Just when I thought it was safe to leave the library

[pjthompson]

So now I have to research gunsmithing? I knew it would come to this eventually in this story, but I didn't think it would happen so soon. Woe is me. Every time I turn around in Charged with Folly I've got to become an instant mini-expert on something new--or make it up completely. That's the great thing about being a writer.

My physicist friend was quizzing me on the cherubimticon, my airship, the other day. I knew if anyone could pick that impossible dream apart, it would be him. Finally, I just said, "It's magic, okay??" I will have to fix up some of the tech next time around, though.

Oh, and thanks to thursdayhaiku I was steered towards a helpful Nova on PBS the other night. "Wings of Madness," all about the early attempts at flight, including dirigibles, and focusing on a brilliant early pioneer who is largely forgotten these days, Alberto Santos-Dumont. Very interesting and very synchronistically broadcast.

Comments

[handworn.livejournal.com]

I have a gunsmith friend from my historical re-enacting days, so I know a few things. You could try me, anyway.

You didn't tell your physicist friend that your airship was toted around by cherubim?

[pjthompson]

I may if I get confused. We're talking flintlocks and early revolvers here.

You didn't tell your physicist friend that your airship was toted around by cherubim?

Not cherubim, but an amazing simulacrum. :-)

[handworn.livejournal.com]

That's the era of firearms-- the era of anything, really-- that I know more about.

[pjthompson]

I just needed some really basic information for the scene I just wrote and I think I got what I needed off the net, but I really might call on you later on in the book if that's okay? I won't know until I get there, of course. ;-)

[handworn.livejournal.com]

* falls down the mountainside *

As.......you........wish.........

[pjthompson]

Thanks, Wesley. :-)

[java-fiend.livejournal.com]

Gunsmithing? LOL... Interesting. I'd go with "make it up completely." :-)

[pjthompson]

I'm into that whole verisimilitude thing.

[java-fiend.livejournal.com]

Ahhhh... but verisimilitude is merely creating the appearance of truth. You can make something up entirely and still give it verisimilitude. :-)