Jennifer Chase's Blog, page 84
March 1, 2011
Fine Line between Thriller and Horror Genres
I have been told my books are scary and that there is a horror quality to them because of the serial killers. I never really thought about how thriller and horror genres sometimes blend their boundaries. Traditionally, when I think of horror, I think of a crazed ax murderer, vampire, or zombie. However, serial killers stalking their victims are pretty scary too!
The thriller genre has always been my favorite and it was a no brainer for me when I began writing my first novel, " Compulsion ", in 2008. I continued with my Emily Stone thriller series with " Dead Game ."
We hear "thriller" referring to so many books and movies these days. You have to ask yourself if the "thriller" description has been a little broad.
A "thriller" is described as depicting crime, mystery, or espionage in an atmosphere of excitement and suspense. A "horror" is described as the strong feeling caused by something frightful or shocking; shuddering fear and disgust; terror and repugnance. I can see some similarities and where the genre lines might be blurred in the process. In recent years, it seems that thrillers have been influenced by the horror genre, which has more gore/sadistic violence, brutality, terror, and body counts.
What I love about a genuine, standalone thriller is that it provides thrills and keeps the audience hanging off the "edge of their seats" as the plot builds towards a climax. The tension usually arises when the character(s) is placed in a menacing situation, a mystery, or a trap from which escaping seems impossible. Life is threatened, usually because the principal character is unsuspectingly or unknowingly involved in a dangerous or potentially deadly situation. That's what I strived for Emily Stone in her two books.
Thrillers mostly take place in ordinary suburbs/cities. Though sometimes, they may take place wholly or partly in exotic settings such as foreign cities, deserts, polar regions, or the high seas. The heroes in most thrillers are frequently ordinary citizens unaccustomed to danger. However, more common in crime thrillers, they may also be "hard men" accustomed to danger, like police officers and detectives. While such heroes have traditionally been men, women lead characters have become increasingly common.
"Compulsion" in Kindle Format $ 2.99 (Purchase Here)
"Dead Game" in Kindle Format $2.99 (Purchase Here)
What do you think about "thrillers" versus "horror"? Do you think the genre boundaries are often blurred?
Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist
Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Emily Stone Crime Watch Blog: www.emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com/
Book & Crime Talk/blogtalkradio: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase
Books: " Compulsion " - "Dead Game" - " Silent Partner " - " How to Write a Screenplay "
All of Author Jennifer Chase's Novels are available in Paperback or Kindle Format"
February 28, 2011
Cold Cases with Cubanarama and Gumersindo Vidot - Part II - 3/1/2011 at 8pm CST
Cold Cases with Cubanarama and Gumersindo Vidot - Part II 3/1/2011 at 8pm CST
My Co Host Gumersindo Vidot the author of "You Only Live Twice" Gary Peterson is a long time investigative reporter that has been working on the Jodi Huisentruit case for over 15 years, Gary brings more information to Gale St John, Psychic with over 20years experience doing readings and helping find missing people. Jennifer Chase Joins us she is an Award Winning Author and Criminologist and a member of the Academy of Behavioral Profiling. Gumersindo Vidot Private Investigator/Co-Host
With Special Guests
Jennifer Chase an Award Winning Author and Criminologist, Ms Chase holds a bachelor's degree in police forensics and a master's degree in criminology. In addition, she holds certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling. She is also an affiliate member in the criminology section of the Academy of Behavioral Profiling.
Gary Peterson is a long time investigative reporter that has been working on the Jodi Huisentruit case for 15 over years, Gary was a crime reporter on the north side of Minneapolis working for KSTP which required working the streets 24 hours a day and is certified by the Air Force in ground search and rescue techniques and procedures. He is also a Death Scene Investigator for the Minnesota Regional Medical Examiners Office. He is a member of Texas EquuSearch assisting in locating missing people worldwide.
Gale St John has been a practicing psychic since she was a child. She has been teaching psychic development classes and also doing private psychic readings for over 20 years now. Gale has more recently been featured on Gerald Rivera's 'At Large', Larry King Live, CNN's 'Nancy Grace' and Psychic Detectives, (Court TV ), "A Fateful Friendship" as an active working psychic detective. Gale spends a lot of time working on murder and missing person cases.
If you missed "Cold Case" Part 1 Click Here
to hear the previous show.
February 27, 2011
Serial Killer Sentenced In Wisconsin
Another serial killer learned his fate in a courtroom this past week. Walter E. Ellis of Milwaukee, Wisconsin was sentenced to seven consecutive life sentences on charges of first-degree intentional homicide and first-degree murder.
Ellis committed the murders, which may not be the only deaths for which he is responsible, over the span of twenty-one years, from 1986 to 2007. It wasn't until a blood sample on a can of pepper spray at the seventh crime scene matched DNA from semen samples taken from the first six victims that Ellis was brought to justice. Due to discovered weaknesses in the DNA collection and recordkeeping system, Ellis' DNA was not on file any earlier.
Ellis killed his victims by strangling them either by hand or with rope or a piece of clothing. He has refused to cooperate through any phase of the investigation or trial, so the families of the victims are still left without answers concerning what drove him to commit such horrific acts of violence. At least with his sentencing, though, they no longer have to worry that Ellis may again be on the streets to choke the life out of yet another woman.
One important effect of this case was that it forced the state of Wisconsin to take a serious look at how its DNA samples are kept. What if at least one life could have been saved because Ellis' identification was determined earlier? An audit of the state's database found that the Ellis case was not an isolated one. There were almost 17,700 samples missing from the crime lab's database.
Our forensic experts have amazing technology at their disposal that was not available even five or ten years ago, and the ability to track down violent criminals has improved because of that.
However, the Ellis case shows what a cumbersome task is at hand when it comes to maintaining Seriall of the data that this technology can provide.
February 25, 2011
Research Shouldn't be a Crime When Writing a Thriller
Friday, February 25, 2011
Guest Post by Jennifer Chase
Writing a thriller has always been a great experience for me. Even as I begin my fourth novel outline, I find that I'm just as excited as when I began my first book. One of the most consistent questions I receive is exactly much research should be conducted and how to organize your research time when writing a thriller novel. These are a few things that I keep in mind.
1. There's no such thing as too much research: Don't worry about having too much research for your book. You can use some of your information for other books, especially if you're planning on writing more thrillers or a series. Make peace with conducting research because it will pay you back in spades. If you enjoy conducting research and learning about new things don't lose sight of your book project in the process.
2. Plan your time wisely: As with anything, it is key to plan your time. It can be easy to jump right into the story, but you many not have all the facts yet. By conducting your research, it can save you time in rewrites down the road. Most of the research can be conducted during the outline phase by making a master list. Plan at least a week or two to get everything accomplished from your list – longer if your time is limited.
3. Vary sources: It's easy and convenient to use the Internet for information. Due to the abundance of resources available, it can be incorrect, lacking in complete information, and not exactly what you're looking for. Use a variety of sources: newspapers, libraries, bookstores, museums, professionals, locations, and even family and friends who might be knowledgeable on a subject you're researching. Don't limit yourself to one or two sources – obtain as much information as you can. Your thriller will exude depth from your thorough research.
4. Organize: Don't just toss your research away when you get the answers you need. Organize, alphabetize, and keep everything in chronological order. An easy way to keep your research at your fingertips is to use an expanding file or designate a file drawer. Color-coded file folders and tabs make it a snap to find a piece of research for a later thriller novel.
5. Enjoy your hard work: Take the time to congratulate yourself on accomplishing all of your research goals. It's hard work, but well worth it in the end. Your thriller novel will shine in the process.
Conducting research has been something that I've enjoyed. I find that when I learn new things it triggers the creative process. After I've researched a subject, it may have inspired another character or storyline.
Jennifer Chase holds a bachelor degree in police forensics and a master's degree in criminology. In addition, she holds certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling. She is also an affiliate member in the criminology section of the Academy of Behavioral Profiling (ABP). She has authored three thriller novels with her newest thriller release, " Silent Partner ". In addition, she currently assists clients in publishing, ghostwriting, book reviews, blogs, articles, screenwriting, copywriting, editing, and research.
February 24, 2011
Book Review on Cop Thriller "Silent Partner" Criminologist Pens Thriller
Book: "Silent Partner"
Author: Jennifer Chase
Author Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Genre: Thriller
ISBN: 978-0982953600
Reviewed Originally by Fran Lewis for BookPleasures
"Silent Partner" Paperback ( Purchase Here )
"Silent Partner" Kindle Format ( Purchase Here )
Listen to the silence of the jungle as the soldiers carefully trek through the forest avoiding traps set by snipers. As K9 dog, Max and his leader Alec Weaver, lead the way; they foil what could have been a disaster. Combat can leave lasting impressions on the minds of soldiers as it does on impressionable children who witness a horrific scene at the hand of an adult who is supposed to protect and care for them. Jack Daniels witnessed a scene at the home of his friend's house as a child and has been haunted by it ever since. Sisters Megan and Teresa O'Connell are escorted from their home and placed in the care of their grandmother. Living in an abusive home all of their lives and witnessing the murder of their mother at the hand of their father leaves twp young girls emotionally scarred. Unable to forget what happened and living the nightmare as a daily part of her life Megan O'Connell suffers from agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is an abnormal and persistent fear of public places and open areas. People with agoraphobia such as Megan, fear open areas, especially those, which have limited or no immediate escape routes.
Today Alec Weaver and Jack Daniels are friends. Alec is now a sergeant in the K9 Division of the police department and Jack his Deputy Sheriff. As both men search for three dangerous killers who have kidnapped, murdered and mutilated their victims without mercy or fear of being caught lives are put in jeopardy including their silent K9 partners.
The suspense heightens and the plot continues, as there are more murders and many more victims as by this unknown and sadistic serial killer. As Jack and Alec go after the brutal killers murdering people in a restaurant, two of the suspects are caught and the most dangerous is still at large. Darrell Brooks is a sick and demented man who takes pleasure in killing others. So, why is Teresa O'Connell caught up in his life and part of his world? What is her secret and what is she hiding from her younger sister that will take her life and turn Megan's world into something short of living in the Twilight Zone. Who murdered Teresa in her bed? Why is Megan covered in blood when the police find her and who is the intruder she claims to have seen? Added into the mix is a serial killer who is killing prostitutes and young girls. Just how all of this links together will startle, surprise and astound the reader as I continue my review of this first rate novel.
Reunited after many years in the vet's office Jack is having his K9 dog, Keno's wounds tended to as Megan enters with Eddie who has been poisoned. Childhood memories come to light at both Jack and Megan form a bond that will take them on a journey you will never forget.
Megan is riddled with fear, uses her medication to hide behind herself and what is really motivating her anger. Her relationship with Jack takes off but the end result will shock the reader as two brothers collide, greed wins out and one girl's life will never be the same. The final conflict will tie things into a tightly fit knot, endear you to our K9 friends, and bring tears to your eyes. Some fall in the line of action and others help you understand the meaning of loyalty, trust and friendship. Jack and Keno with the help Emily Stone and Rick Lopez, investigators, uncover who is behind the murders of the young girls, why the diabolical plot was put into place to destroy Megan. Who can be trusted and who is the really the mastermind? You need to read this outstanding thriller/murder mystery to find out. But let's not forget to give credit to the " Silent Partner's " of the K9 unit, the dogs. Without these brave and courageous animals many criminals would not be brought to justice.
Action packed, fast paced this novel is so engaging once you pick it up you won't be able to put it down until you read the last sentence on the last page. An ending that will not only surprise but shock the reader, author Jennifer Chase should definitely bring back Jack, his fellow officers, Emily and Rick again in a sequel that will include what does happen next. No lose ends but one that remains to be seen.
This is definitely a must read and an outstanding novel right up there with both Clancy and Baldacci.
~The author Jennifer Chase is an award-winning author and criminologist.
She blogs at http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Web site is http://jenniferchase.vpweb.com/.
She also hosts Book and Crime Talk at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase
Emily Stone Crime Tips: http://emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com/
Screenwriting Top Ten Check List
Screenwriting is one of the most fun writing formats you can venture into with your creative voice. It's difficult not be enthusiastic when it comes to movies and screenwriting extends that passion. To put action and dialogue to the ultimate test is both challenging and extremely enjoyable.
Whether you've already written a screenplay or you're in the process of creating one, I've put together a top ten list of things to keep you on track. It's my quick checklist that I keep in the back of mind at all times. It's important to take an honest assessment of your working screenplay from time to time.
Ask yourself these questions:
1)Is there a hook or incident that makes the audience interested in your story?
2)Does the protagonist have conflicts? And, does the audience struggle with them?
3)Does the protagonist change in some way?
4)Does the antagonist have a particular interest in the protagonist?
5)Does each of the scenes have an action and reaction? And, does it drive the storyline?
6)Is there a solid plot point at the end of the first and second acts?
7)Does the resolution make sense?
8)Have the subplots been set up appropriately and have resolutions?
9)Have you conducted enough research for the storyline?
10)Have you allotted enough time for rewrites?
Keep writing… keep creating… and keep reaching for your dreams…
If you want to kick your screenwriting skills into high gear and finish that first draft, check out my book: "How to Write a Screenplay".
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT – "Screenwriting Workshop"
I will be giving a Screenwriting Workshop on Saturday, March 5th, 2011 for those of you in California in the San Jose, Monterey, and Santa Cruz areas. All the information is located on the right side of my blog.
Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist
Blog:
www.authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Website:
http://jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch:
http://emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com/
Book & Crime Talk:
www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase
Books: Compulsion = Dead Game = Silent Partner = Screenwriting
February 23, 2011
Kidnapped Girl Shares Her Story on National TV
I focused my first two novels on the efforts of one woman, Emily Stone, to rid the streets of violent criminals, including pedophiles and murderers. I have spent hours studying forensic psychology and criminology. Still, when I read or hear about something atrocious being done to a child, I am stunned and left questioning how such violence is possible.
One girl who recently suffered at the hands of a criminal displayed her courage this week by appearing on The Today Show to talk about her ordeal. In a story that made national news, a man broke into the home of Tina Hermann and killed her , along with her eleven-year-old son and another adult female. Thirteen-year-old Sarah Maynard was missing from the home, and an extensive manhunt began. Four days later, tips led authorities to the basement of Matthew Hoffman. The man had been holding the barely teenage girl and sexually assaulting her, denying her food and even the chance to get up from the bed to which she was bound.
Sarah Maynard has been through grief counseling and is trying to move forward without living in fear. Just to have survived that ordeal while keeping her head about her, let alone speak about the crimes only months later on national television , speaks volumes about the girl's character.
She can be assured that Matthew Hoffman will never terrorize her again, as he is now serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
I am sure that many of you remember this case and the intense media attention that it received. I always appreciate hearing about the victims after the case is closed and the offender is put away in prison. How are they coping now? What has happened since the flurry of television cameras moved on to the next big story? I'm glad that in Sarah Maynard's case, she seems to be receiving the love and support she needs to life with the memories of this horrible episode and move past their hold on her.
February 22, 2011
Internet radio show to spotlight Jodi's case
Written by Josh Benson
Monday, 21 February 2011 04:19
FindJodi.com will be part of a panel of guests on the radio program Cubanarama - an internet radio program broadcast through BlogTalkRadio.com . Cubanarama is launching a new series called the "Cold Case Show". The first show in the series will spotlight Jodi's case on Tuesday, February 22nd at 8:00 p.m. CST.
The show will be hosted by 'Marta' and private investigator Gumersindo Vidot.
"If we really want to solve the Jodi Huisentruit case we have to get down and dirty, step on some toes and get personal. By first beginning to bark up the right tree," said Vidot.
Special guests will include Gary Peterson of FindJodi.com , author and criminologist Jennifer Chase and psychic Gale St. John .
To tune into the show live click here . FindJodi.com will be adding a link to the archived show after it airs. .
February 21, 2011
Mandatory DNA Samples Taken by the Police at the Time of Arrest
According to the Gaston Gazette in North Carolina, a new state law went into effect at the beginning of the month making it legal for arresting officers to collect DNA from the inside of an arrestees mouth.
DNA can only be taken from individuals accused of specific crimes:
First and Second Degree Murder Manslaughter Rape & Other Sexual Offenses Felony Assault with a Deadly Weapon Kidnapping or Abduction First and Second Degree Burglary Arson Armed Robbery Stalking & Cyber Stalking Any offense that would require a person to register as a sex offender The North Carolina statute stated that DNA collection can be made at the time of arrest or when the person is fingerprinted. A DNA sample is taken by a cheek swab, unless a court order authorizes a DNA blood sample.
"I think it's appropriate and hopefully it will lead to more investigative solving of new and old crimes." Stated Gaston County Sheriff Alan Cloninger.
"I think it's too early to say whether it will be a successful program or not. Obviously there are positives. You are collecting DNA that is very valuable when comparing people to crime scenes." Stated Gaston County Police Capt. J.D. Ramey.
The new statute further stated that it would remove a person's DNA if two conditions were met: First, if charges are dismissed, acquitted, or convicted of a lesser charge. Second, if the person is not required to have their DNA in the database based on another provision of law.
I give huge kudos for this statute. It shows that this state isn't taking crime lightly. This is a big undertaking for the police departments in North Carolina, but it has important values. It will quickly exonerate the innocent or implicate the guilty. My hope is that it will solve cold cases as well.
The big, lingering question is that what kind of backlog is this going to generate for the DNA labs? What do you think about police taking DNA samples at the point of arrest?
Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist
Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch: www.emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com/
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase
Books: Compulsion = Dead Game = Silent Partner = Screenwriting
