Washington DC

[Linda Adams]

I just read a thriller by Catherine Couter (Blow Out) where I got the impression that she hadn't been to Washington D.C. Or at least hadn't stayed here long. Especially when I compared it to Vince Flynn, who I know lives in another state, but has the flavor of DC down.

This morning I ran into the following advice column which talks about a cultural issue specific to DC worth a look for anyone writing a thriller set in DC.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/familytimes/20060311-102358-3661r.htm

[Spiritwriter]

Thank you for the link to the article. This is also a question I dislike in the first few minutes of conversation. However, I have found most people are thinking: how can you be of use to me? After they have been answered the general trend is to either move in closer to find out who you know; see an old friend from across the room and have to go, then asks his friend about you or give a foolish remark.

[Good Word]

I'm not usually offended by that question. I do ask it sometimes when having a conversation with someone that I think is interesting. It's usually not the first thing that I ask, certainly, but sometimes it feels like a way of connecting.

I am offended when people don't ask me what I do, especially when I'm with my daughter, but they ask what my husband does. I'll usually respond with what I do, and then with what my husband does.

[britwrit]

To be honest, that's a loaded question a lot of people try to avoid. You ask a woman with a small child what she does and sometimes you get an irritated, somewhat defensive "I'm a homemaker" or "I'm a mother."