Writer Wednesday - Write What You Know

Wild Women Authors 

with Kat Henry Doran 

Write What You Know 

Question: What do these writers have in common: Eileen Dryer, Tess Gerritson, Lisa Scottoline, Michael Connelly, Robert K. Tannenbaum? 

Answer: They write what they know. 

 As an avid reader, I depend on authors to write what they know. Therefore as a former trauma nurse I am especially sensitive to gross errors in basic medical procedures and hospital routines with the key words being gross and/or basic. For example, a patient with a fractured rib would not have a plaster cast applied to their chest. Also, as a former victim advocate, I know my way around a courthouse so I’m particularly sensitive to how victims of violence should be treated by those who should know better. 

That said, let’s talk about some of my favorite authors who make characters or locations jump right off the page: 

• Eileen Dryer who, in her other life, was an emergency room nurse and knows her way around an ER, the ICU, OR, and death investigations. Her novels offer edge of your seat suspense, flavored with snappy dialogue and sparkling humor. 

• Robert K. Tannenbaum spent many years as an assistant district attorney in the Manhattan DA’s office and his Butch Karp/Marlene Ciampi novels show off his experience as a story teller as well as an attorney anyone could respect.

• Another attorney on my list of faves is Lisa Scottoline who set her all-women law firm of Rosato and DiNunzio, in the center of Philadelphia. The flavor, customs and feel of South Philly jumps off each page of her books. 

• Michael Connelly, while not a sworn law enforcement officer, spent his earliest years as a crime reporter in Miami. He picked up the speech patterns and procedural acumen and it shows through clearly in his Harry Bosch and Mikey Haller novels. 

I’ve enjoyed giving you some ideas of who and what to look for when you pick your next reading adventure—and most sincerely hope you enjoy your choice!

© 2023 Kat Henry Doran All Rights Reserved 

Former legal nurse consultant, victim advocate, sexual assault nurse examiner author Kat Henry Doran (and her alter ego Veronica Lynch) has been there and done that--many times over. The name she treasures most is Nana to the four brightest lights in her life: Meredith, Ashlin, Owen, and Kieran. She frequently travels from her home close to the shores of Lake Ontario in Western New York State to the Saint Lawrence River region as well as the historic Adirondack and Catskill Mountain ranges for settings in her books which feature strong characters who stand for the ‘less thans’ in this world. www.WildWomenAuthorsx2.blogspot.com