Jennifer Lyon


Wednesday, June 16th, 2021
Sharing a Resource

It got up to 107 yesterday, and we’re only half way through June.  I hate the heat, but I do like when my book heats up :-) I’m really, really writing. I still a long, long ways to go.

Which means I can’t carve time out to write a longer blog today :-( Instead, I thought I share a “discovery” I just made yesterday on YouTube that may be of interest to writers–particularly if you write any kind of mystery, suspense or crime fiction. It’s Dr. Todd Grande, who has a PhD in Counselor Educational and Supervision, and he’s a licensed counselor of mental health. On his channel, he discusses interesting criminal cases like Casey Antony, the Green River Killer and many others. He goes into what diagnoses like Narcissist, Borderline Personality Disorder, etc. actually mean, and how someone is clinically diagnosed. He also discusses media personalities, like Dr. Phil McGraw. He gives, in my opinion, an even-handed overview based on his clinical experience and research. He is not diagnosing the subject he discusses, but more like using their crimes, and behaviors around it, as examples. I find it really interesting. I also like that he, like in the case of Phil McGraw, mentions his person biases in the beginning so viewers can be aware of those before they listen to his opinions.

Anyway, if you’re intersted, look up Dr. Todd Grande on YouTube

Feel free to share a resource if you have it!

6 comments to “Sharing a Resource”

  1. B.E. Sanderson
    June 16th, 2021 at 6:01 am · Link

    Cool. Thanks!



  2. Silver James
    June 16th, 2021 at 7:34 am · Link

    Cool! I may have to check out what he thinks about Dr. Phil. Speaking of cases, his sister-in-law was horribly injured here in OK by a guy throwing a jar of acid off an interstate overpass. It crashed through the windshield and spilled on her face and upper body. That was a bit over 20 years ago (and she died in 2018) but he was just coming to prominance at the time.

    Go to resources…We all know Google Maps street view. That’s a go-to (and often a HUGE time suck) for me. I also use Realtor.com and Zillow to discover where my characters live and work. That info often appears, though not always in great detail. It just helps for me to have the picture in my head and a link I can go look at. I do copy the links and put them on my settings page in my Scrivener project for quick reference. I guess my biggest resource is Scrivener. I can’t imagine trying to write without it. It’s perfect for the crazy 1000-open-tabs way my brain works. ;)



  3. Viki S.
    June 16th, 2021 at 3:11 pm · Link

    Sure hope you, Wizard and Maggie are keeping cool. That heat is just insane. Are you and Maggie able to go for a morning walk or is it too hot even then?

    Your discovery doctor sounds like he could have useful info for writers.

    Have a nice afternoon 😊.



  4. Jenn
    June 16th, 2021 at 5:00 pm · Link

    B.E, you’re welcome :-)



  5. Jenn
    June 16th, 2021 at 5:06 pm · Link

    Silver, wow that’s a horrible thing to do to someone. I’m so sorry Dr. Phil’s sister went through that.

    This podcast doctor is one of those shows that I don’t necessarily agree with his opinions, but I like the clinical assessments, and the way he explains what certain traits might mean or might influence a person. It all depends on what kind of input you like.

    I love google maps, Relator and Zillow! For all the reasons you said, and I get lost on Relator just looking at houses. It’s a problem, LOL! Great suggestions!

    Scrivener, I bought it but never use it. But that’s all my fault, I think I’d like it if I took the time to learn it. I know many authors who really love it. Another good suggestion.



  6. Jenn
    June 16th, 2021 at 5:13 pm · Link

    Viki, yep it’s hot and miserable. Maggie and I are walking at 6:30 am.

    I think it’s useful for some writers, depending on what helps them. Some people might be frustrated if they are looking for a reflection of their personal beliefs or morals. But if they are just looking for input to build character motivations, I think it can be helpful. None of it is an exact science, so understanding that also helps. I hope that makes sense.

    Hope your shoulder is feeling better.



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