Make that call — June 1, 2025
Boats at the Monterey Wharf — July, 2018 photo
“Don’t wait. The time will never be just right.” – Napoleon Hill
A couple of years ago I was on a gemologist’s website doing some research for my novel about a journalist who goes to work for a diamond manufacturing company. I found the man’s phone number under the ‘contacts’ tab. I squirreled it away for later, for when I’d learned more and would feel more prepared for the conversation.
I developed the plot, settings and characters of my novel, brushing past the science of diamond manufacturing. I almost forgot I’d intended to do more with it.
Fast forward to the editing stage, where leaving the science a bit vague is no longer an option. I finally made the call I’ve been putting off. The gemologist pointed me to information that has been eluding me. He suggested other contacts who have just the kind of experience I’ve been looking for. I wish I had called him earlier.
The moral of the story: if you’re like me, a bit of an introvert, set aside your fears and insecurities and make that call sooner rather than later. People want to help, and the earlier you get the material, the more you can incorporate it into the spine of your story.
