Can you tell just by looking whether this is a switchblade or an assisted opener? Most people can’t. Click the pic to find out why. (Image via BLADE)

A book you need to own. Click the cover to get it.

It’s my lucky day, because the hits keep on coming. Lee Lofland hosted my guest blog post about the differences between switchblade and assisted opening knives over at The Graveyard Shift. Check it out for an interesting analysis of knife laws and current events as they relate to fiction.

As many of you already know, Lofland is the author of Police Procedure & Investigation: A Guide for Writers (Writer’s Digest Books). This is an essential resource for writing fiction, as well as learning about law enforcement in general.  It’s one of those “I didn’t know what I didn’t know” things. The WD editors and I even included several references to Lofland’s book in The Writer’s Guide to Weapons. In other words, pick up his book.

Lofland also runs the Writers’ Police Academy. This is exactly what it sounds like. Writers sign up to experience the full gamut of law enforcement scenarios, from shootouts to car chases. Add in some high-profile speakers, and this is the kind of hands-on immersion that cranks the cool factor up to 11. I believe slots are still open for this year’s event in Appleton, Wisconsin, but you’ll have to check out the website to confirm.