Author Interviews

Interview with Dr. Joe Wenke about hate crime laws

October 10, 2013 By Terry

I recently had the chance to interview Dr. Joe Wenke, an outspoken and articulate LGBTQ rights advocate, social critic, and observational satirist. Dr. Wenke is a frequent contributor to the Huffington Post and his recent commentary about hate crime laws drew a strong response from those both for and against hate crime laws. I typically focus on scams, but this topic definitely fits into any discussion about crime, so I decided to include it here.

Wenke believes that our laws reflect our values. He said, “As a society we need to stand up against hate. We need to do everything we can to deter and punish it. Most haters who assault or murder people out of hatred for the group they belong to would not commit the crimes of assault or murder to steal a wallet. They’re not muggers or thieves intent on stealing something of monetary value from another human being. They don’t care about your wallet. They want to beat the crap out of you or kill you because you’re black or Islamic or gay or transgendered. Their violent crime is not a means to an end—getting your wallet–but an end in and of itself—namely, getting you. If they are deterred from acting out their hatred, they are unlikely ever to engage in a violent criminal act at all.”

The responses to Wenke’s commentary were often highly opinionated and could make anyone second-guess their commitment. He said, “It’s not part of my makeup to feel that way, although, like everyone, I do get discouraged at times. I also get angry at the hatred that is directed at LGBTQ people in the name of religion. Most of all I feel afraid for people who are targeted by haters because of who they are. Personally, I fear for people I love who are in those groups. I worry about them every day.”

With a vocal minority on both sides of the issue, the question is which way is public opinion headed? Toward strengthening or weakening hate crime laws? Wenke said, “I think it could go either way. There is a lot of opposition to hate crime laws and a lot of reasons why people oppose the laws. Some people argue that hate crime laws are unnecessary or redundant. They’re not. We need to impose additional penalties on people who commit violent crimes against people because of the groups they belong to, groups that have been historically discriminated against and targeted.

“Some people argue against hate crime laws because they say that there is no proof that they deter. Well, we don’t repeal laws because people violate them or because we can’t prove their deterrent value. If we did, we’d have almost no laws on the books.

“People who oppose hate crime laws are very vocal. All of us who know how important hate crime laws are need to speak out and help ensure that they remain in force while also advocating for continuing education against hatred and bigotry and in favor of freedom and equality for all people.”

Wenke noted how difficult life becomes for victims of hate crimes. He said “When you are a victim of any violent crime, it’s a life-changing experience. You feel vulnerable. You feel at risk. You feel disempowered. It’s even more devastating if you weren’t the victim of a random attack but were targeted because of who you are.”

So how can people who have been targeted avoid becoming a victim? Wenke said, “I think the only thing that people can do is to stand up and refuse to be victimized. We all need to speak out and to be advocates, to be activists. We need to pursue activism as an act of survival and as a way of validating our humanity and renewing our self-esteem.” He added, “Haters are committed to their hatred. We need to be even more committed to combating their hatred and to promoting freedom and equality throughout our country. Those are our values. We need to defend them.”

Raymond Khoury’s Rasputin’s Shadow is a compelling read

October 8, 2013 By Terry

FBI agent Sean Reilly is assigned a case involving the apparent suicide of a Russian embassy attaché in an apartment where a Russian couple, Leo Sokolov and his wife, live. The case becomes more bizarre when the Sokolovs disappear.

When Sean is forced to work with Russian FSB agent Larisa Tchoumitcheva, they learn that a mysterious mind-control device invented a century before may be at the center of the suicide and missing persons cases as well as a 1916 Russian mining disaster in which mass killings inside the mine forced the mine’s destruction.

The investigators discover that Leo is the grandson of Grigory Rasputin’s trusted confidant and the one who invented the device behind the Russian-mine killings. They also learn that Leo rebuilt the device using his grandfather’s journal and that the attaché may have been sent to take the machine from Leo. When Daphne Sokolov suddenly reappears at a Manhattan police station, the information she provides leads the FBI to her husband. Although Leo is safely in custody, his invention still missing, and Sean is left with questions on all fronts.

The Russian embassy is hiding something, but what? His Russian partner also has secrets. Should he trust her or not? Most important of all, will he be in time to stop another disaster from a machine developed 100 years ago?

“Rasputin’s Shadow” has strong character development and dialogue. Khoury weaves together historical events with current-day action to create a book readers won’t want to put down. Rather than being a distraction from the action, the skillful weaving of flashbacks into the plot keeps the story moving throughout. Even though this book is part of a series, there is enough past information provided to allow “Rasputin’s Shadow” to be read as a standalone.

More information

FTC Full Disclosure: A review copy of this book was provided by its publisher.

More information about Raymond Khoury and “Rasputin’s Shadow” is available on his website at raymondkhoury.com.

Interview with Marilyn Meredith

October 8, 2013 By Terry

The conventional wisdom for authors is to write about what you know. Instead of doing that, Meredith chose to write about a subject she wanted to know more about. She said, “Though I am not a Native American, I have always been fascinated by their mystique. When I moved to the foothills of the Southern Sierra I learned we had an Indian reservation as a neighbor. I became friends with a young Native woman and she eventually became the role model for Tempe. I’ve had a great time learning more about the history of the tribe I write about (though I’ve fictionalized them), the reservation, their history, their legends, and how things are changing for them.”

One of the difficulties in writing about a different culture is making sure to get the details correct. Meredith feels that she’s accomplished that goal because of feedback tribal members have given her. She said, “One of the characters in the book, Nick Two John, I fashioned after a real Native American man who I hadn’t met but seen at various events. One day he called me to say he’d read my first book in the series, Deadly Omen. My immediate thought was, ‘Oh no, he recognized himself.’ Thankfully, that wasn’t it. He wanted to tell me that I’d gotten what I’d written about the Pow Wow in my book right.”

Meredith has more than 30 published novels to her credit and likes to think of herself as an entertainer. “I don’t begin writing a book with any issue or argument in mind,” she said. “Mainly I want to entertain my readers. I’m writing fiction though I know some of my beliefs and life experiences filter through my writing, I am not trying to make a point about anything.”

As a writer who focuses on keeping readers entertained, Meredith needs to focus on making her books as authentic as possible. She first makes sure that she understands her subject, then begins to write. She said, “Whenever I begin a new book, it takes me a while to submerge myself into the place and people I am writing about. When it finally happens, I don’t have any trouble writing because the characters take over.”

In “Spirit Shapes” ghost hunters stumble upon a murdered teen in a haunted house and Deputy Tempe Crabtree’s investigation encompasses ghosts and evil spirits. So, how did she decide to write a book about ghost hunting? Meredith said, “Lately, I’ve been reading about our local ghost hunter setting up tours in an around our area. I thought it might be fun to write about a ghost hunter. Because this is a Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery of course there is a murder for her to solve and some Native American mysticism.”

“Spirit Shapes” is Meredith’s 13^th book in the series and she feels that it is growing richer with each new book. “My characters have grown and changed,” she said. “Even though this is a series, I write each book to be complete.”

For more information

To learn more about Marilyn Meredith, the Deputy Tempe Crabtree series, or her Rocky Bluff PD series, visit fictionforyou.com. Enter Meredith’s contest to have a character named after you in the next Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery by leaving a comment on this post. On October 9, look for Meredith at smsenden.wordpress.com.

S.J. Harper writing team talks about collaboration

October 4, 2013 By Terry

On Saturday, Oct. 5 at 2:00 p.m., Mysterious Galaxy will host a signing for S.J. Harper, which is the pen name for the writing team of urban fantasy authors Samantha Sommersby and Jeanne Stein. For this interview, the two discussed their new book “Cursed” and what it’s like to write collaboratively.

Both authors have written independently, but came together for the Fallen Siren series. Stein, author of the Anna Strong series, said that she likes both types of writing. “Writing independently allows you to develop an idea on your own but collaborating allows you to look at an idea from more than one angle. It’s the old two heads are better trope!”

Sommersby added, “Right now, I’m really enjoying the collaboration. Writing can be a very solitary experience. Having a shared vision and someone to bounce ideas off of has been exciting. It’s also easier for me to stay on task when I know Jeanne is waiting for my pages.”

The two also noted that writers thinking of collaborating should choose their writing partner carefully. Stein said, “Make sure your vision of the story is the same. And it helps, too, if you’re writing styles are similar. My critique group often can’t tell what I’ve written and what Samantha has written. It makes for a smooth narrative flow.”

The writing partners do need some differences, however, for the collaboration to have synergy. Sommersby said, “It helps to have a similar vision and voice. I also think it’s important to find someone who can bring something to your project that you can’t. Someone who will complement you as a writer and help you to grow. And, someone who is as invested in the project as you are.”

Both Sommersby and Stein are anxious to how their collaboration is received. They both agreed, “We hope readers have as much fun with these books as we’ve had writing them. We just finished the second in the series and of course whether or not there are more depends entirely on the readers!”

More information

Readers interested in a YouTube video interview with Sam and Jeanne can find one here. The authors also have an online Reading Guide for “Cursed,” which can be found here. Website addresses for the authors are S. J. Harper at FallenSiren.com, Jeanne Stein at JeanneStein.com, and Samantha Sommersby at SamanthaSommersby.com.

Margaret Coel delivers with Killing Custer

September 28, 2013 By Terry

Margaret Coel delivers with another spell-binding story of Native American history set in modern times with her latest Wind River Mystery, “Killing Custer.” Lander, CO is celebrating the start of the rodeo season with a parade that features a General George Armstrong Custer impersonator leading the 7th Cavalry. The cavalry is followed by Arapaho warriors lead by a descendant of Crazy Horse. During the parade, the warriors execute a “dare ride”, an old tradition in which warriors circle the enemy to show contempt and superiority. In the confusion, Custer is fatally shot and history is believed to have repeated itself.

Father John O’Malley is on the scene and immediately realizes that the Arapaho warriors were sure to be accused of revenge and the murder of the Custer impersonator. As the story unfolds, Father John supports and defends the Arapaho while trying to find the truth behind the killing.

Attorney Vicky Holden has spent her legal career trying to help her people, but this time Vicky is unable to defend her people because she’s already representing a client who, both professionally and personally, compromises her. Conflicted and feeling guilty for not being able to help, Vicky continues to work for her client while looking for answers that are connected to the murder.

In their search for the truth, Father John and Vicky come together to solve the murder and uncover a conspiracy that could end their lives.

Coel’s characters are well developed, her descriptions, vivid and clear. The plot keeps the story moving quickly and there’s a twist at the end readers may not see coming. As usual, Coel’s dialogue is crisp and authentic and her experience as a historian and expert on Arapaho Indians shows. Five stars to “Killing Custer,” which can be read as standalone or a series.

The Russian Endgame by Allan Topol

September 27, 2013 By Terry

The Russian Endgame is a novel of greed, revenge and international intrigue involving, Moscow, Beijing, Washington and Paris.

Former Russian KGB agent Dimitri Orlov devises a plan to make Russia a superpower prepared to compete with the United States and China. His plan involves convincing Russian President Kuznov to form an alliance with China in which the two superpowers will strike at the United States and Europe in a joint operation.

Director of EU Counterterrorism, Craig Page, has a history with Chinese General Zhou and is out for revenge for the murder of his only child, Francesca. As Page plots, executes, and fails in his revenge on General Zhou, circumstances in China change. General Zhou becomes China’s new President and meets with Orlov. Together they make plans to unite Russia and China in a common goal. Zhou insists that Orlov prove his sincerity by assassinating U.S. President Dalton.

As suspicions grow regarding President Zhou’s involvement with Orlov, Page, who has become the new CIA Director under new U.S. President Treadwell, works to prove Zhou’s connection. Page joins forces with journalist Elizabeth Crowder to bring down Zhou before he manipulates Orlov into a new operation, stealing potentially devastating military technology capable of destroying the world as he knows it.

The characters in the book are believable with real problems and emotions. Topol’s descriptions were vivid and clear. The plot has fast pacing. Unfortunately, the dialogue didn’t distinguish the characters, with several of them sounding alike.