Gadgets for Geeks
I was describing my new series to someone, and they asked about where I get my ideas. Any regular reader will know that it's one of my favorite topics, but indulge me here, please. This took a fun turn to geekdom! I told them that kinda like the classic TV show Law & Order, my stories are gently removed from the headlines. I'm a history nerd and proud of it. Once I determined my characters' round-the-world trip, I started looking for historical events (especially crimes) from countries with ports. If you look for "Unsolved mysteries of Norway," for example, you'll find a story of the Isdal Woman, whose body was found in 1970, but whose real identity has never been established. I found a bunch of great things to work with, but wow, there's some creepy stuff out there. Step two to my research is more random. I see little tidbits online and say, "hm, that would work in story X." So I make a note or take a picture and work it in. And some of the...
