Fascination With Real-Life Murder Stories

What Drives Our Never-Ending Fascination
With Real-Life Murder Stories?
Death Of Media Icon Dorothy Kilgallen
Latest Case Drawing Renewed Interest

America loves a good murder mystery, as evidenced by endless TV dramas, movies such as The Girl on the Train, and novels by writers such as Patricia Cornwell and Michael Connelly.

But the infatuation isn’t limited to fiction. The public is also riveted by every detail of real-life homicides, whether it’s the O.J. Simpson trial, the murder of 6-year-old JonBenet Ramsey, or the extraordinary phenomenon of the TV documentary Making a Murderer.

“People can’t help but be captivated with the human drama when another person’s life ends in violence,” says attorney and investigative reporter Mark Shaw, author of The Reporter Who Knew Too Much (www.thereporterwhoknewtoomuch.com).

Shaw’s own fascination these days is focused on the mysterious death of Dorothy Kilgallen, the Pulitzer-Prize nominated newspaper columnist and panelist on the popular TV show What’s My Line. She was a household name in 1965 when she was discovered dead in her home at age 52.

“With Dorothy, I think you have all the compelling elements,” says Shaw, who served as a legal analyst for USA Today and CNN during the O.J. Simpson trial. “We have a famous journalist killed in the line of duty for writing a ‘tell-all’ book and there are celebrity suspects galore who were never investigated.”

Officially, Kilgallen’s death was ruled accidental, caused by a fatal mixture of sleeping pills and alcohol. Shaw says his research uncovered new evidence that points to murder (posted at www.thedorothykilgallenstory.org.) The motive: Her book that would have exposed a mobster’s involvement in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Shaw has called on the NYC District Attorney to investigate since “murder is the worst form of censorship” and a main suspect remains at large.

Kilgallen’s own journalistic career serves as evidence that fascination with true-crime stories is nothing new. She wrote about seemingly every “trial of the century” of her era, including the Lindbergh baby kidnapping, the Dr. Sam Sheppard case that gripped Americans and inspired the TV series The Fugitive, and the trial of Jack Ruby, who killed Lee Harvey Oswald, the man accused of assassinating Kennedy.

Why are we so enthralled by these cases? Shaw says there are several reasons:

• A belief in justice. Most people want to see justice served, whether they suspect a guilty culprit got away with murder or worry that an innocent person was wrongly accused. “In fiction, everything usually gets wrapped up very tidily,” Shaw says. “In real life, justice can be a whole lot messier.”
• A natural attraction to mystery. People are captivated by the unknown, whether it’s the “whodunit” at the end of an Agatha Christie novel, the contents of the large package under the Christmas tree, or the very meaning of human existence. “This is probably one reason there’s still so much interest in the JFK assassination,” Shaw says. “There are elements of mystery all around it and we can’t help but want to get at the truth.”
• A preoccupation with death. As gruesome as it seems, people have been drawn to stories about violent death for thousands of years. Even the Bible wastes little time working in a murder, with Cain offing his brother Abel in a fit of jealousy in one of the earliest chapters.
“One other reason may be that we have empathy for the victim and feel they deserve their ‘day in court,’ so to speak,” Shaw says. “And that’s true whether the murder happened five days ago or 50 years ago as it did with Kilgallen. She deserves justice today and I’m determined to get that for her at all costs.”

About Mark Shaw

Mark Shaw, author of The Reporter Who Knew Too Much (www.markshawbooks.com), is a former criminal defense attorney and legal analyst for CNN, ESPN and USA Today.  He is an investigative reporter and the author of 25 books including The Poison Patriarch, Miscarriage of Justice, and Beneath the Mask of Holiness. Shaw, a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, has written for USA Today, Huffington Post, and the Aspen Daily News.

WOI Guest Post: 12 Nuggets of Writing Wisdom

1. Work hard to become competent.

Neil Gaiman said, "There's no magic formula. To become a competent writer, you write until you start to sound like you, and then you keep on writing. Finish things you start. Get better."

2. View life from different perspectives.

Douglas Clegg said, "Get out and live and travel and see the world from perspectives other than the one with which you've been saddled. Youth doesn't last very long, and it might be better to participate in life awhile before writing from it."

3. Write one page at a time.

John Steinbeck said, "When I face the desolate impossibility of writing 500 pages, a sick sense of failure falls on me and I know I can never do it. This happens every time. Then gradually I write one page and then another. One day's work is all I can permit myself to contemplate and I eliminate the possibility of ever finishing."

4. Strive for vigorous writing.

William Strunk, Jr. said, "Omit needless words. Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts."

5. Be vigilant and ever ready.

Earl Nightingale said, "Ideas are elusive, slippery things. Best to keep a pad of paper and a pencil at your bedside, so you can stab them during the night before they get away."

6. Develop your own writing voice.

Michael Chabon said, "A voice, not merely recognizable, but original, unique, engaging and above all derived from, reflecting, and advancing the meaning of the story itself, is necessary to good and worthwhile literature."

7. Write with confidence.

William Zinsser said, "Don't say you were a bit confused and sort of tired and a little depressed and somewhat annoyed. Be tired. Be confused. Be depressed. Be annoyed. Don't hedge your prose with little timidities. Good writing is lean and confident."

8. Develop a writing habit.

Richard North Patterson said, "Cultivate steady work habits: a schedule that contemplates either regular work hours every week or a certain number of pages. Artistic inspiration is one of the most overrated premises for a writing schedule; a writer should try to get pages done on a regular basis, then work to improve them. If one waits for inspiration, rather than treating writing like a serious task, it becomes much harder to ever finish a book."

9. Write right now.

Jack London said, "You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club."

10. Venture out and attempt to be read and published.

John Campbell said, "The reason 99% of all stories written are not bought by editors is very simple. Editors never buy manuscripts that are left on the closet shelf at home."

11. Rejection is part of the writing life.

Meg Cabot said, "You are not a hundred dollar bill. Not everyone is going to like you or your story. Do not take rejection personally."

12. Write with passion.

Ann Patchett said, "The end result for a writer may be finding a publisher, but publishing is not anywhere near the beginning or the middle of this process. So when we advise young people about writing, it would be best if we could move students away from that kind of thinking and say, 'Write because you're passionate about it. Think of yourself as a glass blower. You don't blow your first glass and take it to Tiffany's. You blow your first glass, and you smash it. You blow it again, and you smash it.'"



Copyright (c) 2004 Shery Ma Belle Arrieta-Russ

WOI Guest Post: 5 Tips for Achieving Your Writing Goals

1. Make your goals achievable.

By achievable, we mean realistic and attainable. You might unconsciously have set a goal even others will have a hard time achieving, even if they had the means and the time to do so.

Here's what you can do: break down your goals into small, realistic goals set against reasonable time frames. Oftentimes, you'll achieve your bigger goals if you work on achieving the smaller goals leading to those. The important thing is that your make your goals as realistic and as achievable as you can.


2. Believe in your abilities.

Success hugely depends on one and only one person -- you. So, do you believe enough in yourself and in what you can do to achieve your goals? Self-doubt is your biggest adversity and the biggest obstacle on your way to success. Is it possible you lost focus of your goals because you have unconsciously set aside having to deal with your self-doubts?


3. Devise a feasible plan.

You know what you want, but do you know how to get what you want? Do you need technical or artistic training to achieve your goals? Or perhaps further studies? Do you have a set plan of action that will lead to the achievement of your goals? What things, both tangible and intangible, do you need to aid you in reaching your goals?

Take a moment to sit down and list the things you need and make your plan of action. This is a good time to break them down into small, realistic goals and then tackle them one day at a time!


4. Resist spreading yourself too thinly.

Sometimes, it's better to work on one goal at a time, rather than doing and shooting for so many all at the same time. Work on so many goals at one given time and you'll find out you're nowhere near achieving even one goal. You won't be able to focus your full energy on one goal.

Prioritize your goals and start with either your top priority or your most realistic goal. You'll discover you're able to do more and achieve more using this approach.


5. Don't be easily disheartened.

Along with believing in your ability to achieve your goals, this is the second most important thing you need to do. Yes, you do the steps necessary to achieve your goals, but after one or two failures, do you give up and stop trying?

Persistence and patience are the keys to achieving your goals and eventually success. Always remember that it's very rare for people to achieve total success or attain their goals on the first try. If they did, there'll be no need to build self-confidence, patience and persistence.

Now that you've read these five tips, start your way to attaining your writing goals today!


Copyright (c) 2004 Shery Ma Belle Arrieta-Russ

WOI Guest Post: The Successful Writer

I don't believe in luck. I don't subscribe to the idea that successful people get to where they are because they happened to be "at the right place at the right time." They're successful because they stick their necks out and give more than what others wanting the same thing they do are willing to give. They find ways to achieve what they want, accomplish what they want to accomplish. When there aren't opportunities, they create the opportunities. When they fail for the thousandth time, they can't wait to try again.

Now apply all the above to writers. Talent is nothing if you don't have the guts to do what you need to do to accomplish your goals. If your goal is to be published, then you have to do what it takes to get published, and that involves a lot of hard work -- from honing your craft, reading, studying the markets, submitting your work, accepting the rejections and submitting again.

In my view, a persistent writer is better than a talented writer who does nothing. The persistent writer is the one who gets published. She's the one who eventually becomes "big" or well known in her chosen writing genre.

Successful writers like Stephen King, JK Rowling and Erich Segal didn't get to where they are through luck. I'm willing to bet they spent thousands of hours honing their craft. They aren't untouchables; they didn't breeze through the top with nary a rejection hiding somewhere in their drawers. They did the things aspiring and beginning writers should do if they want to realize their goals -- the successful writers picked up their pens, wrote, submitted their works, treated rejections as a part of the writing life, wrote again, submitted again, got rejections again, wrote some more, submitted some more, and so on.

Instead of idolizing successful writers, an aspiring or beginning writer is better off emulating them. I think it's dangerous for an aspiring writer to idolize a successful writer. Why? She's putting the successful writer on a god-like status, unconsciously lowering herself in the process. Emulation, on the other hand, is different; it's positive, constructive. By emulating the successful writer, the aspiring writer sets a goal for herself -- that is, to be the successful writer's equal, or to attain the level of the success the successful writer has achieved. In this regard, the aspiring writer gives herself a goal -- a purpose -- to want to become the best she can be as a writer.

Commitment, too, is a big part of the writing life, and writers become successful when they are committed to their craft. Commitment is regularly showing up to write; it's never missing a date with your notebook, typewriter or computer; it's sifting through feedback (or critiques) and making intelligent decisions regarding your work; it's developing the thick skin for rejections; it's keeping an open mind and reading not only what you like; and above all, it's keeping the passion for writing burning, and feeding it...even if it's only for as short as five minutes a day.

So...are you ready to become a successful writer?


Copyright (c) 2004 Shery Ma Belle Arrieta-Russ

Shery created WriteSparks! - a software that generates over 10 *million* Story Sparkers for Writers. Download WriteSparks! Lite for free - http://writesparks.com

WOI Show with Marsha Casper Cook and Virginia S Grenier

Join Marsha Casper Cook and "VS" Grenier on November 19th at NOON PST 1PM MT 2PM CT 3 PM EST for their premier show on THE WORLD OF INK NETWORK  when they discuss topics in response to their listeners questions.

It's going to be an open discussion and a live chat on Twitter.Over the last five years they have been asked so many questions that have not been answered about writing and marketing and everything in between. It's their turn to talk and to help other authors. They will be sharing their trials and their success on their new monthly show. Together they have built their network and have reached over two million listeners with their blogs,  websites and radio shows.

Virginia "VS" Grenier is one of the partners of the World of Ink Network. She is also a Silver Mom's Choice Honoree, Award-winning Author, Freelance Editor, Creative Writing Instructor at Dixie State University Community Education, Speaker, BlogTalkRadio Personality, Founder of SFC Publishing LLC and Director of the St. George Book Festival. She has been president of her local writing chapter, Heritage Writer's Guild, which is part of the League of Utah Writers (LUW) and is actively involved in literacy programs in Southern Utah.

Marsha Casper Cook is also a partner of the World of Ink Network. She is also an Agent, Award-winning Script Writer, Novelist, Writing Coach, Speaker, Media Release Specialist, BlogTalkRadio Personality and Founder of Michigan Avenue Media. Marsha is the author of more than 10 published books and featured-length screenplays and a literary agent with more than 15 years of experience.

For more info about advertising with World Of Ink Network at http://www.worldofinknetwork.com

To listen live and to call in, visit http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork/2015/11/19/do-you-have-a-story-to-tell-woi-hosts-v-s-grenier-marsha-casper-cook

Promo Day - FREE Writer's Conference Online

Thousands of writing and marketing industry professionals from around the world will gather to celebrate PD14, a special online event dedicated to promoting, networking and learning. Industry experts will share actionable ideas and information with tactics and strategies that will help you further your writing career and improve your book marketing efforts.

About Founder

Jo Linsdell is the brains behind Promo Day. Born in Gillingham, Kent (UK), Jo left England and moved to Rome, Italy in June 2001, where she now lives with her husband and their two sons. She is an international best-selling author and illustrator, award-winning blogger and freelance writer. A recognised thought leader in the world of book marketing she is also the CEO of Writers and Authors.

Promo Day 2014: Promote, Network, & Learn from Jo Linsdell

10+ presenters, one whole day of free presentations!​ You'll also benefit from the networking opportunities that will connect you with presenters and attendees from around the globe. No travel required! You simply attend from the comfort of your own home or office. 

Join Jo Linsdell, Penny Sansevieri, Rivka Kawano, Carolyn Howard Johnson, Linda Randall, Brandy Potter, Khalid Muhammad, Virginia Jennings, Gina Alzate, and Deborah Carney - just to name a few! - and register for this free event today. Go here to learn more www.PromoDay.info

Overwhelmed by too much Social Media! WOI Special!

Join Marsha Cook, Virginia Grenier and RJ Jeffreys on Tuesday January 28 at 1 PM PST 2 PM MT 3 PM CST 4 PM EST on A GOOD STORY IS A GOOD STORYwith their guest Charles Day. Charles is the publisher of Evil Jester Press, a respected small press committed to publishing the best in dark fiction.(Horror, thrillers, dark fantasy and science fiction)

The discussion this week will be of great value to authors, publishers, marketing experts, social media specialists and anyone and everyone that is spending hours being overwhelmed with all that must be accomplished in a day - or does it have to be that way?

In the last several years marketing and being a social media guru seems to have taken a toll on everyone and some have even given up on their dreams because they need to have some time for themselves and because many others feel as if they have been working around the clock.

Please feel free to join in the conversation by calling 714- 242-5259 The chat room and phone lines will be open. Callers are always welcome.
For more info
http://www.worldofinknetwork.com
http://www.michiganavenuemedia.com


Listen to the podcast at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork/2014/01/28/overwhelmed-by-too-much-social-media-woi-special

Writing Tips Guest Post with Romance Author Madison Montgomery

I have been writing for years and have decided to forget about the rules and just write. For me that is comforting. Before you read the tips on writing just know that every writer has their own style so don’t try to write like anyone else. There is nothing wrong with being unique.

Tips

1. Make sure you have a good editor to work with and trust.  
2. Have fun when you write because if you aren’t having a good time with your characters find new ones.   
3. I have been writing for years and have decided to forget about the rules and just write.
4.  If you continually think about writing and don’t write that to me is form of writers block.
5. Don’t share your work with family members until you’re done because you will probably change some of your thoughts and decisions as you continue telling your story. That’s the fun of writing, being able to change the story and some of these events. 
6. Don’t keep going back because you need to move forward and get the story out. You can always go back.
7. Have fun when you write because if you aren’t having a good time with your character...find new ones.   
8. Keep writing even when you think you might cut the scene... Once you stop the flow, you may interrupt your thoughts and the same ideas may not be there the next day.
9. Don’t worry about grammar because that sometimes can be a form of writers block. You will have an editor do that for you later.
10. Carry a notebook with you at all times because you will probably have ideas that just pop in your head that will be lost by the time you get to the computer to do some writing.

There are days when all of these tips will mean nothing to you and that’s okay because every writer has bad days, but I try to look on the bright side and keep going because there’s always tomorrow.   

About the Author: 

Madison Montgomery is an author, screenwriter and Blog Talk Radio Host. The first book of the Virginia Templeton series, Every Man Wants Her is out now and her second book, It’s Never Enough released the end of September 2012. In November the third book of the series will be released.

 

About the Books:

Every Man Wants Her - Virginia Templeton can turn heads in any room and get the attention of any man she wants. She’s married to a rich, powerful businessman, but she wants a divorce. She owns a luxurious condo building, complete with a dashing man to enjoy on the side, but he wants another woman. Who is the winner or is there one?

It’s Never Enough – Virginia Templeton finds sometimes what you want in life and have is never enough. This very sexy woman who uses her good looks and dirty tricks to manipulate people is out to take advantage…Beware!  

Publisher: FIDELI

ASIN Number: B008969S2S – Every Man Wants Her

ASIN Number: B0096DX1U8 – It’s Never Enough

Publication Date: 2012

Genre of Books: Erotic Romance

These mini novels are sexy fast-paced lunchtime stories.

You can find out more about Madison Montgomery and her erotica romance short stories during her World of Ink Author/Book Tour at http://tinyurl.com/99nlnhf