A big part of writing is doing the research, but only so much can be gleaned from wikipedia. We have a vast array of experience here and when writing, you need details. Perhaps if we knew what each other did, we could borrow from their experience on a deeper level, ask them questions. I'll start... I was a career firefighter/paramedic. I started in rural firefighting on a ladder company, then moved into industrial firefighting. I became an expert at extrication with the jaws of life, then became a medic in 93. I ran a lot of calls in southeast Texas in a fairly large city and also made many calls deep in the boondocks of southeast Texas. So, I have intimate knowledge of these subjects. If I can help anyone fill in some details, let me know. Next?
Pastor's wife, music director, now atheist, EMT, student, rehabilitation assistant, lactation consultant, birthing coach.
Ooh, I like this thread. I am a jazz musician (bass player), though I also have some insight into the classical realm given my major in college. I'm also on the career path to become a child therapist (Currently getting my doctorate). You want to know how Freudian theory works, or anything else psychology, I'd be happy to tell you what I know. I was a day care substitute teacher for two years. THAT was interesting. And I worked in a home for men with schizophrenia. I also taught English in India for two months.
Salvation Army Volunteer for over half of last year, and now a Master of the Fruits and Vegetables at a fruit and vege store.
I'm a chartered surveyor in the UK- limited use to fiction writers I'm sure, but I'm happy to help on the off chance anyone needs residential or commercial property info. My main area is Compulsory Purchase of homes and businesses.
I think this is a really smart idea for a thread. My first hand knowledge of the world is; uk based, factory work, art student, printer, graphic designer. Can count W.Shakespeare as most famous neighbour.
philosopher writer poet lyricist playwright screenwriter editor ghostwriter columnist writing consultant writing mentor architectural designer construction superintendent seamstress costume designer homeless shelter resident/worker paralegal doctor's office manager hospital worker [various depts] lived with hopi tribe world traveler/resident [looong list of places available on request] excellent idea, felipe!
Those are some great qualifications Mammmaia, see we can pick each others brains here. We have a vast amount of experience here, as the knowledge base grows, maybe they will make this a sticky post so we can ask each other questions.
I'm an electrical engineer, specializing these days in industrial control systems. I have done a lot of control system work for amusement parks, as well, including SeaWorld in Orlando and Tokyo DisneySea. I also have some experience in building, programming, and operating motor control systems used in movies and television shows. I did the same for some concert tours, including Paul McCartney, Madonna, Christina Aguilera, etc. These days, my partner and I focus more on industrial control, because the schedules are easier. In the entertainment world, everybody wants three months' work done in two weeks, so you have to work TONS of hours per week, and as the movie cliche goes, "I'm too old for that shit."
Grew up by the ocean on a small farm, worked at a Market Research Firm throughout High School and now live in the city studying to become a filmmaker.
I graduated in American Studies and Film/ media studies. I took mostly political modules and my disseration was about the American Civil War. Work-wise, first job experience was at a film and media company in New Zealand. I did research and wrote project summaries for funding packages. Then I worked for several companies once back in the UK - in property management, insurance and finance. Since 2008 I've been working in Clinical Research. I play and write music as well.
I've done a number of things. When I was younger, particularly, I liked to do a wide variety of jobs. I'm now an Intellectual Property attorney and freelance writer. I'm editor of a small ezine. I've been on the editorial board of an academic journal. I've been a biomedical research scientist. I've worked in a hot dog factory. I worked in a production shop that makes assault rifles. I worked construction (homes, and also concrete/storm drains). I've been a courier. I worked with a shelter for battered and abused women and their children. I've done (and still do) IP counseling for large, multi-national corps and also for tech startups. A number of other jobs here and there, but those stand out in my mind.
Cool, more minds to pick. I have pretty extensive knowledge of scuba diving, black powder guns and old sailing ships if that can help anyone.
I am too young to have had a career, but not too young that I'm unable to offer some experience and knowledge, I hope! Anyway, I would consider myself to be able to give some information on the following: Most things to do with cars/motoring (from a UK perspective) Quite a lot about computers Intermediate German language The slave trade The British special forces, the SAS The above come from a mixture of personal interest, thing's I've studied or researched for other projects.
I am an American who grew up in Southern California, and spent a bulk of his adult life in Boise, Idaho. But now I reside once more in Southern California. My first and only job has been a professional chef. I am a pastors son; though I am agnostic. If this helps anyone let me know. Edit: This thread should be turned into a sticky. As it will grow very large and be very helpful to all of us.
Student, Short-order cook, Cashier for a small newsstand, and about to graduate with my Bachelor's Degree in marketing, and a minor in communication (particularly advertising). Locations: Central North Carolina, Appalachian Mountains
Great idea. I think it's also good to include general locations for those of us who need info on settings. I'm working on an NYC setting at the moment and will have questions about the place as I have only visited. I grew up in Cambridge, MA. I have also spent several years in Youngstown, OH and am now in Zanesville, OH. I also lived briefly in Atlanta, GA, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and Reno, NV. If anyone's writing about mental illness or mental hospitals, I can help with that. I'm getting my bachelor's in psych this year. I have experience as a mental health counselor in a group home. I also have severe depression and a dissociative disorder and am on medication. I've resided in several mental hospitals in the Boston area. I'm a licensed massage therapist and have had my own private practice. If anyone has questions about the sex industry, or about being poor or homeless, I can answer those.
I also might add that it's rumored that I've had first hand experience with most illegal drugs. Of course I deny any such allegations but will gladly make inquiries if need be.
Great idea. I think it's also good to include general locations for those of us who need info on settings. I'm working on an NYC setting at the moment and will have questions about the place as I have only visited. Great idea! I was raised in southeast Texas but have explored the Mayan Riviera, climbed the pyramids of Chitchen Itza, Coba and rummaged the ruins of Tulum as well as the surrounding jungle. I'm very familiar with Cozumel, Tulum and Paamul. I have been scuba diving the Caribbean for years and a few caves as well.
The same has been said of my spotted and sorted past. I may or may not know the inner-workings of the buying and selling of such garbage. :redface:
This is a good idea! I was born in Vancouver, Canada and have spent most of my life there. I have also lived in Calgary Alberta. My Dad is an engineer and my Mom works for a non-profit society. When I was younger I used to play Lacrosse and Hockey. I have worked in a produce store, a fish market, a McDonalds, a Boston Pizza, and now I am a cook in a different restaurant. I have studied History, Sociology, Globalization, and Psychology at school, but I am majoring in Archaeology and minoring in Earth Science.
