Cary Osborne (Herwig), was our guest speaker Feb 19th.  She is otherwise known in the industry as Cary G. Osborne the author of nine published novels in science fiction, fantasy, and mystery. These include the Iroshi series, the Deathweave series, and the new Sydney St. John mystery series. More than 20 short stories have been published in all of those genres, as well as horror. She is or has been a member of Science Fiction Writers of America, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers, and Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc., 

Cary let us in on some trade secrets and some common sense ways of procuring information for research.  Some wise words like "write about things that you are interested in" topped the list, of course, but others hit the mark.  She insists on accuracy in her writing whether it is fiction or not.  "Just because it's make believe doesn't mean you can put something in the story that's just not right, or someone is going to call you on it"!  Details are important especially in mysteries. Weather especially in Oklahoma actually becomes like another character, she says.

Keeping several balls in the air and all the plates spinning is how I envision Cary working. She says she often is working on 5 to 6 projects at a time! However, She does say  that's too many and she has backed away from that much confusion now.  She does take the opportunity to attend writers conferences to "rub elbows" with like minded individuals and "recharge". These also are a good source of contacts for proofreaders and she does get some ideas and there are always opportunities for characters to present themselves. 

Cary is a frequent visitor to downtown Edmond where she can be found observing and absorbing the energy of the people to insert into her works.  Some of Cary's musings can be found on her blog at http://iroshioftheglaive.blogspot.com/