I’m a 31-year old Latina and a Journalist. We’ve all heard about it on the news, from a friend, or someone we know, who unfortunately have been victims of what’s called ‘domestic violence’. Just like many other things in life we think, “well, that won’t happen to me,” and that’s exactly what I always thought until I met Debbie Flores-Narvaez. In reality, I didn’t get to meet Debbie in person; I met her after she was brutally murdered. Yes, I’m … [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...]
Post Five: A Visit To The Belaya Gora (White Mountain) Monastery; A People And Their Faith
On Sunday the members of our expedition to locate the remains of the Grand Duke Mikhail Romanov were taken on a field trip by our Russian hosts to the Belaya Gora (for White Mountain) monastery. Located on a high hill about 100 kilometers from Perm, the monastery is both a reminder of Russia’s tragic past, as well as a metaphor for the resilience of the Russian people and their faith. The monastery is dominated by a large, beautiful white … [Read more...]
Post Four: Saga of the Red Mountain Skull Deadends; Search For Romanov Grand Duke Mikhail Expedition Moves On
I apologize for the delay between posts for those of you following the 2015 search for the remains of the Grand Duke Mikhail Alexandrovich Romanov and his secretary Brian Johnson. We've been working hard and seeing a few of the sites and visiting with our Russian friends (more on that and them in an upcoming post). When I last left you, we were in the middle of chasing down a story that came to light shortly before the arrival of the team. The … [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...]
Meet Debbi Mack’s Heroine Sam McRae Plus The Murderesses of Prohibition-Era Chicago
Your Guide to New Developments, Exclusive Content and Giveaways at WildBlue Press June 14, 2015 THIS WEEK'S CONTENT New John Ferak true crime book title contest results Featured Blog Posts by John Ferak, Kevin Sullivan and Steve Jackson Debbi Mack in the spotlight Steve Jackson From Russia With Love video journal and photo gallery Bizarre but True: The Celebrity Murderesses of Prohibition-Era … [Read more...]
Post Three: The Search for Grand Duke Mikhail Romanov and the Saga of the Red Mountain Skull Part II
It's June 12 and Russia National Day, a patriotic holiday for this great and proud country and its warm and generous people. Outside of my hotel window I can hear an orchestra playing the 1812 Overture (celebrating the Russian victory over Bonaparte and the French outside the gates of Moscow). Ironically, it's also the anniversary of the June 12, 1918 abduction and murder of Grand Duke Mikhail Alexandrovich Romanov and his secretary and friend, … [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...]
Saying Goodbye to Real Evidence
Saying Goodbye to Real Evidence Most folks who’ve read (or will read) my book on serial sex killer, Ted Bundy, have no idea that it was an odd fluke the book was written in the first place. It wasn’t a biography I was intending to write, and in fact, in my mind, there wasn't any reason to be writing anything about this dead killer. For me, there wasn't any real connection, except that I would talk about him occasionally with my friend, James … [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...]
