First-hand research

Buffalo Grove writer Jennie Spallone, 54, readily admits her knowledge of guns used to be limited. That could be a problem when you're writing mysteries.

"I had never killed characters using knives or guns. Some hit their heads or slashed their wrists. I didn't understand how it felt to use a gun. I hadn't felt the recoil and heard the thunderous sound," she said.

For a mystery she hopes to write, she wanted to get up close and personal with all these experiences, so she took and graduated from the 18-week Citizen's Police Academy course offered by the Buffalo Grove Police Department.

She doesn't know what motivated the 17 others in her group, but she says she came away with a new appreciation for what it takes to wield a pistol, a glock and a rifle.

"We wore protective vests and ear protection," she said. "We had to shoot and not let it recoil. Sometimes, I felt it could have gone backward. It was very intense.

"The rifle is heavy to keep on your shoulder, but is the easiest to shoot, because there is less recoil. The glock was scary because it's so loud. The pistol was easy," she said.

She said she doesn't know if her idol, mystery writer Dean Koontz, ever took such a course. But for her, it will undoubtedly be of value. She studied his writing technique before making the move from writing poetry and philosophy for her own enjoyment to creating mystery stories.

Her first book, "Deadly Choices," published about two years ago, sold a thousand copies, primarily at conferences of mystery writers, who lend support to one another.

For many years, she was a special education teacher and did some freelance profiles. When she's not honing her writing, she sells real estate and takes care of her husband and three children.