Thursday, December 31, 2015

Review of Netflix Series Making a Murderer


I’m going to attempt a mostly spoiler free review with a few minor plot points sprinkled in to make it cleared. From an author’s perspective, the 10 ep documentary offers insight into the behind the scenes workings of court reporters, lawyers, and law enforcement. In particular, it demonstrates interrogation/police procedures techniques, the good and the ugly. The interrogation of a sixteen year old boy with a 70 IQ who doesn’t know the meaning of the word “inconsistent” is especially disturbing. His mother didn’t know the meaning of the word either. I felt so sorry for the poor kid. From a writer’s perspective, I’d recommend watching it if you have an interest in writing crime fiction.  I learned a lot. However, I’m going to issue a ‘possible trigger warning’ because it deals with two disturbing cases of violence against women.

Netflix Description: Filmed over 10 years, this real-life thrilled follows a DNA exoneree  [Steven Avery] who, while exposing police corruption, becomes a suspect in a grisly new crime.


I found myself going through a lot of emotions as I watched the series, because I didn’t like the central focus of the doc, Steven Avery. He is a shitty human being. I was proud that the film makers didn’t shy away from that fact. I felt really sorry for his parents, who seemed like good people. But even though Steven is an asshole that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have rights. Innocent until proven guilty. Period. 

I’ve seen a lot of justifiable anger posts online about the cases. I’m more upset about his nephew, but I can understand the ire. Overall, I like the style and format of the documentary. It was gripping to watch. I felt like the victim’s family got a little shafted, because we only had press conferences from the brother. They were stiff and formal, which can never properly demonstrate their grief. I can't imagine how they were feeling.

Has anyone seen the series? Do you think the jury made the right decision?

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

New Interview


I was really excited when Rick R Reed asked me do a interview for his blog. Several of his books are on my all time favorites list. The Chaser series is fantastic. You can find the interview here. I talk a little about writing When One Door Opens. In  Caleb/Logan news, I am hoping to put out another free short story again this year. The focus last time was on Christmas, so I'm moving on to Valentines' Day. Look for the story to be posted in February.

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Desk Talk with C.S. Poe

The very lovely C.S. Poe, author of Love Has No Expiration, interviewed me on her blog about my writing space in her new feature Desk Talk. Check it out if you're interested in my Diet Coke and PlayDoh obsession, approach to writing, and future projects. You can find the interview here.



Saturday, May 16, 2015

Greatest Hits Collection

I'm excited to announce that my novel When One Door Opens was selected to be included in Dreamspinner Press Year Six Greatest Hits collection. The collection includes four other wonderful books as well for $9.99.

Mary Calmes: Frog
R. Cooper: A Boy and His Dragon
Lisa M. Owens: Worth the Coming Home
Xavier Mayne: Frat House Troopers
JD Ruskin: When One Door Opens


ISBN-13 978-1-63476-615-9
Pages 920
Cover Artist Paul Richmond




Saturday, April 4, 2015

Paperbacks on Sale


If you like paperbacks, I'd suggest you head over to the Dreamspinner Store. They have a massive sale in the month of April for all in stock paperbacks. You can find my books here, but many others are also on sale.


Thursday, March 26, 2015

New Book Trailer

My paranormal romance has a new book trailer for Finding MattThe talented folks at loewenherz-creative.com have created a new book trailer for me. They use graphics and animation to create such a unique style. I hope you like it as much as I do. I'd love to hear what you think.