Yesterday: I am sweating and my heart is thumping. I have to make a cold call to get some research questions answered. Writers do this a lot, and it takes guts. We pick up the phone and call a total stranger. It doesn’t get any easier after being published, either.

For my new story, I first did an online search for the occupation of my sleuth in two locations, one here in the Fort Lauderdale area and one in the Orlando area where my story is set. That done, I emailed a slew of businesses I’d found online. Out of that group, I received two responses. In return, I emailed each of those kind ladies a prepared questionnaire. Thus began an immensely helpful email correspondence. Finally, I picked up the phone and had a long chat with each professional while they shared stories about their work. One of them even gave me the idea for the crime to kick start my series. If my proposal sells, I’ll want to do some on-site research by observing at least one of these businesswomen in action.

Meanwhile, I emailed a retired local detective about some crime related questions. That wasn’t too hard. He’d spoken to our writers group in the past and has helped feed several of our inquiring minds. What held me up was the Cold Call I needed to make to the Winter Park PD.

Coward that I am, I tried emailing a detective there after examining their website. No one was listed as a public relations contact so I went directly to Criminal Investigations. Was I surprised when I got no response? Not really. After several weeks passed, I realized I’d have to make a Cold Call before doing my final read-through. So here I sit, mustering my courage.

I picked up the phone, hoping my voice wouldn’t shake, and dialed the general number for the WPPD as listed on the website. An automated voice answered. When I didn’t have the correct response, it hung up. Great, I’d have to try someone else.

Gathering my nerves, I dialed the detective whom I’d emailed before. A machine answered. I left a message, hoping if the guy dared to call back that I wouldn’t miss his call since I have to go out later. What did I say? "Hello, I’m a mystery author and I am doing research for a new story set in Winter Park. I have some questions to ask and if you would return my call, I’d really appreciate it. Oh, and my website is NancyJCohen.com if you want to look me up." Click. My questions are very simple but important to get accurate, like would a sergeant in the homicide division sit on the second or the first floor and in a cubicle or private office? Do they refer to the medical examiner as an ME or a coroner? To their workplace as the Department or the Station? Not hard stuff, right? But I like to get my details accurate. And what if this guy doesn’t call back? I’m not going to Orlando for another month. Then I’ll have to stop by the WPPD to get the facts straight.

COMING MONDAY: Guest Blogger TERRY ODELL

 

I'm glad to know I'm not the only one scared to death of making phone calls! I dread and procrastination to even consider just calling my salon for a hair appointment!

I think you misunderstand. I am confident in picking up the phone and calling people I know. It's making a call to a complete stranger regarding research for a book that takes nerve. Nonetheless, I do it anyway. As for friends, I love to chat on the phone. What inhibits you from making calls? The salon, for example, is probably glad to hear from you if you're a customer!

I remember the first call I made to the Orange County Sheriff's Office. I was scared to death because at the time I had absolutely NO writing credits. But the person who answered the information line passed me to someone who normally investigated computer crimes, and he said he was enjoying the break from routine.

Thankfully, after taking the Civilian Police Academy course, I have a few "real" contacts in law enforcement, and while I don't always get immediate answers, I do get called back, or emails answered.

But I'm with you on cold calling. I've been that way since I was a kid. Hated picking up the phone to call someone I didn't know.

Yes! I got a call back from Winter Park PD and the sergeant graciously answered all my questions. Now I can go back to my manuscript and make corrections before sending in the final copy to my agent.