Started a Teen-ager Story

More to come about this book!

No Book About Pearson

After giving it much thought, and after contacts with folks, I’ve decided the book would not be appropriate. Maybe I’ll write fiction. Far less traumatic.

Photos of the crime scene

I went to our local newspaper to find the original photos from the murder scene. Told they don’t keep them. They toss pix after a short time. Bummer! I found some originals in the case file at the courthouse.
I have some phoning to do. Must make sure that no one is against me writing the new book. Relatives of the 7 murdered people are still around.

Maybe not Strang… yet

I’ve been asked by several people to write about a local murder spree committed by Eric Pearson. He killed 7 on March 16, 1968 in Ironwood Twp. I need to contact several folks and research the murder before I commit to anything.

Research for the new book about Strang

Started to research for The Prophet, a book about James J. Strang, the “King” of Michigan. Strang was a Mormon who discovered some ancient writings ala Joseph Smith. He allegedly was named the new chief prophet of the Mormon church by Smith before Smith was murdered, and let the Mormons know about it after the death of Smith. As we know, Brigham Young was the man who led the LDS believers to Utah, and the church grew from there. Strang continued to gain some followers, however. Strang was murdered by some of his followers on Beaver Island where he had a colony of believers that he transported by boat from Voree, WI, near Racine.
I have a background in Social Psychology and plan to use this knowledge when I write the book. Not sure how yet, but I’m leaning toward Festinger’s cognitive dissonence and Weber’s theories on religion.

1st Edit

Almost done with the first pass at editing. Surprize! Not a whole lot of corrections. Still haven’t come up with a new title.

Title Change?

Editor thinks the book title should be renamed, but we’re not sure what it will be. I agree; the book tends to center more on Webster than Littlefield. Got to think about this one.

“Done” Writing Resurrectionist Man

The manuscript is in the hands of the Editor Goddess. She has already informed me that the beginning sucks. I knew that, but I needed reassurance. It’ll take about 3 rewrites before I can submit to an agent. Need to write query letters to agents who may be interested in selling it to a publisher. I also have to get permissions for quotes and photos. That won’t be a biggy, just time consuming. It’s the agent thing that will take more time. With all the books that are written, most agents are too busy to take on new submissions.

Res Man Progress Update

I’m done with writing about the trial. That was fun, because I had to make up the questions from the attorneys; all I have is the answers from two sources, Bemis and Stone. Both guys transcribed the trial. Now, I will cover the after-effects: writ of error, request for pardon, etc. Got about 325 pages written so far. Another 100 or so to go. Then, wife takes over and edits. Re-write and re-write some more. Aaargh!
The Mystery Writers of America accepted my application! MWA is the group that presents the “Edgar” Award. President is Janet Evanovich, Grand Master is Steven King. I’m honored to be a part of it.

Ephraim Littlefield

I’m including the entire trial testimony for Littlefield in the book because it is so convoluted. He says one thing, then another, especially about the turkey Webster gave him. Also, several lies from him. He took the 5th amandment about his gambling.
Been too busy to write the last few days because wife & I have moving my mother into an apartment from the slum place she had been living for 20 years or more.