Jennifer Chase's Blog, page 127

Discussing Character Development with Writer & Author John Walker – Comparing Scars (Book 2) of the Dark Retribution Quartet

I've thoroughly enjoyed the Dark Retribution Quartet series by John Walker and he has shared with me some great tips and information into his writing and character development. I've often wondered, and I'm sure many of you have too, about how writers develop their main characters, especially when they are developing a series of books.

John Walker has taken a little bit of time away from his current novel, Blood & Water, to chat with me today.

Jennifer Chase: Welcome back John Walker. Comparing ...

How Do Writers Renew Their Creativity?

There have been so many wonderful and fulfilling moments that have resulted from my decision to pursue writing. I have had the opportunity to combine two great passions—the study of forensic psychology and my love of writing. I am now committed to a creative outlet that offers a flexible schedule and is always available for me, where I am sitting on the beach at 2:00pm in the afternoon or in my home office in the middle of the night. And, I have enjoyed every chance that I have been offere...

Exploring the Psychological Autopsy

One of the most interesting aspects of studying criminal behavior and criminology is finding out why and how criminals commit a specific crime. It's really the complicated task of finding out what makes an individual tick and hopefully learning more about their criminal pattern of behavior in the process.

Victimology is a common information gathering tool that investigators use to help them to link a perpetrator to a victim that could ultimately solve the crime. Victimology refers to the an...

Events This Week Bring Several Crimes Against Children Back into the Headlines

Several events in the news this week reminded us of the horrific tragedy of crimes that are perpetrated against children. From all parts of the country, we received updates on cases that received national attention when they first occurred.

Here is the rundown:
John Couey, the man convicted of kidnapping, raping, and burying (while still alive) nine-year-old Jessica Lunsford in Florida, died in jail of natural causes this week. He was on death row, but now will never face the punishment that th...

An Offender's Signature vs. Modus Operandi

Sometimes there's some confusion of the difference between a criminal's signature versus the criminal's modus operandi when they commit a specific crime.

Are they the same?

No, they are distinctly different because one feeds on emotional needs of the criminal while the other is a procedure.

Modus operandi is the method that is used to commit the crime and signature behavior is what helps to serve the criminal's emotional and psychological needs.

A modus operandi or MO refers to the method or pr...

Do the Criminals in "Compulsion" Deserve the Death Penalty?

On the popular television crime dramas that I enjoy watching, there is often both a crime and a punishment element to the plot. The detectives track down the rapist, murderer, pedophile, etc. and then we see justice served in the courtroom. My novel "Compulsion" focuses on the first half of this pairing, with freelance investigator Emily Stone quietly gathering evidence against the criminals in and around her community and then handing her information over to police. Emily's focus is on th...

"Sometimes Things are Just Black & White"

All Photography has been produced by Jennifer Chase

Emily's Crime Watch – Tip #9

Many of us take advantage of enjoying our local parks and beaches, especially this time of year when the weather is still nice and warm. It's a great place to just relax or enjoy regular exercise, such as walking and jogging.

Living in California, I love to take advantage of all the wonderful parks and beaches whenever I can. It's a great place for me to relax and take a break from my writing. Sometimes, I get my best story ideas walking at the beach with my dogs. However, I am still awar...

The "Most Prolific Serial Killer" in Los Angeles Faces New Charges

My novel "Compulsion" takes readers inside the minds of two serial killers who terrorize people in their home state of California and then take their killing spree on a road trip across the country. I drew on my formal education in the field of criminology and forensics to create these characters. During my studies, I took part in in-depth evaluations of some of our country's most terrifying killers. Students who are just entering college to study criminal behavior should not fear that the m...

How Important is Crime Mapping to Law Enforcement Today?

A complex and growing problem among our civilized society has been the cause and effect of crime. Three basic issues have been addressed and debated: how to prevent crime, how to combat crime, and how to punish for the criminal act. Extensive research and tactical techniques have been the outcome to address such issues to protect the quality of life. Crime mapping systems have been one of the major contributing factors to pinpointing crime areas, decreasing acts of crime, and implementing cr...