- Joined
- May 1, 2006
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My WIP is about a fictional doctor just starting to practice in 1853 Maryland. He was a brilliant apprentice and is fresh from a course of lectures at the University of Maryland, so he really knows his stuff, intellectually. Emotionally, not so much yet. 
But I'm trying to judge how much medical detail to include.
On the one hand, it's central to the plot and theme, and readers seem to enjoy detail in doctor-patient novels and dramas, at least modern ones.
On the other hand, how much unfamiliar medical jargon will readers want to cope with? And does the average person really want to hear in detail about applying leeches or what happens after a dose of calomel, even if it's told in the casual, non-sensational way the MC would view it?
I'm trying make the jargon as clear as possible from context, and keep the focus on the characters and plot: Will he make the right diagnosis? Can he win the trust of his new patients? Will a mistake destroy his confidence?
But still... any suggestions on how to judge how much unfamiliar jargon or "gross stuff" is too much?
But I'm trying to judge how much medical detail to include.On the one hand, it's central to the plot and theme, and readers seem to enjoy detail in doctor-patient novels and dramas, at least modern ones.
On the other hand, how much unfamiliar medical jargon will readers want to cope with? And does the average person really want to hear in detail about applying leeches or what happens after a dose of calomel, even if it's told in the casual, non-sensational way the MC would view it?
I'm trying make the jargon as clear as possible from context, and keep the focus on the characters and plot: Will he make the right diagnosis? Can he win the trust of his new patients? Will a mistake destroy his confidence?
But still... any suggestions on how to judge how much unfamiliar jargon or "gross stuff" is too much?
