tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13563736776043234732024-03-14T11:52:09.161-04:00Dawn's Doorway...Dawn Dixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476466437552136087noreply@blogger.comBlogger136125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356373677604323473.post-77621730275867193862017-05-21T10:33:00.006-04:002017-05-21T10:34:02.059-04:00OUT of the Comfort Zone...A few words about stepping out of your comfort zone...there's truth to the fact that when you dip a toe into the water of 'uncomfortableness,' you feel like a warrior when you reach the other side! The fear that may be holding you back is simply a lack of confidence. I've been teaching myself Spanish for several years. I can understand it when it's spoken, read it, etc., but when it comes to actually speaking it and forming my sentences, I've been seriously lacking. This stemmed from absolute terror of making a mistake. I knew what I had to do - which was actually converse with someone - but I put it off for these last two years.<br />
<br />
Yesterday was the day! I threw myself into the deep end! I FINALLY got the courage to meet a new friend online and talk to her. What happened? I was SO pumped up and excited afterwards! Yes, I made mistakes. Yes, it took me a while to communicate my thoughts. But it was the next step I had to take in order to accomplish my ultimate goal, which is to speak with fluency and ease. And next week, I'll be doing the same thing. I'm sure that with each week, I will improve more and more.<br />
<br />
FACE YOUR FEAR! Look it right in the face and walk through it! You will feel such a sense of accomplishment! It will be one less obstacle in the way, as you continue to walk toward success!Dawn Dixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476466437552136087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356373677604323473.post-18860516740388622122017-04-29T13:33:00.000-04:002017-04-29T13:33:08.885-04:00Law of AttractionI've recently discovered an amazingly simple philosophy that's been around for a long time...the Law of Attraction. Put in easy-to-understand terms, it means that what you put out there into the world is what will come back to you. Much like a self-fulfilling prophecy, if you're angry at the world, that's what you will see everywhere, and receive more in return. On the other hand, if you're more open to the beauty of the universe, like a magnet, you will attract more of that to you.<br />
<br />
I've been practicing every day ... consciously aware of how I speak, feel, and view my world. It's made a huge difference for me. I said it's amazingly simple, but it's much more complex, as it can be hard to adjust your thinking. Spend a day trying to catch how you act and talk...even how you think. Is it negative? Is it full of the words "I should, I can't, they shouldn't, don't, even NO?" Most people would realize that we think and speak in negative terms.<br />
<br />
For example, we may think, "I don't have enough money." Well, that's what you're putting out there into the universe, and the universe wants to give you what you ask for to make you happy. It doesn't have a filter, so it hears that you don't have enough...so you'll continue to 'not have enough.' You must train yourself to re-phrase... such as, "I can have enough money, I see myself attracting more money like a magnet. Money flows into my existence." <br />
<br />
This may sound like a joke or just plain crazy talk...however, let me tell you, that ONE DAY after I started talking this way to myself, the UPS man came to our door to personally deliver a letter from our bank to offer refinancing of our home. It will save us HUNDREDS of dollars each month!<br />
<br />
Come on a journey with me....we can help make for a more positive world for ourselves! I have some online friends who believe in this, and hopefully they will add to the conversation below...stay tuned!Dawn Dixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476466437552136087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356373677604323473.post-3515633818312035092013-06-22T16:44:00.000-04:002013-06-22T16:44:13.549-04:00Why Are Criminal Defendants like Jodi Arias Allowed to Trash Their Victims Without Evidence?<div class="clearfix" id="content_header">
<h1>
</h1>
<h2>
Trends Point to Victim Bashing</h2>
<div id="byline">
<a class="content_byline" href="http://contributor.yahoo.com/user/1606986/dawn_dix.html">Dawn Dix</a>, <a class="affiliation" href="https://contributor.yahoo.com/">Yahoo! Contributor Network</a>
</div>
</div>
In murder trials, it seems to be an up and coming trend to 'blame the
victim.' For instance, look at the infamous Jodi Arias case, where she
has eclipsed Casey Anthony as the most-hated woman in America. Who ever
thought <b>that</b> was possible?
<br />
<br />
Allegations made that were never proven - just on the word of the
defendant, who by all accounts, is an habitual liar. Mormonism was one
focus. Now, in every other religion, there's probably a creed that you
shouldn't be having sexual intercourse before marriage; however, with
this case, Mormonism was front and center, as though it were the only
religion that forbids it.
<br />
<br />
Next, we had allegations of sexual peodphilia, which were also
unproven. Not a single trace of emails, pictures, or any form of
downloads on the computer of the victim.
<br />
<br />
What was the draw in this twisted case? A combination of what <b>some</b>
called a pretty defendant, and sex of course - that sells after all,
doesn't it? Sexual recordings, which in all likelihood she made without
his knowledge - to possibly blackmail him at some point. Plenty of nude
photos of both parties. If he were to dump her, she'd ruin his life in
the Mormon community.
<br />
<br />
Let's not forget the physical abuse allegations as well - also
unfounded. No pictures, no police reports, no friends coming forward to
say she was abused. Nothing but the 'word' of an admitted killer. So I
guess - anything goes, huh?
<br />
<br />
<br />
It's like a train wreck, where you can't take your eyes away, even
though you know you should. Every day, there was yet another new
revelation. Eighteen excruciating days of a defendant on the stand -
feeding off the spotlight. She seems to crave attention, like a child,
where even if it's negative attention, it's SOME attention, which gives
her validation she's obviously missing in her life.
<br />
<br />
Something about Travis Alexander became an obsession for her - and a
deadly one at that. So what does it get you at the end of the day? A
very dangerous, lying, unemotional defendant who will take out anyone in
her way to get what she wants - and what she wanted was him. Cliche, I
know, but if she couldn't have him, nobody else could.
<br />
<br />
She still makes the news by being allowed to actually tweet from her
jail cell! Why this hasn't been sanctioned is beyond me. Social media
has made trials very different these days, having been used even in the
Casey Anthony trial. Her attorneys would go onto Facebook and Twitter -
see what they should and shouldn't be doing - and use it as part of
their strategy.
<br />
<br />
What other criminal has taken to the airwaves not five minutes after
being convicted of Murder One in which she could possibly face a death
sentence? It was like some surreal version of a celebrity going on a PR
tour for their latest movie or an acclaimed author going on book tour.
Pure insanity.
<br />
<br />
I'd love to - and every shrink out there, no doubt - get half an hour
with her to actually pick her brain to see what's in there. Of course,
it would take a highly skilled therapist, who wasn't manipulated and
fooled - to see through her. If she'd allow someone to help her, even
though it won't change her new lot in life, it might give us a glimpse
into her brain and what deep-seated problems she has.
<br />
<br />
Not only was Travis brutally slaughtered, but his name and reputation
were dragged through the mud. In essence, she's killing him a second
time, and loving every minute of it. We need to re-think this 'blame the
victim' defense. Unless there is HARD PROOF of allegations, they should
never be allowed into a court of law.
Dawn Dixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476466437552136087noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356373677604323473.post-62433731745827969172013-06-04T18:00:00.000-04:002013-06-04T18:00:05.960-04:00Manson: Monster or Myth?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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I may catch a lot of flak for this, but what's life
without a little controversy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was
Charles Manson really such a mastermind cult leader?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or was it just easier to give into the 'hype'
at the time and slap that label on him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
I've just finished reading "Manson: In His Own
Words" (co-written by Nuel</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Emmons) and found myself fascinated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was hard to put down, because I felt as
though he was talking to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
transported me back to the 60's.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could
see how he became captivating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All he
wanted was to live with his growing group of misfits in peace and love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
If his side is to be believed, the reason for the killings
was due to some of the 'other' members getting overly involved with drugs and
spinning out of control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>True, he didn't
stop them once he knew what was going, but I'm not so sure he was the
diabolical mastermind he was portrayed as.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
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He allowed people to do whatever they wanted, whenever
they wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn't preach, and
certainly not about killing or murder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He took in anyone who seemed lost in the world and needed a place to
belong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One could argue that's exactly
what made them vulnerable to suggestion, but at what point does one take
responsibility for their own choices?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
If you're like me, and obsessed with true crime and/or
'all things Manson,' I'd highly recommend this book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon completing it, I felt compelled to
contact Mr. Manson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I called Corcoran
prison, where he's housed, with every intention of writing to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, I'm a writer, and it could
possibly spawn a book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
After several phone calls, and being bounced around their
system, I finally obtained his address.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
That's when my husband drew the line and put his foot
down, not appreciating the thought of Manson having our address.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if I used my work address, he wasn't
comfortable with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I understand his
concern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though Manson is about 80
years old now, his mystique still gives one pause.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
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I have to admit, the curiosity and intrigue feel
overpowering right now, but I've always been impulsive and rarely listen to
anyone, even my very wise husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
this instance, I will...for NOW...but I'm keeping that contact info on file:)</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
Dawn Dixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476466437552136087noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356373677604323473.post-70226195524869762542013-05-24T18:25:00.000-04:002013-05-24T18:25:18.466-04:00Keep those muscles flexed...those WRITING muscles that is ;)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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They say cliches exist for a reason -
because they're TRUE. That old saying of writing every day is no
exception.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find that if I don't work
those creative muscles, they atrophy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Like any other muscle in the body, if we 'let it go,' we forget how to
use it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if you can't muster up
ideas for your current project, engage in a different writing exercise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you only write several sentences, it can
sometimes spark more to follow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before
you know it, your words are flowing across the page...or computer
screen...whichever method you prefer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
On day at work, as I sat in my car at lunchtime, I saw a
beautiful butterfly flit across my path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I wrote down a few things about the experience...how wonderous nature is,
noting the different colors in its wings, and how it floated through the
air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once I was done, I'd realized I had
another IDEA for a portion of my current manuscript.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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I'm the type of person that's too easily distracted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I allow myself to miss one day of writing,
a month will then pass, and I'm looking at a blank computer screen...no new
ideas...just stuck in my story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That gets
me nowhere if my dream is to be published.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Books don't write themselves. Even famous authors have to sit down
and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>slog through a manuscript the same
way the rest of us do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They're no
exception, and I've read that even THEY suffer with writer's block from time to
time.</div>
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I've become more observant....that truck with the squeaky
trailer that passes me by in traffic...the sound of the waterfall in a building's
lobby...all become a sentence, and in no time,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>a paragraph.</div>
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Even if you're not a writer - notice the world around
you, and it becomes a more interesting place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
Dawn Dixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476466437552136087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356373677604323473.post-12334287835975593892013-05-12T18:30:00.000-04:002013-05-12T18:30:30.026-04:00How is YOUR writing?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Show of hands..how many of you out there have noticed a
decline in the quality of your handwriting?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I swear, since I started typing a lot more on my computer, I've watched
my formerly neat handwriting morph into something you'd see on a doctor's
prescription pad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Have we become THAT technologically advanced that actual
writing is falling by the wayside?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rarely do we send notes or letters in the mail anymore. Even greeting cards can now be sent electronically!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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I wonder if there are any writers out there that actually
WRITE?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I mean</div>
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that literally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
find I can't do it for two reasons - one, my thoughts &</div>
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hands are quicker in concert, and two -- when I do try
it, I practically revert into my old standby of shorthand I learned many years
ago just to keep up with my brain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(yes
I still remember it and even THINK in shorthand - weird I know, but hey, that's<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>how I've kept up with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's like learning a new language-if you
don't USE it, you lose it).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Also, if I write down my thoughts, my hand seriously
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I throw down the gauntlet (I mean pen), and turn to my trusty laptop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So..anyone ELSE out there ever actually
hand write anything other than a grocery list?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let me know..</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
Dawn Dixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476466437552136087noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356373677604323473.post-22304469139747332602013-05-09T17:40:00.001-04:002013-05-09T23:25:24.876-04:00I'm Baaaaack!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Wow, it's been six months since I last posted on my
blog!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I haven't mentioned it before,
I'm a crime and trial junkie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've been
wrapped up in the (in)famous Jodi Arias trial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A woman who stabbed her ex-lover nearly 30 times, slit his throat, then
shot him for good measure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The epitome
of a woman scorned.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This is the stuff of novels, though if anyone were to
have written it, nobody would believe it was true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each new day brought with it another tale of
filthy deceptions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anything to get her
out of First-Degree Murder, which carries the death penalty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had all the hallmarks of great fiction -sex, lies, and yes....audiotape!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Perhaps a lot of you already know me from my HLN Crime
Fan page on Facebook, where we've discussed this trial ad nauseam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've enjoyed meeting many new people that I
now consider friends and hope they'll follow my blog as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I love reading, but I gravitate toward mysteries,
detective stories, and true crime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
write what I read, which is what they say authors tend to do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So, for those of you that might have wondered what happened
to my psychological thriller novel, it was put on hold while I allowed my mind
to stray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not a good thing for a writer,
as I've realized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much like exercise, if
you miss one day, it can turn into two.then three..and so on. Writing is the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Every author will tell you to write EVERY DAY, and they're right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you don't, the 'muscle' becomes atrophied
(yes, another metaphor to exercise, but if the shoe fits.).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">When I received the feedback from my editor (who is
WONDERFUL), I was overwhelmed by all the changes that were necessary, and I let
it get to me. I didn't know where to start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like I had to practically re-write the
whole novel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've begun the process, and
let me tell you, as a first-timer, it's ARDUOUS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I want to make this happen, so I
have to do it - no more excuses!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life is
way too short, and this has been my calling since childhood.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Now I see why some authors take YEARS to write a
novel.the easy part (for me) is the writing - EDITING is the bear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Learning what areas to tweak, which
characters you (sadly) need to part with, and what you need to expand on to
make the reader identify with your story and fantastical people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's a learning experience and can only serve
to make me a stronger writer in the future.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">There will ALWAYS be 'another trial' to follow, but now
that I have a break, I'm making it my mission to forge ahead and work on the
book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to find a balance, which
I've never been good at.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That Billy Joel
song, "I Go To Extremes" seems to have been written for me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm either gung-ho about a project or totally
ignoring it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm a great 'starter,' but
this time, I need to be a 'finisher.'</span></div>
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Dawn Dixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476466437552136087noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356373677604323473.post-28788501263411600632012-10-23T18:30:00.000-04:002012-11-05T15:37:12.902-05:00DIANE DIMOND INTERVIEW.....<br />
<div style="color: blue;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I've had the pleasure of getting to know Diane Dimond, acclaimed journalist and author, recently. We enjoy spirited games of "Words with Friends" on Facebook. She was kind and generous enough to agree to an interview. Thank you, Diane!! </span></div>
<div style="color: blue;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;">I remember first seeing you on Court TV and wonder how you got your start. Did you always want to be a journalist?</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: blue;"> </span> </span><br />
<i>I started in the business in Albuquerque, NM. My best friend’s dad owned the local CBS radio and TV station and I got a job there answering the phones on the week-ends in high school. I naturally gravitated back to the newsroom because that’s where all the action was! </i><br />
<br />
<i>Ultimately, I became the morning newscaster on the radio – and in the afternoon I covered the cops beat. I won a big award (American Bar Assoc’n Silver Gavel Award) for revealing corruption within the local Sheriff’s Department – and THAT helped me get a job at National Public Radio in Washington, DC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was the newscaster on the program, ‘All Things Considered’ for many years. Then, missing being a reporter (who wants to be stuck behind a desk, right?) I jumped to the RKO Radio Networks and became the Capitol Hill reporter. I also covered the White House, Pentagon, national political conventions – you name it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stayed there about six years and then figured if I was ever going to try TV I better snap to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was 27 years old, a single mother and I was flabbergasted that WCBS-TV in New York offered me a job. I covered New Jersey for the station.</i><br />
<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Next stop was a very short stint at Fox TV (it wasn’t even really a network then) where I did a pilot for a 60-minutes type show. That never got picked up but I was under contract so they put me on “A Current Affair” with Maury Povich. I liked the longer pieces I was able to produce there and when the boss jumped ship to launch “Hard Copy” he took me with him. </i><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We spent most of the 90’s living in Hollywood, California. My husband (yes, I re-married) is a radio anchorman at CBS in New York - and when we moved to Ca. he worked for station KFWB. While at “Hard Copy”, in late 1993, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I broke what was my biggest story:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Michael Jackson molestation case. I also got to travel the country interviewing crazy inmates like James Earl Ray, Kenneth Bianchi (Hillside Strangler), Pamela Smart, Richard Allen Davis and Jeffrey McDonald. </i><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the late 90’s Geraldo called me and lured me to come back East to do a nightly newscast with him on CNBC called “Upfront Tonight.” After two years he lost interest and NBC transferred me to MSNBC where I anchored day-time hours, hosted a crime show called “Missing Persons” and ultimately was assigned to cover Al Gore during the disputed Presidential race. (I stood outside the Vice Presidents mansion in DC for 33 days waiting for that damned chad recount!) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">After that I was exhausted and decided to take some time off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only thing I did was a little freelance at Court TV, sitting in for Catherine Crier when she took time off. Shortly thereafter the tragedy of 9-11 happened – and I didn’t work for any bona fide news department anymore!! It was maddening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But my old acquaintance Roger Ailes called me and asked if I would come fill in as an anchor on Fox News as he was sending all of his anchors overseas to cover the American response to the 9-11 attacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did double duty at Court TV and Fox for about a year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then Court TV hired me – and well, you know the rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was there I re-broke the Michael Jackson molestation story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a duel contract with Court TV and NBC (The Today Show & Dateline) during the run-up to the trial and for about a year beyond. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can see my full resume at my web site –<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1629819314"> </a><a href="http://www.dianedimond.net/" target="_blank">www.dianedimond.net</a> </i><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Who were some of your favorite correspondents and anchors that you’ve worked with along your career?</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: blue;"> </span> </span><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">As a kid in Albuquerque I was inspired watching Liz Trotta cover the Vietnam War. I thought….wow! A woman as a war correspondent, I’d like to do that! Interestingly, when I went to Fox after 9-11 I got to meet Liz and she and I are fast friends. I’ve worked with so many great people … Josh Mankewicz, Lester Holt, Savannah Guthrie (we covered the Jackson trial together) – Mike Wallace and Douglas Edwards<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>gave me wonderful pep talks along the way. So did Pauline Fredricks at NPR (she was the UN correspondent)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brian Williams and I were quite a pair when he covered New Jersey for the CBS station of Philly and I covered for WCBS in New York.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is hysterically funny off the air. Matt Lauer was always very nice to me – for a time we had the same agent. Ann Curry is a magnificently kind person and I hated to see what happened to her at the Today Show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">You have a weekly column – how do you come up with topics? Is it difficult to write every week?</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: blue;"> </span> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sometimes I get a bit stumped for a topic but not very often. I write about things that raise my hackles or touch my soul somehow. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like to write columns that, after they’ve been read, the reader says, “Gee, I didn’t realize that!” or “I never thought about that topic that way…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are a society of laws and rules and when those start to crumble, or if there is unfairness in the system I think we need to pay attention to that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Note: the Halloween column which will be posted this Monday or the TSA column I wrote recently or the one about the young woman who is doing LIFE IN PRISON for accidentally killing four people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like to introduce people to others they might never know about – like the Mother who fought for the right to see her son’s rapist/murderer be put to death (can you imagine that?!) or the woman who dedicated her life to trying to get the hundreds of thousands of old DNA rape kits tested after she’d learned her evidence kit had just sat there for 7 years!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are so many great crime and justice stories out there….<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i><br />
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What made you want to become an author? </div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had so much information crammed into my head about Michael Jackson – from 1993 to 2003 (when cops raided Neverland for the 2<sup>nd</sup> time) – that I just had to dis-gorge it from my brain! Plus, no one had ever written a non-laudatory book about Jackson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to put everything I’d learned into some perspective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The book, “Cirque du Salahi” came out of me getting pissed off that the media started and then kept up such a stupid, silly for so long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had covered the White House. I knew you couldn’t “crash” the White House.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I did an autopsy of the media coverage and unmasked the whole saga as being over hyped and senseless. (it started with 2 gossip columnists at the Washington Post on a slow Thanksgiving holiday – and all other media outlets pounced on it because, well….hey – it was the WASHINGTON POST reporting it and there was hardly any other news)</i><br />
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Did you experience any difficulties getting your first book published?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any challenges?</div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yes. The Jackson fans wanted to kill me already (seriously) because I dared to report what the police thought their idol had done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Publishers did not want to venture into anti-celebrity waters – but finally Simon & Shuster/Atria books bought it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fans think I made a mint off the book. But, sadly, I did not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The biggest challenge was trying to finish the book while I was still covering the Jackson trial. I would work at the Santa Maria, Ca courthouse all day – then go to my hotel room and write until I, literally, fell asleep at the computer.</i><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">P.S. to this day I still get about half a dozen death threats a month from Jackson fans<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>worldwide. Most are young kids who have no idea what the truth about MJ was.</i><br />
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How long does it take you to write a book? </div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Depends. I was so fired up over the stupidity of the White House Gate Crasher saga I think it took only about 6 weeks….and some of that time was spent doing research with the Salahis at their home in Virginia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>P.s. – despite what the haters say the Salahi’s did NOT have any editorial input into the book and they got no money from it….or me. Ever. </i><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">What things do you love & hate about writing?</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: blue;"> </span> </span><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I love the feeling when I finish a piece. I hate the fact that sitting so long hurts my bad back.</i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></b><br />
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From personal experience, I know you’re a mean “Words with Friends” player. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What else do you like to do when you’re not writing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I love to garden, tend my roses and my vegetables. I love spending time with my daughter and my three grandchildren. (Jenna and her husband and kids live about 2 hours north of us) I love to cook, listen to live jazz and go to comedy clubs. Believe me after writing what I write about all the time – one needs to take time out to LAUGH! Besides Words With Friends I find I’m very competitive in all sorts of games – we have a pool table (I usually win) and a dart board (hubby Michael usually wins) in the house. We have mean Monopoly games with the kids…</i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Oh, and I love my two fat cats, Miles and May.</i><br />
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Any suggestions or advice to help those of us that want to become published authors?</div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Take a class or course in how to write a good book proposal. Publishers are so shy these days about buying ANY new work – they are that spooked about the E-book craze. So, if you want to sell what you write you have to sell your idea FIRST via the book proposal. My literary manger, Sharlene Martin, has written a book called, “Publish Your Non-Fiction Book” you might want to pick up.</i><br />
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Do you have another book in the works? </div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Not one that I’ve been able to sell.</i><span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor or inspiration? </span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Honestly, I just do what I do. I don’t try to pattern myself after others. Love John Grisham’s writing but I will never be able to write like him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scott Turow, </i></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?</span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">My pals Stacy Dittrich and John DeDakis</i></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">When reading for fun, what are your favorite genres? </span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Crime, crime and crime …. Oh, and I just finished “50 Shades of Gray”</i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></i></b></div>
Dawn Dixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476466437552136087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356373677604323473.post-82178801466452023822012-10-21T11:30:00.002-04:002012-10-21T11:30:44.930-04:00INTERVIEW COMING-DIANE DIMOND!!Diane Dimond....Journalist, Reporter, Anchor, Author....My interview with her coming this week!<br />
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<br />Dawn Dixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476466437552136087noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356373677604323473.post-69334391798006213352012-10-03T19:45:00.002-04:002012-10-03T19:45:31.267-04:00"Life After Death..."<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
I just finished reading "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Life-After-Death-Damien-Echols/dp/0399160205/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349307694&sr=1-1&keywords=life+after+death" target="_blank">Life After Death</a>" by Damien Echols. If anyone has heard of the "West Memphis Three," he was one of the boys convicted of murder. A mystery remains as to whether they were guilty or not, and it's a controversial subject.</div>
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After watching all three documentaries entitled "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117293/" target="_blank">Paradise Lost</a>," I came to believe they were innocent and that one of the victims' stepfather is the real killer.</div>
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Damien was the only one to be put on death row, and remained there for 18 years. Rather than going into the entire story, he was just released last year and wrote this book, which I was anxious to read.</div>
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A lot of his prose makes him sound like a true poet at heart. It was insightful and gave the reader a glimpse into his soul and his experience in prison.</div>
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I did have a hard time swallowing some of his talks about how badly prisoners are treated, because while he may have been innocent, the higher percentage of prisoners are guilty and belong tucked away from the rest of society.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you're interested in this case and his story, I would highly recommend it. My ratings range from 1-5, with 5 being the highest. I rate this one a solid 4.</span>Dawn Dixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476466437552136087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356373677604323473.post-15087737583210962792012-09-25T12:52:00.005-04:002012-09-25T12:52:46.437-04:00Being a "Pantser".......<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Okay, there are two kinds of writers – “pantsers” and “outliners.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a “pantser,” which means I fly by the seat of my pants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t outline a story…I can’t…I just sit and write.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My characters tell me where the story should go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a freeing experience; however, when it comes to editing after you’re ‘done,’ it’s a bear.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">This is why it’s taken me MONTHS to re-write and edit…removing parts that don’t need to be there…changing scenes around…adding scenes where they need to be, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">I like the feeling of just being able to write, but I DON’T like the re-writes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, those of you still eagerly awaiting my book, please don’t give up on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m still plugging away at it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s difficult when you still have a full-time job, because it seriously hampers the writing time and entire process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Thank you for your kindest wishes and encouragement along my journey.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Dawn Dixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476466437552136087noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356373677604323473.post-71155529684635303702012-09-19T19:21:00.002-04:002012-09-19T19:23:45.033-04:00"In Death....."<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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I'm a huge fan of the JD Robb "In Death"
series.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of you may already know that it's Nora Roberts' alter ego. Funny, I'm not very fond of her books under that name, as they tend to be romance novels, which aren't my cup of tea.</div>
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I'm usually not fond of the futuristic genre either, but the "In Death" series is absolutely engaging! It's set in a not-so-distant future, where cars can float about in the air, and regular coffee is a rarity. However, the core of each book is the same - following a tough, no-nonsense cop in New York City. She's married to a billionaire, but the money doesn't impress her. She doesn't wear fancy clothes or even fancies socializing. She's amusingly awkward in social situations, but one heck of a cop!</div>
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Because each story mostly centers around her and her quirky friends and co-workers, along with a good, old-fashioned murder mystery, I was sold after the first book. I've followed it ever since, all through the 35 books that have followed, and continue to do so. They're full of rich characters that quickly become comfortable.</div>
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I suggest starting with the first one, "Naked in Death." You'll thank me, because you'll be hooked as happily as I am.</div>
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You can find the entire series at the link below. I use this site religiously, as you can search for any author and see their books in order. Enjoy! :) </div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/r/j-d-robb/" target="_blank">JD ROBB SERIES</a></div>
Dawn Dixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476466437552136087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356373677604323473.post-61370734604722773012012-09-13T18:41:00.000-04:002012-09-13T18:41:10.298-04:00PUBLISHER AVAILABLE TO WRITERS WHO ARE READY!<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
To my writer friends out there...if you feel your manuscript is 'ready for primetime,' please check out <a href="http://www.9musespublishing.com/#%21" target="_blank">9 Muses Publishing</a>. They're a boutique publisher interested in many genres. I wouldn't steer you wrong, these are people that know the business and have been in the author, writing, and publishing world for several years. They are trustworthy and open to great writing.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Currently, they're even running a query contest until Friday!! Let me know what you think and if you have any questions...good luck!</span>Dawn Dixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476466437552136087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356373677604323473.post-29146448315803642992012-09-04T17:53:00.000-04:002012-09-04T17:53:57.299-04:00The Ego...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Egocentric & Grandiose</span>...Psychopaths have a narcissistic & grossly inflated
sense of themselves.<br />
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Their sense of entitlement is boundless, and they see
themselves as better than the rest of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As a result, they feel justified in living according to their own
twisted rules.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Naturally, they'll come
off as arrogant and opinionated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
enjoy having control over others and will disregard your opinion if it doesn't
square with theirs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most times, it
probably won't, since they live in their own special world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Drew Peterson, for instance, seems to fit in this
category.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He married four times, probably
killed his third wife, and no doubt the fourth, who's been missing for
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has the ego, the sense of
control over his wives, and the arrogant self-importance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Adolf Hitler is another example.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His ego was off the charts, and we all know
he thought he was better than most.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
was SO awful that he felt the need, not to mention, entitlement, to exterminate
fellow human beings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also managed to
sway others to that opinion with the infamous charm these people can possess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Lack of remorse or guilt will be next.which stands to
reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone realizes that
psychopaths/sociopaths don't have ANY remorse over their deeds...stay tuned.</div>
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Dawn Dixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476466437552136087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356373677604323473.post-50947642308948878932012-08-31T12:48:00.002-04:002012-08-31T12:50:05.181-04:00'PSYCH 101' .....<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since I write about psychopathic killers, I’ve decided to read several books on the subject.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My current one is </span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“</span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Without-Conscience-Disturbing-World-Psychopaths/dp/1572304510/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1346430244&sr=1-1&keywords=without+conscience" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Without Conscience” by Robert D. Hare</em></span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first thing I learned is that ‘sociopaths’ and ‘psychopaths’ are really the same thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s no distinction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Researchers and clinicians use the term interchangeably.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes sociopathy is used because it’s less likely than ‘psychopathy’ to be confused with psychoticism or insanity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For believe me, sociopaths/psychopaths are NOT insane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They know exactly what they’re doing and just don’t care. They're not all killers, though. They are serious con artists.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJmZf2SpLgvJ_e9jNDDMnvFdFiHcxr7xQNVLh-_283IM0Q4EqrFg8Rj10XdieCQFgGim39MpV44ZVQ7m5Sk9UHYl0-QY_HsnTXRwoh7PfFuPnw7DfwQzh657RRb33JqGvKVTHM6dumqyA/s1600/BUNDY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJmZf2SpLgvJ_e9jNDDMnvFdFiHcxr7xQNVLh-_283IM0Q4EqrFg8Rj10XdieCQFgGim39MpV44ZVQ7m5Sk9UHYl0-QY_HsnTXRwoh7PfFuPnw7DfwQzh657RRb33JqGvKVTHM6dumqyA/s1600/BUNDY.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let’s start with one of the traits and continue the subject in another post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first one is <span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Glibness and Superficiality</strong></span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can be witty and quite articulate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can be funny and great conversationalists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can weave stories that cast themselves in a good light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re very often likeable (i.e. Ted Bundy and Jeffrey MacDonald).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may already know they prey on the weak...those that may not see through their guise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others may view them as too slick or smooth and won’t fall for what they’re ‘selling.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can hone in on those that won’t question them, bilking them out of money, house, and home, and not even flinch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jeffrey MacDonald, the military doctor who killed his entire family, still proclaims his innocence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, the biggest twist in his tale was the fact that his own biographer, who came to write about HIS side of things, had his eyes opened by the callousness and disregard he gave to his dead wife and three daughters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All he did was talk about himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he spoke of the murders, he was glib and utterly detached – devoid of emotion or<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>empathy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That author wound up writing a book that portrayed MacDonald as he truly is – a cold-blooded killer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <span style="color: #38761d;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fatal-Vision-Joe-McGinniss/dp/0451165667/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1346430146&sr=1-1&keywords=fatal+vision" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><span style="color: #38761d;">(Joe McGinniss, “Fatal Vision”).<o:p></o:p></span></em></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next time, we’ll talk about another sociopathic trait – <span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Egocentricity & Grandiosity</strong></span>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dawn Dixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476466437552136087noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356373677604323473.post-5229912376225184182012-08-23T18:43:00.000-04:002012-08-23T18:45:23.687-04:00Book Review...Lisa Scottoline's latest!I just finished another entertaining book by <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/s/lisa-scottoline/" target="_blank">Lisa Scottoline.</a> Her latest is "Best Friends, Occasional Enemies." It's a collection of essays written by Lisa and her daughter, Francesca. There are mother/daughter topics and 'every day' topics that everyone can relate to.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBck0EPZEc0rIP2c-5KISevVRohLQA8NFpZ8jpiyrj5w6k7AeJUNT4lI1Xl2iIApNTIKeu49FJUsSrlPQAgOmbrVVzztO1XFMmXspUauAvRztz4hvsbeUgdqBV4VXTqkNYAK_K_CeEMgGC/s1600/Lisa+Scottoline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBck0EPZEc0rIP2c-5KISevVRohLQA8NFpZ8jpiyrj5w6k7AeJUNT4lI1Xl2iIApNTIKeu49FJUsSrlPQAgOmbrVVzztO1XFMmXspUauAvRztz4hvsbeUgdqBV4VXTqkNYAK_K_CeEMgGC/s320/Lisa+Scottoline.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I listened to the audio version, so I had the added benefit of listening to each of them tell their own stories. There's something about an author reading their own book that lends itself to the authenticity for me. Every inflection, every smile and joke comes through.<br />
<br />
I suggest getting ALL of these books for a glimpse into the life of a best-selling author. She has the same dilemmas as we do. Personable and approachable, you'll hear about "Mother Mary," which is what Lisa calls her Mom. She's a character in herself! And "Brother Frank," her brother.<br />
<br />
Whacky and wonderful subjects such as toenail clippings, falling trees, driving in the middle lane, and the love for their dogs (which is ALWAYS a good thing, if you ask me).<br />
<br />
My review system goes from 1-5, and this one is definitely a 5!!<br />
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Dawn Dixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476466437552136087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356373677604323473.post-91949995729342143782012-08-09T18:15:00.004-04:002012-08-09T18:20:31.550-04:00Book Review...Ryan O'Neal's book<br />
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I've just finished <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Both-Us-My-Life-Farrah/dp/030795482X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344549983&sr=1-1&keywords=ryan+o%27neal" target="_blank">"Both of Us: My Life with Farrah"</a> by Ryan O'Neal.</div>
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In the audiobook, he narrated himself. While not the best narrator, tending to
pause at the wrong spots in a sentence, it's still nice to hear his book in his
own voice. You can hear & feel the raw emotion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He's seemingly very candid, and having read
both of his daughter, Tatum's, books, I'm sure the truth of their relationship
lies somewhere in the middle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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This leaves me with the certainty that his tumultuous
love story with Farrah Fawcett outlasted time and even death<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For all his faults, the love and devotion he
felt for her never wavered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seeps
through every sentence, every paragraph.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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She was much more than feathery hair and a bright
smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had such grace and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>wisdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Her intelligence and savvy were never fully realized to the public.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also watched her documentary, during her
last years, fighting for her life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
had the guts to insist on filming her struggle to shine a light on the darkest
side of cancer and bring it to the fore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Ryan's story is one of the joys of eternal love laced
with the pain of his loss for the one true and constant loves in his life.<br />
<br />
In my rating system, I give it a 5 out of 5. </div>
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<br /></div>Dawn Dixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476466437552136087noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356373677604323473.post-67344371879730285162012-08-08T18:21:00.004-04:002012-08-08T18:22:58.743-04:00Return of Oscar...or is it Felix??<div style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<b>So, after several weeks of not seeing my little furry, gray companion squirrel, he made an appearance today. In fact, he always seems to appear in my life to signal a great shift.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>I was sitting in my car, turned to my right, and noticed him through my window. Up at eye level, laying down, frogger-style, on a platform that next to my car. Oh, how he made me smile. Just chilling out and relaxing, as if bathing in the sun.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<b>Indeed, once again, he brought with him a sign....I've finally started submitting letters to agents for my suspense novel. The procedure is usually to email a letter, outlining your book and credentials, along with the first chapter. </b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Today, I got my <u>first</u> request for the full manuscript. A terrific thrill! At once, my heart sings with promise, while at the same time, bracing myself for a possible rejection.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If all the planets align, I will be heading in the right direction.</span></b>Dawn Dixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476466437552136087noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356373677604323473.post-15732654162380222852012-08-07T18:13:00.001-04:002012-08-07T18:14:21.355-04:00Book Review..."Winter Garden"<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
I've just completed "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Winter-Garden-Kristin-Hannah/dp/0312663153/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344376670&sr=1-1&keywords=winter+garden" target="_blank">Winter Garden,</a>" another good book by Kristin Hannah. Anyone who likes the massively talented Jodi Picoult might like Kristin as well. She writes in a similar style...providing in-depth character development to the reader.</div>
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"Winter Garden" tells the story of two sisters that adore their father. Growing up, he was their main source of love and attention, as their mother was cold and off-putting. She was Russian born, and the only time she came alive was when she told them a fairytale about a prince and black knight. It wasn't the kind you could find in a book, but from her imagination...or so they think.</div>
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When their father dies, he makes the mother promise to tell the WHOLE fairytale. On his deathbed, he begs one of his daughters to hold their mother to the promise. They're both well into adulthood. One sister doesn't care anymore about the fairytale, as she's accepted the fact her mother never loved them. However, the other is insistent and continues to press their mother to continue the fable.</div>
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It took me a while to get into this, but once they finally got the mother to start weaving her tale, and you realize the story is NOT a story, but rather how her life was in Leningrad during the war, I was swept up in the 'fairytale' as well.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It drew me in, so from that point on, I was hooked. Out of my 5-star system, I give it a 3.</span>Dawn Dixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476466437552136087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356373677604323473.post-89936614212730325162012-08-03T18:11:00.000-04:002012-08-03T18:13:44.688-04:00Do Serial Killers KNOW What They Are?<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>As I've mentioned before, I
write about serial killers, but mine don't even realize they're serial
killers. In one novel, the killer does
it for a distorted view of love. In another, the killer does it for revenge, and
also to rid the world of animal abusers...a noble thing, but I digress. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>I wonder how many serial
killers don't realize what they are either.
People like Ted Bundy must have known, because he was way too smart and
crafty NOT to. Others actually DO it for
the notoriety, like the Zodiac killer, who was never caught, even managing to
taunt the authorities for decades.
</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Another one that comes to mind is the diabolical Henry H. Holmes,
who built a hotel specifically for his
murderous deeds, if you can believe it. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._H._Holmes" target="_blank">(Henry H. Holmes)</a> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>This guy knew exactly what he was doing, even taking some of his own employees as victims.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Do YOU think most serial killers know exactly what they are?</b></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._H._Holmes" target="_blank"></a></span></div>Dawn Dixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476466437552136087noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356373677604323473.post-30167503220794781972012-07-29T15:47:00.001-04:002012-07-29T15:47:47.898-04:00Let's Play "Analyst Armchair"....<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Are we fascinated with serial killers? I know I am...I write about them. Granted, mine are fictional, but still. They've been around since the 1800's, starting with Jack the Ripper. In truth, they were probably around even earlier than that, but it wasn't widely known or reported to the public.</div>
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They kill with wanton abandon...without consequence...without mercy. Perhaps we envy their ability to have no conscience? They stalk their prey, always for their own twisted reasons,
but still we wonder. We want to know how they tick. Did they have a
dysfunctional childhood? Is that really an acceptable fallback anymore? Honestly, to some degree, we <b>all</b> have those.</div>
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Has it grown worse in the last few decades? Are we "producing" more? Or does it merely appear that way, thanks to 24/7 news coverage? </div>
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Hollywood even gets into the act with movies about them..."American Psycho," "Silence of the Lambs," "Seven," and the popular franchise, "Saw."</div>
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Do we sympathize or vilify? Maybe we do both...we try to understand the all important question...WHY do they do it? Is it compulsion? A need they're trying to fulfill? Two examples would be Jeffrey Dahmer and Ted Bundy.</div>
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My '<u style="color: #cc0000;">analyst armchair</u>' says Dahmer had a need for people not to leave him. Was it due to his parents' divorce? He didn't want his victims to leave...he kept their hearts (and other body parts) in his freezer.</div>
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Ted Bundy was cunning and shrewd. He was the 'everyman.' The guy that appeared honest...who needed help since he pretended to have broken limbs in order to gain the trust of his victims. He had a sense of entitlement. He was smart and outwitted police for some time. </div>
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Sit in the '<u style="color: #cc0000;">analyst armchair'</u><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span>and tell me YOUR thoughts and diagnosis.....</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">.</span>Dawn Dixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476466437552136087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356373677604323473.post-18436204727337231142012-07-27T18:58:00.000-04:002012-07-27T18:58:07.720-04:00AUTHOR INTERVIEW - MARCIA CLARK.....<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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I must start this interview by saying I've gotten to know Marcia better over the last week, and she is one great lady. She's down to earth, funny, and very generous. I'd like to thank her for taking the time to stop by.</div>
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Marcia Clark, a former prosecutor who gained fame
as the head prosecutor in the OJ Simpson murder case, added the title of author
to her resume several years ago. She writes a series of successful books
based on the character, Rachel Knight, who happens to be a Deputy District
Attorney. I've had the pleasure of getting hooked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recommend you begin this series with the
first one, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Guilt-Association-Marcia-Clark/dp/031619896X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1343428039&sr=1-1&keywords=marcia+clark" target="_blank">"Guilt by Association"</a> </div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">What made you want to become a
writer? Where did the idea of Rachel
Knight come from?</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I’ve always wanted to write fiction, and
specifically crime fiction, ever since I was a kid and found myself addicted to
Nancy Drew. But I didn’t have the
confidence to take the plunge and try to make a living at it. In hindsight, I
think my addiction to crime stories probably had something to do with my
decision to practice criminal law. I knew that was what I’d do from the first
month in law school. Then I joined the D.A.’s office and well, you know…</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I didn’t revisit my childhood dream of becoming a
novelist until I’d done some writing for television. I think that experience
gave me the confidence to give it a shot. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">The idea of Rachel Knight came straight out of my
life as a prosecutor. The life of a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">real</i>
prosecutor, the one I had before the insanity of the Simpson trial. I wanted to
relive – and share with everyone – the incredible experience of being a
prosecutor in the Special Trials Unit in Los
Angeles. </span></div>
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How long did it take you to write the first book?</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">There were actually a few “first” books before I
got to Guilt by Association.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a
lot of runs at it before I got to the point where I had the right mix of
characters and plot. But once I put that mosaic together, it took me about nine
months. I think it would’ve taken a lot less time had I not been carrying a
full case load at the time. I do court appointed cases on appeal, which is all
written work, no trials. The good news about doing appellate work is that you
can write your own hours. The bad news is that the hours total about eighty per
week. So I did a lot of midnight to four a.m. sessions on the book</span>.<br />
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Where do you get your character inspirations come
from?</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">They all came from Rachel. I envisioned her first,
then built outward from there, asking myself, “who <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">would</i> she be friends with?” And, in the course of the story, I
always plot it out based on what would really happen next, and who might Rachel
and Bailey run across as they investigate. I also had to figure out where
Rachel lived. A character’s living situation is an important means of showing
who he or she is. So I asked myself, “where would Rachel live?” Rachel has
close friends, but she acquired them slowly, over time. Her early childhood
trauma left her guarded, wary, and desirous of anonymity. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Taking those traits
into account I…well, wait, true confession time: there was another</span> <span style="color: blue;">consideration that came into the mix. My own fantasy. I am
not a big fan of housework and cooking, so I thought, “wouldn’t it be cool if she
lived in a five star hotel?” That seemed like a realistic fit for Rachel, given
her “issues” and so I found a way for Rachel to live at the Biltmore Hotel,
which is a landmark hotel in downtown L.A.,
close to the courthouse. In the second book, “Guilt by Degrees,” I gave Rachel
an upgrade to a suite, so she could have her best friends, Detective Bailey
Keller and fellow prosecutor, Toni LaCollette, crash with her after a night of
partying</span>.<br />
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What is your work schedule like when you’re
writing?</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">For the first draft, I make myself sit and write
nonstop for at least six hours a day, six to seven days a week. I write
continuously so I can keep a feel for the pacing and stay inside the story.
Once I’m through the first draft, I take as much time away from the book as I
can before I do the first rewrite so I can bring fresh eyes. </span><br />
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Do you ever experience writer’s block?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If so, do you have some tips to break the
spell?</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I never have writer’s block. Ideas flow freely and
constantly and all I have to do is dip a ladle into that stream for the next
book or story. Doubling over with laughter now. Hold on, I’m still laughing, I
need to take a second.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Okay, I’m back. Do I ever have writer’s block?
Every single day. I don’t have any magical answers for how to break through. My
way is simple and painful: I make myself sit in front of the computer and bang
out every stupid idea that comes to mind until something decent falls out. I
won’t necessarily stay with whatever I land on, but that “system” seems to get
the juices flowing. Eventually</span>.<br />
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Can you tell us about any challenges getting your
first book published?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I traveled a weird and backwards road to
publication. When I finally finished writing “Guilt by Association,” I realized
I didn’t know what to do with it. I didn’t have an agent, didn’t know any
publishers – in fact, didn’t know anything about the publishing business. All
my professional writing experience had been in television. So I asked my dear
friend, Lynn Reed, an avid reader who had been involved in book clubs and blogs,
for advice. She introduced me to award winning literary fiction writer
Katharine Weber, who introduced me to then-Random House editor, John Glusman.
And John really liked the book. He told me I had to have an agent and set me up
with interviews. I got lucky and scored the best agent in the universe (let me
tell you, those interplanetary interviews are a</span> <span style="color: blue;">bitch),
Dan Conaway at Writer’s House, and Judy Clain at Little, Brown/Mulholland
Books, the best editor in the universe (again, lots of space travel involved).
Though I didn’t wind up with John Glusman, I really loved him and would
recommend him to anyone looking for a terrific editor.</span><br />
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Do you have any advice or suggestions for
aspiring writers?</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">The best advice I can give is the advice Stephen
King gave in his fantastic book, “On Writing:” READ. Read every day, read
everything, read the good as well as the bad. He’s right that you learn more
from the bad stuff than the good. And of course, write. Write every day. Don’t
worry about whether it’s Proust, just put pen to paper or rather, hands to
keyboard, as long as you can, every day. Don’t let anyone tell you what you
can’t do, but don’t expect writing to be an easy ride to fame and fortune. In
the years before I got published, I spent more nights than I want to remember
working away until three and four a.m., wrapped in a blanket, bleary-eyed and
wrung out, and wondering whether anyone would ever read a single word I’d
written. Writing is lonely, hard work. At the time I figured it was probably
just me, that the people who made a living at it could bang out books blindfolded,
with one hand on the keyboard. I’ve since learned – after reading what those
authors said, and I don’t think they’d lie about it – that it’s hard work for
everyone. That was comforting. I guess. </span><br />
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What do you like to do for fun, when you’re not busy?</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Mainly read. Though lately I’ve also discovered the
joys of Twitter. When marketing director Miriam Parker first signed me up and
gave me tweeting tips, I didn’t really get it. I just couldn’t figure out what
I’d have to say that would be interesting to anyone else. Eventually, I decided
not to worry about that. Laughing. And it’s been great fun meeting people
there, hearing what they’re doing, what they’re thinking. In many ways, it’s
what we get from reading books: the ability to experience things vicariously
and discover new ways of seeing the world from our living room</span>.<br />
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What project are you working on these days?</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I just turned in my third book, “Killer Ambition.”
I’m starting work on a short story, due out next spring, and my fourth book.
And TNT has just optioned my books for a one hour drama series – very exciting!
I’m attached as an Executive Producer and Dee Johnson, Executive Producer and
Showrunner is writing the pilot script even as we speak.</span><br />
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Are there any new authors that have grasped your attention?</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I can’t think of any “debut” authors, but one of my
recent finds is Sean Chercover. His latest book, “The <br />Trinity Game,” comes out
July 31<sup>st</sup>, and I got to read an advance copy. It’s sensational! I
loved it</span>!<br />
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Is there anything you’d like to say to your readers and fans?</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Thank
you so much for reading my books, and for your support. And I’d love to hear
from you on Twitter (thatmarciaclark) and Facebook (thatmarciaclark), so come
on over any time! And Dawn, thank
you for this interview</span>!</div>Dawn Dixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476466437552136087noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356373677604323473.post-23614398732138210812012-07-26T19:07:00.000-04:002012-07-26T19:07:06.604-04:00My Butterfly...<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">OK it's just weird, but in a great way. Remember how I had an experience with a butterfly several weeks ago? I had another today.</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I parked my car in the lot, at work, and noticed the same type of butterfly just hanging out, on a rusty pole. It opened and closed its wings several times. I greeted it with a happy hello and wondered if it was yet another sign.</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">About two hours later, I went to my car, and it was still there, in the same spot. I asked it, "Are you a sign of positivity and good things for me?"</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It fluttered its wings again.</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I took it as a "yes." :)</span><br /><br />Dawn Dixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476466437552136087noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356373677604323473.post-6462945844684610712012-07-26T18:11:00.004-04:002012-07-26T19:07:30.789-04:00The USA Network...<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
One of my writer friends recommended writing for E-Zine online, so I gave it a whirl...here's my first published article. Since I love TV and movies, and I LOVE most of the shows on the USA Network, I did a piece about it...check it out and let me know what you may think about the network, if you're a fan. Which are your favorite shows?</div>
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<a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?USA-Network&id=7191535" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" target="_blank">E-zine Article on USA Network</a>Dawn Dixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476466437552136087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1356373677604323473.post-34033526013715530022012-07-23T18:13:00.002-04:002012-07-23T20:11:21.852-04:00BOOK REVIEW: "KILLING LINCOLN"<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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<b>I just finished an amazing book by Bill O'Reilly entitled <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Killing-Lincoln-Shocking-Assassination-Changed/dp/0805093079/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1343080583&sr=1-1&keywords=killing+lincoln" target="_blank">"Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever"</a></b></div>
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<b>As he notes in the introduction, this is a departure from his other books. He says it reads like a thriller, and it DOES. Even though we all KNOW the ending, I still found myself hanging on every word when it got to the day of the assassination.</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Killing-Lincoln-Shocking-Assassination-Changed/dp/0805093079/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElyM6HP2CIE-3ae1XnYFK_SNZn_TwdsXObXcvwIp8F4JG0b67aG9eNY5HQCog6OPNLeuGHAVZlWT2cNdZQ0m1ApMryG3yIdEgv7TuGFSvj7Yle8gbUddg-yfpncfYrn7ba59K-gR_Q9oU/s1600/Killing+Lincoln.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>For those interested in history, the civil war, or President Lincoln, it doesn't disappoint. I never had an interest in history when I was in school, but now it fascinates me. I admit my ignorance when I say I had no idea how doggedly determined General Lee was, or how the burning of Richmond, VA by it's OWN citizens, may have been the cause of the South's defeat.</b></div>
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<b>Rather than getting mired in too many details, this book focuses on major battles in dramatic fashion. It's easy to follow and very entertaining.</b></div>
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<b>John Wilkes Booth's massive, intricate plans for not only killing Lincoln, but everyone involved in the North's success at the end of the war, was mind-boggling. The accomplices he amassed reminded me of the 9/11 hijackers, plotting furiously for attacks to take place all at the same time.</b></div>
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<b>I recall visiting our capitol many years ago as a youngster. We were at Ford's theater and even the humble home where Lincoln died. Naturally, I didn't comprehend or appreciate it as I might today.</b></div>
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<b>Out of a possible 5 stars for this book, I give it a wholehearted 5 !! </b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In fact, O'Reilly is coming out with a similar book, </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Killing-Kennedy-Camelot-Bill-OReilly/dp/0805096663/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1343081297&sr=1-1&keywords=killing+jfk" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" target="_blank">"Killing Kennedy"</a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> in October. Needless to say, I've already reserved my copy!</span></b>Dawn Dixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476466437552136087noreply@blogger.com4