Stupid author question...

[Cathy C]

Hi, all! It's been ages since I've been by, but I've been busy writing. For those who don't remember me, I write paranormal and urban fantasy novels for Tor Books. I've asked some previous stupid questions about how to get out of the plot holes I've dug myself into :rolleyes:

Now I'm about to start a new series, and could use your help again! It's in an alternate reality, so if you can't discuss the actual facts (which I fully understand, considering) some logical guesses will get me by.

The mini-series is going to be set in the White House, and the four protagonists (one per book) are Secret Service Agents. But they're more than that in this reality. They're actually tied to the President because he owns their souls (be careful what you're willing to "sell your soul" to get---even in jest. ;) ) He bought their contracts to the people down below and is sending them in to handle the worst of the worst paranormal stuff . . . in the name of "national security."

But I need a tiny bit of day-to-day b.s. type stuff for them to do during their shift and to get some hints about what sort of hours they work. Is being White House security (actually guarding the First Family) a typical "day job", as such, like 6 or 8 hours? I'm guessing, but would imagine since it's a 24/7 position, there'd be swing shifts? Or is that too stressful so that the person ALWAYS works a particular shift?

What sort of paperwork or annoyances should can I give them from higher ups as subplots? Again, we're in a fictional world, so anything from any other branch of security work would be appreciated. There must be non-eventful, hideously boring stuff or even governmental bottlenecks that make you want to claw out your own eyes.

Thanks much for any help!

[Curt581]

As been asked of other aspiring authors looking for us to help them write their books...

How much of a consulting fee are you offering?

[retdetsgt]

I doubt anyone here knows USSS procedures regarding the POTUS.

[deputywave]

The mini-series is going to be set in the White House, and the four protagonists (one per book) are Secret Service Agents. But they're more than that in this reality. They're actually tied to the President because he owns their souls (be careful what you're willing to "sell your soul" to get---even in jest. ;) ) He bought their contracts to the people down below and is sending them in to handle the worst of the worst paranormal stuff . . . in the name of "national security."

Secret Service wouldn't be involved. POTUS would send in the "X-Files" squad.

Thanks much for any help!

You're welcome. That'll be $150.

[txinvestigator1]

As been asked of other aspiring authors looking for us to help them write their books...

How much of a consulting fee are you offering?

Fee? Don't you love giving away your years of experence and training to someone free of charge so they can make money from it?

[Ispbear]

Are you sure this isn't a non-fiction book about Obama?



:D

[taylorplayer]

Cathy - If you are willing to pay a consulting fee, I can put you in touch with a good friend of mine, a secret service agent, who works at the White House daily, and has done so for the past few administrations.

PM me your contact info and rate, and I will see if he is interested and if he is allowed to give any information.

[Johninaustin]

Are you sure this isn't a non-fiction book about Obama?



:D

That was my first thought too.

Cathy, just like any other working stiff, they have a 40 hour work week and going into overtime means massive amounts of getting yelled at. I'm quite sure HR has rules about this "owning souls' thing too. :(

Could you IM me some of your published titles? Your area of writing is right up my alley interest-wise.

[Cathy C]

Wow, guys... :( I didn't realize the mood around here had changed so dramatically since I was here last. You guys were so incredibly helpful in putting together our August, '07 release. We even gave a big shout-out in our dedication of the book to specific members here, as well as the site as a whole with the goal of giving the place some free promo. If you want to read it, you can go here and enter realpolice.net in the search box.

I wasn't really looking for specific details (because I really don't want to have to get approval of the project by anyone) which is why I wasn't looking for a consultant, per se. It's an alternate reality, so paranormal elements aren't really known to anyone---no X-Files sort of group available. These guys would take that role, but in absolute secret.

Anyway, sorry to have bothered you. I wasn't trying to take advantage of anyone. I share my experience freely and thought you guys still did too. My mistake. I won't repeat it. :(

Here's a link to our Amazon profile , Johninaustin.

[Cathy C]

Links didn't work. Will post them and then go away. Amazon Profile for John, and you have to click on "Search Inside this Book" to reach the box where you can enter the realpolice.net.

Sorry again for the bother.