Cassy’s Debut Blog…..
About a week ago Liz and Kari asked me to join them blogging on Mysteries and Margaritas. I was absolutely delighted to be invited. Now with Mary part of the group, we have an amazingly talented (and very funny) consortium. We hope you will join us as often as you can, offering your own perspective.
As for me, I’m a former nurse (if there is anything such as that- just ask any nurse if she has ever stopped renewing her license) turned university professor and associate dean at a school of nursing. Now I write mysteries. I hold an MSN, MBA, and a PhD (health care research methodology). I have a wonderful husband of 28 years (!) who has an international practice, which translates to his living at 36,000 feet more days of the year than either of us like. When we realized he’d been to Malaysia more than 100 times, we decided it wasn’t healthy for us to count anymore. Our two daughters are wonderfully independent young women. One works in Washington, DC for a nonprofit and the other is in medical school.
So, enough of that. On with my thoughts for today’s blog.
Last week I totaled my car. I’m fine. The car isn’t. I was leaving the airport in Hartford, Connecticut at 9 am. It was drizzling and a bit gray, but really no big deal. Ten minutes into my drive home I needed to switch lanes to avoid a car. I immediately realized I had no steering, no brakes, and no ability to direct the car anywhere. I ended up rear-ending a car parked on the left shoulder and soaring (yes, airborne) over the left bank into a grassy ditch. The car landed nose down, an effective way to stop. Again, I am fine.
The situation is slightly more complicated—a third car rolled three times just before I careened. I landed to see the adjacent car, one that I had no idea even existed, crushed like a beer can. A sobbing woman sat crunched in the driver’s seat, crunched because the roof of the car was so caved in she couldn’t sit up. She said she was not hurt. Unbelievable. I then took a minute to make sure I could say the same.
Well, the state trooper arrived and voiced his surprise that I was absolutely fine. I did hide my shaking hands from his view. At his command, I was not allowed out of the car.
Here is where my point finally begins. You have been a patient reader, thank you. I was getting very cold. I was not allowed to turn my car on to use the heater. This is winter in Connecticut. Since I had just landed at the airport, I had luggage with me. Out came the fuzzy thick socks you can buy at Walmart, an extra scarf, and my gloves. Time passed very slowly.
You have picture, three state troopers with flashing lights on three cars, three flat bed tow trucks, two ambulances (just because they have to), and three totally injured vehicles. Not to mention all of the people who have to stop and offer help.
As I said, I was getting bored and was still very cold. The wait for my turn with the police dragged on. Oh my, my thoughts began to race. Oh my. I just had an accident. My car flew through the air. I’m cold and still shaking. THIS IS RESEARCH!
I rustled through my carry-on bag and found my notebook. I need to write this down, I thought. I pulled off my gloves and begin to furiously write. What did it feel like to be out of control? What did I think as I realized I was going to hit the other car and could do nothing about it? What did I think as I left firm ground? What did the impact do to my body when the car reached the bottom of the hill? What did I think seeing the other car crushed next to mine? What did I say to the woman crouched in her unrecognizable automobile? Why did I need to be chipper to the state trooper? And on and on.
Research. I certainly wouldn’t repeat the escapade for the sake of research, but it was presented to me and why not make the most of it? After all, I write mysteries. So, if you see a scene in one of my works that has a car flying off the side of Route 91 outside of Bradley International Airport, you’ll know the secrets behind the action.
Now, my question to you is: What research do you do for your stories? What research would you like to do, but is slightly outside of your comfort zone?
Let us know. We love to hear from you.
29 comments:
Holy cow, Cassy! I would be freaking out I'm sure. But isn't it funny how the writer in us is always taking over? I too am constantly writing down things I see or hear or read about, etc, and thinking how can I use this in a book.
Still, you are one brave lady. I imagine your back felt the impact of that crash after the shock wore off.
You can imagine how her parents felt when she told us the story.
Good lord, Cassy! Laughed out loud at your realization that you could use this horrible experience. I think all of us have that instinct; one part of our brain logging in the information, storing it away for a scene. Sick, really, but there it is. An unavoidable fact.
So relieved you're okay.
Care to recommend the car built to crumple while protecting you?
Research inspired last year's Halloween costume. I wanted to see what it would be like to wear a Victorian woman's corset for a few hours. It really, really cut down on the eating - there simply was no room. I thought it was fairly comfortable until later - removing it was pure relief.
It is odd, isn't it how we live complex lives. Our brains command us to remember to pick up the milk, eggs and bread (well, at least mine does, don't even try to get my husband to do that), don't forget the kids (yes, that's another story), meet the deadlines, and on it goes.
But we who love to write, love stories. Jon tells me often that I have missed half of what he's shared with me in a restaurant--because I just had to eavesdrop on the next table. He laughs and leans forward, "So," he says, "What's happening after they leave here? Does he have a chance?"
Research is everywhere. Okay, now. I want stories! Bring it on, folks.
PS. It was an Audi that saved me. We pick up my new one tonight. I am ready to do full TV commercial endorsements.
Cassy, what a story. i think i would have grabbed my notebook too. Lauri Brett
Lauri: I confess that writing my notes came second to shaking, calling my husband on the cell phone and arranging for being picked up. But, the writing did come, and furiously. Aren't we lucky folks to have this drive to tell stories and to share our world with others? I love it.
OMG! I am so glad you're okay, and what a testament to Audi. I don't really have a story like yours to tell, but I did get a lot of my dialogue for my smart-mouthed ghost from my YaYa sisters. All of us are grandmothers and we vacation together every year. Nothing in sacred during dinner-table conversation.
The only other story I have is the one I described in my Looking For Plots in all the Wrong Places blog entry last week.
Great blog, Cassy, and again, I am so glad you're okay.
First before I say anything else. So glad you are okay! Shaking hands is a given, but to be fine isn't.
I use life as research, though I'm never thought to write things down at that instant when it happens. It is something I will try to remember.
I use all my travels for research. I have yet to write anything from my trip to France and Italy, but someday I will. I do write stories set in NYC and will be visiting there in March.
One of my favorite ways to research is interview. I also have several agents and police detectives in my stories and have interview a Federal probation officer, a DEA agent and the list goes on. I keep them and refer to them often.
I'm very glad you're okay!
Cassey, its a miracle that you and everyone involved weren't hurt. But there is something I have to know that you didn't answer. Why did your brakes fail? The mystery writer in me needs to know. Did someone take a hit out on you and they wanted it to look like an accident? Please let us know. Yes, the Audi seems great for crushability but remember the car's brakes failed. While it saved your butt, it put you in the accident. :)
So glad you're all right.
Good grief, Cassy! That's frightening...and funny. Sorry, but I can just see you sitting there, shivering, in the midst of crumpled cars, thinking "ah ha, I can use this." It's amazing what experiences we USE for research. Making the most of a bad situation...can't beat that. So glad you're okay.
Well, where do I start? First, Thanks, Dad for posting. How good does it get when your parents want to join in?
Liz: You and the YaYa sisters must be a hoot! I've spent an evening with you and can only imagine how the stories must fly. I think I laughed harder at Nationals than I have in a long time. I'm wearing panty-protectors the next time I sit next to you.
Mary: We have lots to talk about. My stories take place in Italy. For my last one I stayed in Rome 5 extra days after Jon left. I did careful research. I ran the streets, timing myself, making sure I knew which ones were one way, deciding which apartment house my protagonist lived in and so on. No woman runs in Rome, so I had to also reassure kind gentlemen who wanted to help me in my time of trouble. And, eating in the restaurants to try the food my heroine loved was really really hard work. Phew, all for research!
Oops, forgot to answer your original question, Cassy...I'd like to tour a funeral home, as I think it's a great setting for a romantic comedy (or not)...Can't quite bring myself to do it, though. Someday, someday. Also would like to tour Ben & Jerry's, but that's definitely in my comfort zone, as I keep the company in business...
Kristan, go to Blockbusters and pick up the back episodes of "Six Feet Under." It was an HBO series about a family who ran one. It's definitely "R" rated, but it's funny and gives you a good insight into funeral homes.
Cassy, I'm curious why the brakes failed, too.
This certainly hit something inside me. Yes, writers view the world slightly differently than non-fiction writers I think. We need to process things, especially when they happen to us. My first book in my Todd Hollow series focuses a lot (maybe too much) on the funeral industry, and what goes on behind the doors marked Hazardous Material/Employees Only. As morbid as this will sound, I needed to know what went on on the other side of that door, consequently I used that material in the story. I guess you might also say it was my own unique way to deal with the deaths of loved one. Two very dark stories evolved after my late husband's death, and allowed me to first walk through the darkness back into the light.
I'm not sure I would have been so patience waiting in that cold car, I'm sure I would've freaked out. Just the thought makes me claustrophobic. I'm so glad to hear only the cars were damaged.
Kristan: One of my nurse friends who than became a close colleague when I was doing health care consulting was the daughter of a funeral director. She lived above the funeral home. In order to help her dad, she obtained her funeral director's license (is that the right title?) and helped during the evening embalming and preparing the bodies. She thought nothing of it. Just one more thing to do in a day. She did have me laughing one time when she was on a hot date. The guy kissed her fingers then dropped them as if they were on fire. "They smell like horrible chemicals," he said. She protested that she always wore gloves. "Sorry," he backed out of the living room. "I can't sleep with anyone who has had her hands where I'd never think of going." To this day she swears it was one of the best things that happened to her.
The brakes! Well, the state troopers and the car mechanics have told me that I hit a very thin patch of black ice. The troopers couldn't find it. Nothing there when they arrived. But, given the other woman who spin out and rolled her car, then me, they think there was something there. My husband traveled the same road minutes before I did (separate cars at the airport). He claims he had no problems.
On examination of my car the steering was totally gone, but they think it was from the accident-- not prior. The brakes are/ were fine.
Now out the door to get the new member of the family. Not the way I like to spend my time.
I like the idea that any otherwise unpleasant situation can be thought of as research! Hmmm...if there's a deductible on the car insurance, can you write it off as a business expense?
Thanks, Liz! I do know the show and love it...but actually seeing all that on real people...eep!
First, I'm extremely glad that you're well and able to tell the tale.
::Hugs::
Goodness.
Second, in answer to your question, there is nothing I do that I don't consider research.
When I so much as flick a switch in my house during writing mode, I swear I think of how many different ways I can describe the action.
Great first post!
Best,
Gin
Gin: Your writing is so vivid I can imagine you doing just that- thinking about flicking on a light switch as research. Thanks for stopping by.
And, thanks for your well wishes. We picked up the new car last night. It drives beautifully. But, I am going to have to study the manuals at length. The darn thing is so complicated I don't know if I'll ever figure it out. A lot of the commands are done by voice recognition. So today's challenge is to "train" my car. Gosh, I never was able to train my kids, my husband or my dogs. Now the car!
I'll keep you posted on how it goes. Thanks everyone for joining me her on Mysteries and Margaritas. Let's stay in touch.
Where to begin ... :) OMG/holy mackerel, I'm so glad you're all right. That you're a writer actually works as a coping skill in times of stress. ("My stress has a purpose" instead of "why me?")
Second, congrats, on a stellar debut blog post. 22 comments! Wowzer! I know people who would kill for 22 comments on a blog post. :) Maybe I wouldn't quite kill but hmmm ... ;)
And, third, I need to buck up my courage to ride with an equine vet on barn rounds. I'm squeamish and tender-hearted, plus they keep lousy hours. I've toured one of the big equine hospitals in Kentucky. I've seen live virtual rounds done at equine trade shows via Internet hookup. And I make myself watch those animal surgery shows on Animal Planet. And I've been on site when the farrier and the equine dentist works, as well as during semen collection.
I just don't know how I'd react in the field with the horses, the smells (says she who mucks stalls) and the anxiety of the patients as well as that of the people who pay the bills for them.
Anyway, again, great blog post!
Thank goodness you were okay. And Your reaction was that of a true writer. Let me capture my feelings. Oh, I can use this in a book.
I was going to a high school reunion and finished packing for my trip out of town and then got my invitation out and realized it was the week before.
My reaction, this would be a good initial meeting for a hero and heroine.
Rhonda: GO FOR IT. I bet you'd love the rounds with a vet. Heck, squeamish only lasts a short time. You'll get so involved with watching what was going on, you'll forget to be nervous. I can remember that happening to me in my first OR experiences as a student nurse. Liz, chime in here! But once the initial incision occurred I was fine--actually really interested and had to be told to "Please! step back from the sterile field." Ideas on how to proceed for you??? Share!
Leann: I laughed at your post. We had a similar experience. My husband invited a new employee and his girlfriend to dinner at our house- a get-to-know- you-better kind of dinner. Well, we had a nice fire going in the fireplace, I had marinated some really good steaks, a bottle of red wine was open, and great music was playing on our stereo. The doorbell rang at around 7. Jon and I looked at each other- we live a fairly rural area, who could it be? Well, as I stood there in my sweatpants and a baggy tee shirt, I greeted Jon's new employee, who showed up one week early.
The only surgery that ever bothered me was a cataract removal back in the old days pre-laser. When the doc popped the eyeball out, I crumbled before someone caught me and led me outside to a chair. TMI, I'm sure.
Ronda, if you have to shut your eyes at first, then do it. And keep a little tissue sprayed with your favorite perfume to fan under your nose the way the Victorian ladies did it.
Thanks for the great advice, Cassy and Liz. With any luck, this'll be the spring I Do IT. :)
HAHAHA to the "research" comment. Crazy but true how I view everything in life as researching a potential story scene. Sure glad you're ok!
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