How do you write about death when you don't work in that area? How do you get your details right when it comes to autopsies — human, alien, or perhaps even paranormal or fantasy creatures? I discuss this fascinating subject with Geoff Symon today, as part of his Forensics for Fiction series. In the intro, I discuss what I learned from Ian McKellen's 80th birthday tour, and why you should “Measure your worth by your dedication to your path, not by your successes or failures.” [Big Magic – Elizabeth Gilbert]. My thoughts on ambition after listening to the fantastic Michael Anderle interview on SPF Podcast 164, and why you need to decide on your own definition of success. Plus, why the indie community is a ‘scenius' [Austin Kleon]. This podcast is sponsored by Kobo Writing Life, which helps authors self-publish and reach readers in global markets through the Kobo eco-system. You can also subscribe to the Kobo Writing Life podcast for interviews with successful indie authors. Geoff Symon is a federal forensic investigator and has participated in high profile cases including 9/11 and the Iraq War as well as murder cases and other crimes. He's certified in the collection and preservation of evidence, blood spatter analysis, autopsies, and laboratory techniques. Geoff is also a certified federal polygraph examiner and highly skilled in the psychophysiological detection of deception. He has books on Forensics for Fiction writers and today we're talking about Autopsies. You can listen above or on iTunes or your favorite podcast app or watch the video here, read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and full transcript below. Show Notes * Performing the job of autopsies while respecting the dead * The three scientific methods of identifying a body * And why tattoos aren’t one of those methods * Differences between TV/film forensics and the reality * On the different stages of body decomposition and how those are reflected in literature * On an added speciality of working as a polygraph examiner * The impetus for writing books on blood spatter, autopsies and crime scenes * Solving your literary crime first so you can seed your mystery or thriller novel with clues You can find Geoff Symon at GeoffSymon.com and on Twitter @GeoffSymon Transcript of Interview with Geoff Symon Joanna: Hi,