The Police Writer

The Voice of The Police Writers Association
P.O. Box 738, Ashburn VA 20146
(703) 723-4740 (Phone)  (703) 723-4743 (Fax)   
http://www.policewriter.com
Editor: LeslyeAnn Rolik
Copyright 2003, All Rights Reserved
ISSN: 1093-0043

 

FROM THE EDITOR

WE’RE BACK!!!!!

Having survived illness and surgery, computer viruses and downtime, summer drought, hurricanes, flooding and anything else you can imagine, we are now up and running again. We would like to thank ALL of you for being so very patient with us for the new members and renewal packages. I know that we lost some of the information about the members that I usually run in the newsletter, so please accept my apology now for anything about anyone that I do not print. Just e-mail me at leslye@policewriter.com with any information, and I will run it in the next newsletter that will be out in January 2004.

2004 CONFERENCE INFO

In October, we will be traveling to Newport, Rhode Island, to check out hotels, restaurants, and things to do for the 2004 conference. Exact dates are not set yet, but it will be sometime in September or October of 2004. As soon as we have a date set we will notify everyone by e-mail and run the information in the next newsletter.

Hopefully, we will see many new faces, as well as the old familiar ones in 2004, since we have so many members in the New York/New Jersey/New England area.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

We would like to reinstate the Police Writers Association Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is given to the person who our members believe has done the most in promoting the Police Writers Association. All active members can vote. Please email me at leslye@policewriter.com to cast your vote. Votes must be received by June 1, 2004. The award will be presented on Saturday at the conference luncheon.

MEMBERS NEWS

bulletA.J. Farrar, member from California, wrote "Congratulations to Tim Dees, Jim Weiss and Mickey Davis for their contributions to the August issue of L&O.  The issue contained 4 features and about 9 pages of print for Tim.  Jim and Mickey had 2 features and about 8 pages of print.  What would L&O do without our PWA authors??  You guys are awesome!!" We concur.
bulletTexas member Sarah Cortez taught "Cops and Memoir" at the annual International Association of Women Police Conference in San Francisco in September. Her second book is also almost ready to go to print. She has also been involved in the Visiting Scholars Program at the University of Houston that eased her transition from full-time policing to full-time writing/teaching and  part-time policing.
bulletArthur Sharp, member from Connecticut (hope to meet you at the next conference), wrote that we can read two of his most recent articles in the July 2003 issue of Law and Order. He also had one scheduled for the August 2003 issue and two more for the September 2003 issue.  (He has written close to 200 articles for Law and Order since 1987.)
bulletA.J. Farrar, a wealth of info for this editor, also wrote to congratulate Dr. Armand Mulder on the publication of a feature article in The Journal of California Law Enforcement (Volume 37 No.1, 2003).  The topic of "Reestablishing the Lieutenant's Role and Authority" which he co-authored with Chief Joseph Samuels, Jr., the Chief of Richmond PD and the current president of the IACP, is both thought provoking and timely.
bulletArizona member L. Burke Files sent the following link to us. It contains a brief quote from an interview that he gave. http://www.chiefexecutive.net/depts/management/190.htm
bulletVictoria Heckman, member from California, wrote that her second novel, "K.O.'d in the Volcano" will be out soon. You can find out more about Victoria and this book at www.writers-exchange.com/epublishing/victoria-book1.htm
bulletJane Alvarez, member from California, wrote that lots has been happening to her lately...not a whole lot of sales on her book, BLINDERS, however, she was contacted by a filmmaker in Santa Barbara who has won six Emmys for his documentaries.  He stated that he found her website (www.janealvarez.com ) and wants to make a documentary on her.  His last one was Homecoming and over 12 million viewed it on PBS. He thinks hers will be more powerful. Filming was scheduled to start in August of this year.  She and her partner have another book coming out called, "American Child...The Injustice Files."  They are profiling an abused child from each state to raise the awareness level of child abuse and each book will have the stats, who to contact, what to do if you suspect child abuse, etc.  They are really excited about it...they already have a contract with a publisher to print it. 
bulletNorth Carolina and Florida member Marshall Frank wrote to let us know that "Frankly Speaking" his third book, and his first collection of short stories and essays is now in print.   Signed copies can be ordered direct from him on e-mail.  For more info, see his web site: www.booktalk.com/mfrank 
bulletNew York and Arizona member John Briant discussed and signed his newest book, Adirondack Detective Returns at the Old Forge Library in June.
bulletGina Gallo, member from Chicago, had an article, in memory of a Chicago policewoman, appear on the website. http://www.thecolumnists.com/gallo/gallo50.html
bulletCalifornia member John Bellah wrote that CARLISLE PRODUCTIONS, a Chrysler auto show that takes place in Carlisle, PA in mid-July, will focus on police cars this year. He went back there to give a presentation on police cars and to autograph copies of the book he co-authored (with Ed Sanow): DODGE, PLYMOUTH, & CHRYSLER POLICE CARS 1956--1978, along with the sequel covering the years 1979--1994.
bulletHe will also be on a local cable TV channel soon, which will feature a segment on police cars.
bulletScott Fielden, member from Tennessee wrote he recently had an article printed in American Police Beat titled "An Ode To Lady Justice." He’s also begun work on a second book relating to law enforcement, and he’s asking that our law enforcement members consider submitting some of their more memorable patrol incidents for possible publication. Domestics/DUI’s/Traffic Stops/Prostitution are some of the categories they’re interested in (but not limited to). Several members have already passed along some stories that they’ll be using, and these individuals are much appreciated. He’ll be happy to provide further information to contributors if needed. He can be reached at: sfielden@chartertn.net
bulletDennis Griffin, member from New York and Nevada, was involved in a book signing in May in New Hartford.
bulletNew York member Wayne Beyea (another new face we hope to see at the 2004 conference), wrote to tell us that his third book, "Reflections From The Shield-The Final Years", has been published. For complete details see http://www.capital.net/com/web2108/
bulletArkansas member Linda Card wrote that she has started a statewide newspaper for the law enforcement community in Arkansas, and boy has it been an experience!  Any member who has written a non-fiction police related or procedural please forward info to her if you want to be considered for inclusion in a feature called "The Investigator's Bookshelf". She has already used a couple of books written by PWA President Emeritus Roger Fulton member from New York and Florida. Linda can be reached at imawildcard@hotmail.com
bulletTom Schulte, member from Missouri had a poem published in the September 2003 copy of American Police Beat magazine. Tom is recovering from injuries sustained recently on the job.
bulletRichard Kavanaugh, member from Pennsylvania, has a new book in print, entitled The Diary of a Wilderness Mantracker. Find out more about Rick at his website, http://members.tripod.com/chinookbloodhounds/index.html
bulletMichigan member Jack Allen, who’s first book, Change Of Heart was a very enjoyable read, writes that his second book, An Innocent Among Them, will be out soon.
bulletNew York and Florida member Roger Fulton, President Emeritus of the PWA, has just finished two new books. They are part of his new Common Man’s Exploration Series. The first is 25 Short Hikes and Interesting Walks in Central Florida and the second is 25 Short Hikes and Interesting Walks in the Thousand Islands and St. Lawrence Seaway Region in New York. Both of these books were edited by New York PWA member Michael Carpenter and are being published by PTR Books.
bulletCalifornia member Richard Sacchetti has forwarded his articles on The Unabomber to PTR Books and we hope to get them into print form in the near future.
bulletNevada member Jeff Kaye wrote to tell us that his book, Two Faces Have I, is coming out. You can read a summary of the book at the Xlibris.com website.

TIMELY INFORMATION

Bob Herrmann, member from New York, passes this on to us. We believe that it is important enough to pass along to all of you.

The following advisory has been passed on from the local RCMP Detachment.

Thieves are putting a thin clear, rigid plastic "sleeve" into the ATM card slot. When you insert your card, the machine cannot read the strip, so it keeps asking you to re-enter your pin number. Meanwhile, someone behind you watches as you enter and re-enter your number. Eventually you give up, thinking the machine has captured your card and walk away. The thieves then remove the plastic sleeve complete with card, and empty your account.
      The way to avoid this is to run your finger along the card slot before you put your card in. The sleeve has a couple of tiny prongs that the thieves need to get it out of the slot, and you will be able to feel them. Law enforcement would like as many people as possible to be aware of this scam, so please pass this information on to your friends and family and associates.

 

MARKETPLACE CONTACTS

The following people/companies have contacted us in the past few months. We are passing them along to you just as a service, not endorsing any of them.

BRIEN JONES
Author Consultant
BOOKMAN MARKETING
(800) 342-6068 Phone
(765) 342-7217 Fax
brien@bookmanmarketing.com
www.bookmanmarketing.com

TED WEINSTEIN LITERARY MANAGEMENT
287 Duncan Street
San Francisco, CA  94131
415.826.3872
ted@twliterary.com
http://www.twliterary.com/

The website for The Gila Queen’s Guide to Markets newsletter is now located at http://GilaQueen.us

Jas Lonquisst, new member from California, has sent the following to us.

The California Writers Club can be found at www.calwriters.org CWC was started by none other than Jack London and his friends poet George Sterling and short story writer Herman Whitaker.  Today there are 14 branches in California.  An inspiring story from her local branch:  one of their members was recently published for the fourth time - at age 94! Way to go!!! There’s hope for all of us yet.

 

FIRE TO FLY CONTEST FOR 2003
Deadline October 31, 2003

FMAM - Futures Mysterious Anthology Magazine (available at Borders, Barnes and Noble, Books a Million, and independent bookstores, as well as online at www.fmam.biz is pleased to bring you its sixth annual "FIRE TO FLY" short story contest. The stakes are higher; the topics more varied. There will also be more winners than in past years. Information can be obtained at the above mentioned website.

The Journal is a quarterly publication directed to the law enforcement and policing professionals.  We are always looking for contributors  with the perspective and experience to cover and/or comment on the policing profession.  They are now taking submissions for the Fall 2003  issue on: current issues and trends, thoughtful commentary, expert opinion, training information, investigative experience, and detailed accounts of the application of technology to effective policing.


For any further questions or to submit manuscripts, mail to: 

The Journal
Atten: C.Inmon

P.O.Box 926108
Houston, TX 77292-6108                       

PUBLICIZE YOUR BOOK: An Insiders Guide to Getting Your Book the Attention It Deserves

I am a book publisher and spent many years as a book publicist and marketing director at several major publishing houses.

Jacqueline Deval   
http://www.publicizeyourbook.com 
Available at bookstores everywhere

You can now advertise in Writer Gazette, Writers Manual, and EbooksCafe for only $25 (2 issues of each newsletter)!

We accept advertisements for products, services, books, and websites that are of interest to writers. We reach writers on a weekly basis through our three newsletters.

Recent Advertisers:
* A1-Editing
* Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists
* Sell Writing Online
* Freelance-Writing

Details can be found at http://www.writergazette.com/advertising.shtml

You can also purchase advertising on each site separately with text ($5/2 issues) and/or graphic ads ($30/month). You can find the links to those
advertisement details on the above webpage. If you have any questions, please contact

Krista Barrett, Editor-in-Chief
Writer Gazette, Writers Manual, EbooksCafe

WANTED…BY EDITOR

We are looking for submissions for future editions of The Police Writer. We would like to add a book review section to the newsletter, as well as any other sections you, the members would like to see. This is your newsletter. We are looking for informational articles… anything from contract information to help in getting your book/article published, to how to take the best photos for your article. If you have had a good experience with a certain company, let us know. If you have had a bad experience, we also need to know that too. You get the picture. I can’t do this alone folks...I need your input.

BOOK REVIEWS

I have received several new books in the mail for review and consideration.

Lost Wings: The True Story of A Disgraced NYPD Cop

by Robbin Christopher Ramos

Former police office Robbin Christopher Ramos, who only wanted one thing more than any other…to be a NY police officer, has written a heart-wrenching story of his fight with the Police Department over a scheduled drug test that he failed…one that he knows he should have passed.

My opinion…the book, though interesting in nature, tended to jump around a lot. All in all, it was a decent read.

Adirondack Detective Returns

By John Briant New York and Arizona PWA member

Once again, John Briant takes the reader into the life of Private Detective Jason Black and a cast of very enjoyable characters.

My opinion…John’s sequel to Adirondack Detective is an enjoyable read. John has the ability to make you think that he is telling you the story face to face. This reader looks forward to hopefully another Adirondack Detective sequel.

Off The Cuffs: Poetry by and about the police

Edited by Jackie Sheeler

This book is a selection of poetry by civilians, cops and observers. The language is gritty, some of the topics grim, a down-to-earth look at what makes our society sick…and tick.

PWA member Sarah Cortez is a contributing writer to this book.

My opinion…some poems were a bit too bizarre for my liking, but if you enjoy off the wall reads then you might like this book.

Sojourn: The Epic

By new PWA member from New York Thomas Coghlan

This is the story, in poetic form, of Laren Timothson, the chosen one of Thor, the God of Storm and Thunder.

My opinion…I have tried to read this book four times, and I just can’t get into it. If you enjoy legends, written in rhyme, then try this book.

TAILSPIN: THE STRANGE CASE  OF MAJOR CALL

By Bernard F. Conners

This is the story of James Call, Air Force major, career criminal, a Jekyll and Hyde charmer, and possibly the perpetrator of one of the most celebrated murders in the United States in the last century.

My opinion…I LOVED this book. It kept me spellbound. Mr. Conners has a real hit on his hands. I think it would make a wonderful movie too.

Sarah Cortez, member from Texas sent the following. Just wanted to mention the great review of an anthology of Texas Poetry edited by Billy Bob Hill.  His book garnered a rave review in the April 20 Sunday's Dallas Times Herald.  I was thrilled to see it mention several "newcomers" as notable including me!! If anyone is interested in purchasing his anthology, the title is "Texas in Poetry 2", editor Billy Bob Hill, publisher Texas Christian University Press. 

Sorry - I don't have the ISBN.

Terry O’Neill, member from New York, sent the following to us. Over the past year, I have cooperated with Professor Ron Chepesiuk on his forthcoming book on the rise and fall of Colombia's Cali Cartel.  Beginning in 1985 with the discovery of the Minden drug lab on an upstate farm, the New York State Police played a leading role in uncovering the domestic operations of the organization.  Ten years later, NYSP alumnus Tom Constantine, as head of the DEA, presided over the dismantling of the cartel's leadership.  All of this is recounted in Professor Chepesiuk's book, which I have read in manuscript.  The book will be appearing on October 30, and to call attention to it and to the achievements of the NYSP, I'd like to bring it to the attention of any organizations that award prizes for literary productions of this nature.  If you or any of your colleagues in the PWA know of any, I'd appreciate knowing about them. Terry can be reached at TerryOneillEsq@aol.com

The first chapter of the professor's book has been posted on the Web at http://www.crimemagazine.com/CrimeBooks/snowlabsprologue.htm

 

WE HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE

Someone informed us that New York member Marlene Loos was getting or has gotten married. If this is true, congratulations Marlene!!

Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season, and we’ll see you in 2004.

  CORPORATE SPONSORS

Our Corporate Sponsors are important to OUR Association’s success. Be sure to SUPPORT THEM whenever you can and go to them first with your needs or works. If you know of a company or organization that you feel would be interested in becoming a PWA Corporate Sponsor, please contact me at Leslye@policewriter.com

CORPORATE SPONSORS

1ST BOOKS LIBRARY
2551 West Third St.
Bloomington IN 47404
(800) 839-8640
(812) 339-6554 fax
www.1stbooks.com
1stbooks@firstbooks.com

1st Books Library is a Print On Demand publisher. This non-traditional publishing method gives lesser-known authors with writing skills at least equal to many well-known, best-selling writers, the opportunity to be published. "You will always be able to reach a human being during business hours, rather than an automated recording."

GOULD PUBLICATIONS
1333 North US Hwy 17-92
Longwood FL 32750-3727
(800) 717-7917
www.gouldlaw.com

Gould supplies law enforcement officers with a variety of titles, from basic, state-specific, code and law books to promotional aids.

.38SPECIAL PRESS
6672 Cornell Avenue
Indianapolis IN 46220
(317) 254-1221
www.38specialpress.com
RippleBd@aol.com

A group of our members has put together a subsidy publishing firm to help get our members’ works published. .38Special Press can provide critiquing, editing and layout services, but they don’t finance your work. You or your backer(s) do that.

ROGER FULTON.com

Roger Fulton, on this "police leadership" web page, provides resources for present and future police leaders, from recommended reading lists for promotions to leadership training courses.

ACTION CRUISE & TRAVEL
PO Box 738
Ashburn VA 20146
(800) 998-9400

POLICE MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Michael Carpenter, President
9 Dixon Court
Queensbury NY 12804
(518) 761-9708
Mcarpenter@adelphia.net
www.policemanagement.com

Mike Carpenter offers a wide variety of police management services including manpower studies and evaluations as well as expert testimony for police departments and their municipalities.

POLICE SUPERVISORS ASSOCIATION
Chris Vail, Exec. Director
1401 Johnson Ferry Rd. Suite 328-F42
Marietta GA 30063-8115
(770) 321-5018
(770) 321-5019 fax

The PSA was formed to help its members be informed of pertinent news, information and resources they need to effectively perform their duties and keep themselves and their departments out of trouble in today’s litigious environment.

BITS-N-BYTES TECHNICAL SERVICES
Lee & Michelle Lahti
2836 Sombrero Lane
Fort Collins CO 80525
(970) 206-1085
info@bnbts.com

Bits-N-Bytes Technical Services is a premier technology services provider. Their services include full-service network design and installation, basic troubleshooting and repair, and the sale of computer hardware and software.

State and County Detectives Association of Pennsylvania
One Crown Way
Philadelphia PA 19154
(215) 698-5373
(215) 676-7245 fax
flederer@crowncork.com
Send mail to tdees@policewriter.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2007 Public Safety Writers Association
Last modified: August 25, 2007