Miscellaneous Blogs
Combining Writing and Scuba – That’s Taking a Plunge
In her latest article for Scubaverse.com, South Florida-based author Charlie Hudson offers some hints, tips and advice to anyone who has ever considered writing scuba diving-themed stories.
Setting yourself up for a second (or third!) career focused on personal satisfaction is a goal that many people share. In our case, it required several years of planning and preparation, one moderate trade-off and one major one. My husband and I did, however, make the appropriate arrangements to relocate to South Florida after his retirement from the Army where he now teaches scuba and I write. During my Army career, I did a fair amount of technical writing and when you roll that up with my love of scuba, it’s reflected in many of my books. The non-fiction book like Islands in the Sand: An Introduction to Artificial Reefs in the USA is an easy match to see, but I carry that over into my novels where plenty of characters are veterans and strong female characters take the lead. Police Detective Bev Henderson of Shades of Murder, Shades of Truth, and Shades of Gold, tends to be a bit rigid, while the spin-off female character of Chris Green, who becomes an underwater investigator in Deadly Doubloons, False Front, and Georgina’s Grief, is more complex – and a veteran to boot.
In actuality, most of my characters are composites of people that I’ve met, except for times when I have to create a genuinely bad person, and for that, true crime shows are incredibly useful for not only inspiring characters, but also for methodology of investigations and murders. Conversely, accidental deaths can be given a sinister twist as happened in Shades of Murder. I used an entry on a scuba forum that talked about the unusual circumstances that surrounded a freediver’s death. I began to think, “Hmm, how could that be made into something other than an accident?”, and the main idea for the plot emerged.
A lot of writers bless the Internet as an invaluable tool. The list of “My Favorites” on my computer can have an odd collection of sites at any time that corresponds to sources that I’ve been checking for scenes. I recently deleted the ones on Meth Labs, but have left the Meaning of Aura Colors, and naturally, the Yacht Broker site that I draw heavily from for the Chris Green series. Getting the scuba scenes right is one thing, but in order to properly describe a variety of different boats, I need the exact image and specifications from a reliable source. We all make our choices as to writing style, and my technical writing background drives my insistence on having accurate scenes when I am depicting certain things. As an example, when I wrote Small Town Lies and Small Town Haven (not scuba-related) I spent hours with ladies who quilt, learning about the craft, and more importantly, the passion for it. Even though I’ve always admired quilting and grew up around it, that isn’t the same and sitting down with quilters and watching/listening to them.
That is not to say that I don’t enjoy fantasy writing – it’s merely that if I am reading a novel that addresses a particular topic that I am familiar with, it’s annoying if there are errors in how a situation or characters are portrayed. My reaction in that way as a reader strongly influences the way that I develop plots, characters, and scenes. I don’t want my readers to think, “Huh, that doesn’t make sense,” even though they are reading a novel. Again, every writer makes a choice as to style, and mine relies heavily on believable characters and strong dialogue. A fan once said, “What I especially like about your characters is that I can see them and imagine being able to sit down with them.”
I have encountered criticisms from readers who don’t agree with a technique I describe, and in those cases, I do tend to go back and make sure that the source I used was correct. And on more than one occasion, whoever my particular subject matter expert is cautions me against overcomplicating a scene, and that is invariably good advice.
At other times, locating experts in a particular field brings unexpected fun. One of the best examples of this is Rob and Robin Burr of Rob’s Gifted Rums with their wonderful website of www.robsrum.com. Considering the amount of time that the character of Chris Green spends in the islands, having her adopt estate rums as a preferred drink seemed like a good idea. Since my knowledge of the really good rums is limited, I found Rob’s site and it was perfect. Since I was using his site, I initiated an email exchange to verify that he didn’t mind me plucking recommendations and descriptions. Not only has a pleasant relationship resulted, so did attendance at the 2014 Miami Rum Renaissance Festival. It’s an annual event held in May and I highly recommend it for anyone who might be in the area.
There can also be amusing encounters with experts; One day, I was having lunch with a good friend who always wants to know what I’m working on. I was explaining about some advice that I had been given in trying to work out a particular murder scene. I was chatting along about the topic and she inclined her head to a table near ours that I hadn’t paid any attention to. There were four police officers in uniform and apparently they had become interested in our conversation.
The journey into commercial writing has definitely been filled with lessons for me and I try to share those lessons when other writes want to know about the intricacies of self-publishing. It’s the sort of advice that I wished I could have had early on when I set upon this path. I’m only an email away if you have questions (charlie@charliehudson.net). My novels, non-fiction books, and a rich archive of short stories can be found at my website of charliehudson.net or drop into Charlie’ Corner Café at charliehudson.net/weblog, and I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @chudsonwrites.
Photo: Mario Vitalini
If you ever wondered what’s the exciting buzz around the RAID Diver Agency, we can tell you right here!
The prestigious Royal Thai Marine Police have chosen RAID as their trusted agency for their Underwater Operations Course.
This intense and rigorous course is designed to equip the force with the specialized skills and expertise needed for all underwater operations, ensuring they are totally prepared for the challenges of their critical missions.
With RAID‘s comprehensive training, the Royal Thai Marine Police will be well-prepared to handle the demands of their underwater tasks.
Why RAID? Truly Different?
The RAID philosophy is we are divers, not Recreational or Technical, just divers.
We all start with our first breath underwater with limited knowledge and experience. How much theoretical knowledge individuals may want is a personal choice.
However, when it comes to practical experience, there should be no difference to the required skill foundation and learning the fundamentals of diving is crucial.
With the roots of RAID International being founded in a technical background, the ethos is to provide all divers with solid fundamental skills of diving buoyancy, hover & trim which provide a robust platform for any future training in whatever direction they decides interests them.
How do RAID do that?
RAID conduct all dive skill training how you would use it practically. Perfect buoyancy with good hover and trim position.
Other agencies teach you to sit on the bottom and do skills! Do you go to the bottom every time you want to clear your mask?
Dive training in a class of its own.
RAID FREe-Learning.
No smoke and mirrors with RAID, there is nothing to hide.
Everyone can access any and all of RAID course theory and skills manuals online and downloadable without any charge or commitment.
Truly FREe-Learning
You bet that wasn’t popular with the book selling agencies!
If that wasn’t enough, additionally, all the skills videos, are available on YouTube with FREE access.
The core of RAID‘s ethos is to provide all divers with solid fundamental skills of diving buoyancy with perfect hover & trim providing a robust platform for any future training.
To enable that, RAID Professionals must have skills honed to the highest level, always performed with consummate ease and completely naturally.
To access the whole FREe-Learning library completely without any commitment or cost, simply register with RAID by scanning the QR code.
No one will contact you, you are free to download and peruse whatever you want to.
Should you decide you would like to know more or would like to take a course contact James at RAID UK and he will direct you to your local RAID centre.
RAID UK
James Rogers
www.diveraiduk.com
info@diveraiduk.com
+44 191 4324644
RAID – A Global Agency
RAID has Regional Offices around the world all fully embedded in the governing bodies of diver training.
WRSTC Member USA, ERSTC Member EU, Worldwide ISO Certified, RTC founding member.
RAID Dive Centres are in all corners of the UK!
All ready to offer divers and beginners a friendly welcoming new standard of service. Whether you are ready to take your first breath or an experienced exploration diver, make visiting a RAID Dive Centre your next step.
Here are just a few suggestions.
Bay Divers
Swansea
www.baydivers.co.uk
+44-7859-018970
West Coast Diving
Kilmarnock
www.westcoastdiving.co.uk
+44-7904-539512
SevernTec Diving
Dive South
RAID – Holiday Destinations
Looking to take a dive trip with your club or personally, here are just a few popular RAID dive holiday destination ideas for the UK based diver.
Egypt
Maldives
Bali
Thailand
South Africa
Click to contact the Regional Office for a full list of dive destinations in that region.
EGYPT
Pharaoh Dive Club
Roots Red Sea, El Quseir, Egypt
info@pharaohdiveclub.com
www.pharaohdiveclub.com
+20 10068 22000
Multi award winning centre offering special ‘Dive & Stay’ packages
Scuba Dreamer Diving College
Park Regency, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
www.scubadreamer.it
info@scubadreamer.it
+20 122 7150550
Based at Park Regency & Beach Promenade providing a full 5* package
MALDIVES
Fehivina Dhangethi &
Dhodhi – Dhiffushi – North Male’ Atoll
www.scubadivinemaldives.com
scubadivinedhangethi@gmail.com
scubadivinedhiffushi@gmail.com
+96 07913075
Range of accommodation options available
Jerrys Dive Club
Rasdhoo, Maldives
www.jerrysdiveclub.com
hello@jerrysdiveclub.com
+960 772 7876
Stay at Jerry’s Guest House
BALI
Prana Dive
Kabupaten Karaangasem, Bali, Indonesia
www.pranadive.com
info@pranadive.com
+62 813 3877 5345
Why not stay with us at Teratai Boutique Resort
THAILAND
SOUTH AFRICA
Adventure Mania
Sodwana Bay, South Africa
www.adventuremania.co.za
info@adventuremania.co.za
+27 82 653 7824
Adventure Mania takes pride in providing personalised, eco-conscious dives that highlight the beauty of protected coral reefs and marine life. This family diving business, nestled within a Marine Protected Area, offers a diving experience that is as educational as it is exhilarating.
Adventure Mania’s expert instructors and staff have a deep-rooted passion for ocean conservation. They not only guide divers through breathtaking underwater landscapes but emphasise the importance of marine preservation. Teaching diving with Adventure Mania goes beyond imparting technical skills; it embraces fostering a respect for the ocean.
ScubaCo
Durban, South Africa
www.scubaco.co.za
info@scubaco.co.za
+27 79 779 4242
ScubaCo is a boutique RAID Dive Centre operating on the Kwa-Zulu Natal coastline of South Africa. ScubaCo are specialists in both shark and reef diving as well as featuring the annual Sardine Run migration as they are so well positioned to offer the best of the best.
Many clients enjoy our wonderful packages with ScubaCo Guest House accommodation coupled to amazing dive options – Shark Diving, Big 5 Safari & Diving the Sardine Run.
This destination is a must for every Diver and should be on your bucket list for dive travel.
Make sure to add Aliwal Shoal to your next Diving holiday and let Tamara and her team take fantastic care of you while in South Africa.
Dive & Travel the RAID way
When you see the RAID emblem at a dive centre around the world you can be assured that the highest standards of diver training are being provided, knowing all RAID professionals have met the testing criteria to achieve their professional rank.
Gemma and Ian chat to Dawn Kernagis. Dawn joined DEEP in 2023 as the Director of Scientific Research. DEEP is an ocean technology and exploration company with a mission to ‘Make Humans Aquatic.’ DEEP’s undersea habitat and submersible systems, combined with multi-phased diver and human performance training, will create the next evolution of subsea science, research, and exploration capabilities. Dawn is a NASA-trained NEEMO Aquanaut, Explorer’s Club Fellow and Women Divers Hall of Fame Inductee and who is also tasked to establish DEEP’s first US presence in North Carolina. Dawn has also been a diver with numerous underwater exploration, research, and conservation projects since 1993, including the mapping and record-setting exploration of some of the deepest underwater caves in the world.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-kernagis-995383152/
The BiG Scuba Podcast is brought to you by Narked at 90. “Beyond Technical” Narked at 90 If you are thinking of moving across to tech diving or completely new to diving, Narked at 90 can advise and guide on the best equipment and set up for your personal or commercial requirements https://www.narkedat90.com/. There is currently a code for you to use for purchases and the code is BIGSCUBA2024.
If you are interested in the INSTA360 action camera we discussed then please click this link: https://www.insta360.com/sal/x3?utm_term=INRAI8S
We hope you have enjoyed this episode of The BiG Scuba Podcast. Please give us ★★★★★, leave a review, and tell your friends. Contact Gemma and Ian with your messages, ideas and feedback via The BiG Scuba Bat Phone +44 7810 005924 or use our social media platforms. To keep up to date with the latest news, follow us:
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