The trick is sounding friendly and in need of someone, making a point to ask if now is a good time to speak to the person. If you're mindful of the person's time, and have some specific questions to ask, then you'll come off like a pro.

Like Amy, I've had to contact the FBI, quantum physicists, spiritual leaders, doctors, techies, agents, managers, film stars, directors…The great thing is, we're all human, and people are, generally, nice and willing to help.

Always ask for help. There's a big old bunch of people ready and willing. Thanks for sharing your vulnerabilities!

The trick is sounding friendly and in need of someone, making a point to ask if now is a good time to speak to the person. If you're mindful of the person's time, and have some specific questions to ask, then you'll come off like a pro.

Like Amy, I've had to contact the FBI, quantum physicists, spiritual leaders, doctors, techies, agents, managers, film stars, directors…The great thing is, we're all human, and people are, generally, nice and willing to help.

Always ask for help. There's a big old bunch of people ready and willing. Thanks for sharing your vulnerabilities!

The trick is sounding friendly and in need of someone, making a point to ask if now is a good time to speak to the person. If you're mindful of the person's time, and have some specific questions to ask, then you'll come off like a pro.

Like Amy, I've had to contact the FBI, quantum physicists, spiritual leaders, doctors, techies, agents, managers, film stars, directors…The great thing is, we're all human, and people are, generally, nice and willing to help.

Always ask for help. There's a big old bunch of people ready and willing. Thanks for sharing your vulnerabilities!

If you read the thread carefully, I believe, that Neil and I have the same opinion of Wiki. I simply don't think it should be your end source.

As to calling experts, you may be surprised at how just using the phrase “I'm writing a book” opens doors. All of a sudden people want to tell you all sorts of information. There are some that won't want to, but I haven't come accross any. I have called poice stations, social workers, hospitals and the F.B.I. for verification of certain processes; lol, I have even called on high school teachers in my quest to get the answers right.

Shyness I understand. The great thing about the phone is that really the worst they can do is scream and hang up on you. They can't see you or hit you or w/e your fear may be. Pick up the phone and give it a try should you need to.

Thanks for reading!!
Mwuah!
Amy

I hate research only in the fact that I have (diagnosed by me) ADHA and dyslexia. So reading a long article takes a lot of attention energy. Then it digresses into tangents which four hours later brings me back to what I was writing.

I find that writing and the internet don't go hand in hand. However, I have not used social media to ask and get answers to questions, largely medical ones at this point. Just never really occurred to me to do this. I never have called an expert only because (1) I'm shy, (2) How do you get in contact with a neurosurgeon/psychologist?and ask questions — for a fiction novel?

I do like the fact that maybe I can use Web2.0 for asking questions and maybe get an answer or be put in contact with experts that I would have no other access to.

As far as Wiki (sigh this is gonna be bad) I agree with

….wait for it

….Neil. It's a great place to get a big picture about things. I have often gone here for a quick look in laymans terms about what I am writing about and yes it usually leads to other questions. What some people tend to overlook is the fact that Wiki isn't always correct and for a writer that may be a good thing. It's often the misconception of an idea or truth that you should include in your writing.

Now, if you'll forgive me, I need to go look up time travel on Wiki and see how you can be in 2 places at once.

Happy Thanksgiving!
XoXo

Don't tell my uni lecturers but I've used wikipedia for full on 3000 word essays at degree level. But granted, if you referenced it you would fail!

Remember the days when one would have to search through a book for information? Good times. Thankfully by the time I entered hardcore studying and research, wikipedia had swept like a homework-busting angel into the world of academia.

XoXo
Moi

ZOMG (the Z is for emphasis) do you know that High School teachers won’t allow students to use Wiki as a source for homework? HIGHSCHOOL…

Although, as long as it’s just a starting point and not your port of call, that is admittedly different.

I will think of a good punishment (maybe I can find one on Wiki, or make you correct all of its entries) and post it on your FB wall. LOL.

You are a rock star, thanks for your replies on here. Also, good luck with your film, THREE.

XoXo
Amy

But I use the social networks to test material and often character names as well.