There are 399 Web Log Items in 50 pages and you are on page number 24 |
| Late Tuesday |
Hi on Tuesday,
It's always fun to read the guestbook, but I do apologize for the "spammers" who jump on there with their porn and their advertisements. My webmaster gets them off just as soon as she can, so please continue to ignore them?
Lucy is back from her surgery. She's really happy to be home, but she's not feeling tip-top yet. She still coughs, but not as much and her throat is swollen now too from surgery so she will probably feel a lot better and cough less in a few days. I'm grateful that I could afford her operation. I wish they would get some vet medical insurance that didn't cost too much. It seems as though everytime I walk into a Vet's office, I leave at least $350 lighter in my purse! With seven animals, somebody always has something wrong with them. And vets make me feel guilty--or, more politically correct, I allow them to make me feel guilty because my critters have dirty ears, need their teeth brushed, are late for their shots, are unkempt, and they all seem to have thyroid problems. Well, darnit, so do ! But my ears are clean. . . Back in the day when I was really poor and raising the kids, I got pretty adept at lancing infections in cats who got in fights, and using peroxide to keep them from healing over too soon. Sometimes a good fervent prayer would help when there were no funds at all to pay for animal treatment.
Willow is out hiding under the deck, the place she goes when she sees strangers--I had unexpected company tonight. I hope she comes in by the time I want to go to bed. Sigh.
Didn't write a word today--except this and emails. But I'll do better tomorrow. Writers always have that monkey on our backs; a day without more pages is a day wasted. I am trying to get over that. Whenever someone tells me to write faster, I feel a pang of guilt.
It's almost 10 now, so I'll sign off until tomorrow.
Oh,yes. Eric Roberts and his wife Eliza are good friends of mine, and I thought his Fatal Desire was very good, too. Yes, he is a hunk--and he is by far the best actor in his family! He doesn't court publicity, though. I thought this movie was based on several similar cases, but many of you have said it is a real case. I think men can be set up more easily than women if a truly diabolical woman sets out to entrap them. I was thrilled when Eric and Eliza let me know they were among my devoted readers--it made me feel like a kind of celebrity myself. Remember him in Raggedy Man? That was a great movie. He can be both a heroic figure or a truly scary villain, can't he? If you have any questions for him, I'll try to pass them on--and maybe lure them onto this guestbook. We''ll see.
Every once in a while I hear about really famous people who have read my books--and it just amazes me. One is Andy Richter, who is now on "Old Christine" and used to be second banana with Conan O'Brien. Another is Sugar Ray Leonard, who told People Magazine that my book about Bundy was his favorite read in 1980. I heard that Carol Burnett read my books, too, but I don't have verification of that. Joan Rivers DOES read my books, and she is a very nice woman in her private life. Her TV personna is not who she really is. She has sent me some lovely examples of her "egg" jewelry and her makeup. The thing is is that most so-called famous people are just like the rest of us. It's the suddenly rich and famous teenagers and early-20's people who tend to think they are more important than the rest of the world! The longer you have to pay dues and work for recognition, the more likely you are to be humble and grateful for it.
Talk to you tomorrow, AFTER I finish the last ten pages of No Regrets.
All Best,
Ann |
| Posted by Ann on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 at 21:54 |
|
|
| April 17 |
Monday Morning.
My Easter was far from holiday-like, gang. Did not see one human face--but lots of fuzzy pet faces. I spent the day hunched over my computer, answering more than a hundred emails, and then finishing one of the cases for the November book: No Regrets. This one is called Tragic Ending to the Bank Robber's Fantasy. For some reason, bank robbers (like Scott Scurlock in The End of the Dream) seem to have a certain mystique about them--as if, on first glance, they're not really bad--just misunderstood. But if they carry loaded guns, people often die--as it happened in this case. Something in us makes us want to love the charming rascals of crime. Maybe it just makes us feel better to think that some criminals are basically good-hearted. But I'm afraid there really aren't any Robin Hoods out there!
Somebody wrote and asked for my choice of an Easter menu. I think it was one of the gals in Australia. Alas. I thought back on it, and yesterday it was like that commercial for diet entrees where the woman said she had "33 peanutbutter and jelly soda cracker sandwiches" for supper. I had baloney on a piece of stale toast for my festive Easter brunch, a little Gatorade, and chips and cream cheese with chives for supper. The pneumonia has temporarily robbed me of my sense of smell and everything tastes a lot like cardboard. No chocolate eggs, no colored eggs, no baked ham or asparagus with hollandaise sauce. No angelfood cake with strawberries. I read all those food pages in my magazines but never quite get around to trying something Martha might suggest. You all know the drill. When you're sick, stuff SOUNDS like it's going to taste really good, and then I cook it and my appetite's gone.
But I am feeling better every single day! And so grateful to be on the road to good health. I think I told you that my doc said I had the bones of a 25-year-old woman? (I think she wants them back, though!) :*)
Lucy has gone off to a vet who specializes in dogs with laryngeal paralysis in the hope that he can do a small surgical procedure that will keep her from coughing and gagging so much. (Just got the report.She's having surgery today. It will cost $2400 but Lucy is worth it; she's been my pal for more than 14 years.) Fluff-Butt, at over 18, mostly just follows the sunny patches around my house so he can sleep in the buttery yellow warm spot. He looks plump, but when I pick him up, the dear old cat feels as though he's filled with air. But he loves to eat, purrs when you get close to him, and maintains his wonderful, loving personality. What a great cat!
On the question about the difference between a sociopath and a psychopath--there isn't any. There are three terms that refer to someone without a conscience or any empathy for other living creatures, people who take what they want whenever they want and have no remorse for what they do to others. From the letters and emails I get, there are lots of readers who ar dealing with relatives and/or boyfriends or just plain friends who have those bleak characteristics!
.
There are three terms that mean virtually the same thing: psychopath (popular term in the 30s to 50's), sociopath (used most in the 50s to 90s), and the current term antisocial-personality. These are all terms for the same personality disorder. You can look it up in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual IV or V--the "bible" for psychiatrists and psychologists who are trying to pinpoint what's wrong with the clients they see. Personality disorders don't mean the subject is insane. They are just an integral part of the subject's personality, and almost impossible to change. In a way, it's better to be crazy (insane or psychotic) because that's easier to fix. People with personality disorders don't WANT to change, so it's very hard to "cure" them.
Most of the people I write about have the anti-social personality disorder. They seem intelligent, charming, likable and capable--but they are hell to live with or deal with because they will happily cheat on you, hurt you, rob you, lie to you, and sometimes plot to kill you!
A very small percentage of those who are antisocial are what I term "sadistic sociopaths." These are the serial killers, the lust killers, people who kill because they enjoy it and enjoy torturing and causing another creature pain.
Please remembet that my book on Pat Taylor is called Everything She Ever Wanted. There is a book called All She Ever Wanted--but this is written by a writer named Aprhodite Jones who has taken many of my titles and changed them just a little for her books. She also has one called Cruel Sacrifices--which sounds a lot like my Small Sacrifices. Not surprisingly, I am NOT one of her fans.
Speaking of bears, I once went into the mountains of Eastern Washignton to research an isolated site for my only novel: Possession. While we were hiking off trail, we ran into a mother brown bear and her cub. My best friend actually tripped over the cub that started to yip, and the Mama reared up to about eight feet tall. We were stupid enough to walk back up the trail after we ran to get another look at them, but we really ran when Mama started down after us. As clumsy and lumbering as they look, they can sure move fast. Bears are nothing to fool with--ESPECIALLY Grizzly bears. Unlike Mickie from Florida, I am chicken about doing dangerous things--except for annoying murderers! There, I know I sometimes fly in the face of danger. But bears are nothing to be trifled with. I'll stick to my raccoons.. ., and, I guess, my murderers--as long as they're locked up.
One more case to go now on No Regrets, and then I flip over to the next book--Too Late to Say Goodbye. Better get back to work.
With my best as always,
Ann |
| Posted by Ann on Monday, April 17, 2006 at 14:47 |
|
|
| Easter Eve |
Happy Easter!
We will be observing Easter and Passover all over America in so many different climates. In Seattle, the wind is blowing fiercely, the rain is thudding down, and my tulips are fighting to keep their petals! We will have up to two feet of snow in the mountains only an hour from my house. Talked to my agents in New York, and they're expecting 90 degrees! I hear there are more storms down south. April can sure fool you!
I've been writing most of the day, and my eyes are tired, but my ribs are feeling better. The fatigue that comes after pneumonia is stealthy though. Yesterday, I set off all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed to mail my income tax, go to the bank and get more than the single dollar bill that I've carried around in my purse for a solid month, get some blood tests, AND buy groceries. I was doing fine until I got about five aisles away from the end of the super-market. And I kind of hit the wall when I ran out of energy. I think it was leaking out of my toe or something. I gathered my groceries, called my son to help me carry them down my hill, and headed for home! Have to learn to pace myself for a few weeks, I guess.
I would have slept for the whole 12 hours I was in bed last night except that: Lucy had several coughing fits from her paralyzed larynx (She goes to the throat vet on Monday to see about surgery), Willow scratched fleas so hard she shook my bed; Fluffbutt wanted in; Fluffbutt wanted out; Buns changed positions in my bed five times, always scratching at each new spot; Lucy had to pee; I had to pee; the wind blew my balcony door open; Fluffbutt wanted in again--and on and on and on. I don't think I'm following the bedtime rules that sleep experts recommend. Who CAN with five cats and two dogs???
For anyone who wants to become involved in law enforcement, I would really echo the advice about community colleges. Most of them DO have criminal justice programs (as do many four-year colleges), and there is scholarship money. I personally have never met any officer who went to ITT or other commercial schools. And I am so sick of their commercials on cable that I could scream. I automatically mute some commercials because they drive me nuts. (1) the Commercial Schools: 2. Anything with Oxy-10 or whatever that product is with the guy who, as Seinfeld describes, is a "high talker;" 3. The guy who keeps eating the loud cereal and gets promotions because he neither hears nor speaks; 4. The woman in the ugly grey blouse who thinks her husband is complimenting her on it when he's really talking about his cereal; 5. Wilfred Brimley, who is sweet, but who keeps talking about free delivery of his test strips and such products; 6. All the scooter chairs for people who can't walk and how kind the salesmen are supposed to be, and any number of other products designed to remind me that I'm getting really, really old (!) They keep drumming and drumming in my brain. . . .I make it a point NEVER to buy the products that commercials keep battering me with! There are at least two dozen more but I don't want to think about them. Oh yes, the poor woman who keeps getting phone calls because she hasn't made her payment on time and the kindly bill-collector tells her where to go for help. NOT.
Back to being a cop. Unless you are one of two or three officers on a very small department, you're not likely to become a detective at once. You're going to start in the jail or on foot or in car patrol and make your bones before you get to be a detective. It's a wondeful career, and I wish I were starting all over. I loved being a cop, and today they'd let me wear contact lenses or I could get the eye surgery--but not in my day. I'm still glad I got to be a cop for 18 months before they discovered how nearsighted I was! Get yourself to a community college and take a few courses. And beware of those outfits that advertise all the time!
BE VERY CAREFUL OF ANY EMAIL THAT TELLS YOU SOMEONE IS USING YOUR ACCOUNT AND ASKS YOU TO RE-ENTER YOUR INFORMATION. DON'T GIVE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR YOUR BANK NUMBER TO ANYONE. AND, OF COURSE, FORGET THE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS WAITING FOR YOU IN NIGERIA OR ANYPLACE ELSE. PEOPLE STILL FALL FOR THESE CON GAMES AND THEY WILL CLEAR OUT YOUR BANK ACCOUNT! I keep getting PlayPal or some such reminders, and Ive never even had that in the first place!
As for watching AP's video, that is probably a good thing to do. It will give you a front row seat to watching a consummate sociopath. You can watch his eyes dart, his refusal to answer any pertinent question, and his vague explanations. He has apparently convinced himself once again of what he wants to believe--and only that. He obviously has never changed from his "ME FIRST!" attitude. Watching him may help you identify someone in your own life who is trying to con you. In a way, they all sound the same. Smooth, vague, avoiding the truth, trying to be charming, full of ----!
And for the great questions of the day. Did Britney drop her poor child on his head out of the hi-chair, or cover up for her nanny? Probably not. Is she married to a manipulative, selfish, user? I think so . . . I liked Carol Burnett's complaint that all the "stars" today look alike, and she is so right. Back in the day when there was Rita Hayworth, Joan Crawford, Bette Grable, Elizabeth Taylor, Debbie Reynolds, Hedy LaMarr, Joan Fontaine, etc. you could tell them apart. Today, I really can't tell Scarlett Johansen from Jessica Simpson or Paris Hilton or Michele Alba or any other blonde. Maybe it's because I hardly ever get to movies.
And why do they keep re-making movies that were classics the first time around?
Are there no original thinkers left in Hollywood?
Time to shuffle off to bed here. I hope all those critters will leave me a place in the bed!
Have a blessed holiday!
Ann
http://www.annrules.com/
|
| Posted by Ann on Saturday, April 15, 2006 at 20:39 |
|
|
| Another Salvo from A.P. Unbelievable! |
To Erie County Prosecuting Attorney Frank Sedita and my readers,
One more blog today. Just found that Anthony Pignataro has also been busy "reviewing" Last Dance, Last Chance on the http://www.amazon.com/ site, too. See below. He has apparently forgotten all of his prior bad acts and, along with his newfound TV fame, he is on a determined campaign to shine up his own image once more!
If any of you choose to go to this Amazon site and make your own comments on my book about Pignataro, please feel free. Once you get to Amazon, click under "Books," and then write "Last Dance, Last Chance" in the search site. You do have to register on the Amazon site to write a review, however. But you can look at books and comments just by going there.
If you choose to write a review, remember not to make a "personal attack," but only comment on the book and my research, interviews with prosecutors and detectives, and the public records that I used to find the truth. I have already notified Amazon that I feel his review is a personal attack on me.
Because AP has "risen from the ashes" so many times before, I think it's important that everyone remembers what he went to prison for. As it is, he got a very short sentence for all the tragedy and pain he caused.
I am always particularly concerned about those who have been convicted--or who pleaded guilty--of dangerous crimes when they start making attempts to go free. I have written about too many killers who were paroled or freed, who went on to hurt many more people!
Of course, if "the doctor" should go back to trial,he stands the chance of being convicted and of receiving a much LONGER sentence. That was also true of Liysa Northon after she received a remarkably short sentence in the murder of her husband, Chris.
Ann
Here is the review that Anthony managed to have posted on Amazon.com on my book's page:
"A reviewer, March 31, 2006,
Comments by Anthony S. Pignataro
'Finally, fans will have an opportunity to winnow sensationalized fact from tabloidesque fiction. A pending motion portends the upcoming trial. For the very first time, Ms. Rule's claims of thorough research will be put to the test. As the doctor prepares-for the first time-to go to trial, the facts will be tried in a case where the protagonist lives. In an ironic twist of fate, a Constitutional court error will allow the doctor to go back to trial. This really puts the double in the entendre: correcting 'A-Bad-Rule.'" |
| Posted by Ann on Thursday, April 13, 2006 at 13:53 |
|
|
| A Wonderful Story |
Just as I finished my post a few moments ago, I heard my computer click. A dear friend named Charlie sent me this forward, and I think it's valuable for all of us to share.
Two Choices
>>
>> What would you do? You make the choice! Don't look for a punch line;
>> There isn't one! Read it anyway.
>> My question to all of you is: Would you have made the same choice?
>>
>> At a fundraising dinner for a sch ool that serves learning disabled
>> children,the father of one of the students delivered a speech that
>> would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the
>> school and its dedicated staff, he offered a
>> question:
>>
>> "When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature
>> does is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn
>> things as
>
>> other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do.
>> Where is the natural order of things in my son?"
>>
>>
>> The audience was stilled by the query.
>>
>> The father continued. "I believe,that when a child like Shay,
>> physically and mentally handicapped comes into the world, an
>> opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it
>> comes, in the way other people treat that child."Then he told the
>> following story:
>> Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew
>> were playing baseball. Shay asked,"Do you think they'll let me play?"
>> Shay's father knew that most of the boys would not want someone like
>> Shay on their team, but the father also understood that if his son
>> were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of
>> belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of
>> his
>
>> handicaps.
>> Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked if
>> Shay could play, not expecting much. The boy looked around for
>> guidance and said, "We're losing by six runs and the game is in the
>> eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him
>> in to bat in the ninth inning."
>>
>>
>> Shay struggled over to the team's bench put on a team shirt with a
>> broad smile and his Father had a small tear in his eye and warmth in
>> his heart. The boys saw the father's joy at his son being accepted.
>> In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's tea m scored a few runs
>> but was still behind by three. In the top of the ninth inning, Shay
>> put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits
>> came
>
>> his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the
>> field, grinning from ear to ear as his father waved to him from the
>> stands. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again.
>> Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run
>> was
>
>> on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.
>>
>> At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to
>> win the game? Surprisingly, Shay w as given the bat. Everyone knew
>> that a hit was all but impossible 'cause Shay didn't even know how to
>> hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.
>> However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing
>> the
>
>> other team putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life,
>> moved
>
>> in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least be
>> able to make contact. The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily
>> and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the
>> ball softly towards Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the
>> ball
>
>> and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.
>>
>> The game would now be over, but the pitcher picked up th e soft
>> grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman.
>> Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the
>> game.
>> Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the head of the first
>> baseman, out of reach of all team mates. Everyone from the stands
>> and
>
>> both teams started yelling, "Shay, run to first! Run to first!"
>> Never in his life had Shay ever ran that far but made it to first
>> base. He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.
>> Everyone yelled, "Run to second, run to second!"
>> Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly r an towards second, gleaming and
>> struggling to make it to second base. By the time Shay rounded
>> towards
>
>> second base, the right fielder had the ball, the smallest guy on
>> their
>
>> team, who had a chance to be the hero for his team for the first
>> time.
>
>> He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but
>> he understood the pitcher's intentions and he too intentionally threw
>> the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head. Shay ran toward
>> third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases
>> toward home.
>> All were screaming, "Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay"
>> Shay reached third base, the opposing shortstop ran to help him and
>> turned him in the direction of third base, and shouted, "Run to
>> third!
>
>> Shay, run to third" As Shay rounded third, the boys from both t eams
>> and those watching were on their feet were screaming, "Shay, run
>> home!
>
>> Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero
>> who hit the "grand slam" and won the game for his team.
>> That day, said the father softly with tears now rolling down his
>> face,
>
>> the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and
>> humanity into this world.
>>
>> Shay didn't make it to another summer and died that winter, having
>> never forgotten being the hero and making his Father so happy and
>> coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little
>> hero of
>
>> the day!
>>
>> AND, NOW A LITTLE FOOTNOTE TO THIS STORY: We all send thousands of
>> jokes through the e-mail without a second thought, but when it comes
>> to sending messages about life choices, people think twice about
>> sharing. The crude, vulgar, and often obscene pass freely through
>> cyberspace, but public discussion about decency is too often
>> suppressed in our schools and workplaces.
>> If you're thinking about forwarding this message,chances are that
>> you're probably sorting out the people on your address list that
>> aren't the "appropriate" ones to receive this type of message.
>> Well, the person who sent you this believes that we all can make a
>> difference. We all have thousands of opportunities every single
>> day to
>
>> help realize the "natural order of things." So many seemingly trivial
>> interactions between two people present us with a
>> choice: Do we pass along a little spark of love and humanity or do we
>> pass up that opportunity to brighten the day of those with us the
>> least able, and leave the world a little bit colder in the process?
>>
>> A wise man once said every society is judged by how it treats it's
>> least fortunate amongst them.
>>
>> You now have two choices:
>> 1. Delete
>> 2. Forward
>> May your day, be a Shay Day,sunny today tomorrow & always! ,
>>
>
|
| Posted by Ann on Thursday, April 13, 2006 at 13:06 |
|
|
| 4/13/06 |
Thursday Morning:
Hi Everyone,
First of all: WARNING--This morning I got two emails pretending to be from my own website address-www.annrules.com. One was an ad for some kind of health scam, and the other was nonsense. I have checked with my server and was told it is difficult to trace this kind of theft of someone else's website address. So while I'm tracking this down, please be assured that I will never send you an advertisement for anything! Or any nonsense mail. We are gearing up only to send updates and newsletters to those of you who have provided your email addresses for that purpose. If I have something to say on my website, it will be in this weblog. Hopefully, this was just a one-time thing, and, also, my webmaster and I have no way of knowing what your email addresses are when you post--UNLESS you put them in your posts. And we discourage that or giving out any kind of personal information in your posts!
Before we get into another dust-up over what you can say in your posts, let's deal with it right now! Yes, we probably will want to talk more about true crime cases, psychology, forensic science, crime news, victims' stories, victimology in general, police procedure, writing, publishing, books, personal safety and other related topics in my Guestbook than we will tell jokes here. However, and it's a big "However," I think it's valuable to make friends here, discuss posters' personal problems, worries, good and bad news, share recipes, and all kinds of things here that have no direct connection to true crime. I really don't think we have to have strict rules on what my readers can and cannot say because such restrictions tend to take away the spontaneity and pleasure of being part of a website.
I have always found my readers to be well-rounded, empathetic and sympathetic people and I sure don't want to squash those positive characteristics that you share! I think it should be a matter of moderation. We should be able to tell if there are too many jokes, too many recipes, or even too much concern or attention to a single poster. When you see that we have had nearly 300,000 posts in a year, you can also deduce that we have so many different personalities sharing interests and friendship! Interests wax and wane, just as they do in normal in-person conversation and dialogue. The one thing I really hate--and you all know it--are fights on line!!! Believe me, I will speak up in this weblog if I think there is a trend in the posts that seems as though it's too far off track, too hostile, or just plain too boring! And there is always the ARF site where people can "visit" more. I'm going to try to keep the guestbook and my weblog interesting and informative, and I am glad to answer "true-crime" questions that anyone has. Or to direct you to the many other sections of my website where I've already posted a lot of answers and information.
All we have to do here is to achieve some good balance! I have had correspondence that is more private with many of the posters here and I know that many of us are dealing with loss, illness, grief, post traumatic stress, loneliness, isolation, money problems, etc. etc. Everybody needs a safe place to go to make friends and get advice and support--so we should be here to offer that. Who knows? We could even save some lives just by listening and/or giving the best advice we can.
You have no idea how many heroic people check in here and never really tell you how brave they are!
In the meantime, I am feeling a lot better now. The cough is almost gone, I don't get so tired, and I'm able to write several hours a day. My ribs still hurt when I sit up too long, though. And I've lost almost 10 pounds. Don't worry--I can lose a lot more before anyone has to be concerned that I'm too thin. :*) Thinness has not been a problem since I was a delicate little child of seven. That's a problem I would not mind having. Sigh. Now, my jeans fit so much better, and I'm smiling over that.
I'd better get back to that writing. I have two more cases to add to No Regrets--which will give you a novella-length case, AND SIX shorter cases in this book. I think they're all pretty interesting, and all different.
With my very best wishes,
Ann
|
| Posted by Ann on Thursday, April 13, 2006 at 13:01 |
|
|
| I'm Bacckkkkkk. . . . |
Hi Everyone,
Yes, I've been missing from all action for awhile. The doggonned pneumonia kept coming back, and my doc put me on some big old horse-pill antibiotics to go with the "normal" antibiotics, and an inhaler and some nebulizer treatments, and told me to lie down and rest. So I've been doing that. It seems to me that I'm getting better at the rate of about 5% a day. Not the kind of recovery where you wake up one morning and say, "Yippee! I am totally cured!" but getting better nonetheless. I appreciate all your prayers, wishes, good thoughts and concern. I've met any number of people who have been hit by this tough and stubborn bacteria this year. I was overworked and overstressed and a sitting duck to catch something!
My trip to Georgia has been postponed for five months because the trial has been postponed. I was very discouraged to hear that--mostly for the victims' families who need to have some kind of resolution and justice, but also for myself. I can start writing the book at home with what I know so far, and finish it after the trials. I'm worried now about our guestbook friends in Tennessee and Atlanta where the storms hit hard over the weekend. I hope everyone is o.k. and their property , too.
Writing factual books--especially on true crime--your time schedule isn't your own. Nobody sets a trial date after consulting with an author. We come last as we should. I have just about finished No Regrets and that book will be out in November, in time for Christmas shopping. It sounds awful, I guess, to say that a book on murders makes a good Christmas gift, but a lot of moms, aunts, grandmas, uncles, husbands, grandpas etc. have come to expect a True Crime Files book under the tree. I've heard from enough people who say they read something in one of my books that ultimately saved their lives (because they were prepared to protect themselves) so I guess these books CAN be a pretty good gift.
Here's a post on my guestbook that I'm going to address:
"Comments by Shawnee Tucker on Monday, April 10, 2006 at 03:59 IP Logged
Ann, I just started reading your work this last year and am amazed it took me so long to get hooked up:) Hooked is the perfect word to describe my enjoyment of your work. The last one I read had mention of a close friend of mine who was murdered many years ago. There was thought that the I-5 guy may have been responsible and as of the book's writing my friends murder had gone unsolved. As I am sure you know, Sylivia's murder was solved by the unsolved crimes taskforce of guys who now have today's DNA technology behind them. They are a small group working very hard and help bring closure for family and friends of the victims. I have this fantasy that you will write a book about this group and/or some of the cases. It is a facinating subject and would bring notoriety to some very special law enforcement people.
Thank you for sharing your gift. In a very unusual twist of fate, I find myself not working and trying to figure out what to do next with my life. With my twin sons off to college in Oregon for the freshman year and me not having a 60 hour a week career, I could easily read Ann Rule True Crime all day long. After a 5 day Ann Rule fast, I am jonesin' and am going to have to hit the book store tomorrow.
Thank you again, Ann!
Shawnee "
Thank YOU, Shawnee! I think you are talking about the Cold Case Units in most larger city police departments where detectives concentrate on murder cases that have gone unsolved for a very long time. I DID write about them in my book KISS ME, KILL ME, True Crime Files #9.. The book length story that starts that book is called Cold Case. I have seen many of the unsolved cases I wrote about more than 20 years ago solved by these hard-working detectives who now have the benefit of DNA evidence. It's almost miraculous.
As for what to do with your life, consider looking into jobs connected with law enforcement agencies--either as a volunteer or as someone on staff. If you're a little past the age cut-off for being an officer, there are all kinds of other jobs in court and in the departments. Check out the Civil Service job listings for the city, county, or state where you live. I am a "late bloomer" as far as being a published writer, and I'm amazed how much lies ahead that's exciting--even after you wave goodbye to your babies going off to college! I cried when little Mikey (6', 200 lbs) drove off to Washington State University, but I sure found lots of things to do.
As for the LOSER, I cannot imagine what AP has to reveal in any television interview; they must just be really hard-up for viewers! He didn't just offend once; he destroyed or almost destroyed lives for many years. He was the poorest excuse for a doctor I've ever run across, and had the most over-inflated ego you might imagine. Apparently he still does. I think he also has a peculiar ability to block what REALLY happened out of his mind as if it had never happened. Luckily, those who went to med school with him, detectives who investigated him, prosecutors who faced him in court, judges who sentenced him, and his victims remember all too well the truth. I still hear from physicians who interned with him and who agree totally that he was insensitive, sloppy, neglectful and totally unconcerned with his patients. There really is no justification for his coming forward at this point. No one cares what he has to say. He should thank God that his ex-wife and children have somehow survived his wicked plans. His son and daughter are wonderful, brilliant, young people despite his inadequacies as a parent. I researched the Loser's story so carefully, using public and private records. Read Last Dance, Last Chance if you haven't already. Debbie P. stood by the man she tried to love for so long, and even while he was slowly poisoning her. I am so glad that she is on my website, and that all of you have formed a wall of protection around her!
My prayers are with those who are dealing with illness, their loved ones' illnesses, and the low spots in life that we all fall into. Having friends--on-line or in-person-- can make all the difference in the world in how we get through hard times.
Well, I'd better go take a nap. I have been reading the guestbook at least every other day, but today's the first day I felt peppy enough to put something on my weblog.
Today, Puget Sound reflects the bright blue of the April sky, the clouds are fluffy white, the big leaf maples' leaves are that wonderful light green color that means early spring, and I've seen butterflies and humming birds flying past my window. Sometimes spring is so beautiful that it almost overwhelms the senses!
Happy Easter and a Joyous Passover.
Ann |
| Posted by Ann on Monday, April 10, 2006 at 16:00 |
|
|
| 4/3/06 |
Monday Afternoon:
Well, the best laid plans. . .are often interrupted by changes in court dates. I learned today that Bart Corbin's trial in Gwinnett County, Georgia, has been delayed til September. So I will not be traveling to Georgia next week, and I've had to cancel my talks and booksignings there. I'm sure this only lengthens the ordeals of the families involved.
I had looked forward to meeting many of you southern ladies, but we will still do that--all in good time.
Want to reassure you that I am getting to the bottom of the trouble in my guestbook. I am going to try to keep it going, but with a more careful reading of any posts that appear to be designed to start little fires here and there. I suspect that there may have been some hacking, and some name changes to make posts appear to be from people other than the true poster. I DO want people who visit to feel comfortable about discussing anything they want--well, within reason :*). If you have questions, I always try to answer them here on my weblog, especially questions that I've been asked a number of times.
Some of my author friends think I'm crazy to try to keep up a guestbook, but I think it's important. I hear about interesting cases there, what's happening all around the country--and abroad--and my readers' lives. Since writing is a very solitary occupation, I've enjoyed reading the guestbook just like everyone else does. I believe it's only been set up for a little over a year, and just look at the number of posts we've had. I would feel really bad if I had to shut it down for a while, so I am working hard to see if there are any saboteurs hacking us. We have deliberately designed the site so that even we don't know your email addresses. If you are getting private emails that disturb you or are "attacking" you, please let me know!
I'm still sicker than I want to be, so I'm going to go take a nap. Pneumonia is awfully sneaky; just when you think you're better, it turns out you're not!
Ann |
| Posted by Ann on Monday, April 03, 2006 at 17:26 |
|
|
Contact Information
FAX 206-241-5542
Postal address P.O. Box 98846 Seattle, WA 98198
Electronic
mail
There have been  visitors to this site.
Write to Ann Rule
If you have questions or comments about this site send them to
Our Web Author .
This page was last updated on
08/01/2010
Copyright © 2006 by Rule Enterprises, Inc. All Rights
Reserved.
|