Jennifer Chase's Blog, page 89

"Silent Partner" - Highly Riveting and Full of Nonstop Action

5.0 out of 5 stars "Highly riveting and full of nonstop action"

January 8, 2011
By Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA)

This review is from: " Silent Partner " (Paperback)

It's deadly when you're a cop and you fall for your suspect. " Silent Partner " is a riveting crime drama as K9 cop Jack Davis finds a dead woman, and her sister is the prime suspect. With lots of red tape, Jack finds himself finding Megan, the suspect, to be more than a hardened criminal and with a deeper, darker secret. When someone seems to be pulling the strings behind it all, finding the truth will prove quite difficult. " Silent Partner " is highly riveting and full of nonstop action.
(Also Available in Kindle Format)

Cell Phone Deflects a Bullet

Cell phones serve many wonderful purposes. Teenagers can use one to let their parents know that they are running a little late and not to worry. Wives can send a quick text message to ask their husbands to pick up some milk on the way home from running other errands. More closely related to my line of work, citizens can use their phones to report suspicious activity to the police. But, while still on the topic of crime, how many people would think to use a cell phone as a substitute for a bulletproof vest? Apparently, it works!

Two men were ejected from a nightclub in Atlanta early Thursday morning and decided to respond with gunfire. A parking attendant for the club was struck in the chest. However, the cell phone he was carrying in his jacket pocket caused the bullet to ricochet off his body and he escaped with only minor injuries. Without a doubt, a gunshot taken to the chest would have been exponentially worse.

The suspects were arrested a short time later. These men should be thankful for the cell phone as well, since it may have prevented them from being charged with a much more serious crime.
Emily Stone, the primary character in my first two novels , uses technology in many cases to track the predators in the neighborhoods around her. But, I bet she never imagined using a device like a cell phone for defensive purposes when faced with a gunman. Or, maybe she has; she is pretty savvy.

I am glad to know that the attendant was not seriously hurt and I hope that his cell phone service provider allows him to upgrade to a new phone immediately and not wait until the end of his contract.

Beginning 2011 with a new Amazon Kindle

I recently purchased an Amazon Kindle with the basic wi-fi version during the holiday. I want to make it clear that I'm not a "techie" electronic-oriented person. I love my physical books and I keep all of my electronic devices very basic on a "need" to use basis.

I purchased the Kindle out of curiosity and the fact that my own books ( Compulsion , Dead Game, Silent Partner ) are on Kindle. I also have been receiving ebooks via the computer and I don't like sitting longer at my desk in order to read them. I knew that I could return it if I didn't like it, so I jumped into uncertain waters.

I was surprised. Let me emphasize, I'm really surprised. I actually love my Kindle! I know, I know, for those of you that know me personally are chuckling right now. I seem to buck the system a little bit when it comes to newest technological gadgets.

I wanted to share some of my thoughts about Kindle. This isn't an intentional plug for Amazon, but rather, I wanted to share with you from my own limited electronic point of view.

Pros

I received my Kindle quickly in two days with free shipping. Great customer service and excellent packaging. It's simple to set up, the menus are clear and organized. The font is nice, you can darken or lighten it to preference. You can change the size of font too. You can search Google and Amazon. You can order right from your Kindle (this is very cool). You can also read magazines, newspapers, and blogs. You can read in bright sunlight and there's no glare (I tested this out for myself). The text to speech is a nice feature (it isn't applicable for all books). Note: it's a very electronic, computer voice, like what you hear when you call for customer support. Long battery life makes it convenient. This is a great reading device specifically for novels and an efficient way to store favorite titles.

Cons

I found that reading magazines, newspapers, and blogs to be annoying. Remember, it's a black and white screen and if you want to see photos of interest from various other sources, it's a bit heavy and difficult to read. For me personally, I would not use a Kindle to read criminology/forensic textbooks, photography books, coffee table books, cookbooks, etc. These books are too cumbersome to read on a Kindle. The tiny keyboard is a little difficult to use, but you would probably wouldn't use very often. However, it's a nice feature to make quick notes especially for book reviewers.

Recommendations

I would highly recommend that you purchase a case (I purchased a nice black, leather case). It will protect it from scratches and everyday bumps and jostles. "Like" Amazon Kindle on Facebook. There are some great tips posted.

Jennifer ChaseAward Winning Author & Criminologist

Blog: http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/

Website: http://jenniferchase.vpweb.com/

Crime Watch: http://emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com/

Book & Crime Talk: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase

Some 2011 Upcoming Events for Author Jennifer Chase

Author Appearance & Book Signing - Award Winning Author and Criminologist Jennifer Chase
Location: Borders Books
When: Saturday, January 15, 2011
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Address:
2080 California Avenue
Sand City, CA 93955
Phone: (831) 899-6643


"How to Write a Screenplay" workshop by Jennifer Chase
When: March 5, 2011
Time: 9:30am-1:30pm

Aromas Grange, fee includes book
$125.00 non-member - $85.00 AHA Member

For more information:
email: jchase2000@aol.com
Phone: 831-818-5070

Aromas Grange
400 Rose Avenue
Aromas, CA 95004




Upcoming Shows on Jennifer Chase's Show "Book and Crime Talk

January 13, 2011
Interview with Award Winning Author Gary Ponzo with Thriller A Touch of Deceit

January 27. 2011
Retired Yonkers PD Detective Mike Lyons about Video Forensics Technol

February 24, 2011
Child Abuse Expert & Forensic Consultant Dean Tong

Is it a Homicide or a Staged Suicide?

It has been stated that simulating a crime to cover up another crime is somewhat rare.However, there have been many documented cases where a murder has been covered up with arson, supposed self-inflicted gunshot wounds, and automotive accidents.

More disturbing, it has been estimated that there are a significant number of homicides simulated as a suicide based on a "suspicious death" discovered at the crime scene. Every investigator must keep in mind that the guilty party may use props (written notes, plastic bag over deceased head) to stage a homicide to look like a suicide.

There have been outlined eight checkpoints to help differentiate a criminal homicide from a "final exit" suicide.


Is the suicide or "final exit" at the scene? What are (if any) written entries, underlying, or other types of markings at the scene?Was there a specific book highlighted or underlined? Are there any other types of evidence that the deceased might have left behind? Written note, Power of Attorney, or Living Will? Carefully handle any evidence and treat like a homicide investigation. Assess any fingerprints or palm prints that might have been left by the last person to see the victim alive. If there was a plastic bag over the deceased head, have it examined and processed for fingerprints. If there was a note left, is it written in the literacy level of the deceased? If the note was handwritten, is it written in the deceased handwriting? All medicine containers in the home must be gathered – including the empty bottles. All medicines should be analyzed and verified including the quantity dispensed to determine of a lethal dose was taken.

Other pertinent questions should be asked if it's likely that it was homicide instead of suicide. The investigator needs to reconstruct what exactly happened.

Who is the deceased?

What was the motive?

Is there any associated evidence present at the scene?


Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist
Blog: http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Website: http://jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch: http://emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com/
Book & Crime Talk: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase

Get Out From Under all the Never-Ending Paperwork of Novel Marketing & Promotion

I've received many questions over the past year in regard to marketing a novel and the best way to go about it. It's simple and complicated. How's that for an answer? No doubt the Internet has made it easier and more streamlined to market any product, but there is still a mountain of work to maintain on a regular basis.

Here are five basic questions and how I've approached marketing a novel. You can be free from all the unnecessary paperwork and promotion by staying organized and on track. Simply put, have a plan. Keep things as simple as you can, but keep moving forward.

When should you begin marketing a novel? Before or after you've written the book?

You should begin marketing the novel before you've finished the book and before publication. You begin to lay the foundation by gently easing into it. Once you know what your book is going to be about (fiction or nonfiction), you can begin to write articles, set up a blog and/or website, and begin to create a buzz about your book. Your intended audience will be looking forward to the new release of your book.How much time should I spend marketing and promoting every week?

The best way to gage how much time to spend is to figure out what it is you want to do with your novel in a realistic manner. How much time can you actually spend? Can you stick to it week after week? Generally, you should spend a little bit of time each day or every other day. If you wait for once a week, you'll find that it will overwhelm and consume you. Start with a solid list of what you want to accomplish for the week. For example, a good rule of thumb is to spend a minimum of an hour a day. This would include updating social networks, posting a blog article, networking with other writers, sending out emails or mailing lists, researching websites, etc.What are some of the ways to promote a book?

Promoting a book requires a combination of efforts and there is no simple recipe. I would recommend for new authors to have an active blog (minimum 3 articles a week) as well as a simple website. Keep these sites updated on a regular basis and interesting because you will always have new visitors stopping by. The social networking capabilities out there is extremely effective with Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, LinkedIn and writer/reader specific sites such as Goodreads, AuthorsDen, and Shelfari. And, always take the opportunity to promote yourself and book through local venues such as book signings, interviews, artist events, businesses specific grand openings, flea markets, and any type of author appearances. How long should I spend on a promotional idea if my marketing isn't working?

Keep in mind, nothing happens overnight. Things do start out slowly and begins to gain momentum. Don't be discouraged when you first begin if not much is happening and you're selling only a few books. The key is to have several marketing outlets and let them simmer for a while. Objectively look at each area and see what's working and what isn't. If something isn't working, cross it off your list and keep moving forward. Keep the idea in your marketing notes because at a later time it might prove to be useful. Should I hire a marketing manager?

This is a personal decision. It is based on what kind of budget you have available and what you're willing to do yourself. I personally feel that you should be actively involved in your marketing and promotion regardless if you hire someone to help you. Pick a dollar amount that you can live with on a monthly basis. Don't get overwhelmed or hustled if you spend more money, you'll get even better results. That's not true. You need a solid, workable plan and you need to active every day/week without fail. It's not impossible to market and promote a book by yourself, but beware that you will have quite a workload and need to do your homework. There can be a nice balance of working with a marketing manager if you can find the right person. The best advice I can give is to look at ALL your options and don't be too quick to make a choice.

If you have any questions about marketing your novel, please feel free to contact me by email: JChase2000@aol.com or feel free to contact Mindy Schwartz, my marketing assistant at her email: Mssphotography@aol.com

January 2011 - New Year Special - "Compulsion" (Kindle Format) $2.99

That is right, you read correctly, " Compulsion " (Emily Stone Series) in Kindle Format is now on Sale for $2.99 on Amazon.com.

Editorial Reviews
"Jennifer Chase's Compulsion is an all-time great fiction suspense thriller. Jennifer takes her knowledge of forensic science and criminology to new levels of understanding and entertainment. This is one edge-of-your-seat who-dun-it that will keep you enthralled from the first page to the last." --Sandra E. Graham, BookPleasures, author of Amos Jakey and Nicolina

"COMPULSION"
(2009 Evvy Award Nominee)


When Serial Killers Terrorize a California Beach Community,
One Woman Stands in Their Way


Emily Stone doesn't have a badge. But that hasn't stopped her from tracking down some of the West's most dangerous child-killers. Armed with a digital SLR camera, laptop computer and her trusty Beretta, Stone uses her innate gift for detective work to identify the perps—and then anonymously e-mail the evidence to the cops.


Now, the hunt for two brazen serial killers on the loose right in her own coastal California town threatens to expose Stone's identity—unraveling her carefully constructed cover and jeopardizing her life's work. But when she gets too close to the action, this razor-sharp hunter becomes the hunted. Cooperating with the handsome local police detective could be the only hope for stopping the rampage directed at unsuspecting young women—and saving herself. Can they piece together the clues in time?

Compulsion mixes CSI-style investigation with a ripped-from-the-headlines plot and a dose of romance for a keeps-you-guessing, fast-paced and savvy thriller, right up until the shocking finale.

Serial Killer Denied Pardon More Than a Century After His Death

It is not unusual for sitting presidents or governors to issue a series of pardons during their final days in office. These acts are often controversial , as they may involve forgiving serious crimes or seem to be showing favoritism to political allies or even family members or friends. But, what about the question of whether or not to pardon a serial killer who has been dead for more than a century? Governor Bill Richardson decided to tackle this debate and left us guessing until the last day of 2010 as to his decision.

Richardson considered the idea of pardoning Billy the Kid, whose given name was Henry McCarty , who had been indicted in the killing of Sheriff William Brady on April 1, 1878. The pardon was seen as a viable possibility based on the reports that former Governor Lew Wallace promised to clear McCarty of the charges if he promised to testify regarding other crimes about which he had knowledge. For reasons that are not clear, Wallace never followed through with the deal. Billy the Kid escaped custody with the help of some friends and went on to kill again before being shot by Sheriff Pat Garrett on July 14, 1881 and the age of twenty-one.

In the end, Governor Richardson did not offer the posthumous pardon , stating that there was too much "historical ambiguity" regarding the immunity deal and the subsequent fallout that occurred between Billy the Kid and Governor Wallace.

Billy the Kid has become part of American culture, as he has been featured in countless songs, movies, and books. Our collective fascination with these violent outlaws is undeniable. Why do you think a character such as Billy the Kid sparks our imagination and expression long after his death?

2010 in Review of Award Winning Author and Criminologist Jennifer Chase

The year of 2010 was very productive for me, but, I really did not realize how much I have really accomplished until I actually sat down and read all of my blogs posts from January 2010 up to the present.

I feel that I have to say without all of many followers of my Blog – Twitter-Facebook, and so many other Social Networks, I would not be where I am without you all.

Thank you for all your kind words on reviews, interviews, and comments. They really mean so much to me.

Happy New Year wishes to all and back to work for me to begin my Journey for 2011.

The Two Most Read Posts of 2010:

13 Interesting Fact about Serial Killers
http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/2009/06/13-interesting-facts-about-serial.html

Are There Similarities Between Serial Killers and Serial Rapists? http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/2009/09/are-there-similarities-between-serial.html

" Dead Game " was released on November 30, 2009 and in 2010 and here are few links of the reviews that came in:

http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/2010/01/i-love-book-covers-especially-this-one.html

http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/2010/01/gordon-etherington-book-readers-heaven.html

http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/2010/01/chase-gives-excellent-second-novel-to.html

http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/2010/01/author-chase-provides-even-more.html

Some Links of Interviews of Author and Criminologist Jennifer Chase

http://libraryattheendoftheuniverse.blogspot.com/2010/02/in-review-dead-game-by-jennifer-chase.html

http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/2010/02/reviewed-for-readersfavoritecom-dead.html

http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/2010/03/please-check-out-my-interview-with.html

http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/2010/03/interview-with-top-new-york-forensic.html

Author Jennifer Chase's Novels " Compulsion " and " Dead Game " Hits the Top Ten List for the Tag "Serial Killer" on Amazon.com

http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/2010/02/compulsion-and-dead-game-hits-top-ten.html

Author Jennifer Chase's Novel " Dead Game " Places Number 1 for the Tag "Cops" on Amazon.com

http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/2010/03/dead-game-places-1st-place-for-tag-cops.html

Author Jennifer Chase's Novel " Dead Game " Hits the Top Ten List for the Tag "Detective" on Amazon.com

http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/2010/03/dead-game-ranks-in-top-10-on-amazoncom.html

Author and Criminologist Jennifer Chase Let's Her Readers know 13 Little Known Facts about herself
http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/2010/01/13-little-known-facts-about-author.html

31 things that scare Jennifer Chase
http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/2010/10/31-things-that-scare-me.html

Some of Jennifer Chases Favorite Things – Photos by Jennifer Chase. You will find some awesome photos that Jennifer Chase has taken throughout her blog!
http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/2010/01/some-of-my-favorite-things.html

Jennifer Chase Offered her Readers Some Great Writing Ideas and Tips

To outline or not to outline
http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/2010/02/to-outline-or-not-to-outline.html

So You Want To Write A Screen? But Now What?
http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/2010/01/so-you-want-to-write-screenplay-but-now.html

How long does it take to write a Novel?
http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/2010/03/how-long-does-it-take-to-write-novel.html

My Way of Boosting Creativity for Writing Thriller Novels
http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/2010/04/my-way-of-boosting-creativity-for.html

May 27, 2010 a new blog was created called Emily Stone's Crime Watch Tips by aka Jennifer Chase.
Emily Stone is a fictitious character that has inspired a series of books and crime watch tips. She doesn't have a badge, but she tracks down serial killers and child pedophiles anonymously. She's a vigilante detective and wants everyone to be safe.

May 15, 2010 Author Jennifer Chase had a Facebook Page Created.

May 23, 2010 A New Addition Gets Added to the Chase Family! It is a boy, and his name is " Sarge " (A Black Labrador - Puppy)

"Sarge" at 10 weeks old
http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/2010/05/lets-all-wish-sarge-big-happy-10-week.html

Three months and growing
http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/2010/06/three-months-and-growing.html

Pool Party with "Sarge"
http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/2010/06/pool-party-with-sarge.html

Some of the Links to Book Reviews of " Compulsion " – Jennifer Chase's 1st Novel continue to be written.

http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/2010/06/book-review-of-compulsion-by-bengal.html

http://veronicabrooks.homepage.ph/2010/07/28/compulsion-provides-thrilling-end/

http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/2010/08/from-writers-digest-judges-commentary.html

Getting Ready for the Release of my Newest Novel " Silent Partner "

Author and Criminologist Jennifer Chase Creates "Book and Crime Talk" Online Show on Blogtalkradio

http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/2010/08/book-and-crime-talk-with-author-and.html

Author and Criminologist Jennifer Chase Now Becomes Award Winning Author and Criminologist Jennifer Chase

" Dead Game " Takes the Bronze from ReadersFavorite.com – Fiction – Suspense - Thriller (2010)
http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/2010/09/dead-game-emily-stone-mystery-takes.html

Friday, October 29, 2010 " Silent Partner " is now available in Kindle Format.
http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/2010/10/breaking-news-silent-partner-is-now.html

Wednesday November 17, 2010, " Silent Partner " is now available in Paperback
http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/2010/11/author-and-criminologist-jennifer.html

Book Reviews and Author Interviews for " Silent Partner " begin to come in right after its release.

http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/2010/11/book-review-of-silent-partner.html

http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/2010/11/book-review-of-silent-partner-newly.html

http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/2010/11/book-review-on-silent-partner.html

To finish off the year, Jennifer Chase Released " How to Write a Screenplay " (Kindle Format)

A Simple Building Block Process to Write a Professional Screenplayfrom Beginning to End!This complete instructional manual will give you a ten-step building block process to get you motivated, keep you on track, and will ultimately propel you to create the first draft of your screenplay. It is designed for beginners and intermediate writers. Each building block is divided into three categories of lessons and comprehension, testing, and assignments. Every assignment will build on the previous one to give you a solid, structured foundation that will ultimately become your screenplay. Watching movies and reading scripts are a fun part of the process. This book is designed to be interactive, enjoyable, and will give you results. Why not start writing your screenplay today?

The End of 2010 and onto 2011!

Cheers to the New Year!

Here are some photos I took this afternoon after the big storm. I'm always partial to black and white photos, even if it's at the beach. The lighting was awesome! It was nice to take a breather today and get ready for a rockin' New Year! :)









Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist

Blog: http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Website: http://jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch: http://emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com/
Book & Crime Talk: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase