Sue Julsen's Blog, page 7
September 2, 2014
EXCITING CRIME FICTION STORY INSPIRED FROM ACTUAL EVENTS
A TOWN TERRORIZED...THE FAMILY SECRETS...YEARS OF LIES UNFOLDING...
Munday, Texas: Small town. Peaceful. Quiet. The perfect place to raise a family—or is it? Henry Frye, the new police chief, is asking himself this question after a gang moves into the big house on the hill and a murdering spree begins. How many must die before he catches the ones responsible for turning his town into a place of terror?
When Jake Miller, Henry's ex-captain and friend shows up, unannounced, Henry knows something is terribly wrong. He's been waiting all day for an overdue call from Mona, his mistress; the love of his life. Has something happened to her? What does Jake know?
Things heat up after a fiery car crash leaves one gang member hanging on to life. Can Henry find out all he needs to know before the man dies?
Henry and Officer Holloway enter the gang's house and find more bodies. Was it murder or mass suicide? A "shrine" in the front room unnerves Henry, and a gruesome sight found in the kitchen threatens to push Henry and his officer over the edge.
Trophy Murders mixes an action-packed crime story with some truth from another time. In this realistic fictional tale a sadistic gang of killers runs rampant, a young girl struggles with nightmares from the past, and the girl's uncle, the police chief, struggles to bring his town solace, while keeping his own secrets hidden.
INSPIRED FROM ACTUAL EVENTS, Trophy Murders was originally part of the Bitter Memories series, written for my fiction fans.
However, with my new revenge series in the works, Trophy Murders has been removed from the memories series, and is now the first in the new revenge series.
Cutter's Revenge is book 2 in the revenge series, and also still book 3 of the memories series.
Trophy Murders and Cutter's Revenge brings action, suspense, drama, secrets, a love story, and so much more. And, my fictional crimes are a bit twisted and sadistic. Enjoy!
I am a memoir, crime fiction and true crime author. Find all my books on my website: http://sj2448.wix.com/suejulsen
August 21, 2014
Crime Fiction/Psychological Thriller: Cutter's Revenge
A man believing he has amnesia walks the streets in Haskell, Texas trying to remember who he is; where he came from. In reality, Stan Clark has blackouts, leaving him with no memories during this timeframe.
Numerous men and women are disappearing from small area towns. Henry Frye, Munday's police chief, is at his wits end after one of his own officer's turns up missing and a "secret" town meeting is called. He doesn't know a serial killer will soon be stalking his own backyard.
Jasmine Goldberg, Henry's dispatcher, is determined to find out all she can about the missing people. In her search she uncovers an old army report showing a photo of a man with frightening, sadistic eyes. Other than the eyes, the photo resembles a Stan Clark who'd been reported missing for nearly two years.
A car fitting Clark's vehicle is spotted on the highway, but seeing the patrol car, the driver makes a run for it. Officers from area towns join the chase, pursuing the vehicle to a house hidden from the highway. Once inside, the officers stumble upon a delusional maniac hiding in the basement, and a gruesome sight upstairs.
Before years of lies from the past can destroy him, Henry opens his heart and soul to the two women he loves deeply — Lori, his mistress, and Sarah, his dead sister's daughter he adopted — praying Sarah can forgive him when she learns the truth.
Cutter's Revenge is the last in the bitter memories series written the way I wanted my life to turn out, turning tragedy into a happy ending.
Again, mixing truth with fiction, I bring you an action packed, suspenseful drama, complete with an endearing love story while revealing the truth behind Henry's secrets and lies, and so much more. Again, my fictional crimes are a bit twisted, but even more sadistic than the crimes in Trophy Murders. Enjoy!
NOTE: Cutter's Revenge leads the first of two more books in my new "revenge" series coming next year.
Please visit my website to learn more about all the books and short stories in the Bitter Memories series, another crime fiction, a true crime story that just came out in May of 2014, and even a tale of fantasy to round it all out.
http://sj2448.wix.com/suejulsen
Crime Fiction: Trophy Murders
Munday, Texas: Small town. Peaceful. Quiet. The perfect place to raise a family — or is it?
Henry Frye, the new police chief, is asking himself this question after a gang moves into the big house on the hill and a murdering spree begins. How many must die before he catches the ones responsible for turning his town into a place of terror?
Things heat up after a fiery car crash leaves one gang member hanging on to life. Can Henry find out all he needs to know before the man dies?
Henry and Officer Holloway enter the gang's house and find more bodies. Was it murder or mass suicide? A "shrine" in the front room unnerves Henry, and a gruesome sight found in the kitchen threatens to push Henry and his officer over the edge.
When Jake Miller, Henry's ex-captain and friend shows up, unannounced, Henry knows something is terribly wrong. He's been waiting all day for an overdue call from Mona, his mistress, the love of his life. Has something happened to her? What does Jake know?
Trophy Murders, based on the true story I wrote in Drowning in Memories, Part One of the bitter memories series, is the creative version for my fiction fans. Mixing truth and fiction together, this book is loaded with action, suspense, drama, secrets, a love story, and so much more. And, my fictional crimes are a bit twisted and sadistic. Enjoy!
Please visit my website to learn more about all the books and short stories in the Bitter Memories series, another crime fiction even more sadistic than this book, a true crime story that just came out in May of 2014, and even a tale of fantasy to round it all out.
http://sj2448.wix.com/suejulsen
Personal Memoirs: Bitter Memories and Drowning in Memories
Told from the heart, Bitter Memories is dedicated to all survivors of abuse. In order to write this book I had to relive all those bitter memories, hoping that exposing the horrors I lived through would help prevent them from happening to others, and that more survivors could find a path toward healing.
Although not a book for the faint of heart, this is an unforgettable story about living a life on the run, dealing with hunger, fear and molestation, proving that survival is possible — even under the worst circumstances — by holding onto a strong will to live.
Strong adult language and content throughout.
Drowning in Memories continues my story, written in two parts. Not all memories are bad in this book.
Part One is titled Bitter Tasting Memories; Part Two, titled After Midnight, is dedicated to my big brother, who I had not formally met, or even knew he was my brother in Bitter Memories.
Also included is a bonus story, One In A Million: A True Story of Friendship. The moment I met David we became instant friends. Trusting me with a secret that he'd held inside for so long, David not only changed the direction my life was heading but, sharing a piece of his soul with me, I learned the devastating news that I could not save my friend from what was to happen in his own life. A touching, heartfelt story about a man, a dear friend, who loved life, family and friends so much.
NOTE: After Midnight and One In A Million are both included in Drowning in Memories, but they are also available as singles.
Please visit my website to learn more about all the books and short stories in the Bitter Memories series, plus a true crime story that just came out in May of 2014, and even a tale of fantasy to round it all out.
http://sj2448.wix.com/suejulsen
July 29, 2014
Upcoming Documentary, August 1, 2014: Anatomy of a Kidnapping
This book covers the "facts" as we know them to be, the lies, and the apparent law enforcement cover ups of the murders of Tina Anderson and her 8-yr. old son Ethan. Ethan was burned beyond recognition after possibly being dismembered. Their dog was also murdered.
If you've read the book you can compare notes when the documentary airs August 1, 2014, "Anatomy of a Kidnapping" on NBC. Check local listings for the time in your area.
After 8 - 1/2 months of research on the case, I expect this "crapamentary", as it's been called by many, to be a farce.
I, along with several others, still dream of the day when the actual truth will come out and the true murderer or murderers will be behind bars where he or she belong.
Follow the link below to be taken to my website to learn more.
http://sj2448.wix.com/suejulsen
July 22, 2014
BESTSELLING SERIES plus my new HIGHLY CONTROVERSIAL TRUE CRIME BOOK
Imagine: A happy little three year old girl taken from her bed in the middle of the night by her father, a man she adores...then things change for this little girl as she experiences a life no child should ever be subjected to.
I am a survivor of extreme child abuse. I was that little kid kidnapped in the middle of the night. The fear became so intense I split into multiple personalities...
NOTE: Bitter Memories is not a cozy, feel-good book. It is a true story of horrific child abuse and the will to survive. Strong adult language and graphic content!
Drowning In Memories, the sequel to Bitter Memories is where you'll learn about my amazing brother, and a lot more as I continue my story written in two parts. Bitter Tasting Memories, part one; After Midnight, part two (dedicated to my big brother), and a bonus short story, One In A Million: A True Story of Friendship.
Some of the dialog has been recreated from memory, and some recreated using known characteristics and actions of the person being quoted, but the stories contained here are as close to the truth as I know them to be.
Cutter's Revenge rounds out the series by mixing truth with a ton of suspense to get the heart racing as my imagination runs as rampant as the stalking serial killer bringing terror around every turn! Using many of the same characters, I introduce several new ones — many you’ll love, some you’ll love to hate — plus a happy ending!
A pound of revenge really can be so sweet.
Trophy Murders was written for my fiction fans as it delves into my vivid “where did that come from” imagination to deliver an action-packed crime story about a gang of serial killers; mixing in truth as I continue the journey after going to live with Uncle Henry (the cop) and his heavy-handed wife, Olivia. A life, by the way, I wouldn't wish on any kid!
Trophy Murders and Cutter's Revenge are loaded with action, suspense, drama, secrets, a love story, and so much more. And, my fictional crimes are a bit twisted and sadistic. I hope you’ll enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed writing these two books.
From The Heart is a collection of fifteen poems written from events in my life, including short stories that inspired the writing of each poem. Included is the first poem I wrote at 9 years old after the death of my mother.
Also in audio.
Written just for fun: The Rose: A Tale of Fantasy is a cute story for all ages, complete with talking animals that try to help their "Queen" in her quest when they learn danger is coming to the city and to their home in the forest.
Also in audio.
One In A Million is a heartwarming story about a wonderful man who helped change my life while helping me find my way back from a never-ending abyss after my suicide attempt. An awesome story of friendship. This short story is also the bonus story in "Drowning In Memories."
After Midnight is part two in "Drowning In Memories," dedicated to my brother. It continues memories and many mistakes I made along the way. This up and down ride includes fun times, not-so-fun times and sad times that came to mind during and after writing "Bitter Memories."
HOT and CONTROVERSIAL TRUE CRIME
Zip Ties and Lies is the story of the Anderson/DiMaggio coldhearted, coldblooded murder case that started in San Diego, California and ended in the Idaho wilderness, leaving three people and a dog, dead.
Who REALLY killed the Anderson's? Who's behind the cover up?
Was Jim DiMaggio innocent of murder, arson and kidnapping?
As a kidnapped survivor myself, from everything I've seen and read, Hannah Anderson has not acted like a kidnap "victim" in ANY sense of the word. Learn the "facts" as we know them to be in this extremely controversial book as the search for truth continues.
Visit my website to find my own personal story of kidnapping as told in Bitter Memories: A Memoir of Heartache & Survival, plus my other books.
http://sj2448.wix.com/suejulsen
Happy Reading! Happier Writing!
July 6, 2014
A Quadruple Homicide Cold Case of Interest
So, with 9 books currently available, moving my main interest toward the unsolved, I have decided to focus on some of these cold case homicides.
I am still working on a crime fiction sequel to Cutter's Revenge, but my main focus has shifted to South Carolina. Specifically Spartanburg County, with at least 49 unsolved homicides. I feel someone needs to look into what’s going on in that county!
The first case that specifically caught my attention was also presented on America’s Most Wanted TV show years ago. It was a quadruple murder case that, from what I've found out so far, I feel should have been solved a long time ago. Did law enforcement even attempt to solve this case? It appears not.
If anyone knows anything about this case please contact me by email at suejulsen.books@yahoo.com. You can remain anonymous.
Superbike Motorsports:
Nearly 11 years ago, on November 6, 2003, four people were gunned down at Superbike Motorsports on Parris Bridge Road in Chesnee, South Carolina. The location of this building is rather secluded, with no other businesses or homes close by.
The Senior Investigator at the time, William Gary of the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, stated, “It was almost like the people were taken by surprise. No sign of a struggle.”
The victims, in no particular order, were: 1) The owner, Scott Ponder, age 30. With his cell phone in his hand, he was found outside in the parking lot, shot in the back and in the head. He never had a chance to make a call, but he did key in #33. It is assumed that he was trying to call his wife since on speed dial she was #3. His wife was pregnant at the time. In fact, just two days prior to his death, for the first time, they had seen the ultrasound of their baby boy. She had last talked to Scott on the phone around 2:00 pm. It makes sense, knowing he was about to die, to try to call her.
2) Brian Lucas, age 30, Ponder's best friend and office manager, was found in the doorway of the business, also shot in the back and in the head. I was told that Brian had a rather large life insurance policy.
3) Beverly Guy, age 52, Ponder's mother and bookkeeper for the business, was found inside the showroom, shot at least twice. One of those shots was to the head. Her ex-husband, Scott’s father, had been in prison for many years. It is unclear when he was released from prison, but in 1990 he disappeared and has not been heard from since. To date his remains have not been found. After eight years Beverly had him declared legally dead. She was remarried, and from all accounts, she was happy in her marriage.
4) Christopher Shubert or Sherbert (there is a discrepancy on his last name), age 26, the mechanic for the bike shop, was found in the back work area, also shot at least twice, one shot was to the head. Christopher also went by the nickname of "Shooby". He was a new employee, and so far no further information has been found on him.
The police believe the first shots occurred at 2:50 pm, with the last shots fired at 2:52 pm. They also believe the shooter shot each one, then returned and put another bullet in the head of each victim, just to make sure they were dead. Sketches were released of possible suspects and/or witnesses, but no one came forward.
A man named Noel Lee, who claimed to be friends with Ponder and Lucas, found the bodies. It was reported that Lee phoned 9-1-1 approximately 20 minutes after the last shot was fired.
Twenty minutes would give the shooter plenty of time to wipe down the shop, removing fingerprints, and from the reports, it appears the shop had been wiped down. Was Noel Lee upset with Ponder, or one of the other employees? The story Lee presented for being at the shop was apparently bogus, and he changed his story from the original version told.
It was also discovered that one of the detectives on this case knew Noel Lee, had gone to school with him, and lived near by him. From what I've read online, Noel Lee was never investigated. Was this because the detective was good friends with Lee? Was Noel Lee the actual shooter? Even if he wasn't, he should have been first in line of suspects, just because he found the bodies.
Another report stated that a customer was in the store shortly before the shootings, wearing a coat. It was hot that day — too hot for a coat or a jacket — so was this customer wearing the coat to conceal a weapon? Was this unidentified man the shooter? Did he catch the employees of the shop by surprise?
Ponder had been filling out paperwork on a sale, but he had not written in the customer’s name. Was the man in the coat this customer? Or was there another customer in the shop right before the shooting?
Is it possible that Lee, the man in the coat, and two other people, a man and a woman seen fighting in the shop’s parking lot right before the shootings, be in this together?
Superbike also did business on the internet. They had customers across the country. It has been speculated that a customer felt ripped off and wanted revenge. If so, was this person angry enough to travel from wherever, to kill?
Copy and paste this link in your browser to see the 2003 sketch of the person of interest in this case: http://www.goupstate.com/article/2003... . And this one for sketches of two possible witnesses: http://www.goupstate.com/article/2003...
Police are also looking for drivers of two vehicles reported at the shop the day of the crime. One vehicle was described as a dull red or burgundy late 1980’s to early 1990’s Honda Civic or Chevy Cavalier-style vehicle. The other vehicle is a full-size pickup thought to be a dark blue or black late-model Chevy Z-71. Witnesses describe the truck as being "very sharp" with chrome side rails.
This case leaves a mystery that has lasted for so many years. What was the motive for these murders? We know it wasn't robbery, because nothing was taken. Is it possible that Brian Lucas was killed for the insurance money, and the others were killed to leave no witnesses behind? Did Brian’s spouse, the one who would have benefited from his death, have anything to do with these brutal murders? A very large life insurance policy would be motive.
Scott Ponder and his wife were ecstatic about the birth of their child, therefore, it does not make sense that his wife would be involved in any way. This leaves the new employee, Christopher “Shooby” Shubert (or Sherbert) as an unknown possible link. Was “Shooby” the actual target for whatever reason? Or, was it connections of Beverly's ex-husband? It has been stated that he had been mixed up with the Mafia.
All these questions, and more, needs to be answered. And someone has the answers. It’s understandable that any witnesses were terrified back in 2003, but it’s been nearly 11 years. Will that person or persons now come forward with information to clear up this unsolved cold case?
I hope by bringing this case to my readers someone will know something and will come forward. The families of these victims need closure. Remember, contact me personally by email, or call CRIME STOPPERS. You can remain anonymous.
For more information about these homicides you can Google Superbike Motorsports Quadruple Murder. There are numerous articles about the case.
As for my current books available, just visit my website.
http://sj2448.wix.com/suejulsen
June 26, 2014
A Little About Me, My Books, and What YOU Can Do To Help
The Beginning: I was kidnapped by my father when I was two years old, then again at 3 yrs. old. After the second kidnapping I lived a life on the run, hungry, abused, and terrified for 6 years before the FBI finally located me.
Although my abuse was extreme, my story is not unique by any means. There are so many children abused daily, and even more adult survivors trying to get through life the best they can. Many survivors relate to my story. In learning what I lived through, they find hope, then they find healing from their own pain and suffering.
You can read all about my early life in Bitter Memories: A Memoir of Heartache & Survival. Contains explicit sexual content and language. I did not sugarcoat any of the abuse!
The original 2nd in the series, Trophy Murders, was written for my fiction fans. In this book, Sarah's abuse, not nearly as intense as in Bitter Memories, never totally ends. Although the true story is exaggerated, this little girl you learned to love, to care deeply about, still manages to survive in a new life with her uncle and his heavy-handed wife. Bringing in a gang of serial killers who wreak havoc, terrorizing the town, until they are finally brought down by Sarah's Uncle Henry, Munday's fearless police chief and his officers, this is an action-packed crime fiction tale that's a great read for my non-fiction fans as well. This book has been renumbered and is now #7 in the series.
The new book 2, Drowning In Memories, continues the story as it actually happened. Taking out the fiction, Sarah goes to live with her uncle and his wife, a woman who swears to "beat the meanness" out of Sarah, or die trying. I also finally meet my big brother, so all memories are not "bad" in this book. Written in two parts, with a bonus story about a young man who changed my life, this is the book for my readers who only want the true story, but it is also a great read for my fiction fans. NOTE: After Midnight and One In A Million: A True Story of Friendship are "singles" but they are also included in Drowning In Memories.
Cutter's Revenge (book 3) brings you another serial killer, maybe even more sadistic than the gang of killers in Trophy Murders. Henry's town, along with other nearby towns, once again lives in fear as more and more people seem to vanish without a trace. Sarah reaches a low in her life, then finds...sorry, you'll have to read the book to find out what happens next. But, I will tell you this: Bitter Memories (book 1), was a tear-jerker from Hell, while Cutter's Revenge is a tear-jerker from a little bit of Hell, but a whole lot of Heaven. I wrote this story the way I wanted, or wished, my life had turned out. By bringing to life a serial killer with multiple personalities, I had so much fun getting "safe" revenge toward some who hurt me when I was that scared little kid in Bitter Memories, living in a world of creeps and perverts. If you've read the other books in the series you'll have no trouble knowing the true parts in this book.
As long as child abuse exists I'll continue to share my story, helping survivors, and helping educate others who want to learn the truth about child abuse and what they can do to put an end to our precious children being mistreated.
Anyone who has lived with abuse deserves to find their path toward healing as I did. Telling my story has helped many since it came out in 2010, but there are so many more still out there, suffering daily, ready to give up. They need help!
What can YOU do to help? To reach as many people as possible who are still suffering, I need YOU to share my story. Tell others about my survival, about my books, and about my website so they can also have the opportunity to read my story and to learn.
Child abuse is a national epidemic. I can't do this alone! Please don't be one of those who says, 'Someone will call the police. I don't want to get involved' because it is our children who needs YOU and others like you to help them break away from the ones hurting them. The adult survivors also need YOU. By learning about and reading my story, they will know there is life after abuse, and that what happened to them was NOT their fault! Please help spread the word. Thanks!!
And now you know a little more about me, a few of my books, and what you can do to make a difference in a child's life, and in a survivor's life.
Find all my books on my website:
http://sj2448.wix.com/suejulsen
Happy Reading....Happier Writing!!
Also visit my Facebook author/fan pages, and please click "like" while you're there:
https://www.facebook.com/sue.julsen2
https://www.facebook.com/BitterMemori...
https://www.facebook.com/TMTrilogyBook2
https://www.facebook.com/CuttersRevenge
June 17, 2014
E-BOOK ON SALE FOR ANOTHER 3 DAYS ONLY!
Bitter Memories: A Memoir of Heartache & Survival is the true story of my early life after being kidnapped by my father, then living a life on the run for six long years. Abused by people who claimed to "love" me, I lived in fear, terrified of what the next day, or even the next minute would bring. Not a book for the squeamish, but this was my life, and my struggles to survive in a world of extreme child abuse. This insightful journey into my childhood of tragedy and sorrow around every corner will take you on a roller coaster ride you will not soon forget.
Drowning In Memories the "true" sequel to Bitter Memories continues my life, showing that all memories are not bad. Written in two parts, with the second part dedicated to my older brother, I also throw in a short story of a man who changed the direction my life was heading after a suicide attempt. This man truly was "One In A Million."
Cutter's Revenge, the last in the Bitter Memories series, brings another serial killer stalking as it ends my story the way I wanted it to end, turning tragedy into a happy ending. I also get my own personal pound of sweet revenge, in a safe way.
Trophy Murders and Cutter's Revenge are loaded with action, suspense, drama, secrets, a love story, and so much more. The fictional crimes are a bit sadistic as they take on a life of their own, with as many twists and turns as a snake on Prozac to keep readers on the edge of the chair until the last pages are turned.
NOTE: The e-books "After Midnight and "One In A Million" are included in "Drowning In Memories" and Cutter's Revenge is also the beginning of a new "revenge" series I'm currently working on.
My newest True Crime book, Zip Ties and Lies: The Anderson/DiMaggio Case — Coldhearted — Coldblooded, explores the "facts" (as we know them to be) surrounding the brutal murders of Tina Anderson, her 8-year-old son Ethan, and their dog Cali.
Discover the lies and the numerous inconsistencies as told by Tina Anderson's daughter Hannah, who claimed to be kidnapped, and the screw ups and cover ups of law enforcement on this case.
Did Hannah and her father Brett Anderson, in an act of premeditation and anger kill Tina and Ethan and the dog, setting up Jim DiMaggio, a longtime family friend, and possibly and innocent man to take the fall?
You decide if Hannah Anderson was actually kidnapped after saying, "Are you ohhkay?" as DiMaggio hits the ground, shot to death by FBI sharpshooters. Is this the response you'd expect from a girl who claimed DiMaggio had killed her mother and brother and then kidnapped her?
The "facts" as told do not add up. The San Diego sheriff Bill Gore, who already has a shady past, appears to run a major cover-up in this case. It also appears that Gore not only jumped to conclusions — without any proof whatsoever — but also appointed himself accuser, judge and jury.
Read Zip Ties and Lies and learn the facts before the first anniversary of this case which is August 3rd (murders of Tina, Ethan and Cali), and August 10th (the apparent murder of Jim DiMaggio).
Read the book, then you decide if Hannah and Brett Anderson are innocent or guilt.
The known FACTS may shock you!
Find all my current books on my website, with links to amazon to order.
http://sj2448.wix.com/suejulsen
June 6, 2014
Scars Run Deep
Reprinted by request
I watch them. Strangers walking down the street, smiling and laughing, and I wonder: What was their life like growing up? Did they have a normal life? Did their parents love them; tell them they were wanted? Were they told they were, and are, cherished?
As children, did they easily fit in with other kids, or go out of their way trying to fit in? Did they succeed, or were they laughed at? In a crowd, did they slink into a corner trying to be invisible? Did they get beatings—or whippings—or just grounded? Were they told how useless they were and they never should have been born?
As adults, do they have self-confidence or are they intimidated easily? Are they afraid to voice an opinion? Afraid of being ridiculed? Afraid of doing something wrong?
While watching these seemingly normal, happy men and women I wonder: Are their smiles are fake? Are they laughing outside, but crying inside?
Most of my life I cried inside while faking a smile. I felt alone. Unloved. Unwanted. I didn't have a mother to confide in…to be my best friend. That dreadful night as my father drove away with me, taking me from the only home I’d ever known; taking me from the people who truly loved me, I had no idea how much my life was about to change—forever.
Starting at age three, my life was filled with sorrow, neglect and abuse—a life no child should ever experience. I was hurt time and again by people who claimed to love me. I grew up in the shadow of fear, uncertainty and hate. For six years I lived life on the run, starving, abused and terrified.
Just when I thought my life couldn't get any worse, Daddy left me alone in the car for days while he went off with a woman. When he finally returned and told me he’d married her, I was devastated! I begged him to leave her, but he slapped me so hard I saw stars.
During the next two years, living with the evil stepmother, I found out just how bad things could get. She did awful, unspeakable things to me. She put the "evil" in stepmother, that's for sure!
All my life I tried to run from myself. I tried to forget the horrible things that had happened, but I couldn't. I’d been left with scars from so many bitter memories, voices in my head, and nightmares. Horrendous nightmares that I felt sure would haunt me for the rest of my life.
For years I always wondered if I’d be a better person today if I’d had a normal life? What is normal anyway?
I wonder how many adult survivors have asked themselves that question? I've asked for as long as I can remember, and I still don’t know. How could I? My life was as far from normal as it could possibly get.
Although unnerving, Bitter Memories is a gripping account of the extremes a child can undergo—and survive. Written from the heart, taking on a life of its own, I relived those memories of heartache, sadness, extreme hunger, and intense fear in hopes of helping other adult survivors find a path toward healing their “hidden” scars. My story deals with explosive topics that former child victims of mental, physical, and sexual violence will understand.
My life was a living hell, one of extreme worst. But it doesn't take extreme to mess up a child’s head. It doesn't take extreme to drive a child beyond the breaking point.
Without professional help to deal with abuse issues, long term effects include fear, anxiety, depression, anger, hostility, inappropriate sexual behavior, poor self esteem, a tendency toward substance abuse, and difficulty with close relationships.
Without help, abused kids continue to experience the trauma. Fear, insecurities, a sense of hopelessness prevents the child from living a happy, fulfilled life. Many times, as I did, victims relive their abuse in recurring nightmares.
Pain of abuse is so intense, yet victims feel they can’t talk to anyone about the abuse. They feel ashamed. They have low self esteem. In a crowd, they feel totally alone. Feelings of despair sets in; they believe the abuse was their fault; they’re being punished for being bad; life isn't worth living. When this hidden pain inside becomes overwhelming, the victim is more likely to attempt suicide.
Child abuse, neglect and/or abduction are national epidemics. Sweeping it under the rug, or choosing to believe it doesn't happen, won’t make it go away, nor does it change statistics: (1) Almost five children die daily from abuse in the United States. (2) Three million abuse reports—physical, emotional, sexual and/or neglect—are made every year. (3) It’s estimated nearly 10 million cases will go unreported. (4) It’s estimated 60 million survivors of childhood sexual abuse live in America today. (5) Girls are three times more likely to be sexually abused than boys, however, boys have a greater risk of emotional neglect and serious injury than girls.
It doesn't matter how abuse is inflicted, it still leaves a lasting impression on the victim. Homes in which women are beaten are at greater risk of having abused children. Children abused, as much as they don’t want to, often subject their own children to abuse.
If you see, or even suspect a child is being abused, report it immediately. It would be better to be wrong, than to be right and do nothing, and you may help save a child from a lifetime of heartache.
All an abused child needs is a chance and an environment full of love and kindness to show them how truly important they are.
THE BITTER MEMORIES SERIES:
1) Bitter Memories: A Memoir of Heartache & Survival, a memoir told from the heart, is the true story of my early life after being kidnapped by my father. I was only three years old. In this heartfelt journey into the world of extreme child abuse, the language is raw, the content is sexually graphic, but it also shows my will to survive. This was my life.
2) Drowning In Memories is written in two parts: Part One, Bitter Tasting Memories continues where Bitter Memories left off, adding in other memories that were left out before. Part Two, After Midnight, dedicated to my big brother, is where you'll find a lot about this wonderful sibling of mine. Also included a short story, One In A Million about a man who helped change my life.
2-A) Trophy Murders (for my fiction fans) based on true events, is an action-packed crime story as I take you further on the journey after going to live with Uncle Henry (the cop) and his heavy-handed wife, Olivia. NOTE: Drowning In Memories is the actual true story, but this book is a good crime fiction read, even for my memoir fans.
3) Cutter's Revenge mixes about five percent truth with a lot of suspenseful fiction. Anyone who’s read the first two books will know truth from fiction instantly. Using many of the same characters, I put closure to years of abuse — my way — gaining personal revenge so much deserved, while my readers also gain a pound of sweet revenge for themselves.
Cutter's Revenge is the last in the Bitter Memories series, but it is also the beginning of a new "revenge" series I'm currently working on.
To find all my books currently available, plus my newest True Crime book, Zip Ties and Lies, The Anderson/DiMaggio Case: Coldhearted - Coldblooded, please visit my website.
http://sj2448.wix.com/suejulsen
Also visit my Facebook author/fan pages, and please click "like" while you're there:
https://www.facebook.com/sue.julsen2
https://www.facebook.com/BitterMemori...
https://www.facebook.com/TMTrilogyBook2
https://www.facebook.com/CuttersRevenge
