It always amazes me what people know, the things that people are interested in and the hidden experts there are around us.
Take my current work in progress as an example. I needed information on dead bodies, so I knew I could turn to our very own Jeanne. Choosing the right gun for my villain, meant a quick email to Cassondra. For details on hunting knives, I was able to use a friend of ours who used to work in an abattoir (or slaughterhouse), so is pretty handy with big knives! By strange coincidence, his wife's best friend studied forensics and was able to help me out with my crime scenes.
I've also had people asking me for help with their work - especially about things English (for obvious reasons *g*) and Irish and Scottish, but also about marketing, teaching young kids, football (or what you'd call soccer), fitness boxing and hockey (again, for obvious reasons *g*).
I got to thinking about all the expertise we have in the Lair - not just the Banditas, but also our BB's. We are rich in information on location alone! With our Aussie gals, our Finnish gals, our Canadian gals, Kim in Hawaii and our travel experts AC and KJ to say nothing of all the different states we have represented. Which reminds me - anyone live in South Dakota?We've got people who know all about dogs, cats, birds (yes, including that pesky rooster) and other creatures.
Then, we know that Barb is a quilting expert, Helen is a Rod Stewart fan-girl (hope you like the pic!), P226 is a guru on things military and computer forensics, Louisa knows all about opera, Marisa and Maria are TV production experts, Dianna Love knows all about painting large signs and motorbikes, Donna is Ms Accoutant, Suz and Joanie are our nursing angels ... again, just to name a few!I know there's loads more out there, so I want to know - what are you an expert in? Don't be shy and self-deprecating, you may not be the world's leading expert, but there are things you know a lot about and could help a struggling writer if she/he needed research information. Or, what information do you have access to through friends or family members? I'm sure you can all mention at least two things!
80 comments:
Ha ha, come to me monsieur le coq!!!!
Snort, I say that to ALL the boys! ;-)
Anna, you're right! We've got such wonderful resources right here under our noses. Anyone an expert in noses? I know about avocadoes which is incredibly useful when it comes to writing Regency romance. Avocadoes were always on the menu at Almack's - NOT!!!!
Fabulous post! But I can't claim to be an expert about Hawaii - I've heard some stuff on tours or looked it up on the Internet. Now I am trying to become an expert on the new Hawaii Five-O, but Alex O'Laughlin has not returned my call yet. Perhaps the Aussie boy prefers Aussie girls. Anna, did you whisper French nothings into his ear?
Among my friends, I've got many scientists, even a professor specializing in dark matter (but she rarely returns my emails). I also have friends who are physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and alternative medicine specialists. I myself used to work on patches, pills, implants, and artificial hearts (many years ago). All in all, although my friends are a learned bunch, we're pretty localized in our areas of expertise, just health and science.
Hey Anna,
My brain is full of useful/less info like the latest gossip on celebrities and which NY sports star is dating which actress/model.
Hi Anna!
Transportation, boring yes, but everything has to get from here to there somehow. When I worked, I specialized in wine shipments via rail and truck. I'm an expert gift wrapper and knowledgable about kitchen appliances, cookeware, gadgets, 18/10 vs. 18/5 chromium nickel flatware...and strange as it may sound, Peyton Place and it's author, Grace Metalious. :)
Congrats, Anna on the GR!
Hi, Anna! (And congrats on the GR, Anna! ;)) Expert? Hmm... I don't know much about noses! Areas in which I could previously claim expertise--grammar and other things editorial (I doubt that's still true--the working part of my brain seems to have fallen right out of my head!) and some things crafty or bookish... Now, I'm not so sure... Laundry? ;)
well done Anna ... enjoy your day with GR... I might send DH to visit as he is up your way for the V8's (car racing) LOL
Anna thank for your kind words... I also make my own clothes and some of my DH.....used to make grandchildrens when they were smaller but still sometimes get asked to make somethings..... know all about computerised embroidery sewing machines as long as they are Janome (New Home)... not biased LOL As I say I am jack of all trades master of none
Well done Anna I am sure the two of you can find something to do today
Anna
What a great post and yes I am loving that picture I do love Rod and all his music can't get enough of it.
So interesting and so totally agree we know things from our lives and from learning from friends I think I am pretty good with children seeing as how I spend lots of time with them. Some of the younger Mums that I work with often ask me questions about what is the best thing to use for nappy rash etc and I realise that I have learn't a lot over the years from experience and reading of course although at the moment I have just got home from a 11 hour shift and the brain is not working LOL
Have Fun
Helen
Anna - I love it that GR has strutted to your place. You bring up a great point. I don't consider either of us an expert in anything, but we do have a lot of experience in motorcycles, fishing and signs. I am always surprised by the wealth of information we have around us. My husband teaches motorcycle safety so he meets people from all walks of life. I kept hearing about these people and finally said "get contact info for future reference." I hear someone talk passionately on a topic they say is "only" a hobby, but passion is the driving force of learning so much on one topic.
I am a font of UBI, I have worked in a jewelry store, a greenhouse, restaurants, and a piece goods shop. As Barb says, Jack of all trades and master of none.
I used to hand embroider, crochet, crewel, and cross stitch, made many of my own clothes and my daughters.
I also know about raising special needs children, my son is autistic and apraxic.
I work in a hospital billing department now, I was over customer service/medical records for 7 years, and have been over posting/refunds for 8 years now. I worked in customer service 5 years prior to becoming team leader. Just try to picture a humongous check book and balancing it every single day, that is what I do.
I have access to information regarding coal mines in WV, my BF worked in the mines for 10 years and had a couple of ceilings fall on him, he was also and EMT in the mines and a fire boss. He is an electrician for the school systems now and we don't want to get him started on the use of computers in schools.
ACK, speaking of work, I gotta go..LOL
I'm a speech-language pathologist and work in the schools. So kiddos from the age of three to 21, and any number of disabilities, I know.
I'm reading my way into a novice expertise on Egyptology. :)
This is neat, comparing all the shared knowledge. As a collective, the RB bunch could probably run a small nation. ;)
Congrats Fo - looks like you're a coq expert!
You're also an expert in classical music and subtitling for the deaf, aren't you?
Love the avocadoes thing - I'm sure it will come in useful sometime.
LOL Kim - I'm sure you're more of an expert than the rest of us ... and you're ideally situated for finding out stuff!
I'm sure Alex is just playing hard to get!
Ooh - now you sound like an interesting person to know for all those science-y things, Sheree. There are plenty of plots that use health and science info.
Hi Jane! So, is it true about Derek Jeter?
And what insider gossip do you have on the NY hockey players?
Transportation, especially wine transportation works for me, PP!
OK - you have me on the flatware - there's a difference?
Now see, your Peyton Place info is exactly the kind of hidden gem I was hoping we'd discover.
Hi Fedora! I could probably use your editorial skills right now as I polish up my latest ms for submission!
Hey - don't knock the laundry expertise *g*. Now we know who to go to in an emergency!
Barb, you sound like an expert in all things needlework to me. Awesome about the embroidery and making clothes.
My latest fave at the moment is Jan Constantine and her embroidered homeware - just love her cushions!
Glad you liked the pic of Rod, Helen *g*.
I'd definitely say you're the expert on kids - look at all your gorgeous grandkids! How nice that the younger folks turn to you for advice - I bet you're great with them all.
It's funny, isn't it Dianna, how we think we're not experts, but our love of things actually makes us more knowledgeable than the average punter. When I go to memorabilia fairs I'm always interested in the things people are passionate about ... and are experts too!
can't say I'm an expert at anything in particular. Good at some stuff and know a bit about this that & the other, but expert -- naaa. I've always figured there no need to be an expert when I know where (or even better, to whom) to go to get the answers. :) Now my brother likes to think he knows a lot about a lot of things but I know the truth -- he may know a fair amount trivia but he's also a big bs'er ;) Guess I'm a little bit of expert on figuring out my family's quirks, but I don't think that would help anyone else ;)
You're a fascinating woman, Dianna - and full of all kinds of useful info and some great expertise you can tap into.
Writers never know what we're going to need to know next. My latest query was about different types of knots that a farmer/rancher might use, as a clue to give away my villain *g*. Next up is probably an expert in duct tape LOL
Oh Gillian I could have used you when I was teaching!
Egyptology is fascinating - I only ever taught it at the level of 7 year olds (who had most interest in the crochet hook up the nose to extract the brains!). It's so cool.
You're right - we could probably run a small nation from here in the Lair! LOL
Come on gamistress - I bet you know a lot about things you're interested in. I know I'm not the leading expert in hockey - but I know a fair amount and probably more than most!
LOL about your bro - a lot of men are like that.
Kim, isn't Alex absolutely yummy in Five-O? Swoon.
Hmm, I know about working at a small-town newspaper and a small magazine, about living in a rural area in Kentucky and living in Nashville. I know a fair amount about Yellowstone (my sister worked there and I visited several times) as well as other U.S. National Parks.
Great blog! I don't know that I'm really an expert in anything but I have many friends who are. I have sources. ;-)
I'm afraid my expertise is limited to Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean, and other movies.
I have some cooking skills--I never thought of this as a particular skill, but apparently there are writers who can't boil water and therefore can't describe cooking effectively.
What a great post, Anna! You're so right about the wealth of knowledge in the lair *g*
I don't consider myself an expert on many things, though after researching wineries for my latest trilogy, I learned quite a bit :-)
I suppose I would say I had limited knowledge in several areas: cooking, baking, teenagers and construction.
The area where I live is known for its hardwood lumber and oil and gas production. Now, I don't know much about either but my husband does *g* He's the type of person who is interested in everything and absorbs information like a sponge.
I'm uncomfortable calling myself an "expert." Experience has taught me the truth of the adage that the more you know, the more you realize you don't know. I have degrees that suggest I know something about English and American literature, more than 30 years in the classroom has taught me some things about young people and teaching them, and a lifetime of living in it has given me a certain depth of knowledge about Southern culture. But in all these areas what I know is actually only a small slice of a very large pie.
HI Anna! Great idea for a blog! I have a little bit of legal knowledge, but never tried a case in court, so I don't have first hand knowledge of procedure and such. I'm much more handy when it comes to business law and utilities. (And doesn't THAT come up a lot in romance novels!)
Mostly, I think my knowledge of working at a big, publicly-traded company comes in handy, especially because I worked pretty closely with the CEO/CFO.
I did have someone try to correct me in a contest once -- I had a character mention the CFO (chief financial officer) and she changed it to CEO (chief executive officer). I chuckled. They have TOTALLY different jobs, but most HQs only feature the CEO, so it's understandable that she wouldn't have heard of the CFO.
Oh, and my husband grew up in SD and his parents and brothers and sisters still live there. So I can definitely help you out there. :-)
SNORT !! I'll just bet you say that to all the boys, La Campbell !!!
What a great blog, Anna! What a wealth of knowledge lives here in the Lair. Definitely making notes for future reference.
Thinking of La Duchesse and dead bodies made me think of the saying "A friend will help you move. A great friend will help you move a body!" The only thing I know about body disposal is that alligators and pigs are two of the most efficient ways of doing so. Don't ask me how I know. VBEG
Because I have studied a few languages and had a great diction coach who made me learn the IPA I can pronounce and mimic the accents of lots of languages.
I've studied voodoo for a number of years - not necessarily an expert, but I know a bit.
And as I owned and taught about reptiles for several years I know quite a bit about them. For instance I know how to tell a male snake from a female.
One thing I have learned is that we are all capable of change and of accumulating knowledge at any age. The only time we aren't is once we're in the ground. (Or in the alligator!)
Anna C., congrats on the bird. I hope you work him very, very hard.
Anna S., isn't it amazing the things friends turn out to know?
As for me, I know a lot about medieval England, especially the later medieval period and the Wars of the Roses. I've done presentations on the subject to university classes reading Shakespeare's Richard III (and it's best I don't get started on history and that play!).
I also know a fair bit about medieval weaponry, especially the longbow. I have lots of books. If I had the money, I could fill a room with Osprey Publishing books. They're a great source of military history references.
Cassondra and Steve put me onto using YouTube videos for research. I've found some very useful things on there, though of course it's like anything on the internet--the people who put it up may actually not know diddly and may be totally wrong. So you have to be careful.
Kirsten, it's amazing what contest judges will "correct" in complete ignorance. Very aggragrating when they're dissing something you have the research in hand to support.
Kim, Alex O'Loughlin is a cutie, isn't he? Matt Passmore, on A&E's The Glades, is another Australian actor with a series on US television, and I think there's another, though I can't remember who.
British and Australian actors seem to do great American accents while the reverse is often not true.
Jane, I laughed at the "useless info." I used to play a lot of Trivial Pursuit. I was playing with a friend and her husband one evening, and he remarked. "To be good at this game, you need a mind like a lint trap--full of useless information."
I sometimes think my brain is like that--full of things few people other than me care to know.
No Hawaii 5-0 over here yet - though we are starting to get US programs that are 'a few days after the States' so fingers crossed.
Trish, I can think of a huge number of people who'd want just the information you're an expert in! I've always wanted to get to Yellostone, but never quite managed it.
My dear PJ - I can't believe you're not an expert in anything. Chocolate turtles?! Football?
LOL Hellion - I nearly wrote that you were a pirates expert and then forgot!
Cooking skills are worthy indeed - otherwise you get my favourite niggle - the one egg omelette!
Ooh researching wineries - now that's much more fun that what I've been doing!
LOL about knowing about teenagers.
Your husband is an expert in wood work for sure - we get so many compliments about his place-mats and coasters and the chopping boards.
I know what you mean, Janga - but the kind of things you know about and the level of knowledge are more than a poor writer who doesn't know a thing! There are people who are far more knowledgeable about English history than me (like Nancy and Anna C and Christine, for example!) - but being English does give me a different edge or angle *g*!
Plus, I bet you can explain in far easier to understand language than a world-leading expert!
You'd be surprised what tidbits of business law and utilities an author would have to use, Kirsten - think of all those CEO stories!
Don't get me started on the number of times people have corrected me in contest on my English settings and characters! Grrrrr!!!
See, I knew I'd find someone with SD info - I'll be in touch! :)
I'm an expert knitter, though I admit I have my likes and dislikes. For example, while I love cables and lace, I do not at all enjoy intarsia. I also prefer circular, seamless knitting.
In addition, though I do not claim to be an expert, I also know a lot about genealogy, since I've been researching my family tree for well over 20 years now.
Louisa, you are one of the most fascinating people! What a wealth of unusual information - there's a difference between a male and female snake?!
The whole accent thing is quite an interesting one - most people/actors have a tell when they're doing an accent that isn't their own, even the good ones like Renee in Bridget Jones and Gwyneth in Sliding Doors. For an English accent, the word water is a good test. (now you're all trying to say water with an English accent, aren't you?! LOL)
Ah Nancy - you are definitely an expert in those areas of English history! You put me to shame - then again, I did study sciences *g*.
You're another one who can explain in an easy to understand way.
We need to get you over here for that trip to Foyles!
Hand up to say - mind like a lint trap, here. The kind of useless stuff that sticks in my brain ... but is hopeless when it comes to remembering stuff for exams!
See - you do have expertise, Jane! (Still want to know about Derek Jeter LOL)
Just being able to use the words cable and lace for knitting, put you in the expert class to me!
Cool on the genealogy - fascinating!
Another Lint Trap mind here!
Thanx for the FUN post, VA! I'm loving all the different areas of expertise here in the Lair!
Yes, I can probably answer quite a few travel and destination questions, and I know a fair amount of history too (mostly European). I always had a good memory for names and dates.
As I've mentioned before, my DH is an artist so I know whom to ask for tips on painting in most mediums and both metal and ceramic sculpture. ;-)
To me, researching is one of the most fun parts of writing. I always love being able to incorporate an interesting tidbit into my books.
AC
"One thing I have learned is that we are all capable of change and of accumulating knowledge at any age. The only time we aren't is once we're in the ground. (Or in the alligator!)"
TOO TRUE, Louisa! And very well said! My first visit to the Everglades, I found out some fascinating info from the park ranger about gators and their digestive systems. They would definitely be an excellent body disposal option!
Fo, I hope you and the chook are only disposing of avos today and NOT dead bodies! ;-)
AC
But I love avacadoes, Anna! YUM!!! And someday I may need to know about Australian varitals. Grins. You never know....
Congrats on the chookie-chook, btw. Make him clean the pool.
Ooooh, Sheree, I may have some questions for you.... Grins.
Hey PinkPeony! You know which train to hijack then, when we need to restock the Lair wineceller. How cool is that?
Barb, I mostly feel that, like you said, I'm a jack of many trades - library work, bookselling, dog showing, dog grooming, training and care, and the death biz - but master of none. Now I can market the hell out of stuff, so I guess I'm an expert marketer of business locations, but that and 50 cents will get you a cuppa coffee at a really, really cheap joint.
Dianna Love said: I hear someone talk passionately on a topic they say is "only" a hobby, but passion is the driving force of learning so much on one topic.
You're so right, Dianna! And this is the "source" I most like to talk to when researching. They know that cool trivia and the surprising factst aht they, as novices, went "WHOA, that's COOL!" about. Grins. That's what I want for a book...
Janga said: I'm uncomfortable calling myself an "expert." Experience has taught me the truth of the adage that the more you know, the more you realize you don't know
Oh, so true, Janga! I think that's why so many of us are unwilling to label ourselves "expert". I can operate heavy equipment and know what virtually any piece of it is used for (or should be) but expert? Nope. Not I, said the writer. Grins.
Or landscaping and design. I know stuff, enough to run a business. but an expert? No way, Jose! (or Josetta!) Too many plants, too many climates, too many options to be an expert.
I really, really, REALLY want to learn about green roof technology...
Louisa, Duchess of Hotdaym said: The only thing I know about body disposal is that alligators and pigs are two of the most efficient ways of doing so. Don't ask me how I know. VBEG
From the Duchesse de Snorkville, greetings.
Really, Louisa, people will start to talk! I know you've not taken my class, so they're going to expect ALL duchesses to know this sort of thing if we keep this up.
*VB, non-society grin*
Then again, sharks work too.
Bwah-ha-ha-h-ah!
Nancy said: and he remarked. "To be good at this game, you need a mind like a lint trap--full of useless information."
I sometimes think my brain is like that--full of things few people other than me care to know.
Hahahaha! No wonder I'm good at Trivial Pursuit!
I once played a game of Triv P where the answer to three different questions in the SAME Game were Idi Amin Dada. It became a seriously funny joke in subsequent games to just answer, "Idi Amin Dada!"
Jane! My sister in research!
You said: In addition, though I do not claim to be an expert, I also know a lot about genealogy, since I've been researching my family tree for well over 20 years now.
I think we talked about this before, briefly, when someone blogged about where we're all from. (May have been me! ha!) I know our own Jo does some of this kind of research too.
I have a bumper sticker that says: "I Brake For Old Graveyards" Heehee. For a whole variety of reasons.....snork.
Kim, I'm giggling at the idea of me whispering seduction to Alex O'Laughlin!
Thanks, guys, for all the good wishes for el Roosterio. He's strutted his stuff down to the beach, I think. I can't find him. I think it was those magic words "Why don't we clean windows today?"
Nancy, Simon Baker's in the Mentalist. And I don't know if it's still on, but Julian MacMahon was in Nip and Tuck - he's actually the son of one of our prime ministers!
Nice to see the Aussies doing so well. I didn't realise the guy in the Glades was an Aussie. It's about to start here and it looks like it might be fun.
Actually, Jeanne, the varietals are much the same the world over - fuerte is my favorite but is out of favor with the market because they bruise so easily. Hass because of their nobbly, hard skin keep much better when you're packing and unpacking and taking fruit in and out of cold storage (which by the way is death to a great avocado). You can also get Reids and Sharwils (which is an Aussie varietal - very nice) here but the hass is the most common one on sale. Ha! I DO know about avocadoes!
LOL! I can't help with stray socks though--those still evade me!
And Anna, I think I'm a bit rusty as far as my red-penning goes, but if you need an extra set of eyes, I'm all yours :)
I love research too, AC. I can lose myself for hours down rabbit holes of research ... which start off relevant and then branch off into the irrelevant but fascinating!
Of course, my favourite research was for my hockey romances *g*.
Oh man, you and my hubby, Jeanne. He looked into that when he was in charge of the business over in NJ. Next time he's over and not suffering from an abscessed tooth *g* ... have at it!
We like fuerte better too, Anna - has a richer flavour and makes much better guacamole or ceviche.
Jeanne - I had that with Dolly Parton once - she was the answer to questions one evening in three different games! Actually, one was a game of charades and the phrase was 'hillwalking with Dolly Parton' LOL
Thanks for the offer, Fedora! See - I knew this was a good blog topic!
So, who's an expert on duct tape? *g*
Anna S said:
So, who's an expert on duct tape? *g
Grins. There are books about it!
Sorry I'm so late to the blog today. I spent most of the day at the University library trying to research. So I'm now an expert on the limitation of their research abilities and what the questions they can't answer (sigh).
I'm hesitant to claim expertise in anything, because I'm always learning that I don't know everything (grin). But I know a lot about accounting - that's for sure. I know the difference between a CFO and a CEO (haha). I know about running a business and entrepreneurs.
I've amassed libraries of information about the language of fans, the language of flowers, and varieties of nineteenth century underwear.
It's true. As a historical writer I'm expert on a variety of useless trivia details as the result to researching my period to death. I'm hoping someday that will come in handy.
Yay, Foanna! I'll bet you do :-D.
Great post, Vrai Anna. I'm always amazed at the expertise of folks in the Lair, visitors, BB's and Banditas. The answer is usually only an email away!
I've taken quite a few criminal investigation and law classes, though I'm not sure I'd qualify as an expert. Someone asked a question on one of my loops about who goes first in a criminal case, the defense or the prosecution. I thought the answer was obvious, so I didn't bother putting in my two cents, but then again, you never know what people know.
English literature and comp are probably my strong suits and I'm a good Shakespearean person. I'm fairly familiar with American history.
Whoa, Pink, now I know where to go for all things transportation-y!
Had to laugh about Peyton Place. The book came out when I was in high school and I checked it out of the library. My mother (who'd never censored my reading) took it and hid it from me, saying it was inappropriate. Of course, that piqued my curiosity more and I found the hiding place and read (as Anna says) the "naughty bits."
Donna said: and varieties of nineteenth century underwear.
Now THERE's a scintillating subject! Grins.
Anna Sugden said...
My latest query was about different types of knots that a farmer/rancher might use, as a clue to give away my villain *g*. Next up is probably an expert in duct tape LOL
If you had asked about knots for tying hooks to fishing line I could have helped you on that one. Or for that matter knots used in embroidery and crewel work. Ropes, not so much..LOL
I'm like so many in that I know
something about a lot of subjects.
I don't consider myself an expert
on any of them. Included in this
group are nursing, band uniform
fitting & alterations/17 years of
experience, writing a newspaper
column/8 years, church festival
publicity/20 years, organization,
sewing, cook-off contests, music ministry, & grandparenting. The
closest I come to expertise is in
being a lector, a proclaimer of scriptural Word during the Mass,
where I do quite well.
Pat Cochran
Hi VA! I'm a bit of a jack of many trades master of none, myself. I suppose I'm only an expert in things that someone else knows nothing about! So if you know nothing about Australia, or Australian commercial law, etymology or Regency England, I'm your gal! However there are so many people who know more on those subjects than I do, I'm a bit ashamed to claim expertise.
Oh, Fo's the rooster expert today! Woohoo!
Duct tape? As in that very useful tool for corralling recalcitrant kids? ;) Um, not that I'd know anything about that or those... :D
LOL Donna - that's one of the more frustrating things about research. Especially on Google, because sometimes it's getting the right word combo to get what you need!
I love the areas you're an expert in from your research - I know you'll be using those in your future books, you won't be able to help yourself ... and now we'll all be looking out for those tidbits!
That's the thing, Jo - sometimes it's those simple questions that stump us and can be so frustrating. Someone with your/my/our kind of expertise can help save hours of hunting. And authors often make simple mistakes because they don't think to check those details - I've come across several recently that made me shake my head.
Thanks, Dianna - you never know when the other kind of knots will be needed!
You sound like you'd be a font of useful tidbits of information, Pat! Those are the kinds of questions that are so frustrating to find answers to if you're not knowledgable, but would take seconds for you.
Ah but Christine, we know who we'd rather tap for info - because we know you'd give an honest, educated answer and not bs! And, you'd give it in context.
Don't you have rugby expertise at your fingertips too?!
ROFL Fedora! Maybe you'd be useful source after all ... just sayin'!
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