I finally bit the bullet and registered for the Writer's Police Academy in September. Terry Odell, mystery writer extraordinaire, over at Terry's Place "introduced" me to Lee Lofland of The Graveyard Shift, author and font of knowledge regarding police procedure.
From the moment I found out about WPA, I've been dying to go. It's three full days of instruction in police procedure; everything from shooting to driving to crime scene procedure. The keynote speaker is Jeffrey Deaver, who first whetted my appetite for a well-written forensic novel. I fell in love with "The Bone Collector" and quicky ate up the whole series. Shortly thereafter, I found Patricia Cornwell, who cemented my love for forensic novels.
I've been kicking around the idea for a month or more, trying to justify the expense of both the conference and the travel. I'm pretty sure that my work family is tired of me debating back and forth, so they'll be thrilled to find out that I finally registered for it. I saved a good bit by registering early and I love a good deal, so I was able to pay for the registration for the conference and pay for the FATS (Firearms Training Simulator) training for less than if I'd waited another week.
Now I've just got to stave off the nervous breakdown brought on by spending that money. By God, I had better learn a TON in those three semi-expensive days.
11 comments:
Hey girl, we all want autographed copies of your book when you get it published! ;)
Glad you are going!!
While that's not exactly my cup of tea, it sounds like it will be right up your alley. I know you'll enjoy every minute of it, so quit freakin out over the cost and ENJOY yourself!!!
Fantastic! Although, now Bill wants to go, too. All I'm going to be hearing is how much fun YOU are having.
Mom
It will be worth every penny, I promise! Unless you don't like things that go boom, and training with real cops, firemen, explosive specialists, ATF agents, medical examiners, detectives, crime lab experts, etc. Oh, and there's Jeffery Deaver. Just listening to him speak is worth the registration fee.
that sounds like a blast! good for you for making that commitment to yourself and your writing!
that is really really cool. although you could have done the FATS for free if you enlist in the army hahaha. :-P
Mrs. Mom - Probably my horse book will be published first (I hope so anyway). WPA is an excellent chance to go blow shit up and learn stuff I wouldn't get to do otherwise.
Aunt Crazy - I know it's not for everyone, but I'm giddy as a school girl.
Mom - sorry, you're the one who has to live with him, but I'll bring back pictures and tons of stories :)
Lee - thanks for stopping by. I love all of those things!
Noelle - thank you for the kind words :)
T!nK - Trust me, if they had recruited any women when I was in high school, I'd've been the first in line.
You are about to be living my dream! I'm so jealous. Have tons of fun and make sure to tell us all about it eh?
How cool! I registered right away. Looking forward to meeting you. And hubby's coming along - he couldn't resist all that cop stuff.
Wow! I'm impressed as all get out that you're doing this!
Jeffrey Deaver...seriously? I'm so jealous.
If you're into Forensic novels have you read the Temprance Brennan series (it's a tv show now "Bones"). The writer is a a Canadian forensic pathologist...and her name is totally escaping me right at the moment.
Thanks for you comments on my blog. Good luck with your writing!
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