Heather’s Comments (group member since Jan 12, 2015)

Heather’s comments from the Conversation with Sharman Apt Russell group.

Mary, very interesting what you wrote about "jury is still out" on whether you love writing per se. It is way cool that you are devoted and "do it" -- and it is what defines you, however, it is not a shallow love affair, but a more challenging working relationship perhaps. Thanks for that honesty.

No :-) Sharman your comment was not preachy at all. It is sound experienced advice from a wonderful writer and I cherish it and thank you. All your posts were immensely helpful.

Thank you Sharman. Your answer to my query about your sources was interesting -- yes, there has to be that grounding piece (i.e., Textbook) from which all other pieces of info can radiate from. . . (ex-librarian here). Love what you said, "In the end, you don't please every reader. You go on an adventure that pleases you. . ." Believe it or not, this was exactly what i needed to hear today. It fills in the hole of the gaping question a writer may ask herself from time to time. . . "why do we write anyway? or "who is going to care what i write?" and better yet "who is going to like what i write?"

Hi Sharman,
So sorry, I missed 2/3 discussion, and this is a tad tardy. As of yet, i have not gotten your latest book, but i will soon. Your work is very special. The concept of "citizen science" was supported and inspired by my biology professors at the college i attended way back in the 90s. We learned that in the world of biology all "studies" are about paying close attention to a species and its habitat, and recording frequencies, changes, methods, and whatever else we notice. Keeping good records and playing with the results in the computer. Any person can, if they want, become a scientist of sorts which is exciting. My question is (and could be answered if i had your book) how many months or years of research do you perform and what are your favorite "sources" of information (i.e., databases, text books, journals, most recent or a mixture of historic and new, local or worldwide). And what decisions do you make for keeping or tossing certain pieces of information? Thank you!