Jennifer Chase's Blog, page 70
July 21, 2011
My Personal Stab at Research
One of the things I stress about writing a novel is you must do your research. It doesn't matter if you're writing fiction or non-fiction because research should be mandatory. I actually love research. You get to learn something brand new, if you're really lucky you get to add a few new things to your writing arsenal.
Here's a recent example of my research, I have an upcoming character in my Emily Stone Series that is good at throwing knives. I don't mean the Ninja sword wielding kind of knife throwing, but just a guy who can hold his own by accurately throwing a knife. Sounds simple enough. Right? Well not really…
Here's why… You don't just pick up any kitchen knife, hurl it with all of your might, and expect to stick it to a target perfectly. Why? Knife throwing is a skill. As with any skill, it takes practice and understanding.
For me, I don't care if I only mention a knife being thrown one time in a story or it revolves around an entire plot, I want to know the correct way to throw a knife. So that's what I did, I actually went to a knife store in a mall and bought a beginner set of 3 throwing knives.
Cool huh?
I actually thought so. These stainless steel knives are about seven inches long and there isn't a sharp edge (actual throwing knives are shown above in photo). However, the end is mighty pointy and could hurt someone, or heaven forbid, you. You still have to take some precaution when throwing any sharp, pointed object.
Okay, enough of my public safety announcements.
I looked up some basic information on the Internet, but finally settled on a handbook by Gil Hibben called The Complete Gil Hibben Knife Throwing Guide. The booklet is about sixty pages with photographs. He also has other books and offers a variety of hand made, well-crafted knives.
When I got home and took my knives out of my purse (glad I didn't have to go through any metal detector), it was tough not to start hurling my new throwing knives. I quickly read the booklet to get the basic information and I was ready to go.
Word of warning… it's not as easy as it looks.
Here are the basics: grip, stance, presentation, and release. Once you get quite a few throws under your belt, you begin to get a feel for the exercise and will develop your own throwing style. And voila, I began to stick more than half of my throws and gradually improved my accuracy. Your throwing arm will be sore the next day if you overdue the new skill.
Just so you know, if a knife sticks out perfectly level (level, horizontal), that's a correct hit and proper distance from target. If the handle is up or down, then you need to adjust your distance to the target.
You have already learned something new today! See, research is fun and you should take advantage of digging up answers whenever you can. In my case, slicing through the information or cutting to the meat of the story to get my research accomplished.
If you're curious about how and when I'm going to incorporate knife throwing into my novels, check out Compulsion or Dead Game to get caught up with Emily Stone and her vigilante methods of hunting down serial killers.
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Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.com/
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch Blog: www.emilystonecrimewatch.wordpress.com/
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase/
Books: Compulsion = Dead Game = Silent Partner = Screenwriting
July 20, 2011
Even Police Dogs Are Affected by the Recession
Economic times continue to be tough around the country. And, not to make this into a political blog, but politicians in Washington are warning us that the outlook could become even more troublesome just a few weeks from now as the two parties stand deadlocked on some important budget questions. In the middle of it all, there are some dedicated public servants who are becoming unexpected victims.
Daro, a police dog for the East Haven Police Department in New Haven, lost his job last month when the mayor and town council decided it was necessary to cut his $3500 annual salary from the government's payroll.
The five-year-old German Shepherd was forced into early retirement and many in the community took to Facebook and other social media to fight for Daro's return. Mayor April Capone even has had to fight off allegations that she simply isn't a "dog person." Capone insists the cut came after Daro's handler insisted on working unreasonable shifts that would not have maximized Daro's abilities. Others say the cost for keeping Daro is more than $3500 when veterinary bills and staff salaries are considered.
Police dogs provide such an amazing service to members of law enforcement and it is sad that these relationships are being severed over finances. But, such is the reality of today's environment.
In my latest release, Silent Partner, I share the special connection that exists between one man, Deputy Jack Davis, and his dog Keno. The work they do together plays out as the duo works to solve a series of vicious murders that may hit closer to home that Jack could have ever imagined. I hope you will check it out!
Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.com/
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch Blog: www.emilystonecrimewatch.wordpress.com/
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase/
Books: Compulsion = Dead Game = Silent Partner = Screenwriting
July 18, 2011
Serial Killers – Evil Killing Partners in Crime
From all my studies in forensics and criminology, my primary interest is in serial crime – specifically serial murder. One of the most interesting aspects in what we know today about serial killers is that there have been many killing partners.
Typically, whenever we see a serial killer portrayed, we see this lone wolf, solitary, psychopath with sick, twisted fantasies that is driven to search for his victims by his overwhelming compulsion. It has been estimated that approximately 10 to 25 percent of these killers hunt in pairs. That's actually a very frightening phenomenon.
Another interesting aspect about these types of "pair" killers to ponder is when will the inevitable happen. There is always a power struggle with any kind of partnership in crime. One partner is generally the "so-called" leader of the group, in this case, partnership.
How long will it take for one serial killer to kill the other?
In my novel Compulsion, I've created a serial killer that works with another killer. In this case, one is actually training the other; however, the identity of the second killer isn't revealed until near the end of the story. In my second novel Dead Game, this particular serial killer has two of his accomplices do the killing for him and they tape the entire incident of death, so he is allowed to savor the last gasps of life over and over again.
Here's an extremely disturbing short list of partner serial killers, some you may have heard of and some you may have not.
1. Leonard Lake & Charles Ng (photo shown above)
They stalked California in the 1980s. Lake's fantasy was to abduct women and make them into sex salves along with the help of his sadistic partner Ng. When Lake realized the law was closing in, he took the easy way out by taking two cyanide tables, went into a coma, and died four days later. It took law enforcement longer to find Ng who had disappeared to Canada, but he was finally captured, tried, and sentenced to death by 1998.
A chilling insight into the mind of Leonard Lake:
"God meant women for cooking, cleaning house, and sex. When they are not in use, they should be locked up."
2. Angelo Buono & Kenneth Bianchi
These two cousins, also referred to as the Hillside Strangers, terrorized the Los Angeles area during the late 1970s. Bianchi wanted to become a police officer, but was rejected from the local sheriff's office. Buono was a sadistic pimp, known for extreme brutality, and had a long history of violence toward women. Bianchi pled guilty and agreed to testify against his cousin to avoid the death penalty. Buono died in prison in 2002, apparent heart attack.
3. Paul Bernardo & Karla Homolka
This young Canadian couple still staggers authorities in disbelief. They were perfect for one another in every way – especially killing. During the 1990s, this couple worked together to snatch teenage girls, and both would take turns having sex with them before murdering them.
4. The Chicago Rippers
During the 1980s in Chicago, there was a group of young deviants known as the "Chicago Rippers". The leader was Robin Gecht, his background included working for John Wayne Gacy and molesting his own sister. His accomplices were his brothers: Tomas & Edward Kikoraleis and Edward Spreitzer. They raped, tortured, and murdered victims that included prostitutes and middle class singles and housewives. They would eat parts of the bodies and put it into a "relic" chest.
5. Ian Brady & Myra Hindley
This infamous couple was known for the "Moors Murders" in the UK. Between 1963 and 1964, this couple abducted, raped, and murdered four children and then buried their remains on the moors.
Here's an insight into Hindley's mind when writing about Brady in her diary.
"He is cruel and selfish, and I love him."
6. Lawrence Bittaker & Roy Norris
These two men bonded in prison and later used California as their hunting grounds during the late 1970s. Bittaker christened his GMC cargo van "Murder Mack" when the killing pair dreamed up plans to kidnap, torture, and kill teenage girls while recording it on tape. They murder a total of six girls between the ages 13-18 years old and taped their hideous torture and death. Norris testified against his partner and received a sentence of 45 years to life and will be eligible for parole this year. Bittaker received the death penalty.
7. Douglas Clark & Carol Bundy
After a long history of sexually exploiting desperate women, Clark met Bundy. She became his eager slave when she wasn't at her nursing job. She helped him with his depraved sexual fantasies and it soon turned to murder by the late 1970s and early 1980s. They were referred to as the "Sunset Strip Murders" in Los Angeles, California.
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Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.com/
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch Blog: www.emilystonecrimewatch.wordpress.com/
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase/
Books: Compulsion = Dead Game = Silent Partner = Screenwriting
July 17, 2011
Photography Sunday — Beauty in Black & White
One of my favorite escapes from the daily grind and writing is to go to the beach. I love to walk, take my dogs for a run on the beach, and I bring my camera for good measure because you never know what you're going to see. I find that some of the most beautiful subjects are often emphasized in black and white.
This particular day it was really windy, I mean really windy. I saw a nice shot up a beach path and I had to make sure that I kept my mouth closed and breathed shallow; otherwise, I'd be tasting sand for the rest of the day.
Here's a curious seagull that wouldn't leave me alone. I was trying to get some shots of sea lions around the harbor. I guess this little guy wasn't camera shy.
This is one of my favorite beach shots. The lighting this particular day was outstanding. I love the contrast in this photo. This is a stretch of beach I often walk with my dogs.
Enjoy your weekend!
July 15, 2011
Child Rape Suspect Allowed to Watch Child Pornography
I was stunned when I read this week about a man who is sitting in a jail cell awaiting trial for alleged sex crimes against children who is being permitted to watch child pornography. I imagine that many of you have seen this story and had the same amazed reaction. But, the legal system has affirmed that it is his legal right to view these videos as much as he wants.
Marc Gilbert is accused of sexually assaulting young boys and videotaping his criminal activity. He has collected 28 DVDs that catalog more than 100 hours of his recordings. And, since he has chosen to act as his own counsel in the case, he has the right to review the pornography as evidence.
The Pierce County Sheriff Paul Pastor readily declared that he is not happy about giving Gilbert access to the material, but the state Supreme Court has affirmed that there is nothing that can be done to stop it. If denied the DVDs, Gilbert would not have all of the evidence at his disposal in order to develop the best possible defense on his own behalf.
Gilbert was a pilot for UPS and would lure the boys with rides in his airplane and flying lessons. He often gave them alcohol before spanking or caning them and then forcing sexual acts. He now faces fourteen felony counts, including child rape, child molestation, and possession of "depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct."
What are your thoughts on this man, who pled guilty in federal court in 2009 of producing child pornography before changing his mind about the deal proposed to him, being able to watch these heinous acts of violence he committed against children?
Is this necessary in order to maintain the system of justice and rights for the accused we have in his country?
Or, is it taking things too far?
Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.com/
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch Blog: www.emilystonecrimewatch.wordpress.com/
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase/
Books: Compulsion = Dead Game = Silent Partner = Screenwriting
July 14, 2011
Magical Powers or Wishful Thinking?
I've never considered myself a true gardener, but rather more of a hit or miss hobbyist of the great outdoors. I love to have plants blooming year round if at all possible, which can be possible here in California.
Basically, I like pretty flowers that have a nice fragrance. It makes me think of Hawaii in the back resources of my creative mind. Ahh, wouldn't that be nice to be on a tropical island right now?
There's nothing better than to walk outside in your own garden and find something unexpected – a new flower bursting in pink or yellow, or a plant that decided to grow a foot overnight.
Take these flowers for example that are blooming right now in my garden…
Me, a master gardener extraordinaire – NOT!
I may or may not have a knack for growing flowers, but I find that I can usually hold my own. But, growing a nice vegetable garden has NOT been so kind to me. I think a curse has been cast upon my vegetable growing skills – maybe I've jumped on the bad side of the mighty Lord Voldemort or Harry Potter?
You see, I've been trying to grow some ordinary tomatoes, nothing fancy, for the last three years and they ALL have turned out like the photo at the top of the article. Yikes! It looks like something left over from the Zombie Apocalypse and even the zombies could probably grow a better plant!
I've heard all the plausible excuses and helpful tips from soil problems and try a different supplier to grow your plants from seed. Oh yes, I've heard them all, but nothing has helped. I'm doomed.
I sigh… as I look at the one sad little tomato that is trying so desperately to survive.
I look at gardening like writing fiction. I think that there's always something that you can grow well, just not all things. For example, I can write thrillers and suspense stories like my Emily Stone Series, but I think I would fall short, actually way short, if I decided to write science fiction or historical romance. Just the same with some other writers who cringe at the thought of writing about serial killers and police procedurals.
When you write a novel, you plot, plan, research, write, edit, and usually cry, scream, bleed, and edit again. Well, if you want your garden to grow, you need to do your research on growing time and areas, plot your dirt, water, fertilize, and hope for the best.
As with both writing a novel and growing a garden, you step back and enjoy the fruits of your labor. And just maybe… your well-tended dream will continue to grow.
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Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.com/
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch Blog: www.emilystonecrimewatch.wordpress.com/
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase/
Books: Compulsion = Dead Game = Silent Partner = Screenwriting
July 11, 2011
My Pick of 13 Interesting Facts about Serial Killers
Through my research and academic studies, I have found many interesting aspects about serial killers that may or may not be generally known. I've incorporated a few aspects about serial killers from my list below to help keep my crime fiction heroine Emily Stone on her toes.
Here's a list of what I found to be particularly interesting and informative.
1. Most serial killers are white males between the ages of 20-35 years. However, in recent years we have seen an increase of serial killers from other races.
2. There have been more serial killers hunting and killing in the western part of the United States, such as in California and Washington. The United States is the leading country for serial killers (from reported cases).
3. "Vlad the Impaler" was the real life "Dracula" during the fifteenth century. Vlad Dracula wasn't a "typical" serial killer that we have come to know today, but he was known to vanquish his enemies, both real and imagined, with the most unspeakable sadism and hideous creativity for death. The stories surrounding Vlad has been perceived as be both myth and legend, but it is estimated that Vlad killed some 20,000 men, women and children – the amount of people he killed varies from anywhere between 20,000 to 500,000.
4. Serial killers are often quite intelligent with an IQ of above average or "bright normal".
5. During a ten-year period, the small coastal town of Santa Cruz, California (population 33,000 residents at the time) had four serial killers who roamed and murdered throughout the area. In 1970, John Linely Frazier killed 5 residents and was commuted to life in prison. In 1973, Herbert Mullin was convicted of 10 murders and sentenced to life in prison. He later told authorities he heard "die songs" and messages to kill human sacrifices in order to prevent earthquakes. In 1973, Edmund Kemper "Co-ed Killer" was convicted and given 8 concurrent life sentences with the possibility of parole. Finally in 1981, David Carpenter "Trailside Killer" was convicted of 2 Santa Cruz County murders and in a separate trial in Marin County was convicted of 5 more murders. He was sentenced to death in the gas chamber in 1984.
6. As children, serial killers usually suffer a significant amount of abuse, sometimes psychological, sometimes physical, and often sexual. Many times it's a combination of all three abuses. This brutal mistreatment helps to instill in them the profound feelings of humiliation and helplessness, which is then inflicted upon their later victims.
7. Many serial killers have an insatiable interest in deviant sexuality, obsessions with fetishism, voyeurism, and violent photography.
8. Serial killers are not considered to be insane, but rather they are considered to exhibit psychopathic behavior. They are unable to feel remorse, guilt, empathy, and lack impulse control.
9. The Behavioral Science Unit (BSU) was established in 1972 at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. It has helped to established a firm understanding through training, research, consultation activities, techniques, tactics, and procedures that have become a staple of behavioral-based programs that support the law enforcement, intelligence, and military communities. The Behavioral Science Unit is here where the term "serial killer" was coined and where criminal investigative analysis and "profiling" were developed.
10. There have been women serial killers throughout history even before Aileen Wuornos who was executed in 2002. Wuornos was the Florida hooker who shot seven male motorists during a 12-month period between 1989-1990. During the 1800s, Jane Toppan "The Jolly Psychopath" used her skills as a nurse to murder. Also during the 1800s, Mary Ann Cotton murdered an estimated 23 people during a 12-month period. She became known as the most prolific serial killer in English history murdering three husbands, ten children, five stepchildren, a sister-in-law, and an unwanted suitor. Nannie Doss who was dubbed the "Giggling Granny" murdered for profit and money by mixing poison into whiskey, coffee, or stewed prunes. Between 1929 and 1953, Doss had murdered four husbands.
11. Joel Norris Ph.D. is the founding member of the International Committee of Neuroscientists to Study Episodic Aggression. Norris explains that the serial killer's addiction to crime is also an addiction to specific patterns of violence that ultimately becomes their way of life. He suggests that there are seven key phases to the ritual of serial killing: aura phase, trolling phase, wooing phase, capture, murder, totem phase, and depression phase.
12. Criminologists have referred to the "serial killer's comfort zone" as how most serial killers will commit their crimes relatively close to home and that they prefer to hunt for their victims at places they are familiar with, an area where they feel the most confident and in control, best spots to capture victims, and the quickest escape routes. All of these conditions generally will link a killer close to home or a familiar area they know well.
13. This statement makes you reassess the general term "serial killer", what makes them tick, and why they commit these heinous crimes. According to the research conducted by Joel Norris Ph.D., he states, "The half-dream/half-waking state that mixes memories and terrors with reality is a true episodic state for the serial killer with a limbic dysfunction…"
Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.com/
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch Blog: www.emilystonecrimewatch.wordpress.com/
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase/
Books: Compulsion = Dead Game = Silent Partner = Screenwriting
July 9, 2011
Maryland Man Sent to Jail after Secretly Taping Hundreds of Women
Surveillance equipment is often a critical component in solving crimes. The security camera at the bank can capture a clear image of a robber's face. Hidden microphones can be used to record threats or discussions concerning an illegal transaction. Even everyday citizens have become instant detectives by holding up their cell phones and getting video of suspicious activity around them. Sometimes, though, this equipment can be used to commit a crime.
A man in Maryland has been sentenced to ten years in jail after being caught with videos secretly taken of 260 different women over the past six years. He broke into his victims' homes and then recorded them undressing, getting out of the shower, or sleeping. Many of the women in the videos have yet to be identified.
What a terrifying breach of privacy, to know that a strange man was standing somewhere near you and recording your private moments. It is amazing to me that he was unable to engage in this criminal activity long enough to record so many women without getting caught. The man, Charles Novak, was finally arrested after a woman found him sitting in a car in her garage.
Novak's attorney has said that his client is obsessive-compulsive and wants to seek help for his problem. At least for now, he can seek that help while woman in his neighborhood feel safe in knowing that he will not be able to break into their homes and violate their sense of safety.
In my three published novels, I examine both the positive and negative consequences of our amazing technology and focus on the psychology behind people's decisions. If you have not read Compulsion, Dead Game, and Silent Partner, I hope you will check them out!
Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.com/
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch Blog: www.emilystonecrimewatch.wordpress.com/
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase/
Books: Compulsion = Dead Game = Silent Partner = Screenwriting
July 7, 2011
Out & About Magazine — July 2011
It's official! It's summer! And Out and About Magazine has hit the stands in the valley and on the coast in California. You can view it online as a digital format or download as a PDF file: Out & About Magazine
You can view my monthly column for book reviews and crime safety tips on page 34. Find out what's in store with fiction/thriller author Lisa Gardner with Love You More.
Hope you're enjoying your summer!
Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.com/
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch Blog: www.emilystonecrimewatch.wordpress.com/
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase/
Books: Compulsion = Dead Game = Silent Partner = Screenwriting
July 6, 2011
Should "Hebephilia" Be Considered a Mental Disorder?
The world of forensic psychology is a dynamic one that involves ongoing research and debate regarding the motivations behind crimes, the role of mental illness, and proper place of medical professionals in determining someone's punishment. The contributions made by psychologists are not without their run-ins with controversy. For instance, the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is due out in 2013 and workgroups are considering inclusion of a psychiatric diagnosis that is being met with strong resistance.
Hebephilia, or the sexual attraction to pubescent minors, is being discussed as a new mental disorder. This label would come into play into cases of statutory rape that involve victims between the ages of eleven and fourteen.
One vocal opponent of this proposed disorder is Dr. Allen Frances, who was chair of the DSM-4 Task Force and who serves as professor emeritus at Duke University. In a recent blog post published for Psychology Today, Frances asserts that sexual attraction to those who have reached puberty is hard-wired and very common, pointing to popular advertising campaigns and their use of sexualized teenagers in appealing to adults, and that these urges must be controlled. The feelings remain from a time in our history when people did not live long enough to delay sexual activity past adolescence. Frances believes that sex with a teenager in today's society is indeed a heinous crime and such urges must be controlled, but that such an act is not a sign of a mental disorder.
What are your thoughts on defining sex with a child who has reached puberty as a mental disorder?
Is this a legitimate addition to our psychological labels, or are we making excuses for a rapist who made a very bad decision?
Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.com/
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch Blog: www.emilystonecrimewatch.wordpress.com/
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase/
Books: Compulsion = Dead Game = Silent Partner = Screenwriting
