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More than once, I've had a reader comment on how impressed they were with my knowledge of the Marine Corps. I had no personal experience to write from for my debut novel's main character, so all credit goes to the outstanding experts on my Editorial Board.
What Are Experts?
Every person is an expert in something. Writers benefit from three types of experts: content, sensitivity and craft.
Who Are Content Experts?
My friend's Navy husband who worked at John C. Stennis Space Center for many years in meteorology is an expert in all things weather: patterns, preparations, currents, consequences of particular weather events on military maneuvers, etc. My dear friend who attempted to teach me and my daughter to knit is an expert in all things tinking and casting off. The Marines I interviewed before, during and after drafting my novel and who read excerpts of or the entire manuscript for my novel are experts in life in the Corps, the training they completed and Marines' roles and reactions in wartime.
Experts exist for every possible scenario and character and job and hobby and event you might write about. What are you an expert in?
Who Are Sensitivity Experts?
Now, jobs and hobbies and experiences aren't the only details that require expert attention. Writers should also seek expert help when they write characters they themselves cannot completely understand.
For example, one of my characters happens to have Down syndrome. While I have read a lot about Down syndrome and many stories about the incredible people with that extra chromosome, I knew I was no expert and wanted to make sure Ducky honored real people like him. I reached out to people I know who are experts, and they graciously read Ducky's scenes and gave me feedback and, ultimately, their blessing.
Sensitivity experts include anyone with life experiences that differ from your own and could provide invaluable advice for your characters that you aren't able to infuse on your own. Who can help you understand your characters better?
Who Are Craft Experts?
Finally, writers often need to reach out to craft experts. We're not all-knowing in all aspects or styles of writing, but we can always learn!
I have a list of authors who have written and successfully published fantasy series. When I begin serious drafting of my series, I will seek their expertise.
Craft Experts can help with new styles or genres of writing, different POVs, plotting, outlining, worldbuilding, style guidelines (Chicago Manual of Style, etc.). Basically, anything you're uncertain of or that's new to you can be aided by advice from authors you admire who do those things well. Who are your writing mentors or authors who do things you would love to try?
Why Do You Need Them?
The old adage "Write what you know" only holds so much truth. While we all carry our lifetime of experiences, that's only one life full. Our stories and characters will quickly escape those boundaries.
Yes, you can learn much of what you need to know through research. Books, journals and websites are all vital tools in a writer's box. To understand the smells of war, the tastes of varying iterations of an aging whisky or the emotional toll of inequality, we need experts whose lifetime includes those experiences ours doesn't.
Where Can You Find Them?
Honestly, all around you!
For Content Experts, start with your family and friends. One of my Marine Experts is my brother, another is a friend's husband and the third is in my church. I did reach out to others through social media connections and a mutual friend. Ask around your community, post on your personal Facebook page, reach out to your writing groups for either a writer with those experiences or one of their friends or family members—that's where I was connected to an expert on oncology treatments for my novella.
For Sensitivity Experts, the places to look are very similar. One piece of advice when you're looking for someone to either interview or have read your manuscript for sensitivity purposes: every person's life experience is different. I would advise seeking out an odd number (3 or 5) for well-rounded reactions to increase your understanding.
For Craft Experts, look to your writing groups and sift through all the authors you love and follow. One of them might be the person you're looking for who can advise you as you attempt something new in your writing!
What experts have you used to deepen your writing? Reply to share!
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