Every story needs a good villain. Or, if not a truly
detestable villain, then at least a quality, easy-to-hate protagonist. Every story needs a plot. After all,
there must be a problem to overcome.
Then why do I feel guilty trying to research the one bit of
my story idea that will give it depth and make it a story with truly broader
appeal?
I want to know more about poison, the kind of poison that
works gradually over time with repeated but small exposure. I have a computer. I have a great Internet service
provider. I have time. What I lack, apparently, is courage.
The issue? Yes, I am chicken. And, I have a more vivid
imagination than I realized. And, I like to read thrillers.
Who knew I would be scared to research poisons? Clearly,
I’ve read too many who-done-it books where the protagonist – the hero, the good
guy – runs into trouble and is framed for a crime he didn’t commit. You know the scenario because you’ve already ready the
book: a thriller in which a writer researching something for a magazine article
like … oh, I don’t know… poison! … has his browser’s search history used
against him when he’s framed by his wife for attempted murder.
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