Thank you so much, Krystal, for hosting me on Live To Read today.
While The Zurian Child is completely fictitious, there are some aspects which did require research, some of it simply on-line, but other parts required contacting professionals for additional information in order to give the story some accuracy.
Two of the heroes are RCMP officers in the drug section of “O” Division based out of London, Ontario. Because I do not know any RCMP officers personally, I had to throw myself out there, and contact a total stranger. At the time, I had nothing published, didn’t even belong to a critique group, so I didn’t know if anyone would believe me, that I was a writer needing information for my book. And I’m simply a very shy person. Luckily, Sergeant Marc LaPorte at “O” Division Headquarters was more than willing to answer question after question.
Near the beginning of the story, when Lindsay is shot, I needed information about how her injury would be treated, and how long it would take, so I contacted local Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr. Pototschnik. He answered all of my questions as well.
At the end of the story, several characters must go into hiding, and they do that in an underground complex. Now, I knew a bit about the complex I wanted to use, from the stories my dad had told me my entire life. But having never actually been down there, he and I only knew so much. So, I put on my brave face, and contacted Leah Pierce, Public Affairs Officer at 22 Wing/CFB North Bay. I actually found her contact information through a Facebook group, and also connected to other who were willing to help me. While Leah could not answer all of my questions due to security reasons, she helped me to find as much information as possible.
Overall, I was completely shocked and very grateful that people were willing to help me with research. Without them, the story wouldn’t be what it is. And as I write the second book in the series, I continue to utilize the information I have obtained.
Here is the list of tour hosts!
Jessica will be awarding signed cover flats and a magnet at every stop, as well as a $10 Amazon GC plus swag package to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. She will also give away a $15 Amazon GC to host with the most comments.
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Thank you for hosting Jessica today.