The written word carries a lot of power.

For some reason, when humans see something in published form it takes on a gravitas and authority often way out of proportion with the thinking that went behind it. So when you’re writing on a particular subject about which you know nothing, it is very difficult to fake it.

I grew up in sub-tropical Australia. I know next to nothing about snow. So when I wanted to include a snowmobile chase in my latest book, I was at a loss. I certainly couldn’t fake i...