Subject Experts?

[ElectricBlue]

So, if anyone wants an informed opinion about environmental regulations regarding water--especially ground water--in the southwest US, then drop me a PM. I'll tell you to rewrite your story to avoid boring details.

Wait, don't you need a bore to get to the water?

...as you were, you only need a bore to get to artesian water. Well, that's what I've been told.

 

[TxRad]

Wait, don't you need a bore to get to the water?

...as you were, you only need a bore to get to artesian water. Well, that's what I've been told.

I know you need a bore, uh, boar to get more hogs. I've heard that they can have 30 minute orgasms but if you've ever seen a boars dick you might not think that's worth it.

Drilling rigs and the oil field. After 44 years, I have to know a little about them. Geology, uh, petroleum geology that is. Arkansas gave me an equivalent degree in it. I also have the same type degree in electrical engineering. Roundy round race cars, the older drag racing stuff, off road racing. Any and all types. I'm the go to guy for that.

Want to know about building a wooden boat. You learn more than you ever wanted to know.

A jack of all trades and a master at a few. Age does that too ya.

 

[Hypoxia]

A jack of all trades and a master at a few. Age does that too ya.

And then many details fade in the mist of missing memory. I've lost the skills to tune 50kw broadcast transmitters, dash-off COBOL modules or Z80 code, identify every muscle and bone in a human or feline body, and... umm, I know there's a bunch more I've forgotten... umm...

I can probably still whip out a good lasagne. And play ten variant riffs of ST LOUIS BLUES on chromatic harmonica. And drive around Los Angeles without GPS. And write ridiculous games. And change a bicycle tire. Some skills last.

 

[Zeb_Carter]

...

A jack of all trades and a master at a few. Age does that too ya.

J.O.A.T.

Heinlein wrote a story that had one of the main characters as JOAT. It took place on Ganymede...Farmer in the Sky? I think it was.

 

[TarnishedPenny]

Fairly new to writing fiction, but perspective from a long-time reader. I think too much detail can derail a good story. It's like salt (thanks, Tex); you need some, but too much makes the diners frown.

If a character is going to drive to work, there's not much point in bringing up engine size, type of spark plugs, tyre treads and such unless there's a reason. (If he's going to get in a near-accident where only good traction saves the day, then maybe tyre type would matter. Otherwise, he gets in the car and drives.)

If a character is making dinner, you can describe the process if it matters, but you're not writing a recipe or a script for a cooking show. Now, of course, if the character is supposed to be a fine cook, describing her hand hovering over and choosing between salted or unsalted butter, kosher or sea salt might matter, but only to set the mood.

Jean Auld did a brilliant scene in which two Palaeolithic characters compare knapping techniques - making flint knives. It was detailed and technical, but it was a long book and the details were important in setting out differences between two critical cultures. In another scene in which a character butchers a deer, she just says that he did it; details didn't matter.

Finally, unless you really know the topic, with every extra detail you include comes the potential for error, for readers who do know gritting their teeth.

I guess what I am trying to say is not to worry too much about great detail. Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer didn't carry a 'Springfield Armoury M1911A1 .45 ACP semiautomatic pistol'; he carried 'Betsy', his 'gun'.

 

[Tio_Narratore]

Sorry, posted in error.