Research is one of my favorite parts of the writing process, because I get to live vicariously through others, and it’s like endless “take your child to work days.” And now I have an excuse to explore countless professions as part of my job.
While I haven’t figured out how to travel back in time yet and experience another period of history (if you’ve learned the secret to making this happen, let me know!), I have gotten to explore everyday life for many other careers.
Two of my favorites were a ride along with my local fire department and paramedics, and seeing the behind-the-scenes of a TV news studio.
While writing my novels, Expired Vows and Rescued Duty, I had a first-hand look at the life of a first responder. From dropping everything to respond to a call (yes, even mid-bite for dinner to receiving access to the back wing of the ER to get a patient triaged stat), I learned more about this career than the movies make it out to be.
Did you know when you call 9-1-1, the first question they ask you is “where is your emergency?”, not “what is your emergency?”. They want to get first responders dispatched ASAP, then they will walk you through what to do in any given emergency until help arrives.
I also learned that while first responders are on the front lines of responding to critical, time-sensitive situations, so are TV show producers, executives, and hosts.
A breaking news story could come in thirty minutes before they are supposed to be live, and the entire team has to pivot their original plan to cover what’s hot off the press.
Learning the ins and outs of the different roles in front of the camera and off camera helped me create a realistic setting for a novel that is still under wraps. It also helped me conquer my fear of being on camera when they filmed a segment with me talking about my novels!
When I sit down to write any story, I have a better appreciation for the ins and outs of my characters’ professions, and I hope you learn a few new things along the way, too!
Question for you: what is a job you’ve always found interesting and would want to explore?
Bio: Laura Conaway is a Publishers Weekly bestselling and award-winning author, speaker,
and teacher. Laura has been mentored by Jefferson Bethke, Susan May Warren, Lisa Phillips,
and Dani Pettrey. Now, she mentors other authors through her online course, A Writer’s
Beginner Guide to Storytelling. As a former teacher, Laura enjoys equipping the next generation
and calling them to pursue a life of purpose in Christ. She holds a bachelor’s degree from
Kutztown University, with a dual certification in Library Science and English Education, and a
minor in Professional Writing. She currently resides in Pennsylvania and weaves together stories
that show there is always triumph through trials.
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Such fascinating research, Laura! Thanks so much for sharing your experiences. And thank you for guest-posting here on Inspired by Life…and Fiction!
You’re very welcome, Deborah! It’s fun to have a behind the scenes look!
Thanks for joining us on the blog today, Laura!
Thanks for having me, Becky!