Books,  The life of a writer,  True Crime

New True Crime Book + Exciting Opportunities

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New true crime book
www.suecoletta.com

If you’re a reader of the Kill Zone, you’ll notice the top half of this post is the same today. My other adventures to write a new true crime book I’m sharing only with you.

Did you happen to read James Scott Bell’s post about public speaking? It’s excellent. Anyway, before an exciting opportunity two weeks ago, I reread his tips a gazillion times.

What he failed to mention was a bizarre side effect of stress—dry mouth. I noticed it when I did my first Zoom book signing. Which is odd, right? I’ve never had a problem with in-person book signings, but on Zoom? I dried up like the Sahara. Partway through the event it went away, so I didn’t give it another thought. I Zoomed several more times without incident.

And then, an Emmy award-winning true crime series asked me to appear on their show. (Can’t tell you which one yet, sorry!) I was fine on the drive over. Nervous as all heck, but other than a thundering heartbeat, I could hide my anxiety. After all, that’s what a professional does. They don’t let nerves get the better of them. Plus, I knew this case inside out. How hard could it be? So what if a camera crew would be focused on me.

My confidence waned on the walk inside, but I was still holding my own. Head held high, shoulders back.

Then I sat in the interview chair.

With that one simple act, all the saliva in my mouth turned to dust. And I mean all of it. My tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth, my lips puckered, and words refused to roll off my tongue with ease. Me on the day of my debut TV appearance…

They offered me bottled water—gallons of it through two and half hours of taping. After the second or third bottle, I think they might’ve figured out I wasn’t an old pro at this TV stuff. 😉 Thankfully, I’d spoken to the producer on the phone several times prior, so he had faith in me. “Get her more water please!” And I drank, and drank, and drank.

Mr. Producer told me several times I did an excellent job. I’ll be the judge of that, thank you…in six months when the episode airs. We did have a lot of laughs. But when you’re discussing a shooting and can’t spit out the word “caliber” because your tongue feels like it’s three sizes too big for your mouth…

Well, let’s just say it isn’t a good look. The more I stressed, the drier my mouth became. Throughout the interview I fluctuated between Lord, give me strength and Someone—anyone—please shoot me! But most of all, I needed more water STAT.

On the plus side, the nice part of working on a true crime series is it’s not taped in front a live audience. All I had to do was string together one good sentence at a time and the editor would grab what s/he needs.

Mission accomplished. That’s a rap!

Shamefaced, I crawled into the passenger seat of our truck—and all at once my mouth regained its moisture. Ain’t that a b*tch? I can hardly wait to see what happens next time. Maybe I’ll grow some weird lump on my forehead. Or better yet, my saliva glands will over-stimulate, and I’ll show up looking like this…

I think it’s fair to say no one will ever ask me to do a TedTalk. Probably best.

To understand my body’s reaction to stress, I researched the subject the next morning to find out why this occurred and what to do about it in the future. Turns out, dry mouth isn’t an uncommon reaction.

Researchers have studied this phenomenon.

The term stress refers to a series of events that lead to a reaction in the brain (perceived stress), activating the physiological fight-or-flight response in the body. Anxiety is also a generalized unpleasant and vague sensation of fear and concern with an unknown origin.

Makes sense.

Psychological conditions might affect both salivary flow rate and xerostomia. Furthermore, it was observed that salivary cortisol levels increased during stress, followed by changes in the composition of saliva.

In simpler terms, stress plays a significant role in reducing the salivary flow rate.

So, what’s my advice in case you experience something similar? Hope you’ve got a nice strong bladder. You’ll need it to hold all the water. No, seriously, pack lozenges. If all else fails, smile! Works every time.

It may not seem like it, but I had a blast on the show. For an author who writes true crime books, it doesn’t get any better than appearing on a hit series in your genre. Next time, I’ll know what to expect, so hopefully, the nerves won’t kick in again. 🙂

New True Crime Book

So, I completed my part of the true crime show on March 8. On March 10, a two-paragraphed article about a New Hampshire murder in the early 1990s caught my eye for a potential new true crime book. I couldn’t find anything else online about this particular murder, which piqued my interest even more. If there isn’t anything online other than two brief paragraphs, chances are it’s a “forgotten crime.” Meaning, other authors won’t be tempted to write the same true crime book.

Even better, the article included enough case details to compel me to travel to the state library. Side by side at different machines, Bob (my hubster) and I slogged through one microfilm roll after another. To write a decent true crime book, research is imperative. But I needed more than newspaper articles. Without primary source material, the true crime book would teeter on the edge of fiction.

At this point, I was still in the preliminary stages, searching for the answers to numerous questions.

  • What’s special about this case?
  • Did the investigation go smoothly? If not, why?
  • Smart or stupid killer?
  • Is there conflict in the case?
  • Can I live with this case for months? (If the answer’s no, find another case.)
  • Who are the cast of “characters”?
  • Is there something unusual about the “characters”?
  • Are the “characters” relatable? Empathetic? Likable?
  • Did the investigator just check off the usual boxes, or did he go the extra mile?
  • Whodunnit?
  • Is there enough research available?
  • And finally, why would this case make a compelling book?

Not only could I answer many of these questions but I became obsessed with the case. Slow and steady, I pieced together one fact at a time, but I couldn’t verify any of them without a primary source. Covid restrictions make it impossible to enter the courthouse these days unless you’re involved in a case. Obtaining records is ridiculously complicated and expensive, especially since the Records Dept. phone number is buried beneath umpteen pages on their website, if it’s even there at all.

I kept hitting brick walls. Still, I refused to give up on this case. If it’s the last thing I did, I needed to write this particular true crime book. But no court transcript is an insurmountable obstacle. True crime readers deserve the full story. There’s nothing more annoying than investing time and energy to read 300 pages only to find the case doesn’t have an ending.

While reading pages and pages of microfilm, the lead investigator really stood out. What an impressive career. From the dates listed I assumed he’d retired. So, I reached out to State Police Major Crimes and asked if they could forward him an email. In it, I fan-girled about the investigation.

Two days later, he wrote back. What he said blew my mind. He’d kept the entire case file for nearly 30 years! I almost passed out. Emails flew back and forth between us, and I got more and more excited about the book potential. Last Friday, he invited us to his lake house to walk me through the investigation.

When we arrived—masked—I discovered what he’d been doing for the last few days. Not only did he hand me all the murder books from Major Crimes, he’d reached out to the Attorney General’s office and obtained all their files, too. He even called the prison to ensure the killer hadn’t been transferred to a different prison. Above and beyond!

Now all I have to do is turn all this research into a book… 🙂 Score!

Research for my new true crime book
www.suecoletta.com

Sue Coletta is an award-winning crime writer and an active member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. Feedspot and Expertido.org named her Murder Blog as “Best 100 Crime Blogs on the Net.” She also blogs on the Kill Zone (Writer's Digest "101 Best Websites for Writers"), Writers Helping Writers, and StoryEmpire. Sue lives with her husband in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Her backlist includes psychological thrillers, the Mayhem Series (books 1-3) and Grafton County Series, and true crime/narrative nonfiction. Now, she exclusively writes eco-thrillers, Mayhem Series (books 4-9 and continuing). Sue's appeared on the Emmy award-winning true crime series, Storm of Suspicion, and three episodes of A Time to Kill on Investigation Discovery. When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her murder of crows, who live free but come when called by name. And nature feeds her soul.

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34 Comments

    • Sue Coletta

      March 28, 2021 at 9:38 AM

      Thanks so much, BC Mom! It was such a cool experience. Can’t wait to do another! 😀 As soon as I get the okay, I’ll share a behind-the-scenes peek.

  • Elaine

    March 23, 2021 at 4:34 PM

    That’s great, Sue. About the TV show and the new book. That rabbit looks so calm I’d suggest taking her with you next time you’re on TV! 😀

  • Jane Risdon

    March 23, 2021 at 7:38 AM

    Totally awesome Sue. You will get used to the cameras, think of the audience in the nude with cabbages on their heads – no fear! Breathe and smile work well, speak slowly and be yourself is what I always told my recording artists – it works. I have done my fair share of being live on air, too – it is always good to know where the nearest loos are. You will have crushed it I am sure. And as for the new book and access, WOW, you rock, they rock – it will be awesome, I know it will be. Positive vibes and good luck. xxxx

    • Sue Coletta

      March 23, 2021 at 1:50 PM

      Thanks so much, Jane!!! It’s been an exciting month. And thanks for the advice! Next time, I’ll know what to expect, so I’m sure it’ll be easier. 🙂

  • David Liscio

    March 23, 2021 at 7:07 AM

    Funny story. Now your initiated so next time it’ll run smoothly. Meanwhile, get cracking on that book. Maybe take a shot at a jailhouse interview? As always, rooting for you and looking forward to reading whatever you write.

    • Sue Coletta

      March 23, 2021 at 1:51 PM

      Thanks, David! That’s what I think too. The first time’s the hardest.

      Haha. Maybe I can convince the lead investigator to go with me to the prison. “But Sergeant, I need a marketing picture.” 😉

  • Danny R. Smith

    March 22, 2021 at 2:58 PM

    That’s outstanding, Sue (the new true crime and cooperation of the detective, not the stage fright and cotton mouth)!

    I can’t wait to learn more about the case. Also, when is your other true crime going to be published?

    • Sue Coletta

      March 22, 2021 at 3:21 PM

      Thanks, Danny! His generosity blew me away. To reach out to the AG’s office, then drive there to pick up the files was truly above and beyond. What an amazing human being. While chatting with him, I also learned he was responsible for starting the State Police’s helicopter program. Inspirational, indeed.

      Pretty Evil New England released back in November (2020). During a pandemic wasn’t the best time for a new release, but it all worked out. 🙂

  • CS Boyack

    March 22, 2021 at 11:41 AM

    You’re my hero. I’ve done a lot of live and zoom presentations, video, and even live radio. I haven’t done a television spot. For video, it’s nice they can do multiple takes and I’ll bet the editors make you look perfect. I’m excited for your next project, and will watch the show if it’s available in my area.

    • Sue Coletta

      March 22, 2021 at 11:46 AM

      Haha. Thanks, Craig! Thank God for editors. 😉 I have no problem with Zoom anymore, but that first time had my nerves sizzling.

      As soon as I get an air date, I’ll write a follow-up post.

  • Sue Coletta

    March 22, 2021 at 9:46 AM

    Whoa, Sue, you are one determined researcher/writer! First off, congrats on the crime show. Are we going to be able to see it? When do we get more details (erm, like an air date?). I’ve done live TV twice, but the interviews were short–only three minutes each. Still I was a wreck until I was on camera and then I threw my “on switch.” Both interviews came out great, I soared on a high, then crashed for two days afterward, LOL.

    And, wowza, did you score on that true crime digging. I’m so excited for you! You’re really building a name for yourself and going after what you need to make things happen.

    • Sue Coletta

      March 22, 2021 at 9:55 AM

      Thank you, Mae!!! Yes, as soon as we have an air date, I’ll be able to share which show it is, channel, etc., and share a sneak peek of the process and why they chose little ol’ me. It’s a lot harder than it looks, which surprised me, especially when you’re in that chair for 2 1/2 hours! I know what you mean about crashing afterward. It wiped me out. Bob videoed me afterward so we’d remember the experience, and it looks like I’d just given birth or something. LOL

      I’m still blown away by the sergeant’s generosity. He was an amazing investigator, and an even better human being. I think he’s excited about the book, too. 🙂

  • Debbie Burke

    March 22, 2021 at 8:20 AM

    Exciting news on both subjects. Congratulations, Sue!

    You are your own harshest critic. You’re smart, funny, and know your topics inside out. The audience will be enthralled.

    Once upon a time, we hired a young college student who was so shy I don’t believe I ever heard more than three words out of him. But he was a hard worker, diligent and conscientious. He left the business when he graduated and we heard he’d gone to work in forensics.

    Fast forward twenty plus years, I’m watching a true crime TV episode and one interview was with…drum roll…our painfully shy former employee. He was articulate, prepared, and interesting. So fun to see him succeed in his career.

    • Sue Coletta

      March 22, 2021 at 8:24 AM

      Wow. That’s amazing, Debbie! I love a good underdog story.

      I really am my harshest critic. Thank you for all the kind words. You’re making me blush! xo

  • Carolyn McBride

    March 22, 2021 at 8:10 AM

    I’ll bet the interview will look great when it airs. Even King didn’t rock his first few television interviews. What you’ve told us about the new book sounds mysterious. What a gift, finding such a detail-oriented lead-investigator that was willing to share all the files with you and then go above and beyond. Can’t wait to hear more about the book!
    Carolyn McBride recently posted…Peace of BeachesMy Profile

    • Sue Coletta

      March 22, 2021 at 8:21 AM

      Thanks, Carolyn! For sure, the editors will do their magic. That’s why the producer wasn’t worried about it.

      I’m super excited about my new true crime book! The sergeant’s generosity blew me away. As I was leaving, I asked if he’d kept other homicide files. Strangely enough, he only saved three (he did 25 years on the job!). Ever get the feeling like you’re meant to tell a particular story? That’s how I feel.

  • Staci Troilo

    March 22, 2021 at 6:58 AM

    Sue, the new true crime story is so exciting! I can’t wait to hear more.

    And as for your television appearance, trust the editors. I’m sure you felt worse than it looked and sounded, and it’ll be great. Looking forward to watching it!
    Staci Troilo recently posted…Mystery Heir FeatureMy Profile

    • Sue Coletta

      March 22, 2021 at 8:06 AM

      Thanks, Staci! Yeah, I’m sure you’re right. I’m my own worst critic.

      As for the new true crime book, I’m super excited. The research is riveting! I can’t tear myself away from those murder files.

    • Priscilla Bettis

      March 22, 2021 at 8:18 AM

      Ei, you poor thing. I’ve heard that dry mouth is a common symptom of being nervous. It’s never happened to me. My big nervous thing is a tight throat (makes my voice squeaky) or shaky hands, and sometimes both! Like Staci said, I’m sure you came across cool as a cucumber on the edited version.:-)

      Interesting about your research for your next true crime book, what a research journey. Yay for the investigator being willing to share!
      Priscilla Bettis recently posted…Slug Story Accepted, Happy Dance!My Profile

      • Sue Coletta

        March 22, 2021 at 8:28 AM

        Thanks, Priscilla. Oh, no, tightening of the throat? Sounds awful! I think we can battle nerves once we know why it’s happening. I felt so much better after I researched the symptoms of nerves. Fear of the unknown also upped the stakes. Next time, I’ll know what to expect, which should calm things down a bit. 🙂

  • Margot Kinberg

    March 22, 2021 at 6:58 AM

    This is so amazing, Sue! As soon as you can, I hope you’ll tell us what show you’re going to be on, so I can watch it! I’m so very happy for you. And about dry mouth? As you’ve said, it’s not an uncommon reaction to stress. When I first started teaching, I always had some water or something with me for that reason. I’ve gotten used to it over the years, so speaking publicly isn’t a big deal. But I don’t know how I’d feel if I were invited onto a TV show!

    • Sue Coletta

      March 22, 2021 at 8:13 AM

      Thanks, Margot! I’d never heard of dry mouth from stress. If I had, it might have put things into perspective while it was happening. Thankfully, I’ve spoken to the producer a few times since the taping, and he’s excited about the episode. As soon as we get an official air date (probably mid-summer), I’ll be able to share the title and a peek behind the veil of true crime shows.