I mix quite a bit of “real” in my short
stories and novels. All of my settings are actual places. I tend to put my
works in Virginia cities and counties because I write what I know. If a
crime occurs, I make up that location's name. I wouldn't put a horrific or
violent event at a real restaurant or store. But if you've been to the cities,
you'll recognize landmarks, neighborhoods, and street names.
I get ideas for crimes and capers from
real cases, but I usually take liberties with the details. In my short
story, "Washed up," in Virginia is for Mysteries, a beat up suitcase
washes up on Chick's Beach, and it's filled with some mysterious contents. Back
in the ‘80s, there was a real crime where suitcases filled with body parts did
appear on beaches along the East Coast. In my story, I thought it would be
interesting for beach-goers to find something old and sinister in an unexpected
place.
I base some of my characters on
combinations of real people. I blend characteristics of several people to make
an interesting fictional person. And phrases that family and friends say frequently
appear in my stories. I carry a notebook with me wherever I go, and I am always
jotting down names, interesting tidbits, and snippets of dialogue that might
one day make their way to a story. I have two co-workers who keep asking me to
make them villains. I haven't done that yet, but I do hint from time to time
that unruly team members will end up in a dumpster in a future story.
I use friends and family member's names
for minor characters. In The Tulip Shirt Murders and Secret Lives and Private
Eyes, my sleuth, Delanie Fitzgerald, gives herself all kinds of aliases in her
investigations. These are usually names of friends and family. And every once
in a while, you'll find police, EMTs, or FBI agents named after my favorite
authors, rock stars, or actors.
My sleuth is named for one of my
favorite American authors, F. Scott Fitzgerald. And she names her company,
Falcon Investigations, in honor of Dashiell Hammett’s The Maltese Falcon.
I am also very fortunate to be a “CK”
(Cop’s Kid). My dad, now retired, is one of my best sources of information on
crime and law enforcement. He helps me make sure that the crime scenes are
described as accurately as possible. I email him all the time with questions
like, “Hey, Dad. What’s a meth lab smell like?” or “How much damage would this
type of bullet do at close range?” I am also very fortunate to be a part of
Sisters in Crime. Our local chapter (Central Virginia) offers a variety of
programs with professionals in criminology, law enforcement, and forensics. Over
the years, our chapter has had an arson investigator, a CSX railroad
investigator, a forensic psychologist, a search dog trainer, and an alcohol
beverage and control officer as guests. These speakers are so knowledgeable and
willing to share information. I also appreciate that they answer all my weird,
author questions without giving me too many funny looks.
Even though my short stories and novel
are fiction, they also contain some truth and reality. And research is
important, so that the work is interesting, accurate, and close to true life.
Author Biography:
Heather Weidner’s short stories appear
in the Virginia is for Mysteries series, 50 Shades of Cabernet, and Deadly
Southern Charm. She is a member of Sisters in Crime – Central Virginia,
Guppies, and James River Writers. Secret Lives and Private Eyes and The Tulip
Shirt Murders are the novels in her Delanie Fitzgerald series.
Originally from Virginia Beach, Heather
has been a mystery fan since Scooby Doo and Nancy Drew. She lives in Central
Virginia with her husband and a pair of Jack Russell terriers.
Heather earned her BA in English from
Virginia Wesleyan College and her MA in American literature from the University
of Richmond. Through the years, she has been a technical writer, cop’s kid,
college professor, software tester, and IT manager. She blogs regularly with
the Pens, Paws, and Claws authors.
Author Links:
Website
and Blog: www.heatherweidner.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeatherWeidner1
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/crazyforwords13/
Book Links
Barnes
and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-tulip-shirt-murders-heather-weidner/1127425899?ean=2940155054696
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