When it comes to writing novels, I’ve always found it helpful to break down the scenes on index cards. A story has a beginning, a middle, and an end. I make it a point of knowing (roughly) how I’d like my story to end. That way, I can create a map of sorts for getting from Point A (the beginning) to Point B (the midpoint) and Point C (the resolution). This technique is even more important when writing a screenplay. Each beat of a story needs … [Read more...]
Kevin Sullivan’s First Video: On the Trail of Ted Bundy
Kevin Sullivan is in the American South West following the trail of the Ted Bundy murders to gather intel for a new project. He will be talking to law enforcement involved with the case as well as people who knew Bundy's victims in order to provide an account of this infamous case like no other before. Kevin will be posting his thoughts, as well as sending photographs and behind-the-scene videos of his travels and investigation as it unfolds. … [Read more...]
Ferak’s new book BODY OF PROOF Examines Underworld of CSI fraud
I spent nine years as a journalist in Omaha, Nebraska from 2003 through 2012 at the state's largest news organization. There were three things that stood out about Nebraska. Aside from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln campus, the rest of Nebraska is about as far right-leaning and conservative as any state in the country. I'm not saying that is good or bad, it's just the way Nebraskans are. Secondly, Nebraska Cornhuskers football means … [Read more...]
Author Kevin Sullivan Hits the Road Retracing the Bundy Murders
Kevin Sullivan has begun his sweep of the states where Ted Bundy committed his murders in an effort to unearth the most detailed and in depth account of this infamous cross country crime spree ever compiled. Kevin has already established himself as a leading author on Bundy with his acclaimed true crime debut: The Bundy Murders: A Comprehensive History. "The Bundy Murders is scholarly and yet, at the same time, compelling and … [Read more...]
John Ferak Reflects on DIXIE and Looks Forward to the Launch of New True Crime
Friends and readers: I can't thank you enough for showing a sincere interest in reading books including my most recent, #truecrime feature length book, DIXIE'S LAST STAND. https://wildbluepress.com/dixies-last-stand-john-ferak-true-crime/ Your dedication, enthusiasm and unwaivering support fuels my motivation to devote untold number of hours during my weeknights and on weekends doing the research, writing, follow-up interviews … [Read more...]
Part 1: Author Ferak explains newly obtained crime photos from DIXIE’s murder case
Iowa bedroom of Dixie and Scott Shanahan, late October 2003. CAPTION: Author's perspective: Study this photo carefully. What do you see? On the wall, there's a portrait of Jesus Christ. The drapes are drawn shut. Two lamps on each side of the bed. A blue pillow. But did you notice the lump in the bed? This photo was taken in late October 2003 by crime lab specialists for the state of Iowa. When they walked into this bedroom, they were overcome … [Read more...]
Looking for love in all the wrong places (like prison)
It was a simple plan: Help a couple killers break out of prison, persuade them to kill your husband, then run off to Vermont and live happily ever after. Maybe a cottage by the sea. Just you and two fugitive psychopaths. In New York today, prison worker Joyce Mitchell stands accused of helping two convicted murderers—Richard Matt, 48, and 35-year-old David Sweat—escape. And authorities now say the 51-year-old woman had sex with both men before … [Read more...]
McStay Murder Case Moves to Trial, But Questions Remain
By Caitlin Rother After following the McStay case for the past five years, I drove nearly four hours to San Bernardino and back yesterday to cover the preliminary hearing of Charles “Chase” Merritt, who stands accused of murdering this family of four. Before I commit myself to writing a true crime book on a specific case, I must weigh many factors, including the logistical challenges of covering a trial as well as the strength of the … [Read more...]
Fallen CSI commander who went to prison grants interview for Ferak’s sequel to BLOODY LIES
Every new book I write is a new adventure. Occasionally, my persistence pays off and the true-crimes readers of all shapes and sizes can benefit from the depth of my research and fresh perspectives of the people I can interview. Every author is different, but I tend to take the advice of veteran true-crime writer Gary C. King. I'll often send a formal type-written letter through the mail to the person I would like to interview. Some respond … [Read more...]
What It’s really Like Writing True Crime (Part 2): Kevin Sullivan on Regret and Remembering Victims of Violent Crime
In my last post we discussed the mechanics of writing true crime. They’re tried and true and for those wanting to write in this genre, it’s a road map to creating something worth selling. It’s a systematic way of doing things that will lead you on a road to success; provided, of course, that you know what you’re doing in the first place. But these are the mechanics of writing true crime. What follows are the unavoidable results of writing true … [Read more...]
