Glenn Langohr's Blog, page 18

Niki's book Corner: Roll Call by Glenn Langohr

Niki's book Corner: Roll Call by Glenn Langohr: Book Description Publication Date:   July 26, 2012 "Whacks you aside the head with the force of a baseball bat. Langohr's inc...


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Interview With Author Seth Ferranti, the Owner of Gorilla Convict

1.What was your life like before being penned an LSD kingpin by the government?
I sold drugs, I partied, I went to different colleges to check out the scenes and followed the Grateful Dead a little bit. I was just a regular suburban youth who got caught up in the drug scene. I never carried a gun and I wasn't prone to violence. I didn't even consider myself a criminal really. I wasn't out to hurt anyone or take anything from anybody or rough anybody off or anything like that. I came from a good home with good parents who installed good morals and ideals in me I just got caught up in the drug scene and fancied myself a sort of stoner outlaw. But I didn't have any kind of Scarface mentality. I was just supplying LSD and marijuana to my friends from high school who went off to a bunch of colleges on the East Coast. I was originally from California and grew up a military brat and when my dad retired we settled in Northern Virginia where he got a job with a defense contractor. It was a real lily white and affluent area and I was the new guy and I found that when I proved I could get a hold of drugs I became real popular real quick. So that is how it went. I started selling drugs at a young age and it just progressed and by the age of 19 I was supplying about 15 colleges in 5 states with marijuana and LSD. But still in the big scheme of things I was a small time drug dealer maybe making $20 grand or so a month.
2. Were you overcharged?
I would say so. I was a first-time, non-violent offender and I got slammed with 304 months or a 25 year sentence with no possibility of parole. It was right when the feds had just started their War on Drugs in the early 90s and plus being right outside of DC they made it like my case was this big thing, it was like a witch-hunt really. But in all actuality it was just some kids partying and doing drugs at colleges just like they are still doing today. It was no organization, really it was unorganized and chaotic. I was just the dude with the best contacts and when I refused to snitch they threw the book at me but I realize now I made matters worse by taking off and becoming a fugitive for 2 years. But I was barely 20 years old and I had some money and I wasn't trying to snitch anyone out or go to prison so at that time it seemed taking off was my only choice. But now I have been in prison 19 years for crimes largely committed while I was a teenager that didn't involve any type of violence.
3. How do you deal with the same problem?
I do glorify and romanticize the stuff I write about. It is kind of glamorous in a way and people are interested in it. So I perpetuate the myths and legends but I do it in a way that it all comes from my perspective and it comes through my eyes and experiences. I am not doing anything new. They have been glamorizing this type of stuff since Billy the Kid and the Wild, Wild West. I am just doing it in my style and putting a more modern flavor to it. How outlaws and gangsters live and the things they do are amazing and people are very interested in reading about it all and watching the Hollywood version of the stories in movies and stuff like that. So I go with it. I am not fighting what is already there. People have been enamored with outlaw heroes since Robin Hood. I am myself. This is my passion. This is why I write about this stuff and bring these stories to life. When I first came to prison I read every prison and gangster book I could and then when I exhausted what I wanted to read I started writing my own stories from my own experiences and from the people I met and was doing time with. Everything I have done, book wise has been done before, I am just putting my twist on it. Reality is reality and I lay it all out but I still glorify it because even though I am older and in hindsight I know it is the wrong road it is still romantic in its own way, that is why gangster and prison stuff is such a big sell in popular culture.
4. Can you give me a timeline on how your prison stretch started, to when you started writings and publishing to how   it grew to when you finally get out of prison?
I got caught in 1993 and have remained incarcerated since then. So I have 19 years in now. I had always wrote songs and poems and stuff and dabbled in creating little stories and fantasy worlds (check out felons rage on myspace it has some of my songs I recorded in prison), but when I came to prison I got a job in the recreation department and I started helping to run the intramural sports leagues and that included writing a little sports newsletter on what was going on with the leagues and the standings and statistics and stuff like that and I started writing commentary  and dudes in here really liked it and I made my name writing about prison basketball games for Slam, Don Diva and other magazines and websites like hoopshype.come and that led to writing about prison issues for magazines like Vice and then to writing my first novel Prison Stories and then doing the gangster interviews for Don Diva and F.E.D.S. and the Street Legends book series and now I am writing about the Drug War and drug addiction and recovery for thefix.com and continuing to do pieces for my blog/column on http://www.gorillaconvict.com. This all happened gradually throughout the 90s and into the early 2000s and then I got more serious about my writing in 2005 and got the website built and started the publishing house also to put out my own books. So we have been online and selling  books since 2005 and we have developed our name and reputation and web presence. I couldn't have done it without the assistance of my beautiful and talented wife Diane who has enabled me to do all of this from her. Without her I wouldn't have accomplished any of what I have, so really it is all down to her. When I come home I want to continue doing what I am doing but I want to get into the visual aspect of it and start doing documentaries and films also. Plus more merchandise like we have on the gorillaconvict.com website now with the t-shirts, stickers and posters. But I have a lot of plans and ideas to implement and get going once I get home.
5. I see that you have some powerful reviews from a bunch of magazines and well known sources. How have you managed to make those connections while locked in prison?
I am relentless I just write and write and write and I send out a tremendous amount of mail. I mail out 100 of letters at  a time sometimes every week and in it I am constantly promoting and showing what I am doing that is new. I send the stuff out to magazine editors and websites and anyone who I think might be interested in my stuff and now since we have email I contact and email as many people as I can to market and promote my stuff. So I have done it basically through email and the mail and being relentless and never giving up. I have created and built something from nothing and now I have an audience and people who like my work and who buy my books and check out my website. But also another main reason is content. I keep creating new content. I write, write and write some more. I promote, promote and promote some more and I make connections and I cultivate them and I find out how I can help them and how they can help me and I make it work and I keep my word and do what I say I am going to do.
6. What is your vision for the next five years?
I get out in 21 months and then I have to go through the halfway house probation routine so I have to be on point for that and not violate because I am not trying to come back to prison but when I can move and work for my own company gorillaconvict.com I will work and network and do the same thing I have been doing from in here but I will have much more access and I will be able to do all types of radio interviews and pod casts and make little commercials and youtube promos. I am really looking forward to it. I have a tremendous drive and ambition and I am relentless in pursuit of my goals and most importantly I am not afraid to put in the hard work that is necessary for success. So in five years I plan to be making movies and have my own production company.
7. Do you believe prisoners can be redeemed?
Yes, I do but they have to want it because if they want to stay in the same criminal lifestyle they will only be going back to prison. In our country right now there is no emphasis on rehabilitation and a lot of men are going home ill prepared and with no tools to deal with society plus when you just throw them back into the same environments they came out of with no tools what do you expect? Why do you think recidivism is so high? But I have taken the time and effort to do what I need to do to prepare for my future and eventual release back into society and I am ready for the challenge and I am confident that I can redeem myself and be successful and become a productive member of society and bring my unique vision to the world.
8. How would you change the system to make redemption more common?
Education is mandatory. Prisoners need to learn and open and expand their minds. Those capable should be allowed to enroll and take college courses and function in an environment which cultivates that. Others should be allowed to learn and practice a trade so that they have skills when they come home so that don't have to revert to the only thing that they knew prior to coming to prison- crime. But basically we have to give prisoners some hope and show them that yes you can turn your life around and change. I did and I am the better man for it.
Please check out my books which are available in print or ebook formats at gorillaconvict.comand amazon.com and read my blog at gorillaconvict.com which posts a new story every week and gives the 411 on street legends, prison gangs, hip-hop and hustling, the mafia and life in the belly of the beast. Also check out my weekly news blogs and columns at thefix.comPR Newswire articles

Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Hi, I'm ...

Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Hi, I'm Patricia T. Macias and I was born in San Jose, California. I'm married to a wonderful man, Jose Arturo. We have been married for thirty years. I have three awesome kids. My eldest is my daughter Erica, and then I have two boys. My middle son is Andres and my youngest son is Ricardo. I'm in love with my grandchildren and enjoy their escapades. I graduated from the University of Phoenix in 1999. I have a full time job. I write in the evenings and weekends. I enjoy reading romance and paranormal novels.  I also enjoy spending quality time with family and friends. 
What do you want your readers to know about your books?I want my readers to know that this book is the first one in the De La Cruz Saga. The De a Cruz Saga is a romantic thriller (with several erotic moments). The first novel is Hot & Spicy. This novel is about Jose Enrique De La Cruz. He is the eldest of the thirteen cousins. This book is an awesome book of passion and suspense! The bachelor, Jose Enrique battles the deadly Mexican cartel to protect his amor and la familia encountering romance, tantalizing ecstasy, and danger.  The saga takes place in California. Each novel is about one of cousin's unique love story. The Mexican traditions are strong in the De La Cruz familia and the cousins struggle to honor their customs. The De La Cruz familia encounters conflict and threats from the Mexican cartel. The De La Cruz cousins fight to stay true to their integrity and beliefs in their struggle with the Mexican cartel. The familia is assisted by the Navy Seals, FBI, and other government agencies. The De La Cruz's must overcome heartaches and obstacles before achieving their happy ending.  These novels are written in Spanglish (very, very light Spanglish). The glossary is located in the back of the book. I believe it is an enjoyable and easy method to learn basic Spanish. 
Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?I do have a day job. I start writing after having dinner in the evenings. On the weekends I dedicate my time to writing after I do my chores.  When I’m off work and have the entire day to write, I do get ready, have breakfast and then I write.
What is your writing routine once you start a book?I start to brainstorm and organize the story into outlines. I develop each character’s personalities, interests, and personal love story. I keep on track and create cohesive plots by using a calendar as a timeline. I start writing and writing. I have all of the characters talking and directing their story in my mind.
What about your family, do they know not to bother you when you are writing - or are there constant interruptions?
My family attempts to not bother me, but they also claim that they want me to take a break from writing. They do come and interrupt. They do want some attention, lol. 
What truly motivates you in general in your writing? My characters motivate me and the story that I feel compelled to write.
Where do your ideas come from? To be honest I dreamed this story over and over for several weeks until I realized it was a story and characters living in my dreams. I bought my laptop and started to write. 
Would you like to write a different genre than you do now, or sub-genre? Yes, I want to write paranormal romance.
What has been your biggest challenge?My biggest challenge has been the marketing of my novel. I’m learning and thoroughly enjoying promoting, meeting interesting people, and blogging. I truly wish I had started to write earlier in my life.
What does your husband/wife think of your writing? My husband is thrilled with my writing and amazed. He is very encouraging
How many books have you written, how many have been published?Hot & Spicy is my debut novel. Hot & Forbidden is my next new release. I’m working on my third novel Hot & Enchanting that will hopefully be out in December 2012. 
Please tell us about your latest book.Hot & Forbidden is tantalizing and exciting. This novel is about two of the cousins, Nicolas De La Cruz and Daniella De La Cruz falling in love. The forbidden is always enticing. How does Nicolas and Daniella deal with their forbidden love? Why is their love forbidden? How can they overcome the obstacles without losing their love? La familia has a secret. Can this be the key that will set their love free? 
Do you have a favorite book among your own books? Do you have favorite hero or heroine?Oh yeah, I love Hot & Forbidden.  I love Nicolas De La Cruz. Nicolas is hot, sensitive, and captivating. He’s also compelling, intense, and passionate with Daniella De La Cruz. 
What book has been the easiest or hardest to write?  My first book Hot & Spicy was the most difficult book to write due to the fact that I didn’t know where to start. I was compelled to write the cousin’s story since their stories interlocked.  Hot & Spicy is the first book of a twelve book series. The other eleven books were written concurrently and are three quarters completed.  Well the second book Hot & Forbidden is complete. I’m working on the third book Hot & Enchanting. 
Are you in control of your characters or do they control you?Aw, that’s an amazing question. You would think that I would control the character, but it’s amazing how you start writing, and it’s like if their thoughts, feelings, and actions are coming to you.  I think that I start off with a general idea and then it merges with what the characters are feeling, thinking and the direction that they want to go. Lol, I feel its lots of fun.
Where can we find more about you and your books?

http://ptmacias.com/ http://ptmacias.blogspot.com/   http://romancefantasymagic.blogspot.com/  www.amazon.com/author/ptmacias.com https://www.facebook.com/ptmacias.DeLaCruzSagaTwitter   @pt_macias   https://www.facebook.com/pages/PT-Macias/319871778087970 http://youtu.be/n5p8k_pZ36A PR Newswire articles

Patricia T. Macias, Author: Roll Call by Glenn Langohr

Patricia T. Macias, Author: Roll Call by Glenn Langohr: Today we have Author Glenn Langohr's amazing interview. He has written awesome books that introduce you to another world. This is the wor...PR Newswire articles

My book Race Riot is featured on a humungous website! Can you please leave a comment for me?

If any of my followers have read my book Race Riot, can you leave a comment on this huge site to show support. http://ereadernewstoday.com/bargain-kindle-books-4-great-books-for-8-10-12/6716866/



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Another incredible review for my drug war novel Roll Call!

New Review for Roll Call

8/4/2012 2:44:00 PMby Glenn Thomas Langohr 

Professional Review
Authors Den Book ReviewByCasey Potts07-21-12 Roll Call             I just finished an intriguing read of a book called Roll Call by author Glenn Langohr. Now when I say intriguing, I need to be careful here because the book was also emotionally challenging as well…the type of challenge that we readers get when we can actually feel the lifestyle mistakes and coming disasters that experience and value based learning teach many of us to avoid, but make for a read that keeps us coming back for the “what’s next”              Langohr’s novel reads autobiographically and delves into the southern California drug culture (mostly marijuana initially, then of course the graduation to meth) and the uncomfortable nervousness that evolves when the movement of large quantities of dope and shady characters intermingle. Throw in the addictive capacity of methamphetamine and you have a true recipe for personal and professional disaster.  You can feel the coming crash of an imperfect system of distribution, lying cops and less than honest friends. As a result …prison culture.            Prison culture is a pretty broad term, but what the reader learns from this book is the intricacies of that system. The hierarchy and para- military rank structure that issues orders, directs exercise, survival skills, punishment, coordinated attacks and ultimately…death orders or in the case of rapists and child sex offenders, capital punishment...prison style!         The ride of the novel continues and takes us through the convoluted legal system and the players that are involved. It was fascinating and frustrating at the same time. I can actually say that I have a better grasp of how the system works, or in many if not most cases doesn’t work. Truly an interesting read that grinds on the characters and reader alike.732 pages ISBN: 1-4392-4608-4ISBN-13:9781439246085
 Casey PottsAuthors Den Book Critic PR Newswire articles

God is calling us to the Bible

Doesn't it seem these days that words hold so little meaning? When all around us is a whirlwind of chaos and trying to find the meaning of things gets more and more clouded. At times I can sense the desperation. I can see the good in people trying to make sense of it. Fighting against what they are seeing, what they are knowing, that something is very wrong and getting worse.
I spent over 10 years in prison on drug charges and started writing novels. Before I became a run-away 13 year old, I was brought up a Christian and learned enough about God through the Bible to know with all my heart, mind and soul there are no more powerful words then those in the Bible.
As a run-away kid I rebelled against the lack of control and pain of feeling abandoned. I know that my life in the drug war couldn't be stopped without a community, a church, or the love from any other kind of flock to intervene. That leads me to what gives the power to words.
I believe it's the spirit. In Ephesians 6-12 Paul writes about the power behind everything. "For We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Knowing the story of how Paul was an elite Jew who persecuted Christians before his conversion by God, at just the right time to shape the future, I find a little peace and comfort.

Another Bible scripture that brings home my point is in Matthew 17-20. "With a little faith, we can move mountains." This is where the Spirit comes in. No matter how much I believe in something, or how hard I try, I can't change things in a big way like moving a mountain any time soon. But God can and will if He is sought. So if I can get my spirit to line up closer to His, than maybe I don't have to try so hard.

With all of this said, I am going through a difficult time in my marriage and am separated from a lot I know I needed as that 13 year old run-away. My mind tries to make sense of it and I don't even trust my thoughts. In the news everywhere I see examples of how Democracy is hypocrisy and perception is reality. I see the truth divided into so many pieces that nothing seems unified any more. So I seek God and ask, Father bless my thoughts with what you want me to write about in my next book and in all other things so I know your Spirit is guiding me and I'm in your hand.


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Roll Call is number 1 in the U.S. on Amazon

My drug war novel Roll Call is number 1 in the U.S. in the Crime category. Buy it while it's on sale for 2.99 with kindle or 16.99 in print.http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0056C0LW4


"A harrowing, down-and-dirty depiction--sometimes reminiscent of Steven Soderbergh's Traffic--of America's war on drugs, by former dealer and California artist Langohr. Locked up for a decade on drugs charges and immersed in both philosophical tomes and modern pulp thrillers, Langohr penned Roll Call, a light fictionalization of his troubled life. "I went from obsessively pacing my cell and wondering and worrying about how I was actually going to get my attorney to defend me, and how many years this sentence would bring," writes Langohr in an afterword, "to realizing that if I find a way to write what's in my head, I can find a way out of this hole I had put myself in!" Roll Call makes for exciting reading--gunplay, covert operations and backhanded deals abound. A vivid, clamorous account of the war on drugs. --Kirkus Discoveries, Nielsen Business Media, 770 Broadway, N.Y YkPR Newswire articles

Check out this review for my drug war novel Roll Call

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00571NY5A Roll Call, A SHOCKING True Prison Story ( Prison Killers )]] Available in print or kindle. Written by a former prisoner, 20 Five star reviews, "Whacks you aside the head with the force of a baseball bat. Langohr's incredible description of his fight for survival in prison has 'screenplay' written all over it." John South, American Media

Check out all of my other drug war and prison thrillers on my Amazon page. Somehow, my novella Race Riot is number 1 in the U.K again! It's only .99 cents so pick up a copy and help me get it closer to number 1 in the U.S!

The beautiful thing in the U.K is that with so many people buying Race Riot ( almost 700 this month! ) I am seeing a surge in sales for the follow up in the series, Lock Up Diaries. The next one in the series, Gladiator is also surging. To me this means that enough people are enjoying Race Riot to buy the other ones at 2.99! If you haven't read the fourth book of the series, Underdog, it is the best. I use an analogy with dogs abandoned in cages at a shelter to inmates in similar cages. It also shines a light on corruption in U.S. prisons in relation to solitary confinement.PR Newswire articles

PRISONERS FAMILIES VOICES UK: Books By Glenn Langohr

PRISONERS FAMILIES VOICES UK: Books By Glenn Langohr: I have recently been chatting to Glenn and his range of books are available on Amazon. Glenn Langohr resides in southern California wher...

I am blessed to have a post on Prisoners Families Voices to add my voice through my books. They are working on putting a button to see all of my books.PR Newswire articles