DIANE DIMOND INTERVIEW.....

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!!

I remember first seeing you on Court TV and wonder how you got your start.  Did you always want to be a journalist?  
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! 

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.  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.  Stayed there about six years and then figured if I was ever going to try TV I better snap to it.  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.

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. 

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,  I broke what was my biggest story:  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. 

 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!)  

After that I was exhausted and decided to take some time off.  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.  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.  I did double duty at Court TV and Fox for about a year.  Then Court TV hired me – and well, you know the rest.  It was there I re-broke the Michael Jackson molestation story.  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.  You can see my full resume at my web site – www.dianedimond.net

Who were some of your favorite correspondents and anchors that you’ve worked with along your career? 
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  gave me wonderful pep talks along the way. So did Pauline Fredricks at NPR (she was the UN correspondent)  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.  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.   

You have a weekly column – how do you come up with topics?   Is it difficult to write every week?  
 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.  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…”  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.  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.  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!  There are so many great crime and justice stories out there…. 

What made you want to become an author?

 I had so much information crammed into my head about Michael Jackson – from 1993 to 2003 (when cops raided Neverland for the 2^nd time) – that I just had to dis-gorge it from my brain! Plus, no one had ever written a non-laudatory book about Jackson.  I wanted to put everything I’d learned into some perspective.  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.  I had covered the White House. I knew you couldn’t “crash” the White House.  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)

Did you experience any difficulties getting your first book published?  Any challenges?

Yes. The Jackson fans wanted to kill me already (seriously) because I dared to report what the police thought their idol had done.  Publishers did not want to venture into anti-celebrity waters – but finally Simon & Shuster/Atria books bought it.  The fans think I made a mint off the book. But, sadly, I did not.  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.

P.S. to this day I still get about half a dozen death threats a month from Jackson fans  worldwide. Most are young kids who have no idea what the truth about MJ was.

How long does it take you to write a book?

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.  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.

What things do you love & hate about writing? 
I love the feeling when I finish a piece. I hate the fact that sitting so long hurts my bad back.

From personal experience, I know you’re a mean “Words with Friends” player.  What else do you like to do when you’re not writing? 

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…
Oh, and I love my two fat cats, Miles and May.

Any suggestions or advice to help those of us that want to become published authors?

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.

Do you have another book in the works?

Not one that I’ve been able to sell.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor or inspiration?

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.  Scott Turow,

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

My pals Stacy Dittrich and John DeDakis

When reading for fun, what are your favorite genres?

Crime, crime and crime …. Oh, and I just finished “50 Shades of Gray”

INTERVIEW COMING-DIANE DIMOND!!

Diane Dimond....Journalist, Reporter, Anchor, Author....My interview with her coming this week!

Book Review...Lisa Scottoline's latest!

I just finished another entertaining book by Lisa Scottoline.   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.

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.

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.

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).

My review system goes from 1-5, and this one is definitely a 5!!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW - MARCIA CLARK.....

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.

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.  I recommend you begin this series with the first one, "Guilt by Association"

What made you want to become a writer?  Where did the idea of Rachel Knight come from?

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…

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. 

The idea of Rachel Knight came straight out of my life as a prosecutor. The life of a real 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. 

How long did it take you to write the first book?

There were actually a few “first” books before I got to Guilt by Association.  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.

Where do you get your character inspirations come from?

They all came from Rachel. I envisioned her first, then built outward from there, asking myself, “who would 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. 

Taking those traits into account I…well, wait, true confession time: there was another 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.

What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?

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.

Do you ever experience writer’s block?  If so, do you have some tips to break the spell?

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.

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.

Can you tell us about any challenges getting your first book published?  

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 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.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for aspiring writers?

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. 

What do you like to do for fun, when you’re not busy?

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.

What project are you working on these days?

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.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your attention?

I can’t think of any “debut” authors, but one of my recent finds is Sean Chercover. His latest book, “The
Trinity Game,” comes out July 31^st, and I got to read an advance copy. It’s sensational! I loved it!

Is there anything you’d like to say to your readers and fans?

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!

BOOK REVIEW: "KILLING LINCOLN"

I just finished an amazing book by Bill O'Reilly entitled  "Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever"

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Out of a possible 5 stars for this book, I give it a wholehearted 5 !!  

In fact, O'Reilly is coming out with a similar book,  "Killing Kennedy"  in October.  Needless to say, I've already reserved my copy!

MARCIA CLARK INTERVIEW THIS WEEK....

I've got another author interview lined up in the next week.  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.

She has graciously agreed to be interviewed here...so stay tuned!

"This Isn't Show & Tell" .......

I literally have two huge stacks of writing books on my coffee table.  I've been reading like crazy - in addition to my regular reading - I've been sprinkling that with books on my craft.  It's my latest obsession.  My husband will have to build me a new bookcase soon just to shelve them all.  Each one has nuggets of great information, and I drink them all in.  

They tell me how to write a great scene, how to write sparkling dialogue, how to create memorable characters, and so on.  One of the common themes is to SHOW not TELL. 

I'm a fan of Jonathan Kellerman's Alex Delaware series.  Today, I started the latest one,  "Victims."  These are all written in the first-person POV, who happens to be Alex Delaware.  This book began with nothing BUT  "showing" and yet still managed to hold my interest.  I never noticed these types of things before getting serious about my writing.  I just knew I loved his books.  Since teaching myself to be more aware of how other authors write, I view books, and even movies, differently.

Alex is called to the scene of a murder.  He explains to the reader what the body looks like, what was done to it, what the apartment looks like, etc.  He also tells us what the landlord looks like, so we can picture him in our minds.  None of this is done with dialogue, as are other passages in the book when it comes to describing places and other characters.

I'm curious to hear others' opinions on what's wrong with doing this.  Obviously nothing, since he's an established author - at least, that's my guess.  However, us newbies are told NOT to do it.  I know there are exceptions to rules, but can anyone else give some experiences you've had?  Perhaps you've already got some books under your belt, and you've already dealt with publishing, so I'd love to hear from you.  

My First Book Review & Recommendation.....

My first book review & recommendation… “Four Feet Tall & Rising” by Shorty Rossi.  Available on Kindle, hardcover, and audio.  I had the pleasure of just finishing this in the audio version, read by the author.  He’s a character, for sure.

Hopefully, some of you have already heard of, and maybe watch,  his Animal Planet show, “Pit Boss.”  I certainly hope so.  If you don’t, and you love dogs, it’s a must.  This wonderful little man is a powerhouse!  His love for pitbulls is endless.  His advocacy for the breed is tireless.  He’s a ‘little person’ with a huge heart and huge personality to match.

His book is a memoir, and he lets it all hang out.  He had an unhappy childhood with a controlling, abusive father.  He started hanging out with gangs and wound up in prison for 10 years.  Upon his release, he was able to turn his life around and form a talent agency for little people in Hollywood.  In addition to that, he runs “Shorty’s Rescue,” which helps find homes for abused and neglected pitbulls. He promotes the breed as their true selves – loving and sweet.  Not the killing machines they’ve been branded.

At times emotional, others hilarious, this book is one I wholeheartedly recommend!   He is one of a kind, and I truly admire him.  I wish there were more people like him in the world who puts his money where his mouth is…he doesn’t just talk about saving the breed…he does it.  He has six of his own pitbulls, which are featured in his show.  

At the same time I recommend his book, I strongly recommend his show!!  My husband and I have been watching it since the first episode, and it’s wonderful.  Big dogs and little people, which is how the show was first pitched.  

I have my own personal spreadsheet, where I keep track of every book I’ve read and how I would rate it.  The system is 1-5, with 5 being the best.  Shorty’s book is a wholehearted 5!

STACEY HONOWITZ AUTHOR INTERVIEW !

A lot of you may already know Stacey Honowitz from her appearances on HLN as a panelist.  That’s how I’ve gotten to know her as well.  She’s a funny,  intelligent woman who has graciously agreed to this interview.  I’m grateful to have gotten to know and love her. 

She’s the Assistant State Attorney at Broward County State Attorney’s Office in Florida and has written two books regarding the sexual abuse of children.  Thanks for appearing here and educating us as well, my friend! 

Let’s start with this…you’re in the business of law and an advocate for children.  How did you also add “writer” to your resume?  What motivated you to write your first book, “My Privates are Private?”

I have been a  Sex Crimes and Child Abuse prosecutor for almost 24 years, and I have met with thousands of victims and their families. I realized that so many parents were too scared to talk about private parts with their kids, and too many kids were clueless when it came to touching, molestations and sexual battery. I decided that education was the key, and I needed to show parents an easy way to deal with this delicate subject matter. I knew that tools needed to be out there to help parents and kids "break the ice' and actually discuss an uncomfortable topic. Sexual abuse is an epidemic, and nobody ever thinks that their child could be a victim. Sexual abuse has no boundaries, it affects rich and poor, black and white, Catholic and Jewish. You have to be able to get your head out of the sand and realize that if you don't discuss this subject, you are committing "parental malpractice". Thus the books were born, easy clear limerick pages that get a huge message across "don't ever be afraid to tell".  

 

Was it difficult to get your first book published?  Any challenges?  Especially considering the title of your second book.  I remember some backlash when you appeared on TV.

 

The first book, between edits and trials, took me about 3 months.  I also struggled to get both books published. It's so interesting to me, everyone in the publishing business that I came across had children, all of them thought 'great idea and so necessary' and yet NOBODY would publish them. I would pitch and pitch about the importance of this information, beg them to watch me on television a few nights a week talking about sexual predators, and still they would not do it. I knew how important this project was, I saw how the books would sell out at my lectures, and so I never gave up. The rejections just poured in. I remember thinking if g-dforbid something happened to their kid, I would be the the first person they'd call to prosecute the person. It came down to one thing "sales" and profit. They kept telling me that on the open market the books would not do well. I knew that parents were thirsty for this information, "how to talk to their kids" so I went ahead and self published the books. The more rejections I receive, even today, the harder it makes me work to prove them wrong.

This is why I love your spirit and tenacity!  I remember you appearing on TV and talking about the problems you had with some of the public still wanting to turn a deaf ear and blind eye.   How did your second book, “Genius With a Penis: Don’t Touch” come about?

 

I wanted to have separate books for the boys and the girls. When I would first lecture about "My Privates are Private" mothers would come up and say to me "I have a little boy, could you do something that maybe isn't so girly". I then wrote "Genius with a Penis, Don't Touch" and that brought on a whole new slew of issues. Now nobody would touch it with a 10 foot pole because of the word "penis". I hate to burst everyone's bubble, but that's what the male genitalia is called. Everyone is so embarrassed by the word, except for a little kid if you tell him that's what it is. We can tell them that they have eyes, a nose, and arms, but we have to lie to them about what their penis is called? If you aren't afraid to say it without laughing, neither will they. The parents and adults are the ones that make the word dirty or funny. Teach them early on what the proper names are, that way if they need to tell someone they have been abused, nobody has to guess what a whoo whoo is.

 

You make some excellent points.  Parents - take heed!  How do you market your work?  What avenues have you found work best for your genre?

I do everything I can to market my books. I do a lot of television, which I have been doing for years, just so people recognize me when it comes time to talk about the books. I do a lot of speaking engagements where I introduce the books, and now with social media, I tweet as many PR people as I can. I have tried desperately to get a celebrity involved because people listen to stars. So many celebrities have been sexually abused, and they can't wait to talk about it when they are trying to sell their books, yet I haven't had any that are willing to help spread the word about my books. Like I said, I know how valuable the information is, and I believe in the good that the books provide, so if you reject them, it makes me promote them more. I can see the results in the kids that read the books. It is constant work to market and promote, letters to magazines, tv morning shows, and lots of emails to people that I think might be able to help.

 

What’s one important tip from your books that you want to share with parents?

  

I think the most important tip for parents from my books, is to teach your kids to recognize that even nice people might want to touch your privates, and you should never be afraid or embarrassed to tell someone. Parents need to realize that this is not a one day discussion.  It's ongoing, until your kid rolls his eyes at you and says "mom and dad, I am tired of this talk, I know, if anyone touches me or makes me feel uncomfortable I have to tell" "I get it."

 

These books will never "go out of style." They are not like the latest diet books, and should be mandatory in every household. Sexual abuse will always be in society, especially with the internet, and social networking sites. Every parent should realize the importance of these tools, and know that 5 minutes of uncomfortable beats 5 years in the State Attorney's Office. 

 

What’s your take on the recent wave of e-publishing?   Any chance of seeing your books on Kindle and Nook?   And what do you love and hate about writing?

 

Publishing has changed drastically, with the Nook and the Kindle,  they are great and convenient, and if you choose to have this discussion in that format, great. However you feel will get the message across to your child the best way, is proper. My books are available on Barnes and Noble.com and Amazon. com so if you want to read them electronically, be my guest! My advice for writers (and I don't truly consider myself a writer) is to never give up. If you have an idea that nobody else likes, now you have the opportunity to do it yourself.  It's the marketing  itself that's difficult, but where there's a will, there is a way. What do I love and hate about writing? I loved having an idea, and seeing the final product. I didn't like the criticism, but I love that my books have a real purpose. I love when someone writes me or texts me and tells me how much the books have helped their family.

 

Do you have any projects in the works?  What do you do in your spare time?

I don't have any books on the horizon.  I am still spending my free time marketing these!  I don't have a lot of free time, as I work full time as a Supervisor in the Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Unit of the State Attorneys Office.  I do television at night,  speaking engagements and I am a single mother at 50 with a 3 1/2 year old!  So I am busy, and making it my mission to get these books in all the schools, pediatrician offices,  and the media. 

Stacey, thank you again, for stopping by to chat with me and the readers.  I treasure our new found friendship and appreciate you taking the time to do this!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW...Stacey Honowitz, Coming Soon!

I've had the pleasure of knowing a wonderful lady by the name of Stacey Honowitz.  Perhaps many of you know her, especially those of you who belong to my HLN Crime Fan Page on Facebook.  She appears regularly on several of their shows.  She's an Assistant State Attorney in Broward County, FL and happens to be a passionate advocate for children.

As a supervisor in the Sex Crimes & Child Abuse Unit, she's responsible for prosecuting cases involving child molestation and all cases of physical abuse of children. Her mission is to spread the word about sexual abuse of children. 

She's written two books, "My Privates are Private," and "Genius With a Penis, Don't Touch."  The intent behind these is to help parents and children break the ice in discussing the delicate subject matter of sexual abuse.

My interview with her will be coming soon, so don't miss it!!

Ariana Franklin...Mistress of the Art of Death....

One of my next favorite series is by the author, Ariana Franklin.  As you'll see, my tastes differ from mystery, suspense, biography, and historical fiction...this last one being the genre that Franklin is in. 

Her main character in this series is Adelia.  The title of her first book is "Mistress of the Art of Death," which I recommend to start your adventures into her world.  She's a feisty forensics examiner who's ahead of her time.  She's independent, unlike her contemporaries of the middle ages.  She is summoned by King Henry II of England, to solve the  gruesome murders of several children.  Since women were basically second-class citizens back then, she always travels with a companion that masquerades as the 'real doctor,' while she pretends to be his assistant.

Along her travels, she encounters obstacles and individuals that try to cover up their dastardly deeds & stop her from completing her missions.  Her personality lends humor to the stories, as each adventure spells disaster.  The King always promises her that she only has to solve one case, and then he'll let her return to her homeland in Italy...however, he always manages to force her to stay for yet another mystery.  The King also provides humor, as he's a kind King in some ways, but also selfish in wanting her to remain in England.  

Check out the series, in its order, right here.......

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/f/ariana-franklin/

Author Interview with Paul Levine!

So, my first author interview...Paul Levine...Thanks for taking the time to talking to us....

Q-You were a successful lawyer, so what made you want to be a writer?  Are you still practicing?   Or do you write full time now?

A-I practiced law 17 years in Miami and experienced mid-career burnout.  I’ve written full-time for the last 21 years.

Q-How long did it take you to write your first book?

A-It took a little more than a year to write “To Speak for the Dead” which I wrote while still practicing law.  After then it was 9 months to a year, whether I was doing anything else or not.

Q-How difficult was it to get your first book published?  What challenges did you face?

A-The first challenge was to get an agent.  As it turned out, it only took him 48 hours to get a two-book hardcover/paperback offer from Bantam.

Q-Where do you get your character inspirations from?

A-I wish I knew!  Some just come to me, without warning.  Jake Lassiter, the protagonist of “ToSpeak for the Dead” and seven other novels, is a night-school lawyer who was a second-string linebacker for the Miami Dolphins.  He voices my opinions but he does a lot of stuff I would never do…like punch out a witness in court.

Q-Do you work with an outline or just write?

A-I use a detailed, chapter-by-chapter outline so that I know where I’m going.

Q-Do you ever experience writer’s block?  If so, what cure works for you?

A-Basically, when I feel “blocked” (or lazy),  I remind myself that the mortgage is due.

Q-What things do you love & hate about writing?

A-There’s always the question: Do you enjoy writing or having written?  When I was younger, I enjoyed the process perhaps more than I do now.  These days, I enjoy the finished product more than the work to get there.

Q-Do you have any advice and suggestions for aspiring writers?

A-Put your ass in the chair.

Q-How do you market your work?  What avenues have you found work best for your genre?

A-For many years, I just let the publishers do their thing.  Earlier this year, I bought back a bunch of my books that were still in print and now I’m my own publisher on Amazon Kindle with both the “JakeLassiter” series and the “Solomonvs. Lord” series.  I do a lot of promotion on Facebook and various blogs and book sites.

Q-What is your take on the recent upswing of e-books?  Do you think they are the future?

A-The future is now!  Yes.

Q-You wrote many episodes of the television series JAG.  How did you segue into TV?

A-I free-lanced two episodes, which JAG bought, shot and aired back in 1997 and 1998.  In 1999, they offered me a full-time gig on the show, and I took it.  I think writing dialogue for television actually improved the dialogue in my books.

Q-Can you tell us about your latest book?

A-That would be “Lassiter.”  Allow me to quote the flap copy:
Eighteen years ago, Jake Lassiter crossed paths with a teenage runaway who disappeared into South Florida’s sex trade. Now he traces her steps and runs head-on into a conspiracy of Miami’s rich and powerful who would do anything to keep the past as silent as the grave. In this tale of redemption and revenge, Edgar-nominated author Paul Levine delivers his most powerful thriller yet.

Jake Lassiter, second-string linebacker turned low-rent lawyer, is cynical about the law, but if you hire him, he’ll take a punch for you . . . and maybe a swing at the prosecutor, too.

Amy Larkin—beautiful, angry, and mysterious—accuses Lassiter of involvement in the disappearance of her sister eighteen years earlier. What does Lassiter know about Krista Larkin, the runaway teen turned porn actress? More than he’s saying.

Seeking to atone for his own past, Lassiter follows the cold trail of the missing Krista and butts head with the powerful men who also knew her: a former porn king turned philanthropist, a slick Cuban-born prosecutor, and an aging mobster.

The evidence leads to a long-ago night of kinky sex, designer drugs—and possible murder. But before Lassiter can nail the truth, a gun goes off, a suspect falls dead, and Lassiter has a murder trial to defend. Will the verdict disclose what happened to Krista? The answer, buried under years of deceit and corruption, is revealed in an explosive courtroom finale, proving that rough justice is better than no justice at all.

Q-What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
A-Hike, swim, bike, walk my emotionally challenged dog in the Santa Monica mountains.


THANKS AGAIN, PAUL!!   I can personally recommend the Solomon vs. Lord series...I absolutely LOVE them!!

More info about Paul Levine at http://www.paul-levine.com

Book to Movie......

There have been many books turned into movies, and sometimes they're a disappointment or don't quite follow the book.  For "Hollywood creative license," purposes, I suppose the powers that be feel they need to enhance the storyline.  

Several movies I'd like to put on my "pleasantly surprised" list are "Lincoln Lawyer" and "The Lovely Bones."  If my recollection is correct, and believe me, my memory isn't all that notable these days, they stayed pretty true to the books.  Since I loved the books, the movies were a 'thumbs up' for me.

"Lincoln Lawyer" was the first book in an engaging series by Michael Connelly.  It's a spin-off from the very popular "Harry Bosch" series.  When I first saw the trailer, I knew Matthew McConaughey was the PERFECT guy to play Mickey Haller, the smarmy, cynical lawyer-turned-believer.  Casting was pitch perfect!  The movie did NOT disappoint in introducing us to this fascinating character.

"The Lovely Bones" did stray a tad from the book; however, it was done in a good way.  To me, the movie expanded on it by telling more about the creepy neighbor.  I don't want to give anything away, so I can't go into greater detail.  It's a haunting story, a bit of a downer, basically told by a young girl who was murdered and can't quite cross over.  She's watching her family from afar, observing how they cope with her loss. The imagery in the movie was breathtaking.

One example of a riveting book turned to crud was the recent movie, "We Need to Talk About Kevin."  I have my own rating system of 1-5 for books I've listened to...the highest being a 5.  I gave this a hearty 5.  I didn't want to stop listening!  However, the movie stunk and didn't do the book any justice.  I would recommend reading the book over watching the movie, as it was beyond dreadful.

So...are there any books, turned into movies, that YOU liked or disliked?

My First Interview!! PAUL LEVINE....

I am thrilled to report that I've scooped my first author interview, and it's a BIG one!  Well-known author, Paul Levine!  He's one of the faves I listed in my Favorite Authors list in a previous blog post and has graciously agreed to let me interview him right here.

He wrote the Solomon vs Lord series, about two bickering attorneys, with such humor that I was hooked from the first paragraph.  Since then, I've gotten two co-workers hooked on the series as well!

He has another series based on Jake Lassiter, an ex-pro football player turned maverick attorney.  His 8th book in this series, entitled "Lassiter," is now in bookstores.

He also managed to segue his skills into writing for television, including more than 20 episodes of JAG.

STAY TUNED and SPREAD THE WORD.....

Rapp with a Strap.....Vince Flynn

Vince Flynn.....the next favorite author of mine.  He writes the "Mitch Rapp" series.  This guy is a CIA operative that works covertly and expertly for a secret department within the government.  Yes, he straps!  He's always got guns and weapons at the ready!  He is the best CIA assassin they have...one you would definitely want on your side.  He always gets the job done so that the good ole' USA is safe under his watch.

The series is packed with action and Mitch's attitude of thumbing his nose at the very bureaucratic agency he works for.  I highly recommend this series, and trying it with book one, which is entitled "Transfer of Power."

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/f/vince-flynn/

Nelson DeMille...

I like this author.  His books are meaty and rich with interesting characters.  He has a series I love - the John Corey series.  I listen to audiobooks constantly, and I've been lucky to have one of my favorite narrators read this series throughout.  It's about an ex-cop who is now an ATTF Special Agent that works with the FBI on various cases.  He is utterly hilarious in his sarcasm and humorous quips, but  he's also damn good at his job.  

Most of the books involve John scrambling to stop evil-doers of hurting our country.  The pacing is suspenseful where it needs to be and funny as you take your journeys with John and his assignments.  I would suggest starting with the first one, "Plum Island."

DeMille has another series, though there are only two books thus far.  It involves a different John...John Sutter.  He's an attorney who gets wrangled into working cases involving the mob.  These two are "The Gold Coast" and "The Gate House."  Naturally, start with the first one, "The Gold Coast."

Enjoy!!
http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/d/nelson-demille/

A "Rose' by Any Other Name...

Rose Connors...another of my favorite authors.  She writes the Marty Nickerson series.  Marty is an Assistant District Attorney who fights tirelessly for victims.   The first book is "Absolute Certainty," with Marty feeling proud that she put a man away.  However, when another body is found, she starts to wonder if she targeted the wrong man.  When the D.A.refuses to re-open the case, Marty goes out on a limb to follow her instincts & perhaps find the real killer.


http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/c/rose-connors/

Michael Connelly

This next favorite author from my original list has two series I like...it all started with Harry Bosch, the cranky but keen homicide detective.  He's a bit of a loner but one hell of a cop.  It's a very successful series, and since I'm into cops and mysteries, I recommend it to others that feel the same.  A spin-off series has developed - the Mickey Haller books. 

I can't tell you how elated I was when the movie, "Lincoln Lawyer" came out, because it was the first book in the Mickey Haller series.  Unlike most movies that don't wind up living up to the hoopla of the book, this one delivered.  The movie was excellent, and so is the book!

Therefore, I'd recommend two books:

"The Black Echo"  (first one in the Harry Bosch series)
"The Lincoln Lawyer"  (first one in the Mickey Haller series)

Enjoy!!!

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/c/michael-connelly/

Harlan Coben....

What can I say about him?  He's another favorite author of mine.  Of course, it doesn't hurt that all of his books are based in New Jersey, where I'm from. 

The man has a gift...be it his stand-alone books or the Myron Bolitar series, which I am hooked on!  The adventures of Myron and his tre chic sidekick, Wynwood Lockhorn, are hysterical.  They blend a mix of mystery with humor.  I highly recommend them! 

Start with the first one, "Deal Breaker."  Myron is a sports agent/lawyer who always seems to get himself in trouble...but have no fear, because he has Wyn at his side.  He may look like a wimpy, ultra-rich snoot.  Of course, he IS, but looks are always deceiving with him...he knows every form of karate and will kill without compunction to defend his friends. 

Let me know if you're also a fan, or if you took my recommendation and read the first book...then give me YOUR assessment :)

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/c/harlan-coben

No Hassle at the "Castle"

I hope most people are familiar with the smash TV show, "Castle."  If you're not, you should be.  I've watched it since the first episode, and it has the perfect mixture of simpatico characters, humor, and crime mystery.  Since Richard Castle is the next favorite author on the list I posted in a previous blog, I'd like to recommend his books.  The ingenious marketing of tie-in's from the book series to the TV show is nothing short of brilliant!

The show airs on ABC at 10pm on Monday nights.  Hmmm...they should have paid me for that little plug, but no matter.  The main character on the show is Richard Castle, a famous crime fiction novelist.  He writes a series of books about a cop named Nikki Heat.  In the show, his books are based on the cop he gets to 'shadow' throughout the series, whose name is Kate Beckett.

Once this show took off and became popular, they started printing the actual BOOKS, even though there really ISN'T a Richard Castle! lol   I'd love to meet this secret ghostwriter, because he deserves some credit!  It's really a hoot to have books out, written by Richard Castle, who is essentially non-existent, but a television character PLAYING an author!  As I said earlier, it's pure genius! 

Therefore, my next recommendation to you all is to check out 'his' books.  They are especially fun to read if you follow the show, because all of the characters from the show are featured in the books!

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/c/richard-castle/