Anything can be a weapon - A mystery and suspense writing motto

Whether you are defending yourself from an attacker or trying to kill your wife and frame Guilder for it (Princess Bride joke), weaponry is unlimited because every object in your house can probably be used to kill or defend yourself. Please don't use this to suggest you can kill yourself! That is not the message I am promoting!

If any of you have ever watched The Red Green Show you know that "any tool is the right tool". When building a porch or a car that is absolutely not true, but when it comes to writing a self-defense or murder scene it is true. Below are the reasons I believe that the possibilities are endless for weaponry.

Self-Defense Scenarios

In the case of self-defense, this is a brilliant way to a have an unconventional weapon used. An umbrella? A letter opener? A frying pan? An encyclopedia? All of the above will work for this use. When you are being chased by someone with intent to kill you or assault you, one can't be picky about what one can use to defend themselves. If you see a fireplace poker you grab it. A frying pan, sure, why not! Just look at the zombie movies, like Shaun of the Dead or Zombieland for examples like this. 

Murder and Intent to Kill/Harm

This goes for a crime of passion, in most cases. I say this because a premeditated murder will have a premeditated weapon prepared and ready. A crime of passion? Not so much. Whatever is in the room or within reach will do. Again, I reference the horror genre for examples of this. Gremlins show the little gremlin creatures grabbing anything they can find to take on the humans trying to destroy them. This also shows one gremlin being microwaved to death. Anything goes in most horror genre movies.

Actual Examples from Real Life

These are real life examples, that I haven't made up, of murders that happened with household objects we would never, normally, consider dangerous. I can't make these up, and if you don't believe me click the first source at the bottom of the post. It has more details on all of these murders.

1. Richard Clare was killed by a spoon to the head in 2004. 

2. Alf Andersson was stabbed to death with a stilletto in 2013. 

3. Rebecca Love was stabbed with a pen 93 times in May 2007.

4. Marie Rankin was beaten to death with her crucifix. 

5. Monica Gooden was bludgeoned with an Xbox 360 in 2013. 

6. A 97-year-old man was beaten dead by a spatula.

7. Sreymon Claudia was beaten to death with a toilet tank lid until it broke.

8. Debra Hewitt murdered her boyfriend using her prosthetic leg. 

9. Daniel Kovarbasich smashed a jar of pickles on his molester's head. 

10. Patricia McCollum was strangled with a pair of sweatpants. 

I repeat, I can't make this up. These are all real. 

 Objects Used For Self Defense

There are a million or so nonlethal and lethal self-defense weapons made for self-defense specifically, but I'm not going to talk about those today. (Possibly another post to look out for, if you liked this one!) Today we talk about the inanimate objects that, with a little bit of imagination, can be used against an attacker. Below is a list of objects that can be used to fend off an attacker, inflict pain, or kill in self-defense. "Them" is your attacker.

1. Fire extinguishers - Blind someone and hit them on the head

2. Any sharp object in the house (yes, pens) - Stab them

3. Keys - Stab them

4. Anything for blunt force - slam it into them

5. Gardening tools and sports equipment - slam it into them and stab them (depends on tool)

5. Your shoes - Slam your heel into them

6. Household chemicals - Cause ill effects to them

7. Any Clothes, blankets, and sheets - cover their line of vision

All of these are common objects around the house, every one of them. Never underestimate the power of your gardening shed or supply closets. Writers, you live with many lethal objects in your house. Use your imagination when it comes to your mysteries and suspense.

Pictures:
Reddit
feministdisney
wewantinsanity.com
wired.com

Sources:

https://thoughtcatalog.com/kendra-syrdal/2016/03/10-unconventional-items-you-never-would-have-suspected-were-used-in-cold-blooded-murder-but-totally-were/

https://www.heraldextra.com/momclick/health-and-fitness/common-household-items-make-great-self-defense-tools/article_2b140a31-3b82-5568-b55a-cf7a34ebd2cc.html

The Hardy Boys - a brief history

The Hardy Boys have been around as long as Nancy Drew has.  They were created in 1927 and written under the name of Franklin W. Dixon. Much like Nancy Drew, they have been maintained by ghostwriters. Frank and Joe Hardy have been featured as phone contacts and physical characters in Herinteractive Nancy Drew games, have their own PC games, and their books continue to be written.

Since I've done a feature on Nancy Drew's history, it's only fair to do one on Frank and Joe Hardy. Their images don't generally change, mostly because they are men, but their personalities vary by series to a small degree. Men don't have fashion to worry about, usually, so it makes perfect, logical sense that their images don't change as much as Nancy's. They live in Bayport with their mother (Laura Hardy) and their father, plus their Aunt Gertrude. In some books they work for The Network/ATAC (american teens against crime).

The Original Series

Let's get a mental picture of these brothers. Joe is blonde, the younger brother, and is more impulsive. Frank is dark haired, the older brother, and more level-headed. The pair have a father, Fenton Hardy, who is a private investigator. He calls on his sons to help him with some of his cases. Love interests depend highly on the series.

The original series included Laura and Fenton Hardy, Aunt Gertrude, Chet Morton, various other friends, and the platonic female friends Cali Shaw and Iola Morton. Iola is Chet's sister, to answer the question you didn't ask. It doesn't imply romance here. The focus is on action and adventure, because it is aimed at young boys.

Any series aimed at young and growing boys has a natural tendency to focus on adventure, action, and sometimes "getting the girl". It encourages men to be leaders in every aspect of their lives and feeds young boys' needs for excitement. The Hardy Boys are no exception to that rule. The more mature the series, the more it focuses on "getting the girl". In this way it is different from the Nancy Drew series that it often crosses over with. Nancy has a more independent theme going on (if you look at the original, at least).

The Series That Followed

Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys crossovers often include the idea of Frank and Nancy getting together. This is known as "Francy". This is because both have so much in common, and it is a great writing technique to get drama going. The more drama-filled the series, the more "Francy" you see.  Hardy Boys have thrived alongside Nancy Drew, through Nancy's stories as well as their own. There are Hardy Boys series wherever you find Nancy Drew, with a few exceptions.

Crossover series include Hardy Boys Nancy Drew Supermysteries I and II and a shared 1970s TV series. There was a 90's TV show, but it was canceled mid-season due to low ratings. The individual book series include Undercover Brothers, Hardy Boys Casefiles, Clues Brothers, and Hardy Boys Adventures. Some of these are aimed at more mature audiences, others are aimed at younger audiences (ex. Clue Brothers).  Within these are a mix of romance and completely platonic friendships. The Supermysteries and casefiles play with varying levels of drama, while the original series and Clues Brothers are aimed at a younger audience and have almost no drama.

A Steady Storyline

In the Nancy Drew blog post I pointed out distinct changes in characters, but here there are only minor changes in personality. Frank is flirtatious in some series (Nancy Drew Hardy Boys Supermysteries TV series), but introverted and awkward in others (Supermysteries II books). Actors and writers have tweeked them here and there, but the basics remain constant. Joe is impulsive and flirtatious, while Frank is a thinker. The newer series may exclude some of the original friends and add more characters in their place, including many short and long term love interests, but I can't find changes to character traits established in the original books.

While Nancy Drew changed with times, the Hardy Boys didn't have to, mostly because they were men. Fashion for men has not changed much. The standards that men are held to have changed only slightly, in most circles. Action-filled adventures are still in demand for young men and boys, while young girls' lives have changed so much more in comparison. Society has changed more for women than men, though it has shifted for both. In short, while Nancy's image varies between series, these two brothers don't, and if they do it's minor.

Want to hear a history of any more fictional characters? Let me know in the comments below!



Pictures:
Herinteractive
mentalfloss.com
pinterest
wattpad

Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hardy_Boys

Nancy Drew through the years - a changing image

With the CW Nancy Drew drama coming out, I thought I should do something Nancy Drew related. I have been a Nancy Drew nerd since childhood. I am a proud fan of Herinteractive games (shout out to all the Drew Crew out there!).

Nancy's image has changed from her creation to today. Everything from her wardrobe to her hair color hasn't been the same. I'm going to go through her image and appearance, as well as other changes, from her creation to today.

With the changes that happened, I want to say that what hasn't changed is her love of mysteries and empowerment of women. She has encouraged young girls for decades and the idea of Nancy Drew has not died since her creation.

A Brief History

Nancy Drew was created in 1930 by Edward Stratemeyer and maintained by ghostwriters. To this day, various Nancy Drew series are written by ghostwriters under the name "Carolyn Keene". She is known for her courageous solving of dangerous mysteries, her sense of style, her roadster, her father being a lawyer, and her hometown of River Heights. Her constant friends are Ned Nickerson, Bess Marvin, and George Fayne.

Starting with the 1930s and 1940s books, her hair color changed from strawberry blonde to red with one misprint. This is why she is sometimes blonde and sometimes a redhead. Her clothes are usually updated based on when something was filmed or written. 

 Her image started with a long scarf, a knee-length dress, short hair under a hat, and thick heels. She started as blonde, but it began to vary.  Her character was daring, fashionable, and well-liked by everyone, except the culprit. She's not a goody-two-shoes, but she isn't a rebellious teenager either. Danger doesn't phase her. 

From here, we got different Nancy Drew series sprouting in the forms of TV , movies, games, and books. I'm going to start with the TV shows and the distinct differences in how she is portrayed.

TV Shows

Nancy Drew Hardy Boys Series - This started in the 70s and Nancy Drew wasn't a part of the third season. The third season was the end of the whole series (just Hardy Boys by then). She is portrayed as her spunky self and they suggest that she and Frank Hardy have a romance (what is known by fans as "Francy"). That suggestion has stood the test of time in several other series. 

Nancy Drew 1995 -   This series is not well known. It has one season, is a drama, and doesn't get much discussion. It takes place in Los Angeles. She is 21 and a criminologist. The show was canceled mid-season due to low ratings. I have personally watched two episodes and never want to own it.

Nancy Drew CW  -   This is new, as of 2019, as in brand new. So far my impression of it, based on reviews, is that this Nancy is nothing like the books. It may have the same name as Nancy, but the relationships, town, and plot are different. I could go on about this for a while, but the bottom line on this one is that Nancy Drew here is unlike Nancy Drew anywhere else. It is more sexualized, also.

Books Series

Given that the original series is the 1930s and 1940s books, I won't be talking about that series and differences because it is the standard. Every book series has a different tone, but all have the name Carolyn Keene.


Nancy Drew files -  The book series started in 1986 and focuses on romance and drama, as well as mystery. In this one, Nancy sometimes has men other than Ned. It is more dramaful than the original books from 1930 and 1940.

Girl Detective -  The book series is set in current day. The setting is in River Heights, just like most everything else. She has the same characteristics as the original Nancy, just in modern-day time. I personally love this one, mostly because it has the same charm as the originals with modern mysteries. This one includes Deirdre Shannon as a main character, too.

Hardy Boys Nancy Drew Supermysteries -  This series started in 1988 and supports the idea of  "Francy" to the max. It also has some drama about romance here and there, with a lot of good mystery mixed in. I like these ones, too, mostly because I like the idea of "Francy".

Hardy Boys Nancy Drew Supermysteries II -   An intersection of girl detective and undercover brothers, this is set in modern day and is also as fun as Girl Detective. The title explains itself, so I don't think I need to explain much. It has the same feel as Girl Detective because it's the same publisher, and maybe similar ghostwriters.

On campus -  With this one it is mostly a soap opera in a book, with a mystery subplot. Nancy and Ned break up in this series. It began in 1995 and Nancy is going to college. It was not the most loved series if you expected a real mystery. She came across as less intelligent. To make a long story short, if you like soap opera you might like this one. If you wanted a mystery? Not so much.

Movies

When it comes to films, everyone likes a different Nancy. Some like the modern and some like the classic (1930s) Nancy. Whatever your taste, here's how each Nancy actress portrayed this teen sleuth. 

Bonita Granville -  She was Nancy in four short films, all of them made in 1939. They include Ned as "Ted" and don't imply a romantic relationship. She tends to solve the mystery however works and she has a fondness for her father and Ted, creating trouble for both. She's adorable, smart, and determined. Somehow, she also never gets in trouble herself, though she gets Ted into a lot of awkward situations. 

Emma Roberts -  Set in California, this Nancy has to avoid mysteries because her father doesn't want to worry about her. She picked a house with a mystery, oops.  Emma Roberts portrays a goody-two-shoes, "I want to help people" Nancy with old fashioned values. She assumes the best in people, managing to make friends with some quirky classmates. Her and Ned seem to be at the beginning of their relationship. They kiss for the first time at the end of the movie. She is a bit out of place in Los Angeles and doesn't fit in, so she does get made fun of by a pair of girls in her new school. 

Sophia Lillis -   This portrayal of Nancy is aimed at Millennials and younger. I loved it, but not everyone did. She rides a longboard and just moved to River Heights after her mother died. She and her father have some spats because she hadn't wanted to move away, but they reconcile. She is a bit reckless and plays a few pranks within the film. She ends up doing community service after the prank we see in the beginning. She grows up within the film, rather than being perfect immediately. The film also includes Helen Corning, a character from the books we rarely see in today's books and films.( Helen Corning acts more like Deirdre Shannon in the opening scenes. ) There is no Ned in this one, but there is Deputy Patrick, a nonromantic character. Like the books, Carson Drew (the father) is in danger. 

Games

Nancy Drew games, DS and PC, are out there. Some of them are seek-and-find, while others put you in the place of Nancy Drew and you solve the mystery. Herinteractive makes Nancy Drew games and began making them in 1998 with Secrets Can Kill. They will be releasing another one December 3rd Midnight in Salem. 

These games portray Nancy in a relationship with Ned. Nancy is calling Ned, Bess, George, and the Hardy boys for helpful hints and is often traveling. She unravels the mystery of what happened to her mother in Silent Spy and solves several mysteries tied to threats, murder, sabotage, and ghosts (though some of them may not be real). 

This is a particularly long blog post, but it was worth it. This is a subject I love to talk about! Want to hear more? Comment below!

Sources:

https://www.lib.umd.edu/nancy/nancy-drews-legacy/celebrating-75-years

http://nancydrew.info/nd0.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Drew#1986%E2%80%931997:_Files,_Super_Mystery,_and_On_Campus

Pictures:
New York Times
Just Jared Jr.
Herinteractive wiki fandom
pinterest
thedailyfandom.com
flickeringmyth.com
theweek.com

elite daily

domestic abuse law - the basics for writers

Domestic abuse is a serious issue that can't be ignored. No matter what your gender, it can happen to anyone. When it comes to laws, here's what can be done.

It is defined by the domestic abuse hotline as a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to control and maintain control of the other partner. You don't have to be married to have this issue. You can be dating, married, or living together. Status doesn't matter here. This abuse type is done by using physical harm, fear, and controlling behaviors. These can range from emotional abuse to threats and abuse of power.  In the first source link at the bottom of the page there is more information on this topic and abuse type.

Law and Punishment

Let's get into laws, in Lehmans terms. This type of law includes civil protection orders and punishment for the controlling partner. Most are prosecuted under state law. I am going into Ohio's domestic violence laws here, so it may be different if you aren't in Ohio or your character lives elsewhere.

When someone is accused of domestic violence here's what going to happen to them.
- They are arrested
- reputation damage
- temporary restraining order
- firearm rights restricted
- occupation consequences for missing work (if they work)

If convicted, there is an injunction issued. That means no contact with the victim. Possibilities also include probation, counseling of any sort, and drug help. Below is a basic guideline to what can happen, based on the person/character's previous history.

First time - The first time usually results in first-degree misdemeanor, so six months in jail and $1000 fine. Was the (alleged) victim pregnant and you knew? Add a felony onto that.

Previous domestic violence - Previous convictions make it a fourth-degree felony, so a prison sentence of six to eighteen months and $5000 fine. Pregnant victim? You now get maximum penalty.

  Related-to-domestic-violence convictions on recond - If you get convicted of domestic violence and have two plus prior convictions related to domestic violence, it is a third-degree felony, so maximum prison sentence and $10,000 fine.

After one gets out of prison/jail and pays their dues, what happens to them? Here's the struggle they created for themselves:
- hard to find jobs  - restricted license for work   - no firearms  - less or no child custody (f it applies)
- permanent red mark on record

Proving Domestic Violence

We know what happens to the convicted, but how do the victims prove, or fake, domestic violence? 

In writing your characters know that some have faked this, but whether they get away with it or not in your writing is your choice. That is only a miniscule number of people who fake. Without further adieu, here is how it can be proven, or faked. 

Nonphysical abuse is hard to prove. No bruises or marks on your body, but still being abused? Doesn't look good in court, if you don't know how to document the abuse. 

1. third party expert  -  If an expert on abuse, a therapist or psychologist, can confirm the abuse you have a witness. 

2. paper trail -   Keep a copy of the threatening texts, journal what is going on in real-time. Write factual and straight facts of what is happening somewhere. The more you leave a paper trail behind you, the more you have on someone. Can you record phone calls (check this out based on the state)? Do so!

Physical evidence is easier to prove than nonphysical, for obvious reasons. Bruises in places you can't reach? Obviously not your doing. Here is where something may be faked more easily (though the evidence above can be, too). 

1. 911 call records and medical records - 911 will keep record of distress calls. These prove you needed help, serious help. Also, if someone put you in a hospital due to this abuse, it is documented by the hospital. 

2. Witnesses of violence -   In cases of violent attacks, a few witnesses can always be of help, if they are telling the truth. Witness something? Tell someone!

3. Records -   Did they harm someone else before you and get convicted? That's one point in your favor. History of crime or violence is a sign you are telling the truth, or a convenient way to trap someone (if your character is lying, that is). Especially when they had a restraining order against them, police reports with their name on them, or anything proving trouble with the law. 

4. Pictures of physical harm -  If they harmed you or your property and you have it documented in pictures, you have physical evidence of an attack and have some serious evidence to protect yourself. Can this be faked? Possibly, depending on how far one wanted to go to pin a crime on someone. 

When This Law Applies

All of the above applies in high conflict divorce cases, custody battles, and charges of domestic violence. When children are involved the law is serious about the child's welfare and will, most likely, be looking for stability in a parent, as well as safety. Some abusers try to take custody of the children as a way to bring pain to the other partner and keep them close. 

You'll notice that I didn't focus on women on this post. This post isn't about gender, though domestic violence does connect to women. That's because men can be abused by other men or women, as well, and it is much harder to prove in court.  Women can also abuse women. Women are not always saints and victims. I'm acknowledging that no matter your gender, domestic abuse can happen. Men are not immune to this. 

Pictures:

nomore.com
thehotline.com



Sources:

https://www.thehotline.org/is-this-abuse/abuse-defined/
https://www.law.georgetown.edu/your-life-career/career-exploration-professional-development/for-jd-students/explore-legal-careers/practice-areas/domestic-violence-law/
https://www.rittgers.com/Criminal-Defense/Criminal-Defense-FAQ/Accused-Of-Domestic-Violence-In-Ohio-What-You-Need-To-Know.shtml
https://www.domesticshelters.org/articles/legal/how-to-prove-nonphysical-abuse-in-court
https://www.weinsteinlawoffice.com/blog/perserving-evidence-in-a-domestic-violence-case/

Hiding blades - creating hidden weaponry for your character

So, you're writing an assassin or a spy and you need some cool hidden blade ideas. Today is your lucky day! This post is about real-life hidden blades that actually exist. You can pay money for these and own these in real life. You can even make some yourself. A note of caution to those cosplaying: security will take your hidden blade if it is real! Make a fake one, if cosplaying. 

Shoes with Blades 

You've seen blades hidden in shoes in Kingsman and James Bond. You can make one of these yourself or buy it. Instructions on how to make this are also on Pinterest. You can also find it in high heel 

form.   

No joke, you can pay hundreds of dollars for high heel weaponry. Most of these are stillettos. They may or may not need to be special ordered, but they do exist. These can be used for self-defense in many scenarios.

                                         Hidden in Armor 

This applies to cosplayers and writers (again, fake weapons for conventions or they don't come with you). Lots of video game and movie characters have knives and spikes hidden in their armor, around mostly their arms. The main examples I can find are from the video game Assassin's Creed.  No surprise here, you can make it yourself with a little help from Pinterest. 

Sword Canes and Umbrellas

We know Higgins had one in the first season of Magnum PI. They do exist and you can buy them. The canes must sell extremely well because one of the models was sold out on one website I looked at, specifically the one referenced in my source links. This one had been on sale, but its original price was $40. Depending on how fancy your character, or you, are may up or lower that price. Bet on paying at least 40 to 70 dollars.

The umbrella is not surprising, given its similarity to a cane. It may be less expensive or more expensive. 

Small Objects and Miscellaneous 

Other objects that have held knives include keys, pens, lipstick, belts, shovels, combs, necklaces, carabiners, cufflinks, and bullets. You can buy these things online. You can put a sword or blade in a set of golf clubs, if you wanted to. Writers, you can arm your spies and assassins with quite a lot of blades, almost all of them hidden. 

It is also a possibility that the "cover" for your spy allows them many blades or weapons. Artists, for example, have blades for cutting paper and canvas. Doctors have access to blades, especially surgeons. Blades don't have to be hidden for your spy, especially if their alias uses them for their work. 

Did I miss any good hiding spots for blades? Comment below and tell me. Any suggestions for my next blog would also be appreciated. I am here to arm you with truth for your writing. What do you want to hear about?

Pictures:

Instructibles.com

DANZ COMIX and Collektibles

knifecenter.com

Sources and some pictures:

https://www.trendhunter.com/slideshow/hidden-weapons

https://blog.knife-depot.com/top-10-knives-disguised-as-everyday-objects/

http://www.weapons-universe.com/Swords/Cane_Swords/Walking-Cane-Hidden-Sword-P-2651.shtml

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/507077239271147334/?lp=true

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/518758450820780893/?lp=true

Suffragettes - UK and United States

For all those writers writing history pieces that involve women's suffrage, this is for you. For all those people scrolling facebook, pinterest, and twitter out of boredom, this is also for you. This is especially for those who love women's history.

 These brave women are the reason women can vote and be involved in law. Here's the basic overview of how long they fought for the basic right to have legal voice.

In the UK

It was started in 1897 by Milicent Fawcett. She was for peaceful protest because doing anything irresponsible may prove to the men that women couldn't be trusted. Later another group began, after that one failed.

Emmeline Pankhurst started Women's Social and Political Union in 1903 and was willing to do anything to get what she wanted, violence included. She interrupted many meetings with her suffragette group and they were jailed many times over for it. They also burned churches that didn't agree with them, broke windows, chained themselves to Buckingham Palace, shouted abuse at Parliament from the Thames river, and refused to pay taxes, as well as, firebombing homes, vandalizing golf courses, and attacking politicians.



Suffragettes happily went to prison and went on a hunger strike. They began force-feeding these women. Because of the passing of the Cat and Mouse Act, force-feeding was outlawed and once too weak, they were released. Some were picked up later for trivial reasons and the process started over again, all because this meant they couldn't participate in the movement because of health. The police used this technique often to keep the movement under control.

World War I took over everyone's agenda and the women put their attention into the war support. 1918 was the year that women over the age of 30 were given the right to vote. It was a starting point.

In the United States

The right to vote took decades here. The right to vote was given in 1920. The movement began before the civil war, in 1848. The temperance, religious, moral-reform, and anti-slavery movements were going on, as well. 

It started with the Seneca Falls convention, where abolitionists gathered to discuss women voting and agreed it was needed. During the 1850s it gathered, and lost, steam. The black men got the right to vote in 1870, but not women. Groups began campaigning for women's votes, both universally and state-by-state. These two groups merged in 1890. 

 In 1910 they gained some ground. Some western states gave women the vote. Southern and eastern, not so much. Just like in the UK, some made peaceful campaign plans and others picketed and hunger-striked. Also, World War I put those plans on hold. After that, the vote was won for all women on August 18th, 1920. 

Why This Matters

Women today have enjoyed the right to vote since 1920, or in the UK, around 1918. In the case of other countries, this is different, so please be aware of that when writing a setting that is none of the above. 

We are all blessed enough to vote on our representation. Women have come a long way since 1920 and have the privilege to do so much. Not only do we vote, but we also work and own property. History shows us how blessed we are to live the way we do.  Thank you, Suffragettes. 

Pictures:
bbc.co.uk
phoenix.org.uk
wikipedia
nps.gov

Sources:
https://www.history.com/topics/womens-history/the-fight-for-womens-suffrage
https://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/the-role-of-british-women-in-the-twentieth-century/suffragettes/

Nellie Bly - 10 Days in the Mad-House

Nellie Bly, real name Elizabeth Jane Cochran, was a great investigative reporter that wrote many great stories, but one made it into the movies. One of her greatest stories included traveling the world in 72 days, but she is most known for going undercover at the asylum on Blackwell Island, NY. The book was titled Ten Days in the Madhouse.

Blackwell Island, NY

Blackwell Asylum was the first mental hospital in New York. It was overcrowded, which resulted in a lack of internal administration, disease outbreaks, improper diet and nutrition, and bad living conditions. To reduce costs they even hired convicts as attendants. They had accommodations for 640 in 1868 and had 1035 people in the building. More buildings were built throughout time. Female and immigrant patients were many, though men still ended up here. The newest and most violent were put in one building, and if new patients weren't violent, moved to another building. Nellie Bly checked herself into here in 1887. 10 days later she was released with the help of Pulitzer. Several investigations later, her report ended this asylum. In 1901 all patients were transferred elsewhere and it closed. 

 The saner she acted, the more insane she was thought to be. Her report, according to asylumprojects.org, looked like this:

"What, excepting torture, would produce insanity quicker than this treatment? Here is a class of women sent to be cured. I would like the expert physicians who are condemning me for my action, which has proven their ability, to take a perfectly sane and healthy woman, shut her up and make her sit from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. on straight-back benches, do not allow her to talk or move during these hours, give her no reading and let her know nothing of the world or its doings, give her bad food and harsh treatment, and see how long it will take to make her insane. Two months would make her a mental and physical wreck."

Currently, it is now a historic building restored into an apartment complex. Would you want to live there? Yeah, not me. It is called Roosevelt Island now. 

What Nellie Bly Experienced

*If you want details, as in a lot of details, I strongly suggest you read 10 Days in the Mad-House for yourself. I am writing a snapshot view of her report that won't be pages long.*

Nellie Bly took on a new name, checked herself into a boarding house, and acted insane. She acted like an insomniac, wandered, and ranted incoherently. She was committed in days. She claimed to be a Cuban immigrant with amnesia. She went from Bellevue Hospital to Blackwell Island. 

1600 patients were in a building built for 1000 people. There were 16 doctors on staff. Asylums could be used as what we now call "circus freak shows" and be entertainment for the public. This was just the beginning of a terrible 10 days. Patients were forced to take cold baths and remain in wet clothes for hours, creating frequent sickness. People were forced to sit still in chairs in silence for 12 hours, forced to pull carts like mules, and given bad living conditions and food. Complaining resulted in beatings and threat of sexual violence. 

Inmates were composed of, often, sane people. They were recent imigrants, got caught up in law systems and couldn't communicate, were poor, or were women (mostly). Sane people were being psychologically harmed. 

Even though her cover was nearly blown by a fellow reporter, she made it for 10 days and got out with some outside help from her editor. Her reports were published within days. A grand jury investigated the asylum one month later, but they had been tipped off and cleaned up their act. Despite this denial of her facts, the jury took Bly's side. They increased funding, abusive staff were fired, translators were hired, and the system was changed to prevent the sane from being committed. Bly's career took off after this story. 

Pictures:
Haiku Deck
azquotes.com
macaulay honors college

Sources:
https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/nellie-bly
http://www.asylumprojects.org/index.php/Blackwell%27s_Island_Asylum
https://www.biography.com/news/inside-nelly-bly-10-days-madhouse