SFGirl
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Location: Nova Scotia, Canada
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Approaching experts
Has anyone ever approached an expert for advice on a story (in person or via email)? Would you ask first if you can ask a few questions, or would you launch right into what you want to know?
Opinions?
Sherry
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Reading: Eastern Standard Tribe by Cory Doctorow
Writing: short story: Of Snow-Jewelled Hills and Ice
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3/18/2005, 12:47 pm
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McDoogle
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Re: Approaching experts
A few years ago, I e-mailed Jeffery A. Carver some questions about marketing my short stories, and some worries I had. He's a published SF author. I think his series is called 'Star Riggers' (???) Anyway, he had a website, offering help to new writers, so I thought it be OK to ask away... First I complimented his website and what I liked about it. Then I asked my questions. Jeff responded back fairly quickly, with a great answer, taking my worries seriously. I sent a follow-up question, and he even e-mailed back a short follow-up answer. So, it was a great experience for me.
Then there was that expert from Canada I e-mailed, about 4 years ago, who still debates with me to this very DAY! 
McDoogle
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Now Race Reading vs. nephew: Furies Of Calderon
Slightly Writing: 'Resume for a Gladiator' (2005 novel)
Watching: Pushing Daisies (X- Canceled!!)
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3/18/2005, 3:27 pm
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SFGirl
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Re: Approaching experts
Yes, you got more than you bargained for with that innocent question, didn't you, McDoog?
Sherry
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Reading: Eastern Standard Tribe by Cory Doctorow
Writing: short story: Of Snow-Jewelled Hills and Ice
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3/18/2005, 5:21 pm
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McDoogle
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Re: Approaching experts
Yeah, but that is a heck of a website you're got going there, SFGirl! 
M
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Now Race Reading vs. nephew: Furies Of Calderon
Slightly Writing: 'Resume for a Gladiator' (2005 novel)
Watching: Pushing Daisies (X- Canceled!!)
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3/18/2005, 5:31 pm
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nuanc
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Re: Approaching experts
I have ... several times. There's a great chapter on this in Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird, one of my favorite writing books (that I "lent" to a newcomer to The Story Forge and he never came back!).
She talks up this kind of research as not only a fantastic way to find things out first hand, but also a way to KEEP GOING when you are stymied by the writing itself.
I've called up librarians in far away towns to check on specifics about that town. I've contacted authors. I've written people on the internet who might have the answer to a tiny question. I think people are usually so thrilled to be asked. "Hello, I'm working on my latest novel and thought you might be able to help me out with _______." I mean, really, who of us could resist that?
go for it!
~n
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READING: Not Wanted on the Voyage, Timothy Findlay
WRITING: a love story (planning stage)
PROPPING UP: Being Practically Creative
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4/11/2005, 3:39 pm
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