Frequently Asked Questions
What’s a ‘literary locksmith’?
I’m glad you asked! I use the term in two ways:
1. Figuratively, I love to help writers of all stripes ‘unlock’ the next level in their work – whether they are drafting a book, preparing a presentation, documenting a project, or building a business.
2. Literally, I am also a locksmith :) And I am happy to use my knowledge to help storytellers craft realistic scenes that involve manipulating or bypassing all kinds of security devices – or discovering who did.
How much do you charge for…?
It depends so much – on the nature of the project, the time required, and my availability, among other things. However, my rates tend to go lower when:
--you are a nonprofit organization, or an individual who makes a substantial contribution (of time, stewardship, etc.) to your local literary community
--you ask me to present something that’s already in my repertoire, and doesn’t need to be customized
--you are willing to receive primarily verbal/real-time-conversational feedback on your work, rather than extensive written commentary
--we have already worked together in some way (for example, if you took a class of mine at a recent conference)
Regardless, please email me and let me know what you have in mind – I will be happy to get you a solid estimate directly.
What are you writing right now?
Grants, lab reports, and emails, mostly! My fiction-writing is currently on hold while I direct WORD and pursue my CFL (Certified Forensic Locksmith) qualification. You can find my previously published work online, and there will definitely be more forthcoming… one of these days!
Can you blurb / endorse / promote my new book?
Generally no - I don’t like to put my name beside anything I haven’t personally read, and there’s not nearly enough time for leisure reading these days. But I will be happy to congratulate you on a tremendous accomplishment!
What’s a forensic locksmith?
Another term for it is ‘investigative locksmith’ – basically, a qualified expert who can analyze a security device to determine whether and how it might have been bypassed (for example, whether a lock was picked, raked, or bumped) – and present those findings in court if needed. For more information about this crucial but little-known profession, visit the IAIL (International Association of Investigative Locksmiths) and LockpickingForensics.com
What (X) do you recommend?
This question has so many permutations – but here are some of my favorite things!
For writing software: ProWritingAid is an excellent and versatile tool for many kinds of writing. Hemingway is also good if you want your errors flagged without a lot of pre-formulated solutions offered. WriteOrDie is helpful when you are trying to turn off your inner editor and get words out quickly.
For seeking traditional publication: QueryShark is a great resource to learn how to write to agents and publishers, and QueryTracker is a wonderful tool for keeping track of your submissions. I always recommend looking up what agents are slated to appear at well-known writers conferences: even if you can’t go to that conference, you can be confident that they vetted those agents thoroughly, and chose ones who are actively seeking new clients.
For productivity and organizing your time: Atomic Habits by James Clear is an excellent book about how to build new habits in a way that doesn’t require hernia-inducing levels of willpower.
For writing motivation: Art and Fear, by Bayles and Orland, is all about the psychological challenges of living a creative life (and a classic in its own right).
For locksmithing tools: CLK Supplies has a great selection, ships ultra-fast, and even includes a little bag of fruit snacks with your order :) Foley-Belsaw and Lockpicks.com are great too.
For home security: Know your neighbors! No amount of sophisticated hardware can replace a real human being who knows your family, your property, and your regular habits - who can pick up your mail when you’re gone, hold a spare key for you, and let you know if they see something strange. (Also – outdoor motion lighting helps. Dogs help. And a home security system helps, but only if you actually set and use it.)
I have a different question!
By all means, lay it on me! Email me at tex@thetexfiles.com and let’s talk about it :)