By Mia Sheridan
How does a person who still texts with one index finger, use complicated, modern technology to locate a kidnapped child . . . somewhere in the United States with no clues other than the video of a locked room? That was the predicament I found myself in as I embarked on writing The Fix. But to say I “found myself” in this problematic position isn’t quite accurate. More to the point, I placed myself and my hapless characters there. Because that’s the ridiculous madness and the great fun of my job.
And now, it was up to me to get those characters out of their crisis, along with that terrified little boy, sitting alone . . . somewhere.
Did I mention I use my index finger to type out texts?
But despite my limitations, I was armed. I had Google and a pretty vivid imagination. And I had a hero who worked in cyber intelligence for the NSA. Which helped explain his special skills, but also tasked me with making sure he sounded like he knew what he was talking about, and texted with two thumbs the way any competent person does (according to my children anyway).
I quickly learned what the Dark Web is (no, I didn’t log on—I was worried the FBI would pull up outside my door). And I discovered that there is a lot of tracking technology out there and that if you’re hoping to disappear into the ether, good luck. I can’t guarantee I’ll find you. But with enough motivation, someone probably will.
In all seriousness, the amazing thing about writing a thriller, and especially a rescue countdown, is that the details are up to you. You are in charge of the timing and all the specifics. As a storyteller, you obviously want to make the plot points believable and as accurate as possible—and as cool as you’re able—but you get to choose when the bad guy shows up, and how secure the victim’s hands are tied and dozens of other details. You, as the author, are choreographing each step to achieve the outcome you’ve decided upon. And in many places throughout the story, I was able to reverse engineer the technical aspects because I knew exactly where I wanted the characters to end up.
So, have I started practicing texting with my thumbs? No. But if you ever need help finding a missing person in a locked room . . . somewhere . . . I just might have some tips about where to begin, thanks to Cami and Rex.
Readers, are you concerned about online surveillance? Why or why not?
To read more on this topic:
I figure I should not worry too much about surveillance because over the years I have Googled how to mix up plastic explosives, how to cook crystal meth, and decapitation as a method of murder, and the FBI has never showed up on my doorstep.