Not long ago I was talking with a group of writers. Once we finished the usual writerly discussions -- plotting, creating characters, self-editing, dialogue, etc. -- the conversation turned to other things we find of interest, such as dishes we like to cook, adventures we've been on and our personal preferences in handguns.
Yes, in a group of romance writers ranging in age from college age to grandmotherly, more than a few of us know what we like when it comes to pistols. (Mostly semi-automatics, mostly compacts.)
Writers are the most diverse people I know. In my own close circle of friends, there's a scuba dive master, a bomber car driver, a veterinarian, a Harley rider, a couple of guitarists, some incredible singers, an airplane mechanic, several computer experts, runners, yoga enthusiasts, gourment cooks, bakers, master gardeners, world travelers, teachers, nurses, dog lovers, cat lovers, people lovers.
You can get an answer to just about any question from a group of writers. If no one knows, they will automatically do what my son's tae kwon do instructor taught his students in that situation: find out. Our heads are stuffed with an incredible amount of information, and we love sharing it. We'll support you, make you laugh, encourage you, make you cry, cry with you and always be there for you.
We are a pretty damn good bunch of people.
Great post and blog, Marilyn! I agree with you. If one writer doesn't know something, another one will. And, like you said, they'll be able to tell you where to find info you need. I think probably the most interesting libraries in the world belong to writers. Many writers buy research books they don't even "need" at the time of purchase. Odd, off-the-wall books, because writers do, indeed, know there will come a time when that strange little book will be exactly what they need at some point. I once bought a book about cattails, and I didn't know why I was buying it. Ended up using that book a great deal a few years later. You never know! - Beckie
ReplyDeleteYou, too? LOL. I've got books I didn't open for five years after I bought them, then a new idea comes along and they have everything I need to know in them.
DeleteLove that about cattails! I'll have to look over my shelves and see what the strangest book I've bought and used was.
Don't forget 'chainsaw maidens'. I'll never forget hearing that, and thinking, "But she seems so sweet and gentle!"
ReplyDeleteCheers!
-T
Aw, thanks. I love my chainsaw -- and the old saying about cutting your own wood keeps you warm twice (cutting, then burning it) is so true! The winter of the big ice storm, I cut all the wood we burned in the fireplace.
DeleteBy the way, if I didn't have a paying job, I'd probably be a pyromaniac. Thank heavens for the writing. :)
I love being an adventurer, and being asked questions is one of the highest forms of flattery to me. Reading great stories from my friends brings my world full circle.
ReplyDeleteI'm a Sig girl--btw, and have 2 chain saws. Love my tools.
More Power!!!!
DeleteOur bunch is equal opportunity -- S&W, Glock, H&K . . . I've got my eye on a neat little compact with a built-in laser sight. No glasses? No worry. :)