Real Life Zombies?!?

Writer Dale Eldon often poses medical questions to me but one question that seemed pertinent for his writing vice was whether or not zombies are a real-life medical possibility. The truth, even for the fiction writer, has to be grounded in realism for the reader to buy in. You either have to work from reality or create a believable story world from scratch.Here's a post I did for him on The Walking Dead.So, are there real life examples of something...

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Author Question: Can Chloroform be Sprayed?

Sarah Asks:Would chloroform, if shot out from a spray toward the victim, be effective for making a person pass out right away? Jordyn Says: Chloroform Mask 1865Depends. Are you inside or outside? I'm not sure that method of delivery will work for Chloroform. I found this paragraph that explains why. It is from this link: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-chloroform.htm"Chloroform can easily be carried in water, and when it is exposed to oxygen and...

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Winner! ...and Up and Coming

Good morning Redwood's fans.Quick post to announce the winner of Peter Leavell's Gideon's Call.Congratulations, Linda! Whose beginning e-mail starts with desert....I'll be e-mailing you tomorrow.For you this week:Monday: Author question! I love to do these posts. In this one, I'll tackle whether or not chloroform can be sprayed. Wednesday: Some Halloween fare-- are there real life zombies? Hmmm, check here to find out.Friday: What exactly does a...

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Illness and the Writer: Peter Leavell 2/2

I'm so pleased to host fellow author, Peter Leavell, and his real life story of a unique medical diagnosis. First hand accounts help writers learn what it's like to walk in someone else's shoes. Peter is the winner of Christian Writers Guild's Operation First Novel Contest! Peter is finishing up his two part series today.Peter has graciously agreed to give away one copy of his book to a commenter drawn at random. To enter, simply leave a comment...

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Illness and the Writer: Peter Leavell 1/2

I'm so pleased to host fellow author, Peter Leavell, and his real life story of a unique medical diagnosis. First hand accounts help writers learn what it's like to walk in someone else's shoes. Peter is the winner of Christian Writers Guild's Operation First Novel Contest! Peter will be blogging today and Friday. Peter has graciously agreed to give away one copy of his book to a commenter drawn at random. To enter, simply leave a comment that...

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A Sad Story of Royal Obstetrics: Part 4/4

Today, JoAnn Spears concludes her fascinating observations on Queen Anne's obstetrical history. I know that I sure learned a lot. You can find the previous installments of this series by following the links: Part I, Part II, and Part III.  Thank you JoAnn for such a wonderful look into this woman's life. Part Four: Was Diabetes the Cause?Diabetes may be the most likely culprit in Queen Anne’s story. Her first three pregnancies went to term,...

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Winner!!-- And Up and Coming

Hello Redwood's Fans!Are you getting geared up to enjoy some Halloween Spooky FUN?!?I just started watching the last season of Dexter as a treat for finishing the rough draft of my third novel, Peril,-- now its official title. I know-- strange way to celebrate but I am a suspense novelist so it really is a treat. Peril will release next year about this time. So crazy to be finishing books that won't be seen for what seems like soooo long but...

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Put me to Sleep: Anesthesiology

I'm so pleased to host a new guest blogger, Dr. Kate O'Reilley, anesthesiologist extraordinaire. Today, she's talking about an anesthesiologist's main job-- putting you to sleep-- in a good way! Welcome, Kate! Anesthesia is all about passing gas (no pun intended!)  The most common anesthesia gases administered in operating rooms today include Sevoflurane, Desflurane, Isoflurane, and Halothane.  The gases, which are also referred...

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Is There Purpose in Suffering?

I'm so honored and pleased to host author and friend Michael King. Mike is many things: husband, father, physical therapist and cancer survivor.I do like to host people who can give first hand accounts of medical issues to offer insight. These posts help authors walk in someone else's shoes as a way to deepen our writing and understanding.Mike has agreed to give away one copy of his new book, A Thousand Sleepless Nights, to...

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A Sad Story Royal Obstetrics: Part 3/4

JoAnn Spears continues her series on Queen Anne's very interesting obstetrical history. You can find Part I and Part II by following the links.Part Three:  How could this happen?One or more of the following conditions may have played a part in Anne’s hauntingly tragic obstetrical history.Rhesus incompatibility occurs when an Rh positive baby is carried by an Rh negative mother.  The pattern with this condition, untreated, is one of normal...

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Up and Coming

Hello Redwood's Fans!Hope you are well and enjoying some beautiful autumn weather where you live.I am busily trying to wrap up book #3 of my Bloodline Trilogy now officially titled, Peril. Must keep typing!!For you this week:Monday: JoAnn Spears continues her wonderful series on Queen Ann's obstetrical history. JoAnn always offers great insight and I know you'll enjoy her post.Wednesday: Author and friend, Michael King, stops by. Is there a purpose...

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Combat Medicine in Today's Army

I'm so pleased to have Nelda Copas return for a look inside military medical operations. Welcome back, Nelda!From surgical care to physical therapy to blood supplies, the military medical system is moving its assets closer to the front lines to be more responsive to patient needs and, when possible, to return wounded troops to duty faster.At the same time, the military is boosting know-how about treating combat casualties so everyone on the battlefield,...

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TV Show Once Upon A Time: Why it Rakes my Nerves

First off, I am a fan of this show where fairy tale characters have been thrust into real life in current times. The show centers around the actions of Snow White's step-mother the Evil Queen. She is the head meanie on the show and her curse thrust them all into our realm of existence.Of course, the red apple comes into play. Said evil queen wants to get rid of the one chracter who can lift her curse-- but instead her son takes a bite of the...

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A Sad Story of Royal Obstetrics: Part 2/4

 JoAnn Spears is doing a four part series on Queen Anne's obstetrical history. It's very fascinating. You can find Part I here. Part III here.Part Two:  What happened to Queen Anne?A health history marked by seventeen or eighteen pregnancies and no surviving children staggers the modern mind, but it is only one part of the medical history of Queen Anne the Good.In terms of childhood health, Anne was probably like she was in so many other...

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Up and Coming

Hey Redwood's Fans!!How's your week been?Fall and/or Autumn is here in the Rockies! Fall is my favorite season. There's so much to look forward to. Here's a short list of some of my favorite things.Pumpkin EVERYTHING-- particularly pumpkin muffins and tea with pumpkin spice creamer. I know... what?!? Don't mock it until you try it-- in fact this just reminded me to restock my tea cache-- post haste!The colors. Truly a favorite of mine seeing...

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