By Thonie Hevron
I’m baaaaccck! With a major move behind us and the holidays just a fond memory, I started back to work this week. Tonight, I resume attendance at my critique group. Some of that work time was putting pages together and being sure I’d edited their submissions.
With Malice Aforethought, the third Nick and Meredith Mystery
I’ve done some major restructuring due to the information from retired Sonoma County Sheriff’s Captain Mike Brown. He has been able to take my plot lines and make suggestions to increase the accuracy of the procedures. Some would say, “Who cares how accurate that part of your story is?” I cannot write something I know isn’t true. As a reader, when I come across something that I know is incorrect (especially in an area where I have some expertise), I write off the whole book. Depending on the level of error, I may even dump it.
I don’t want to write that book. I know too many cops who read to think I can “get away” with what is less than real or honest.
So, back to work. This drive for truth has blossomed to another part of my story. A sub-plot involves main character Meredith Ryan’s father. He’s in the hospital and has no one to make decisions about his care. He’d previously forged Meredith’s signature on a Durable Power of Attorney so when the hospital contacts Meredith, she is surprised. Who from the hospital contacts the family; what kind of choices are there? Many questions.
There is much to research to be done so I can get it right.
Details matter.