We all draw upon our former and current professions to write. We've also heard the adage, "Write what you know." However, sometimes we need details that we can't find on the web. We need to be in the moment. We need to touch, smell, see, hear--even fear--what our characters go through.
Luckily, my career path has involved a wide variety of industries and I'm glad. It helps keep my writing diverse and I rarely lack for ideas or inspiration. I've worked in education, healthcare, banking, hotel management and even at a movie theatre as a teen.
But let's say I want to write about something completely different like an over-the-road truck driver or a stripper. Just how far would I go? Here are some professions I'd like to try in the name of research:
- Waitress
- Bartender
- Starbucks barista
- Police officer
- Fireman/woman
- Television reporter
- Wedding planner (although I wrote about one anyway and thought up some great themed weddings if I say so myself!)
- Amish farmer
- Boutique employee
- Bookstore employee
- Scientist
- Court reporter
- Tarot card reader
- Stripper (I'd watch--not participate!)
