The Risks of Getting it Right

I wrote a few weeks ago about doing research for my writing. I wish to pick up again on that topic. We all worry about getting it right. My family, though, is becoming concerned about how right I get it. My two adult daughters have started begging me to back off. Why?

Well, I tend to enjoy finding out how things work and how things happen. For instance, in one of my stories there is a fire in the basement. How would that occur? I wanted something slow and smoldering before the big kaboom. I discovered that rags soaked in turpentine or kerosene put in a tight container could ultimately self-ignite. Cool!

Then there was the time I needed a poison that was rather commonly acquired yet not usually screened for by the ME. Ah ha! Did you know oleander soup is not so good for you? I was in Rome with my younger daughter a few years ago when the oleanders were in full bloom. My first comment to her, after admiring how beautiful they were, was “Oh, boy. Do you know how many people you could kill with just a few of those branches?” I won’t describe the look she gave me.

One time I wanted to understand how to make a Molotov Cocktail. The recipe is readily available. My list goes on.

So, this leads me to the risk part. My husband, as I have mentioned before, travels extensively. His passport is the size of a small paperback. Much of his travel is to the Middle East, Asia and Europe. Many of the countries where he goes are on high risk “watch” lists. And, his wife is sitting home on her computer researching bombs, poisons, guns, and inflammatory devices.

My daughters are convinced men in dark suits will be arriving at our door any moment. They have offered the opinion that maybe I should switch to writing cozies or better yet, romantic comedy. Oh, the burdens we take to “get it right.”

If I miss one of my postings, will someone check and see if I need bail money?