Today is Inauguration Day in the United States.
In other news, the Alley Cats have a lot to share, so much so we are bursting with info here on the alley. We'd like you to join us in sharing your news, too. Two commenters will win a prize!
And here we are--all different places in the writing process. A total spectrum.
So, you see, we understand and feel wherever you are in the writing process, because we are there, too. Ready to walk alongside with you. Teach. Listen. Be an example. Cheer every single step.
This week, Amy wrote a piece on Writers Boot Camp-Lip Service. In it she talks about missed opportunities in our stories. Also, Ashley wrote a piece on The Story Within Your Story, which talks about morals. Scroll down to read these exciting posts.
Speaking of being an example, have I a treat for you. I've notice Tina Radcliffe's FB posts and had no idea that a regular Jane, like us could do what she's done. And for free. What she is about to share with you is well worth a cup of coffee and chance to sit. After reading her words, I was ready to seek out my local place and go where I had never gone before.
Here is Tina:
One of the Best Writing Resources is Right in Your Backyard.
Your local citizens police academy.
And it’s free!
My medical background is of no help when I am trying to write a romantic
suspense or even a sweet or inspirational romance with fire and/or law
enforcement characters. I’m not a LEO (Law Enforcement Officer). My
understanding of how cops, FBI agents, firefighters or members of an elite
secret intelligence organization functions, is limited by my perception and
experience.
Fortunately, there is an amazing amount of resources out there to
enhance your perception. These resources allow you to step into the world you
have created and steep in the taste, sight, touch, smell and sounds of the
LEO’s world.
One of the best resources is right in your backyard. Your local citizens
police academy. And it’s free!
At the Phoenix
Police Department Citizens Police Academy, I observed a Taser demonstration,
toured the crime lab, fired a Glock 49 (standard issue) at night, got up close
and personal with the K-9 dogs, and participated in a use of force training-
live video scenario-where I had to make split-second decisions on whether to
draw my weapon. The most memorable part of this six-week course from a writer
and citizen standpoint was a dialog with the victim of an officer-involved
shooting, and the opportunity to hear and see photos of that officer’s
incident.
Currently, I’m taking a 12-week course with Glendale, Arizona Police
Department where I will get hands-on experience with the tools and equipment
they use. This will include firearms training, a ride-along, and an inside look
at SWAT, K-9 and crime scene investigations. This course will also delve into
gangs and the role of the police chaplains.
These classes are part lecture, and part hands-on, and not only provide the
sensory details for our stories, but trust me, ideas for GMC start hitting at a
fast and furious rate. Have a notebook ready!
The ultimate sensory experience, however, is obtained with Writers Police Academy, where you live
fire and police scenarios for hours on end at an action-packed conference. The
conference sites have changed, and I need to remind anyone interested to keep
your eye on the web page as it fills up fast as does the lottery opportunities
for special classes.
From the WPA website: “The Writers’ Police Academy offers an exciting
and heart-pounding interactive and educational hands-on experience for writers
to enhance their understanding of all aspects of law enforcement, firefighting,
EMS, and forensics.”
Here’s a taste of
what I experienced at the WPA I attended in 2015. My first day, I arrived at 5 pm
and did a ride-along with a female officer from seven p.m. until midnight. It
included a mental health stop, that included transport to a hospital for a
mental health evaluation, a one-on-one opportunity to learn more about the officer-worn
camera and weapons, meeting the K-9 officer and his dog (this was not a class
scenario, it was two officers, myself and another student), which included a
live demonstration of the canine at work.
I also observed a full DUI stop.
My next days at WPA were just as action packed and included classes with
the medical examiner, FBI agents, the local SWAT team, and Firefighting 101.
How valuable are these classes? Valuable enough that even the special guest
speakers, and New York Times best-sellers, Allison Brennan and Karin Slaughter
participated. Students Margaret Daley, Terri Blackstock, Debby Giusti and Terri
Reed, who have written dozens of best-sellers, were also my fellow classmates.
If citizen’s police academy or a conference is not in your schedule
right now, don’t forget the many online opportunities with the RWA Kiss of Death-Mystery and
Suspense Chapter. They provide online Coffin classes held via a Yahoo Group
online.
Currently, I’m taking Police Procedure and Investigation: A Guide for
Writers with Instructor: Lee Lofland. Lee is the mastermind behind WPA and
blogs at The Graveyard
Shift.
Here are some upcoming classes that I’ve earmarked:
April: Going Undercover
With Police Special Operations Instructor: Scott Silveri
August: Elements of the
Cozy Mystery Instructor: Lisa Rameriz
September: Plot Layering for
Romantic Suspense Novels Instructor: Terri Reed
Have I missed any resources you’d like to share? Have you participated
in any local citizen’s academy classes? Have I made you think about signing up
for this opportunity?
Tina has a two-pack giveaway to share with one commenter.
A copy of her latest release, Rocky Mountain Cowboy,
and Lynette
Eason’s Classified Christmas Mission.
Love
Inspired author Tina Radcliffe is a two-time RWA Golden Heart finalist, a 2012
ACFW Carol Award finalist, a 2014 ACFW Mentor of the Year finalist, and a 2014
ACFW Carol Award winner. She has won first place in over twenty RWA chapter
affiliated contests in her career. Tina is also a short story writer and has
sold over twenty short stories to Woman’s World Magazine. She currently resides
in Arizona where she is working on her first romantic suspense. Find her at www.tinaradcliffe.com
COMMENT TO ENTER.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN NEXT FRIDAY'S AND WILL NEED TO EMAIL MARY VEE at maryveewriter@gmail.com
