I'm writing a story in which a character is shot with a gun and is too disoriented to call for help. Someone else arrives about 30 minutes later, at which point the shooting victim is close to death due to blood loss. 1) Is this a plausible scenario (Is 30 minutes too long or too short to bleed to death)? 2) If so, what kind of injuries might cause such a scenario (a shot to the head, shot to the chest, hitting an artery)? Detailed answers would be greatly appreciated.
posted by SockISalmon on Mar 23, 2013 - 11 answers

What languages have seen minimal linguistic drift over the last few centuries, or even millennia? Which ones have changed dramatically? I'm also hoping for accessible, layman's answers rather than deeply technical resources. Help? [more inside]
posted by scaryblackdeath on Jan 7, 2013 - 23 answers

How do you spot an amateur in your trade, profession, or hobby? Specifically, what are some examples of things that people without experience do, while attempting what you do or know well, because they don't know any better that make their lack of experience obvious? [more inside]
posted by Blasdelb on Sep 18, 2012 - 266 answers

I would like to experiment with writing historical fiction. Are there any resources that describe best practices for this genre? Do you have any experience/recommendations/advice? [more inside]
posted by Think_Long on May 30, 2012 - 8 answers

How can I revive a dead novel? [more inside]
posted by Bookhouse on Jan 22, 2007 - 19 answers