Tidbit: Facts
Writers don't always write what they know. If they did, it'd be a pretty short book. Not that writers are drooling idiots, mind you. It's just that so many details go into the making of a good story, that it's impossible to be that trivially intelligent. Yes, even I am not that smart.
How about you? I'll put into question form the facts I needed to find out to make my recent story believable. See how many you can answer.
What baseball team plays in Kansas City?
The Royals
What head gear would a SWAT officer wear?
This differs depending upon the situation, balancing protection with freedom of movement. For mine--a shooting in a cemetery--they went in with black masks to blend in with the darkness since it was at night. They also have a little microphone thingee to be able to talk with each team member. Interested? Find out more here.
What are those shoes called with the strap going over the top of the foot?
Mary Janes
Who is a Mexican Drug Cartel kingpin?
Wow. These guys are bad news. I probably shouldn't have Google imaged them before looking for actual information. Yeah. That decapitation scene is going to stick with me for a VERY long time. Anyway, there are a few of them, but I went with El Chapo, meaning shortie. Don't let the name fool you. This dude was the one responsible for that bloody carnage I viewed online.
Do azaleas bloom in Ocala, Florida at the end of May?
no...they usually bloom from February to early April
What was the last year Ford manufactured a Pinto?
1980
How do you say fern in French?
Fougère
Can aphids survive the Florida heat?
yes
What is the Canadian version of our DEA?
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (yes, the mounties), also known as the RCMP has an "E" Division that includes a drug enforcement branch.
Well, how did you do? Would you have had to look those tidbits up?