Research and make someone’s day
michaelhaskins@bellsouth.net
It never ceases to amaze me what influence we writers have on the public. I am in hell, referred to by many as New York, freezing in 45-degree, damp weather. Remember, in Key West the electric blanket comes out of the closet at 75 degrees. I’ll admit that the 50s ain’t bad if the sun is out and you’re dressed for winter. Luckily, I get to test the jacket I bought for my Ireland trip in April.
Anyway, I’m here researching for the book I’m working on. I need to get to Thatcher McGhee’s pub in Pompton Lakes, N.J., to get the full feel of the place for a few chapters I’m about to write. I’ve been in the dining room but hadn’t spent much time in the bar. My daughter Seanan and I went Saturday afternoon and the manager I had emailed no longer worked there. I asked to see the GM on duty and was told she was busy but the server would let her know I was there.
I had copies of Stairway to the Bottom and To Beat the Devil with me because the other GM had asked for a copy of my book. Via email, she seemed excited the pub would show up in my book.
While Seanan and I ate and had a beer or two, Marilyn came by the table and wondered what I wanted. When I told her I was a writer from Key West and wanted to included the pub in my next book, she lit up like a Jersey Christmas tree! All kinds of questions about the books, Key West and when I gave her the books she said the owners of the pub were readers and she’d see they got these and word of the pub being in the book.
I have found when I’ve approached people for help with my writing, police, fire, GMs of bars, they are all more than willing. Part of it, I’m sure, is I approach them as needing their expert advice. Who doesn’t like to feel appreciated for what they do?
Someone asked why go to all the trouble since what I write is fiction. I write fiction in a real locale that many people are familiar with. I use real locations and businesses and if I took too much in the way of poetic license, people would notice and I’d lose them as a reader. I keep faithful to the Smokin’ Tuna Saloon, Schooner Wharf Bar, the Hog’s Breath, The Green Parrot and often hear from people that know those watering holes how they enjoyed reading about them and remembering their times there. Not to say I haven’t used poetic license in my stories, but only when I needed to so the story line would work.
I’m doing the same in the new book (untitled as of now) because I want someone from the NY/NJ area to read it and realize I got the place right. I know the employees of Thatcher McGhee’s will mention it, especially the bartenders, so by word of mouth I may make a few sales; and if they like the book, more word of mouth will result in more sales.
If you’re writing, published or not, do not hesitate to check with professionals in the field you’re dealing with to get a true feeling to your story; facts are facts, so unless you’re doing science fiction, don’t mess with them if you don’t have to. Don’t depend on Google when experts are the there to reach out and touch. Hey, you’ll get a pot full of information, make a source contact and, who knows, might just make someone’s day because you’ve made him/her feel important.
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