Realism?

[xxserenity]

I'm just wondering, sometimes we don't know enough about everything to know if something can be realistic enough. Like for example, how does someone survive if they OD on heroin. What is given to them at the hospital. I'm just real worried while into my novel I write something that others don't find possible to happen. Another example would be like a man getting shot and he survives. So what do I do in this situation?

[blacbird]

Research.

caw

[melaniehoo]

Check out the research forum. There may already be threads about your topic - if not you can start your own. But I'd try to research things on your own before posting. Good luck!

ETA: I don't mean that in a bad way, just a 'do your homework' way.

[Teige Benson]

Like already stated, research is your friend.

One thing to keep in mind - when 'unbelievable' things happen to people in real life, most of us are amazed by it. However, when those things happen in fiction, sometimes it's too much for most to accept.

[KTC]

I'm with the cawer...research.

[joetrain]

there's probably folks around here with experience -- nurses, doctors, addicts, gunshot victims, etc. -- who'd be happy to answer questions about it.

[KTC]

Yes...Joe, there's actually a thread for people to post their areas of expertise...

[maestrowork]

Use your imagination, then supplement with research. And sometimes you'd be amazed by how close your imagination matches reality.

[Joe Moore]

I would suggest you join this group (http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/crimescenewriter/).

[willietheshakes]

Before I Wake was heavy on medical jargon and knowledge -- I made it all up as I went along, then had the manuscript vetted by a friend and fellow writer (and doctor).

[amber_grosjean]

I know doctors are usually eager to speak with writers. Have you spoken to any? That might be something you could do. There wouldn't be any laws broken because you're not talking about any patients or anything, you know that have to keep that confidential. Or you could search for your answers on the web. Either way, research is something that should be considered as your friend.

Amber

[preyer]

i once OD'd on heroine and accidentally shot myself in the process. i'll tell you what that was like if you tell me what it's like... to be loved. (cue violins.)

:)

[KTC]

oh christ. that sounds like the 80s to me. are you sure you're not telling about a page in my 80s diary?

[jannawrites]

As for the original question, definitely check with people whose knowledge you could pick. But also know that every detail doesn't have to be exact. There's always room for your imagination to come through - that's what the whole "literary license" is all about. And how many people, when it comes down to it, will know if your details are medically sound or not? I'm not saying to be careless and throw in whatever you want... just be easy on yourself and know you don't have to be perfect.

My current WIP includes a character with multiple sclerosis. My dad has this disease, so I'm able to - without upsetting him - ask for his advice on what works as far as symptoms and such. For details on other things, like seizures and nose bleeds, I go to my cousin, an EMT. Just search for some people who can be those invaluable contacts for you through this project.

Good luck!

[Nymtoc]

I know doctors are usually eager to speak with writers. Have you spoken to any? That might be something you could do. There wouldn't be any laws broken because you're not talking about any patients or anything, you know that have to keep that confidential. Or you could search for your answers on the web. Either way, research is something that should be considered as your friend.

Amber

Just make sure the doctor is cooperating with you out of friendliness. I once quizzed an MD on the phone about a project, only to receive a bill in the mail for his time.

:Jaw:

[preyer]

lol! sounds like my lawyer. next time be sure to say, 'answer some questions for me and i'll put your name in the acknowledgements and send you a few copies.' most people are geeks about seeing their name in print, should be an easy selling point. then he could go around calling himself a 'technical advisor for novels' if he wanted to. am i out of line in saying that was a jerk thing to do?

[a_sharp]

Preyer, you're out of line just for being here, but that's beside the point. :tongue

I agree it was a jerk thing to do, but the writer should have mentioned pro bono up front.

[Nymtoc]

I agree it was a jerk thing to do, but the writer should have mentioned pro bono up front.

Maybe so, but he was featured prominently in the article, and he knew it. :(

[preyer]

'Preyer, you're out of line just for being here, but that's beside the point.' ~ oh, the truth of it all!

[David I]

I'm just wondering, sometimes we don't know enough about everything to know if something can be realistic enough. Like for example, how does someone survive if they OD on heroin. What is given to them at the hospital. I'm just real worried while into my novel I write something that others don't find possible to happen. Another example would be like a man getting shot and he survives. So what do I do in this situation?

Every serious doper knows that IV naloxone is standard for heroin OD, but if you want to be more creative, scour the net for opioid antagonist and pick something unfamiliar. Getting shot--well, that depends a lot on where the person gets shot.

It's easy enough to get this information--there's medical manuals and all manner of other things.

The real trick isn't doing the research. It's about how you sneak it in to your novel with authenticity while not burying the reader in factoilds. (If you're really interested, I posted on this topic just a couple of days ago over on my blog:
http://davidisaak.blogspot.com/2007/10/faking-it-for-real.html .)

Good luck.