Showing posts with label Tuesday's Weekly Musings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tuesday's Weekly Musings. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Eternal ~ Contest

Okay.

I need a little help with my Eternal series.

Comment on what you think Sebastian should be the god of. I will choose which one I like best, as well as which will fit the books and short stories the best. The winner will receive a FREE ebook of Eternal Beginnings when it's done (only three chapters left to write and some editing)!

Background on Sebastian:

Sebastian is the son of Katricne, the goddess of time (who is responsible for time of death - she predetermines when someone is destined to die - but not how or why) and Tobias, the King of Vampires. He has a twin sister Maya, who is the goddess of the unholy.

He has high morals and has never killed an innocent in all his 2000+ years. Sebastian has the role of he enforcer on The Council, which is responsible for keeping demons in line so that they remain in the shadows to be nothing more than a myth to humanity.

Sebastian is the focus of the third book, Eternal Chance, so I've provided the cover so you can have a visual!

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

An Author's Platform - Seven Ways to Build Your Repuation as Creative Writer - Guest Post from Writer's Relief

This is a reposting from Writer's Relief. Reprinted with Permission.



Seven Ways To Build Your Reputation As A Creative Writer
 
Posted on August 12, 2009 by Writer's Relief Staff •
 
It’s easy to label yourself a writer. Jot down a poem and call yourself a scribe. But building a reputation for yourself as a writer is the evidence others need to label you a writer. Whether good or bad, writers’ reputations follow them wherever they go, either paving the way for success or putting up roadblocks in the path to getting published or developing a readership. It’s essential that creative writers take into consideration the way their peers, literary agents, editors, and readers view not only the quality of their writing, but their credentials and career path as well. It’s far easier to create a solid, professional reputation than to undo the damage of a spotty record and poor public persona.
 
Creative writers can brand themselves in any number of ways, and successful writers use more than one self-marketing method.
 
1. Take advantage of social-networking sites. Competition in the writing world is fierce, and when a creative writer wants to generate interest in a novel, it takes more than word of mouth. Attending writers’ conferences and writers’ groups have always been good ways to connect with others in the industry, and now writers can also take advantage of online social-networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter to create a buzz about their work by shaping connections nationwide—even worldwide—quickly and efficiently.
 
Facebook, for example, offers the opportunity to create both a personal profile and a “fan page”—a space where artists and writers can highlight their work. (Check out the Writer’s Relief Facebook page!) Writers can connect with readers by sharing news, writing samples, photos, and links.
MySpace also allows users to create extensive profiles, while Twitter is a simplified version of the two (check out our tweets about writing and publishing). Social networking online helps writers engage others in their work and melds well with more traditional marketing efforts like book reviews, book signings, and tours.
 
 
2. Join an association. If you are published, investigate joining a professional writing association, such as the Mystery Writers of America or the Horror Writers Association. It’s another opportunity to network, and belonging to an association of like-minded writers offers other benefits to your craft such as industry news, useful links, and discussion groups.
 
3. Create a Web presence. It’s important that someone doing an online search of your name is able to find a profile page that showcases you and your work. Many authors have websites in addition to user pages on social-networking sites to maximize their exposure. A profile page should feature your name, photo, and a brief biography. You can post your writing credentials, excerpts from your novel, poems and/or short stories, and favorable reviews. If you are a published author, your profile should link to a site where your books can be purchased. Be sure to use links to your profile at every opportunity—in email and forum signatures, on Facebook, MySpace, or other social-networking sites, and on business cards and stationery.
 
Read more:
 
4. Blog. It seems that everyone has a blog these days, but it is especially useful for writers to take advantage of this marketing strategy. Your entries are firsthand examples of your writing—so make them good and edit well—and this can generate interest in your other work. Update frequently and be creative in your blog; include helpful links, insights, even humor to keep readers interested. If you are published, make sure it’s easy for a reader to purchase your work with a handy link to Amazon.com, for example, and include links to any site that features your writing or reviews of your writing.
 
Another useful feature of blogging is that it is interactive and personal—readers can leave comments or suggestions, and you can respond to them directly. You can keep them informed of any book signings or works in progress and answer any questions. It’s best to update your blog as often as possible to keep it fresh and interesting. Be sure to use keywords in each post (title and text) to optimize search engine results. The Internet is an amazing tool for writers looking for exposure, so be sure to use it to its full potential.
 
5. Explore different genres. Working outside your usual genre can expand your writing palette and even improve your writing. If you’re working on a full-length novel, for example, you might also consider pitching some article ideas (about something you’re proficient in) to magazines. Not only will you be boosting your publication credits and exhibiting flexibility in your talents, but the things you learn in one genre can nourish your skills in another.
 
6. Exude personal professionalism. Whether you’re submitting query letters or have already secured an agent, it’s crucial that you handle yourself professionally and put forth your best efforts. Wrinkled, stained, misspelled query letters give a bad impression to a potential agent. For those who have agents, return their phone calls promptly, follow their instructions or requests conscientiously, and deliver materials on time. Develop a professional reputation with agents and editors, and remember that you’ll be judged for every piece of writing—this means not firing off a quick e-mail riddled with errors and Internet lingo.
 
7. Finally, stay current. Keep up with publishing trends and market preferences by reading industry magazines, newsletters, and articles. Take courses and seminars whenever possible to brush up on your writing skills, and practice the actual craft of writing at every opportunity.
 
Want help building your reputation as a writer? Writer’s Relief can help you make more submissions! Our clients are widely published and regularly nominated for significant awards. Learn more!
 

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

The Bloody Sinful Original Legacy Tour Stop - Getting to Know the Books by J.L. McCoy


 
THE BOOKS:

Blood of the Son, Sins of the Father, The Original Sin, and Legacy of Blood

Skye Morrison Vampire Series   Book #1 - 4

J.L. McCoy

Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Links for the Books:

Amazon Kindle links





 

Barnes and Noble Nook links:


 

Smashwords link:



 

 

 

BOOK ONE: Blood of the Son

Synopsis: After a shocking admission by Archer Rhys, Skye Morrison and the rest of The Mausoleum's vampire crew have to deal with the aftermath of Houston business owner and fellow vampire Greyson Mead's murder. A gruesome discovery in Skye's driveway forces her out of her house and temporarily into Archer's lakeside mansion with her co-workers Trey, Hunter, Quinn, Seamus, Lochlan, Jameson, and of course the ever jealous Aoife. Skye must now live under the same roof with the two men she wants most and things are bound to get complicated. With a psychotic murderer on the loose hell bent on killing vampires and the appointed army of The Faithful having no luck in finding them, will Skye's new boss and co-workers live to see next week? Will Skye make it out of Archer's mansion alive?

*Be advised: This book contains adult situations, steamy sex scenes, and cursing.*

 
 
 
 
Excerpt:

“With all those late hours, doesn’t Mrs. Rhys miss you?” I asked.

He raised an eyebrow. “No,” he said with a slight smirk. “There is no Mrs. Rhys.”

“Oh, sorry” I replied, a little embarrassed. “I just figured a guy like you would have been snatched up long ago by some gorgeous girl.”

He smiled and chuckled a little. “You’d think so, huh? I haven’t had much luck in that department...at least long term.”

“Sorry if I seemed nosy,” I said, looking down at my clasped hands. I felt like I had pried.

“Not at all, Skye. These are things you’ll need to know if you work for me,” he said soothingly. “Let me ask you a few general questions. Would that be alright?”

“Yes, please. Fire away,” I said, eager to change the subject.

“What do you like to do for fun?” he asked.

I looked up at him and wondered if I should give him the safe answer or the true answer. I decided to throw caution to the wind and let him see the real me. “Well, um, I enjoy painting. Abstract mostly...on big canvases. There’s almost nothing better than channeling your love, fear, pain, bad day, good day down into something and seeing the beauty of those emotions emerge. It helps me realize that no matter how bad my day was, or how hurt I felt...there’s always beauty in everything; that every emotion I feel is important and helps make me who I am. I love it. It’s freedom incarnate.” I smiled and remembered the last painting I did. It was after Jesse and I broke up. I put all the anger, tears, frustration, and ugliness down on the canvas. It turned into one of the most beautiful pieces I’ve ever done.

“I love to read,” I said, clearing my throat and continuing. “I’ve always preferred that over watching television. There’s not much imagination to television in my opinion. Also, dancing has always been in my blood. I love dancing whether it’s out at a dance hall or around my house. If hear music, my body just kind of responds to it. I like to catch Karaoke Night at the Blue Lagoon Lounge whenever I can. Their Cult Movie Show Tunes night is to die for. Don’t laugh. I know it’s cheesy, but I love it. And, I have to say, one of my absolute favorite things to do is go to my weekly Krav Maga class that I take with my best friend, Nikki,” I said, hoping that that wasn’t too long winded of an answer.

“Impressive, Miss Morrison,” he said with a cock of his head and appraising eyes. “I like a strong woman.”

I blushed and looked down at my hands. Small butterflies fluttered around in my stomach and I adjusted my body uncomfortably in the seat. I was embarrassed but a little excited at the look in his eye as he watched me talking. What is that...the way he’s looking at me? He likes a strong woman...what does that mean? Is he coming on to me? I laughed inwardly at the absurdity of my thoughts. Yeah right, Skye. He’s WAY out of your league, girlfriend. But, nice try. I looked up, into his eyes, and gave him a small smile and a shrug. “Me too. I grew up on Red Sonja comics. I wanted to be just like her when I was a kid.”

His eyes sparkled with his laughter and the butterflies in my stomach picked up again. Dammit, stop that! I silently told myself. Out of your league! And, he just might be your boss someday. Chill, hormones...

“What kinds of books do you like to read?” he asked.

I was surprised by the question. I guess when he said general, he really meant general. “I mainly read paranormal fiction, though I do enjoy the occasional historical drama or biography.”

“I’ve read up on preternatural things myself,” he said with a knowing smile. “What are your favorite subjects?”

“Well, I suppose it would be vampires, werewolves, fae, and similar mythological creatures,” I said, hoping that’s what he meant.

He laughed and nodded his head. “I’m glad you enjoy those. I do, too,” he said.

I started wondering how these questions pertained to the job I was interviewing for. But, I shouldn’t complain, I guess. These questions were very easy to answer and it seemed like he was genuinely interested in hearing my answers.

“Do you have any first-aid knowledge?” he inquired next.

“Hm...well, yes. I took a first-aid course in summer camp when I was 15. I still remember the basics,” I said, a little confused as to where this was going.

“Good,” he said, and then looked thoughtful. “Would you know how to...let’s say for example...dress wounds and control bleeding?”

What the hell kind of interview question was that?! I thought to myself. I’d expect that if I was applying at a hospital or something, but... “Yes,” I said slowly, confused as to why I would ever need to know something like that working in a nightclub.

“Excellent,” he said smiling. “You never know when something like that will come in handy.”

 

 

BOOK TWO: Sins of the Father

Synopsis:

After a shocking admission by Archer Rhys, Skye Morrison and the rest of The Mausoleum's vampire crew have to deal with the aftermath of Houston business owner and fellow vampire Greyson Mead's murder.  A gruesome discovery in Skye's driveway forces her out of her North Central Austin, Texas townhome and temporarily into Archer's lakeside mansion with her co-workers Trey, Hunter, Quinn, Seamus, Lochlan, Jameson, and of course the ever jealous Aoife.  Skye must now live under the same roof with the two men she wants most and things are bound to get complicated.  With a psychotic murder on the loose hell bent on killing vampires and the appointed army of The Faithful having no luck in finding them, will Skye's new boss and co-workers live to see next week?  Will Skye make it out of Archer's mansion alive? 

Excerpt:

“Did you need something?” I asked.

Archer leaned forward in his chair and took off his expensive charcoal gray sports coat. “I wanted to see how you were handling all of this,”he said, throwing the coat onto the couch and moving to take off his cufflinks. I watched him struggle for a second before I intervened.

“Here, let me help you.” I said as I got up from the chair and walked around his desk. He smiled tiredly, sighed, and thanked me. I hopped up onto the desk, sat in the same place Aoife had only moments ago occupied and pulled his hand onto my lap. I slowly took off his left cufflink and sat it down on the dark desk beside me. I looked into his ice blue eyes as I rolled the shirtsleeve up his muscular forearm. “Honestly, Archer, I don’t know how I am handling this.”

He stared intensely into my eyes and searched them for clues. “Are you scared?” I nodded my head and gave him his arm back. I picked up his right one and began the same process again. “You know I’ll never let anything happen to you, don’t you?”

I watched my hands work as I thought about that for a few seconds.

“I know,” I said finally, looking back up into his beautiful eyes. Neither of us said anything for a long moment. “I’m worried about you...about all of you,” I admitted reluctantly, my fingers finishing their work.

Archer took one of my hands in his and leaned closer. “We’re going to be just fine,” he said, tucking a stray hair behind my left ear and then lifting my chin. “We’re a lot stronger than we look, Skye.”

I had a sudden flash of Greyson’s mutilated body and I swallowed hard, shaking my head. My eyes glistened with unshed tears. “But Greyson...,”

Archer shushed me with a gentle finger to my full lips. “Don’t,” he whispered, looking deeply into my eyes. “Don’t think about that.” He cupped my cheek and tenderly ran his thumb over my mouth, tracing my bottom lip.

“I’m sorry for how I acted earlier tonight,” he apologized gently, his eyes remorseful.

“I know,” I whispered. I tilted my head into his cool hand and closed my eyes. His touch was so comforting, his strong arms safe. I felt my body slowly start to relax for the first time tonight.

“I want you to stay with me tonight, Skye.” My eyes flew open in alarm and I sat up straight. “Us,” Archer amended quickly. “I meant I want you to stay with us...at my house.”

 

BOOK THREE: The Original Sin

Synopsis:

"Skye Morrison's life lately has been anything but ordinary. Attempting to pull together the pieces of her life that have been ripped to shreds after being kidnapped and tortured by Amun- who happens to be the father of all vampires-her dreams are haunted by memories of those recent fateful and horrific events. Skye struggles with her split feelings and the raw sexual tension with her lover, Jameson Doyle and boss Archer Rhys-the continuous object of her sexual fantasies. Residing at Archer's lakeside mansion with the rest of the vampire clan, Skye attempts to maintain a normal routine. With the vampire army, The Faithful, attempting unsuccessfully to capture Amun, her nightmares take her down a twisted spiral of entrapment and terror, taking its toll on her daily life. Haunted and hunted by the psychotic and mind-twisting Amun, Skye goes through dark and violent changes, revealing a side of herself she didn't know existed and ultimately leading to a shocking conclusion. With a climax that will leave you breathless and wanting more, don't miss the third chapter in the life of Skye Morrison. 

Excerpt:

“Stop,” I whispered as the tears finally began to spill down my face. “I can’t bear to hear anymore.” My heart constricted with the pain his words brought. “How can you do this to me? How can you when you know I’m with Jameson.”

I roughly wiped the tears from my cheeks, stood up, and stormed over to him. “What am I supposed to do with this, Archer? Huh? Leave your brother and jump into your bed? What about him? What about his feelings? How can you do this to me? Why couldn’t you have just left it alone? Why did you have to tell me?”

“You deserve to know how I feel,” he growled. “You were mine before you were his.”

“No,” I shook my head sadly. “I wasn’t.”

“Why couldn’t you have just talked to me, Skye?” Archer asked, his voice full of pain. “Why didn’t you give me an opportunity to explain the kiss you saw between Aoife and me before you ran into my brother’s arms?”

“I thought I knew what I saw,” I whispered, losing my fight.

“You knew nothing,” he whispered, matching my tone, as he closed the gap between us and pulled me into his arms. He bent down and nuzzled my hair, taking a deep breath in.

I wrapped my arms around him and clung to him tightly. I buried my face in his chest and succumbed to my waterworks. “I knew nothing,” I finally admitted tearfully.

He held me for a long time, neither of us saying anything. I think we were both just content to be in each other’s arms. We had been denying ourselves for the longest time. Holding him felt like coming home; like a cool drink of water after a long week in the desert.

“I’m so sorry, Archer,” I sniffed. “I’m sorry I hurt you.”

“I’m sorry, too,” he mumbled into my hair as he placed light kisses about the top of my head. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do now. The girl I love is sleeping with my brother.”

 

BOOK FOUR: Legacy of Blood

Synopsis:

Skye Morrison begged for death.  Fortunately, someone didn't listen.
Skye awakens to discover she has been irrevocably changed and the unprecedented circumstances of her rebirth have now created a new threat to her very existence. Sired by both the monster Amun and the vampire Archer Rhys, Skye must prove to the army of An Dilis (The Faithful) whose essence is most dominant within her and that she is not a danger to them or society.  The Faithful soon discover that she is unlike any vampire ever created before as she struggles to adjust to her new life and the changes that come with it.

Her recent brush with death has made Skye realize that life is precious and she wastes no time telling the one she loves how she feels about him.

But, Amun finds out that someone interfered with Skye's transformation and the intrusion makes him livid.  He gives Skye 7 days to come to him or he threatens to begin killing the ones she loves most. 
Will Skye be able to survive long enough to enjoy her new life now that Amun is hunting her and everyone she loves?


 
Excerpt:

As soon as my head hit my pillow, and I fully relaxed, my eyes began to grow heavy.   All of the excitement I had been through today had taken its toll on me mentally.  I desperately needed to sleep and recharge.  Before I knew it, I was out cold.

Images flashed behind my eyes, interrupting hours of deep, sound sleep as I softly heard someone whispering my name.  Something was pulling at my psyche, demanding entrance, and I finally gave in to the request. 

Amun was standing by large body of water with his back to me.  As soon as I took a step toward him, he whirled around looking surprised but relieved.

“What took you so long?” he demanded, his black eyes taking on anger.  “I’ve been reaching out to you all day.  I could feel you but I didn’t have access to you…I couldn’t access your mind.  Something is interfering.  HOW are you keeping me out?”

“Ha!” I laughed and sneered at the small victory.  “You mean to tell me you can’t just come into my dreams whenever you want to?”

He flashed to me and grabbed me by my throat.  “You drank their blood?!” he raged in my face as he glared back and forth between my now colorless eyes.  “But you are mine!”

“I am no one’s!” I yelled back as I ripped his hand from my neck and pushed him away from me; the action utterly shocking Amun.  “No one owns me!  No one will EVER own me!”

“A piece of my very soul is inside of you,” he growled, quickly recovering.  “You are mine and you will do as I say.  You will come to me this night!  I DEMAND IT!”

I put my hands on my hips and smirked at him.  “Demand away, Amun.  I don’t know what you’re expecting, but I’m not going to just come crawling to whatever hole you’re off hiding in.  You have no control over me.  Get used to it!”

“Oh, I have plenty of control over you,” he sneered evilly as he took another step toward me.  “All those disgusting feelings of love and desire you felt for that Day Walker…Archer?  I put them there.  I made you dream of him, want him, make love to him…  I made you want to stay with him when you were so set on leaving.  I couldn’t very well allow you to leave and ruin all my plans!  But in the end, you betrayed me, Damu.  There will be a heavy price to pay for that.  You were supposed to stay, complete your change and then kill him and all his children.  Instead you drink his blood and pollute yourself?!  You could have been something great, something beautifully fierce and exquisitely savage, but now you are just another common, pathetic Day Walker!”

I felt my eyes flicker black as anger consumed me.  “I’m not your fucking toy, Amun!  If you think you can force me to feel things and do things for you, you have another thing coming.  I’m going to kill you for what you’ve done to me!  As God is my witness, you will DIE by MY hand!”

Amun chuckled as he looked me up and down and then tsked.  “Oh, my sweet Nisiqtu…you are still so headstrong.  I believe I was wrong about you.  You carry my mark in your eyes.  We are not so different after all, you and I.  You may be a Day Walker now, but the potential for greatness is still there.  The possibilities are endless now.  There is so much we can do to them now that you are one of them.  They will never suspect-”

“Fuck you!” I spat as I turned and walked away.  I didn’t have to listen to his bullshit.  He may have pulled me into this dream but, come hell or high water, I was going to walk out of it.

“You have one week to come to me, Skye,” Amun yelled at my back.  “If you do not obey me, I will start killing your friends and family one by one and I’ll start with that fiery girl who shares your home.  I believe I’ll sew her colorful skin into a new hat.”

I whirled around, my eyes wide and fearful.  “You lay one finger on her and I’ll-”

“Silence!” Amun roared angrily, his voice echoing loudly all around me.  “Seven days, Skye.  And you had better be wearing the presents I left for you when you come to me.”









Author Information:

J. L. McCoy resides in the beautifully weird city of Austin, Texas with her opinionated Pekiweenie Isabel and handsome husband Kenny.  She has always been a passionate reader and enjoys watching movies, traveling, listening to heavy metal/classic rock/80s music, getting mani/pedis with her girls, and singing karaoke.  She loves body art and is hopelessly addicted to Sonic’s ice and Route 44 un-sweet raspberry iced tea. 

 

If you’d like more information about her or her upcoming books, please visit her at the following links:

Author Links:

Blog: http://www.jlmccoy.com/my-blog.html

website:  http://www.jlmccoy.com/index.html

facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJLMcCoy

my store:  http://www.jlmccoy.com/store.html

(I sell signed copies of my books in my store!)

 
 

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Designing with Amygdala!


AMYGDALA DESIGN BLOG POST:

About Amygdala Design:

Amygdala Design was officially started in October 2012 by graphic designer Ida Jansson. The company specializes in book covers and book trailers for independent/self-publishing authors. Eye-catching covers at affordable prices are offered to authors in all genres, both fiction and non-fiction.

More info: amygdaladesign.net


 

What makes a book cover eye-catching?

I think all indie-authors can agree to the fact that when it comes to self-publishing, the competition is extremely though. Today, everyone with a computer and access to the internet can publish their own books through services such as CreateSpace. In a matter of seconds, the book can be downloaded to an e-reader such as Kindle all over the world. With all these books floating around the web, how does the reader choose what to read? How do you as an author capture the attention of possible customers in just one glance? Why would they choose your book out of millions of other books in the same genre?

The answer is obvious – you need an eye-catching book cover.  You need a cover that pops out, that screams “read me!”. If you invest in a professional cover, you show your reader that you care about your book, that you are proud of it and that you are willing to invest in it. The reader should be able to tell by your cover that you believe in your book, because if you do then the reader will as well. This is especially true for new writers that have yet to establish their name as an author. Your book can be amazing and well written, but that does not matter if no one reads it. So if you want to convince people that your book is worth their precious time, you should show them that by investing in a quality cover.

So what makes a book cover eye-catching? I design my customers’ book covers from the following three principles: SIMPLE, COLOUR and COMPOSITION. Often, the author comes to me with a specific idea about how they want their covers to look like. They want endless elements and details on their cover, and it is very important to them that all details fit their story. I can understand why they have this request of course; they care greatly about their story! But, remember this; the potential reader browsing Amazon or Goodreads does not care if your hero has red shoes instead of blue or if your cover has 10 different elements from your book. Why? Because they haven`t read the book yet! If you try to fit a whole scene from your book down to the smallest detail on your cover, all the reader will see on your thumbnail is a smear of elements and different colors.

As a rule, the cover should not consist of more than 2 main colors and 2-3 main elements. 1 main object/character and a background with a few complementing but subtle elements is ideal. If an object doesn`t work on the cover – throw it out! Don`t compromise the quality of your cover just to add an element that is important to you. The potential reader won`t care about that one element, they notice the cover as a whole. And that is how you should see your cover as well – as one piece, not a group of different pieces.

When it comes to composition – trust your graphic designer (and make sure to hire one with proper education). There are rules to follow, and you need to know the rules up and down before breaking them. Also, you need to know that your designer has the technical skills to make your cover work. A professional cover has smooth blending and perfect cut image components.

In short: Hire a skilled cover artist, so that you can focus all your attention on your writing!

 

 

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

April through May Schedule!

Alrighty! So I'm almost booked solid throughout the month of May! This is amazing!

Before I get to the schedule for the rest of April and the events already scheduled for May, I want to take a moment to thank the authors and companies who provide services for authors, for their time to spend with The Cavanaugh Connection (and now Eternal Connections).

I'm so glad to know each and every one of you. And I'm glad that we are all working together to make blogging a better place, and to bring these authors and companies into the lives of the readers!

:)

Alright. I'm done with the mushy now! On with the show!

April:

4/4 Sneak peak of The Love Programme by Zanna Mackenzie
4/9 Amygdala Design speaks about bringing books to life with covers and character designs
4/11 Lindsay Avalon unveils Warrior Unleased
4/13 Anthony Price discusses his debut, The House of Wood, on the Saturday Hangout
4/16 Titan Inkorp lays down the law on why their services are top notch on a hobby writer's budget
4/18 See Into the Eyes of the Beholder with Penelope Anne Bartotto
4/20 BEST SELLING AUTHOR Abbi Glines stops by the Saturday Hangout
4/23 Paranormal Books and Curiosities stops by to discuss their book selection process and services
4/25 Samantha Warren spills The Iron Locket
4/27 Penelope Anne Bartatto stops by with an interview!
4/30 **OPEN**

May:

5/2 Fire Burns Hot with Morgan Kelley
5/4 Learn about Glenn Langohr and how he rose up from Underdog
5/7 Learn about Around the Universe blog tour services
5/9 Review TBD
5/11 **OPEN**
5/14 **OPEN**
5/16 Michael Bray will Whisper to you about his latest novel with an excerpt!
5/18 **OPEN**
5/21 **OPEN**
5/23 Rene Folsom discusses her Soul Seers series
5/25 Morgan Kelley relaxes at the Saturday Hangout!
5/28 **OPEN**
5/30 Here Be Monsters by Jamie Sheffield

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

REAL COPS vs HOLLYWOOD


REAL COPS vs HOLLYWOOD

By Wayne Zurl

2013


Remember the TV series History versus Hollywood that originally aired between 2001 and 2005 on the History Channel? Narrator Burt Reynolds helped you debunk many of the myths perpetuated by filmmakers. I’d like to produce a show called Real Cops versus Hollywood (and some fiction writers.)


I began my police career back on the tail end of the wild and wooly days of law enforcement. Ernesto Miranda wasn’t yet a household word among career felons and Joe Wambaugh (a real cop) had just published his first novel, THE BLUE KNIGHT.


I remember the first burglary I worked with a veteran squad dick everyone called Mr. Ray, a guy willing to take the “new kid” under his wing.


Those were the days before CSI (Las Vegas, Miami, or New York.) Unless we had a homicide, bank robbery, or serial rapist, we did our own forensic work at the crime scene. We took photographs, dusted for prints, and other almost pre-historic things available to an investigator at the time.


Okay, back to my house burglary. It took me only ten minutes to establish that the break-in had been staged, for insurance purposes I assumed. The pry marks on the sliding glass door matched exactly to a sixteen ounce straight claw hammer hanging above the homeowner’s workbench. The dresser drawers were searched from top to bottom—something a good burglar never does. And the broken glass had been scattered too much. I called Mr. Ray aside and told him what I thought. He asked only one question. “Are you sure?” I nodded. His next move: He tossed the homeowner out a second floor bedroom window. His next statement: “Okay, kid, go ask that son-of-a-bitch if he wants to reconsider his complaint. Wild and wooly, not an investigative technique you should practice unless you want the Internal Affairs Bureau to have your desk phone on speed dial. So, what’s my point? Hell, I don’t know. I wanted to capture your attention.


But here’s a valid point regarding crime scene investigators—many of whom today are civilians. Now, read my lips. CSIs do not investigate crimes. They provide technical assistance to squad detectives who canvas neighborhoods looking for witnesses, check pawn shops, contact informants, interrogate suspects, and then (and only then) when they have reasonable cause to believe a certain someone committed a crime, they arrest the perpetrator—or poipuhtratah in Nu Yawk.


It’s just not logistically feasible for CSIs to “work” a case plus do all the horribly technical things they do at a crime scene and later at their office or lab and continue on until a case is cleared by arrest. Regardless of what TV tells us, it’s not possible.


I just mentioned reasonable cause to believe—sometimes called probable cause to believe—the standard of proof needed to make a lawful arrest or obtain a search warrant.


When I worked as a cop, I rarely watched TV police shows because the technicalities were so wrong I thought my head would explode. After I retired, that changed. For old time’s sake, I watched Law & Order. I loved NYPD Blue. And I even gave a few private eyes house room.


Let’s analyze Law & Order for a few minutes. Quite often, to build tension I suppose or to create illegitimate conflict perhaps (things people think are necessary in fiction) the boys and girls of the 27th Squad would jump the gun and arrest their suspect before they had all their ducks in a row. D/Lt. Van Buren would complain, “1 PP (#1 Police Plaza—the address of NYPD headquarters) is breathing down my neck. Go out and get a clearance.”  With that admonition, Detectives Lenny Briscoe and Ed Green would break into a board meeting or doctor’s office and lock up their prime suspect—perhaps with only a reasonable suspicion—close but no cigar in laws of arrest.


Later, Chief Assistant District Attorney Jack McCoy would lose a crucial piece of evidence at a pre-trial hearing or fail to get an indictment at grand jury. He’d then send one of his lovely assistant’s out on the street to backtrack and build a case the squad dicks should have tightened up prior to slapping on the cuffs.


Law & Order was a great show that ran for twenty years, but if a real detective made that many mistakes, he/she would end up walking a foot post in a very quiet neighborhood.


Hollywood also seems bent on misleading the public on the process of obtaining search warrants. When you know a suspect won’t voluntarily allow you to peek into their dwelling, vehicle, or workplace to obtain evidence or lock down the possibility that the items you seize won’t be questioned at a hearing, you should go in armed with a warrant. To get one, you don’t simply call the boss and say, “Have the day man (whomever he or she may be) get us a warrant to search…….(Where ever you want to look.)


The 4th Amendment grants an individual protection against unreasonable search and seizure. There are exceptions to the basic rule, but this isn’t a law class and to keep me from rambling on too long, let’s agree you have the time and the best way to get a good search is to have a judge approve your warrant application by agreeing that you have good reason to believe you may find material evidence in the place you wish to look.


In my experience, the detective working the case applies for the warrant because he/she can best explain the reasonable cause to believe they have established.


One thing Hollywood gets right about search warrant applications—some judges are more pro-cop than others. Every detective has their favorite judge and may use them if they want a quick signature. But you don’t build a world-class conviction rate by using warrants that can be easily contested, resulting in lost evidence after a hearing. A good police supervisor should insure that warrant applications meet the burden of proof.


Another pet peeve of mine involves how Hollywood police supervisors never prep their cops before post-shooting press conferences. Invariably, some nit-wit reporter will ask, “Did you shoot to kill or shoot to wound?”


If you want to add a tidbit of reality to your book or story, there is only one way for your sharp cop to respond. “I shot to prevent or terminate (strike out the time frame which does not apply) the suspect’s illegal conduct.


As cops, we’re not gunslingers who don’t care if we bring’em in dead or alive and we’re not trained to shoot the gun out of a bad guy’s hand. Leave that to the heroes of those old B western movies. Police officers are trained to shoot for the largest target they can acquire—generally the criminal’s torso. Even with annual weapons qualification, many officers are not extremely good with a handgun much less distinguished experts. So, in the heat of a gunfight, all cops should make things as simple as possible and aim at the big picture.


But prior to taking that shot—using deadly physical force—the cop has to meet certain criteria. Hollywood sometimes fails to grasp this. I used to teach the law of justification in the use of force and I’d need lots more space to cover it adequately. If you plan on centering your fiction on a police shooting and you want to get the technicalities correct, some serious research is necessary to help you maintain credibility as a writer. Very basically, police officers may not use deadly physical force to prevent or terminate crimes against property. You can’t whack a kid to keep him from stealing hubcaps. If you, acting as a PO, reasonably believe it’s necessary to prevent or terminate crimes against a person, things like murder, a certain form of manslaughter, robbery (that means forcible stealing,) forcible sex crimes (rape or sodomy) or assaults that may result in serious physical injury, you may use deadly physical force—which is not limited to shooting. This is a complicated topic where generally cops have more latitude than civilians.


When I began writing fiction, I wanted cops, ex-cops, and serious fans of a police procedural to say, “This guy has gotten the details right.” No one writes without, at sometime, tacitly asking his reader for a little suspension of disbelief. But if you get those all important technicalities correct you can, with good conscience, stretch a fan’s S.O.D at an important time and in the interest of a good story.


If you’re writing about a sharp cop, have him or her get the little things right. They can make mistakes to build tension and cause your readers to grit their teeth, but don’t let them put a bloody blouse in a sealed plastic bag unless you want them to botch up an investigation.

Monday, March 11, 2013

Upcoming Events (With a Few Openings Still!)

Wowz!

The Cavanaugh Connection is hopping! We have lots of exciting things happening this month and next month so far!

As for guests, our days will be as follows:

Tuesday's Weekly Musings (guest posts about industry)
Thirsty Thursday Quenchers (reviews or book excerpts)
Saturday Hangout (author interviews)

This month you can expect:
3.14 Thirsty Thursday Quencher - Zanna Mackenzie's "How do you Spell Love?"
3.16 Saturday Hangout - Take the day off ;)
3.19 Tuesday's Weekly Musings - Still Open
3.21 Thirsty Thursday Quencher - Anthony Price's "The House of Wood"
3.23 Saturday Hangout with Zanna Mackenzie, author of "How do you Spell Love?"
3.26 Tuesday's Weekly Musings - Still Open
3.28 Thirsty Thursday Hangout (We mixed things up a little!) with Kamy Chetty, author of "Falling into Paradise"
3.30 Saturday Hangout - Still Open