It's my pleasure to welcome author Mary Kennedy as guest blogger. Kennedy is also a psychologist, and she brings that background to her mystery series. I think you'll enjoy her blog. And, anyone who comments on my blog today will be eligible to win a copy of the latest book in the Talk Radio mystery series, Stay Tuned for Murder. So, make sure you include your email address if you want a chance! Mary will be contacting the winner for your mailing address. Saying that, please help me welcome Mary Kennedy as guest blogger today.A WRITER’S RESEARCH: KEEP THE BEST AND TOSS THE REST!
You might be surprised what writers do in the name of research. Karen Dionne (Boiling Point) visited a Chaiten volcano in the Northern Patagonia region of Chile. Kate Collins (The Flower Shop Mysteries) made a daunting trip to a local funeral parlor and even visited a crematorium. Julie Hyzy (The White House Chef Mysteries) enjoyed a wonderful visit to the White House to get a first hand feel for the place. Terri Brisbin (The Mercenary Bride) went to Dunottar Castle in Scotland and chatted with men in kilts (Tough work, but somebody had to do it.).
I have to admit, I’ve taken the easy way out. I decided to write the Talk Radio Mysteries for a very simple reason: it was familiar territory. Just like my heroine, Dr. Maggie Walsh, I’m a practicing clinical psychologist and I also have a background in broadcasting. Maggie closes up her Manhattan office to move to sunny Florida. I’m still in practice here in Delaware, but I do make an annual pilgrimage to Ft. Lauderdale. And I used to be a radio copywriter. No problem in describing the worlds of psychology and radio.
Researching Florida was a dream assignment. I spent a couple of weeks in an oceanfront condo, watching the waves, soaking up the ambience, and took the occasional trip into Miami Beach and Lincoln Road. A couple of the scenes in DEAD AIR and REEL MURDER (the first two books in the series) take place in South Beach, so I figured a fun lunch at an outdoor café was in order. And there were long drives along AIA, the fabulous beach road, to check out the glam hotels and celebrity spots. I made several pages of notes about Florida architecture, gorgeous scenery and exciting places. But only a few lines, here and there, made it into the finished book. Why? The secret is to use the most compelling detail, the most descriptive phrase to bring the magic of a place alive for the reader. Just like the title says, “keep the best and toss the rest.” Hope you enjoy Dr. Maggie’s adventures in paradise.
Thank you, Mary! And, don't forget readers should include their email address in the comments if you hope to win a copy of the latest book.
Mary Kennedy's website is http://www.marykennedy.net/
Stay Tuned for Murder by Mary Kennedy. Penguin Group (USA), ©2011. ISBN 9780451232359 (paperback), 320p.
