One Writer’s Journey to Save a Raven
An amazing story is unfolding in my yard. If you’re a regular reader of this blog, my love for crows should not surprise you. But I also love ravens, as I might’ve mentioned a time or two. It’s fair to...
View ArticleWriting a Yakuza Underworld Thriller
My buddy David Liscio stopped by Murder Blog to share the research behind his new Yakuza underworld thriller. I’m sure he’ll wow you. Enjoy! See ya in the comments. 🙂 Contrary to what some people may...
View ArticleTiny Creatures, Episode 6: #Writetip Deconstruction
Tiny Creatures is a new docuseries on Netflix that’s adorable, suspenseful, and masterfully plotted and paced. I’m posting this deconstruction simultaneously here and on the Kill Zone, which I never...
View ArticleTiny Creatures Episode 6 Deconstruction Part II
And we’re back with Part II of Tiny Creatures Episode 6 deconstruction. In Part I, we looked at characterization, plotting, pacing, and the importance of raising story questions. In this segment, let’s...
View ArticlePRETTY EVIL NEW ENGLAND Sneak Peek
I’m beyond thrilled to announce the ebook and paperback of Pretty Evil New England are both available for pre-order! All of the research I conducted in 2019. Good thing, too, because 2020 messed with...
View ArticleMen They Couldn’t Hang
If a prisoner survived three trips to the gallows, should he be set free? That question plagued the public when faced with men they couldn’t hang. These are their stories. < cue Law & Order...
View ArticleSpecial Guest Craig Boyack
Craig Boyack is one of the most creative writers I know, which is sayin’ something considering the vastness of the writing community. As you may or may not know, my reading tastes align with the genres...
View ArticleVintage Death Rites That Seem Creepy Today
To celebrate the release of Pretty Evil New England (yay!), I feel it’s my duty to share some creepy death rites of the past that at the time seemed perfectly normal. In the 19th and early 20th...
View ArticleWhat is the Serial Killer Gene?
The serial killer gene has upended the longstanding debate of Nature vs. Nurture. Genetics provide an individual with a spectrum and his/her environment determines where s/he will lie within that...
View ArticleThe Past, Miss Piggy, Present
Last year during the holiday season I blogged about familicide. Specifically, family annihilators and the psychology behind their murderous acts. In that post I also included some news that shook the...
View ArticleSerial Killers by State, 2020 Edition
The general public believes they could spot a multiple murderer on sight, but that’s a dangerous misconception. Male and female serial killers walk among us. One look at serial killers by state tells...
View ArticleIs a Young Child Serial Killer Born Bad?
While researching cases for Pretty Evil New England, I stumbled across the bizarre case of America’s youngest male serial killer. Later, I searched for a female child serial killer and found an even...
View ArticleNew True Crime Book + Exciting Opportunities
If you’re a reader of the Kill Zone, you’ll notice the top half of this post is the same today. My other adventures to write a new true crime book I’m sharing only with you. Did you happen to read...
View ArticleI Am Mayhem Excerpt [Video]
With so many venues going virtual these days, online book signings are becoming more and more popular. So, to celebrate the release of I AM MAYHEM (yay!) I created a video excerpt for you. Enjoy! What...
View ArticleNot Your Usual Blog Tour #NewRelease
I AM MAYHEM released yesterday. <happy dancing> Since I shared a video excerpt when my new thriller went on preorder, I thought it’d be fun to share the love with the amazing friends who hosted...
View ArticleTrue Crime Investigation Unmasked
Nonfiction requires time and patience to write, and the research mushrooms into a full-scale true crime investigation. This article focuses on contemporary crime. For the sake of clarity, let’s define...
View ArticleEarly Life of Edmund Kemper
The crimes of Edmund Kemper have been well-publicized for years — the hit Netflix series Mindhunter even focuses on Kemper — but the story of what led him to take the plunge into serial killing is just...
View ArticleWhy FBI Profilers Mistake Writers for Serial Killers
You might be surprised by how many traits writers share with serial killers. FBI profilers have actually profiled a subject only to discover s/he’s not a killer. S/he’s a writer. Here’s why a profiler...
View ArticleWriting Tips, Book Events, and Writers Conference
Today’s post is a mash-up of writing tips, coaching, and virtual opportunities. Bear with me, and you’ll see how it’s all related. Writing Tips Have you ever received a text from a family member or...
View ArticleHow Forensic Botany Catches Killers
Silent witnesses stood sentinel in a backyard in Davie, Florida. The witnesses had no verbal communication skills, but they could speak. In fact, police believed these witnesses could unlock the...
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