Jennifer Chase's Blog, page 66

Some Fun Stops in the Book Blog World

I've been busy typing away on my newest book, Dark Mind.  It's been a fun journey with some unexpected surprises along the way.  I will post more information about when and where the next Emily Stone novel will be out in the upcoming weeks. 

During this crunch time, I've had the wonderful opportunity to stop by some great book blogs over the past month.  I'm very blessed to have met some talented authors, avid readers, and just plain nice folks.

Please check out these blogs for informative...

Tennessee Woman Becomes Her Own Rescuer

In all three of my published novels, I have made an effort to feature women who show compelling strength and independence while overcoming traumatic circumstances.  These women decide not to be the victim and instead take their lives and the lives of those around them into their own hands.  In particular, my protagonist Emily Stone devotes practically her entire existence to tracking down the predators that exist in her area and bringing them to justice.  She is a woman who refuses to play...

Putting all the Pieces Together to Write a Novel

I love puzzles – especially jigsaw puzzles.  I just finished this beautiful, 1000-piece puzzle of Yosemite (shown above) with the help of my husband.  I find it relaxing and fun, and it takes my mind off of the current novel I'm working on even for a short period of time.  I really find it helpful to recharge my brain before I dive back into my storyline.  

I approach writing a novel like preparing to put together a jigsaw puzzle. How? You must have some type of plan on how you're going to...

Crime Rates Were Down Again in 2010

If you turn on the evening news or one of the 24-hour cable networks like CNN or Fox News, you may think that murders and kidnappings are occurring every minute of the day in this country.  It can be argued that television police dramas also feed into that notion, with some of the worst fears we have about our children's safety or the intentions of our neighbors played out in the storyline.  The reality, though, may be quite different than our perception.

According to statistics released by...

What's the Bug Deal?

One of the more interesting or perhaps creepy crawly facts about crime scene investigation is that forensic entomology is used more and more to help solve crimes.  This type of work within the crime scene condition is definitely not for the squeamish or faint of heart.  It sometimes makes me shudder just thinking about it.

Forensic entomology is the study of insects and how it relates to the condition of a decomposing body.  This can be a crucial piece to the puzzle in homicide...

A Writer's Basic Instinct of 20 Questions

It's time to lighten things up a bit and put all the thrills and chills of serial killers aside. 

I've been busy working on a deadline for my third Emily Stone Novel, Dark Mind.  I thought it would be fun to share some of the most common questions I've received from book signings, interviews, appearances, and guest blogs.

How do you come up with your story ideas?

Everything around me and in the world inspires me.  I like to use my interest in the criminology and the forensic fields to be the...

No New Trial for Cleveland Strangler

There is often a moment in the television crime dramas that I watch in which a police officer has an emotional discussion with the victim of a violent crime regarding the upcoming trial.  Olivia Benson from Law and Order: SVU, for example, will tell a woman who was attacked that she will find closure and a needed sense of justice if she faces her rapist and helps to put him behind bars.  Even though the woman may be scared, she is convinced that taking the stand is the right thing to do. ...

What Does Forensic Science, Charles Manson, and a Black Labrador Retriever Have in Common?

No, this isn't the silly punch line for a joke.  I found a very interesting article that immediately captured my interest about three things that I study on a regular basis: forensics, serial killers, and Labrador retrievers. 

Undisputed, Labrador retrievers are one of my favorite dog breeds.  It's not a secret that I share my life with these intelligent, energetic canines.  Labs are trained in assistance, police work, and are loyal family dogs.  I was intrigued about a black Labrador that...

Out & About Magazine — September 2011

It's that time again! Out & About Magazine is available and full of great things to do in the valley and around the Monterey Bay area in California.  You don't have to live here to enjoy great articles, recipes, theater, book reviews, and much more.

Visit Out & About Magazine on the web and view a digital version or pdf file.

This issue my book review and crime safety column is available on pages 16-17.  Check out my new mystery book review of Dog On It by Spencer Quinn.

Take time out and enjoy ...

Boy Facing Murder Charges in the Death of His Stepbrother

In my first two novels, Compulsion and Dead Game, protagonist Emily Stone works in solitude to track down and bring to justice those who prey upon the most vulnerable in our society.  The same goes for Deputy Jack Davis, whose work is featured in my third book, Silent Partner.  They both have a passion for taking the most violent criminals off the street.  I wonder what they would do if confronted with the reality that one of those who we normally consider among the vulnerable was the one...