Visit  your local police station, ask questions. 

Read articles on the subjects you are planning to write about.

Visit the place you plan to write about.

Listen to stories you friends tell you. Sometimes their stories will give you ideas for plots.

Draw on things you know about--people from your past.

Always check and make sure you've got it right.

Marilyn