* * Learning about the sheriff's work

This week, I had the opportunity to meet with the sheriff of our county, Tommy Whitt, to ask him about how his office would handle a fictional circumstance like what I have been writing for my new novel.  In it, a minor character admits to accidentally killing his fiancée.  Tommy is someone I have gotten to know over the years but we had never had an in-depth conversation before.  Tommy quickly put me in a playacting role as if I were the confessed murderer.  I must admit, it was a bit scary to be questioned by a sheriff in what was an alleged in murder admission!

Yesterday, I drove to Union, West Virginia to do more research on my novel.  I spoke with a former sheriff of Munroe County.  He is an elderly man now and while lucid enough, was extremely hard of hearing.  His daughter assisted in the interview and we literally had to shout in order to get him to hear what I was asking him.  I was also able to speak with the county magistrate who I happened to meet by chance in the hardware store.  I was also able to see old friends including Jay Banks, Craig Mohler, and Rod Graves.

I have recently signed up for Facebook and am reconnecting with many old friends.  Hopefully, this can be another avenue for publicity for The Spine of the Virginias, as soon as that book gets published.

I hope you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Michael