Possible Google searches and looming trouble

[NeverGiveUp]

I'm writing a story where my MC is learning how to make and diffuse bombs for the military. I, myself, do not know how to do anything even remotely like making a bomb, and while I want the story to be realistic, I'm nervous about searching for instructions or information on the internet. I feel like if I could just have a general understanding about how a couple of different systems work, I would be good to go. It's an important part of the story.


Should I be concerned?

[Randall]

Um...no.
If it was an issue I'm sure myself and many of the thriller writers would not be here.
Do you have an internet presence that establishes you as a writer of fiction?

Do you rant and rave against the great satan and shout death to America on the web?

If its yes to the first and no to the second you should be fine.

[WasAnn]

Before searching for anything suspicious, because some search strings will automatically go into a queue for analysis, make a first explanatory search.

First search; I'm a writer and writing a thriller that deals with bombs. My next searches are for creating a more authentic scene.

Second search: actual question

[NeverGiveUp]

Thanks so much, guys!

[guest116]

If you're really worried, search with DuckDuckGo. There's no tracking, it doesn't remember searches, and it masks your IP address.

[Post-Doctorate D]

Find a library that's not computerized and still uses a card catalog.  Find the book you need, don't check it out but read it at the library and take notes.

Or, go to a used bookstore and find the book(s) you need and buy them along with a stack of random books.  If they give you suspicious looks when they look for the price tag on the bomb making books, tell them you're an artist and it's for an art project where you're going to carve the cover and pages to make it look like the book is exploding and a bomb making book is the perfect title for such a project.

Or explain you'll tell them why you need it after they give you their home address.  Then laugh maniacally.

Or look around, slide a $5 bill across the counter and ask if they'd kindly erase the security video footage after you leave.

Or shake nervously, look around the store and then whisper to the clerk, "I can't say anything.  Russian hackers are everywhere!"

Most importantly, if you follow any of this advice and get in trouble, my name is John Doe.

[guest14]

Before searching for anything suspicious, because some search strings will automatically go into a queue for analysis, make a first explanatory search.

First search; I'm a writer and writing a thriller that deals with bombs. My next searches are for creating a more authentic scene.

Second search: actual question

Clever, I wonder how many Jihadis just saw that and thought.... sorted 

But, actually although I jest it's probably excellent practice to stop them smashing in my windows and throwing in smoke bombs at 3am.. it scares the cat and I don't wear jammies which scares the crap outta the balaclava-clad intruders. 

[RappaDizzy]

Find a library that's not computerized and still uses a card catalog.  Find the book you need, don't check it out but read it at the library and take notes.

Or, go to a used bookstore and find the book(s) you need and buy them along with a stack of random books.  If they give you suspicious looks when they look for the price tag on the bomb making books, tell them you're an artist and it's for an art project where you're going to carve the cover and pages to make it look like the book is exploding and a bomb making book is the perfect title for such a project.

Or explain you'll tell them why you need it after they give you their home address.  Then laugh maniacally.

Or look around, slide a $5 bill across the counter and ask if they'd kindly erase the security video footage after you leave.

Or shake nervously, look around the store and then whisper to the clerk, "I can't say anything.  Russian hackers are everywhere!"

Most importantly, if you follow any of this advice and get in trouble, my name is John Doe.

Awesome that someone remembers a library and how to use it 

[Post-Doctorate D]

If I ever decide to do some outrageous crime I'll write a novel about it first. When the FBI shows up to ask me about all my Internet searches I'll say, "Sounds like somebody read my novel," and hand them an autographed copy.

And they'll pull out a copy of this forum post and say, "And how would you explain this?"   

[David VanDyke]

I'm writing a story where my MC is learning how to make and diffuse bombs for the military.

I presume you mean "defuse" bombs. As in, to remove the fuse, vs. to spread them around.

[Post-Doctorate D]

I noticed that too but opted not to say anything.  Yes, I swear.  Yeah, that's the ticket.   

[NeverGiveUp]

I'm writing a story where my MC is learning how to make and diffuse bombs for the military.

I presume you mean "defuse" bombs. As in, to remove the fuse, vs. to spread them around.

YIKES! Thank you! I would have missed that.

[Rick Partlow]

I'm writing a story where my MC is learning how to make and diffuse bombs for the military.

I presume you mean "defuse" bombs. As in, to remove the fuse, vs. to spread them around.

Well, if it was a Fuel Air Explosion bomb, wouldn't it be a "diffuse bomb?"