In August, I attended Killer Nashville, which is an amazingly cool regional writing conference for folks who write mysteries, suspense and thrillers. The KN folks offered some wonderful writing workshops, book signings and feedback sessions with agent and editors. But probably the two most interesting aspects of the conference were the mock crime scene and the keynote session on the opening day.
The keynote speaker was Dr. Bill Bass from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. When the conference program warned that those with weak constitutions might want to skip the keynote, I knew it was going to be a good one. Dr. Bass developed UTK’s Forensic Anthropology Center, more often referred to as the “Body Farm.” The UTK website describes the Anthropology Research Facility as “…the first of its kind to permit systematic study of human decomposition.”
Yep, not for the faint of heart.
No doubt, Dr. Bass has intrigued some many people with the happenings at the Body Farm because he’s not a morbid, dour man. He’s actually quite humorous. Because, believe me, anyone who can make a presentation about a contraband fireworks manufacturer exploding and killing everyone inside the facility entertaining is a talented guy.
Granted, information about the Body Farm may not be for the squeamish, but for those of you who love NCIS, Bones and other forensic TV shows, you might be interested in learning how these processes work in the real world.
If you want more info, check out the Forensic Anthropology Center’s brochure or Dr. Bass’s bio.
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Since I’ve wigged you out talking about decomposition and corpses, I guess I should make you feel better by mentioning it’s National Chocolate Cupcake Day. You definitely deserve one now! Add sprinkles if you’re feeling especially woozy!
