Writers, esp those writing true-crime books, are often drawn to serial killer stories. And so are everyday people since these stories both horrify and fascinate us frequently. As a service to my fellow writers, I'm providing another tutorial. This one deals with the facts and the myths of serial killers. Hopefully, writers will find them useful for their writing. And other readers may just find them interesting. Some facts. Serial killings account for very few of all murders committed in … [Read more...]
CRIME INVESTIGATION Tutorial— How the FBI does it.
November 10, 2018 By 3 Comments
Regrettably, a high profile FBI crime investigation seems to be opened on a regular basis these days. Mass killings like the recent one at a synagogue in Pittsburg are part of the reason. Counting the Thousand Oaks bar shooting this week, there have been 307 mass shootings so far in 2018. That's almost one a day in the U.S. according to the Gun Violence Archive.** Crime Investigation and the FBI. So, the FBI is heck-a-busy doing crime investigation and other things on top of … [Read more...]
Has The Golden State Killer been Caught? Details not heard before.
April 30, 2018 By Leave a Comment
If you're like a lot of people, you're dying (no pun intended) to learn more about The Golden State Killer. I blogged last week just after Joseph Angelo was arrested as a prime suspect. I noted some of the basic info about The Golden State Killer that law enforcers released after his arrest. The Golden State Killer. Since that time, there have been many articles and TV newscasts adding more details about The Golden State Killer case. But, one of the most interesting sources of info of late is … [Read more...]
To “Check your privilege,” watch Dominick Dunne on the Justice Network.
March 24, 2018 By Leave a Comment
As I write my current book, I'm outraged at the light sentences given to several of the privileged murderers I've gotten to know over the years. (I'm a criminologist and embrace the "check your privilege" movement.) For these reasons I've developed an affinity for Dominick Dunne. He's the late American writer, investigative journalist, and producer who covered the trial of his daughter's murderer. Like me, Dunne was incensed at the verdict (acquittal of 2nd-degree murder charge in favor of … [Read more...]
Authors of THE BULLYING ANTIDOTE recognize local heroes.
October 7, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Please join a writer friend of mine at an award ceremony recognizing East Bay, California heroes in bullying prevention. Kristen Caven and her psychologist mom, Louise Hart, wrote The Bullying Antidote. More about this book later in the post. To celebrate the completion of a 2-year book giveaway project, Caven and Hart will be honoring community leaders who are creating positive change. Zorgos Awards. The Zorgos Awards Banquet honors those who have the superpower of … [Read more...]
Criminologist Yablonsky carried switchblade before seeing the light.
June 3, 2017 By 1 Comment
Lewis Yablonsky honored me by writing the forward to my first book as a criminologist, Dealing with Violence back in the '70s. We taught together and enjoyed one another's company. He died in 2014.As part of a series on great colleagues and teachers, I offer this obit of Yablonsky by William Yardley. Lewis Yablonsky, teaching at California State University, Northridge, in 1984. His books include “The Violent Gang.” CreditGary Friedman/Los Angeles TimesSociologist and criminolgist."Lewis … [Read more...]
Today is World Book Day! Some advice.
April 23, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Today is World Book Day. It's a global celebration of readers, authors, and books. It's an event recognized in over 100 countries around the globe. For school kids, it began this year on April 17 and lasted 5 days.World Book Day—Things to Do. Join me in reading a good book. In case you have nothing lying around to read, I've got an idea. Why not download the e-book version of Cleft Heart: Chasing Normal. Former Secretary of State John Kerry calls it "A poignant, heartfelt tale.Learn more … [Read more...]
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