writeworld:

Anonymous asked: In my story, one of my main characters in in a building when it explodes and another is outside. I’ve tried to search the effects and damages done by explosions, but all I’m finding is stuff about nuclear bombs. I’m looking for information on much smaller explosives. Do you have any references or tips? (I love your blog, by the way)

Thank you! We actually do have a few ideas on how to get some solid information on explosives!

If you have Netflix, try looking into the Mythbusters collection on explosives. They talk a lot about shrapnel and shock waves and other aspects of an explosion that many writers (especially those in Hollywood) often omit. Here are a few good myths to check out:

• Water on Grease Fire Creates Fireball
• Exploding Gas Tank
• Gas Rocket
• The Hindenburg Disaster
• Car Grave

If you wanted to talk to an expert (which I highly recommend), look for people online or in your community who have the sorts of jobs listed below and set up an interview with them (over the phone, through email, or in person) to get your burning questions answered. If the people who do these jobs can’t get you the answers you need, they’ll definitely know where you should look.

• EOD Technician
• PSBT Technicians
• UXO Technicians
• Firefighters
• Fireworks Technicians 
• Munitions Experts 

The Big Bang. A History of Explosives by G.I. Brown is also a great resource for information about the effects and history of explosives. 

And here are a few online resources for learning more about explosives:

• TVTropes: Stuff Blowing Up
• Wikipedia: Explosion
• The Anatomy of an Explosion
• The Explosion Victim Resource Center
• ProcessOperations: Explosions
• Different Types of Explosives

Thank you for your question! If you have any comments on this post or other questions about writing, you can message us here! 

-C