Behind the Scenes - Larping

Surprisingly, I do a lot of research for my mysteries (even though the books are fiction). For The Tulip Shirt Murders, my sassy PI, Delanie Fitzgerald, needs to interview a twenty-something who was accused of stalking. In their conversations, she learns he larps (live action role playing).

According to C. Don Wilson in the Urban Dictionary, This is a “form of role-playing game where the participants physically act out their characters' actions. The players pursue their characters' goals within a fictional setting represented by the real world, while interacting with one another in character.”

Originating in the 1970s, the activity gained popularity in the 1980s. According to Wilson, “The fictional genres used vary greatly, from realistic modern or historical settings to fantastic or futuristic eras. Production values are sometimes minimal, but can involve elaborate venues and costumes. LARPs range in size from small private events lasting a few hours to huge public events with thousands of players lasting for several days.”

According to the World of Geek, larping differs from cosplay in that larping involves action and reenactments. “Cosplay, from the words ‘Costume’ and ‘Play,’ is about costuming and re-creating the design of already existing/original characters.” (World of Geek). Cosplay usually involves less role-playing and action events like battles.

Larping often has rules, and participants “immerse themselves entirely in their character and act out their actions” (World of Geek).

In my story, the suspect, Douglas Black, invites Delanie to an event in a local park where his group or guild reenact Medieval life, including battles between warring factions. He tries to convince her to join him by offering to lend her a replica sword.

Popular culture is a large part of the Delanie Fitzgerald series. In her investigations, she meets all kinds of interesting people with unique jobs and hobbies, and it’s a fun way for me to learn about new things.

Check out the adventures of Delanie, Duncan, Margaret, and Chaz in The Tulip Shirt Murders.

What Scooby-Doo Taught Me About Mysteries (and Life)

My love for mysteries started with 70s Saturday morning cartoons like “Scooby-Doo,” “The Funky Phantom,” “Speed Buggy,” and “Josie and the Pussycats.” Overly sweetened cereal, Pop-Tarts, and Saturday morning cartoons were a weekly ritual, and I learned a lot about the mystery genre and life from them. (The Cartoon Network or cable wasn’t around then. Cartoons rarely aired any time except on Saturday mornings, so it was a weekly ritual.)

1. Kids like me could be crime or problem-solvers. In all of the episodes, the gang figured it out and brought the villain to justice (before the adults did).

2. Use what you have available to you. Your wits and creativity go a long way in sleuthing.

3. Keep your eyes open and look for clues. Many times, they’re in plain sight.

4. These kids had the freedom (and a van) to travel to different places. (My mother would have never let me ride around in a van with a bunch of teens solving crimes.) They were so cool.

5. If you don’t know or understand something, ask questions.

6. If you’re clever, alert, and situationally aware, you can gather information and put the puzzle pieces together.

7. Don’t ever stop exploring or learning. We all need to be lifelong learners.

8. Everybody needs a pal or best friend (or a few). They are our sounding boards and support. We all need someone to go into a spooky old house, cave, or dungeon with.

9. Even if something is scary, you can face it. Shag and Scoob were not the bravest creatures, but they always mustered their gumption to trudge on.

10. Do the right thing. Stand up for the underdog and seek truth.

Does Pop Culture Influence Your Writing?

I am a first generation Sesame Street kid and first generation MTV. I watched a lot of 70s and 80s TV (pre-cable). Movies, music, and TV were a staple along with prepackaged food like TV dinners, Kool Aid, Pop Rocks, and Fizzies (which you can still buy). I also watched hours of reruns of shows from previous generations on the other two channels that we had (besides the three major networks). (That’s how I became a Monkees’ fan.) I read fan magazines like Teen Beat and Tiger Beat.

My love for mysteries started out with Saturday morning cartoons: Scooby-Doo, Josie and the Pussycats, and of course, Nancy Drew. When The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew came out, I was glued to the set weekly for the mysteries and Shaun Cassidy.

Pop culture appears frequently in my stories, novellas, and novels. My private investigator, Delanie Fitzgerald, is an 80s girl, too. She likes driving her Mustang, 80s music, and gadgets. She is always getting involved in some sort of craze such as larping (Live Action Role Playing), roller derby, Renaissance Faires, or Comicon from today’s social media and techno-flavored world. My ,mysteries are set in present day, so the characters go places, watch TV, and explore social media. That gadgets of 2019 will one day be from “the past” very soon. I like the nostalgia of days gone by. It’s fun to watch movies and see the “technology,” tools, or fads of the day.

When you refer to copyrighted or trademarked materials, make sure to respect the trademark/copyright with the spelling/punctuation of the name. Also, avoid using a trademark to represent all types. For example, Xerox is a brand. It shouldn’t represent all photocopiers.

I like to use real places and events in my stories. Most of mine are set in Virginia, and I love to share the history, culture, and the places. When I use real locations or events, I do not have the crimes take place there. I always make up the location.

Happy reading and watch out for the pop culture references.