What Would Your Search History Reveal?

As writers, we're always researching. And, of course, the best place to do most of that research is the internet.

I've had other authors talk about some of the things they've had to look up for the sake of the potency of their story. I know I've certainly had to look up some strange things!

Some of the things I've researched:

Pagan spells and potions.

Picking locks.

What wounds cause X amount of blood loss.

Types of guns.

Poisons.

Computer hacking.

Oh, I'm sure there are lots of other things, too. I just can't recall all of them at the moment. Other authors have researched inject-able drugs to knock people out immediately, what it feels like to be shot or stabbed. Effects of poisons. What people look like after being dead for X amount of time.

It's crazy, isn't it?!

Tell me in the comments, what's the weirdest/scariest thing you've Googled for book research? I look forward to reading your comments!!

Lessons Of Publishing...

I hope you all had a lovely weekend. I had a blast!

I'm working on a short story for the Ladies and Gentlemen of Fantasy, which, is still looking for submissions. My friend Jenna works on an annual anthology, Ladies and Gentlemen of Horror, which the newest edition will be out around Halloween.

I'll give you the link, much easier that way. Information is on Facebook, if you need me to send you details, by all means, contact me.

But that isn't the purpose of today's topic. I just keep forgetting to mention it and my head hurts enough without the added pain of facepalms...

No, today's topic is more of a reminder to newbie authors out there, just stepping into the publishing world. Before you sign ANY contract with ANY publisher, CHECK. THEM. OUT.

There are lots of small presses out there. Lots of creepy scam artists just waiting to take advantage. No one likes to feel like an idiot after all is said and done, but remember, even the smartest people can still be conned.

There are lots of available resources out there for you to use. One of them being Absolute Write's Water Cooler. They have forums where there are lists of posts of who's good, who's bad. They also link you to Preditors and Editors.

If all else fails, check the Better Business Bureau, or even better, the Bad Business Bureau.

But nothing can beat good old fashioned word of mouth. With Twitter and Facebook and all these other social media places out there, just simply ASK if any authors have heard good or bad about anyone you might be interested in submitting your life's work to.

Sometimes, even after you've done all the digging you can, you still might end up having issues. Just remember that no contract lasts forever and you can always find a better fit somewhere else. But listen to your instincts, see if you're a good fit. Talk to other authors. Don't listen to petty gossip, because sometimes you won't get the full story, so make sure you do your homework.

Research. Research and more research. It's just like writing, you have to look hard when looking for someone to help promote your 'baby'. What are they going to do for you that you can't easily do for yourself?

Good luck!

Have any links to share of places to get info? Post in the comments below and as always, feel free to share your advice.