• Contemporary

    Interview: JoAnne Myers Crime of the Century @scooterismine #RLFblog

    Crime of the Century 
    About the Book
    Title The Crime of the
    Century
    Genre Biography true
    crime
    Author JoAnne Myers
    Book heat level (based
    on movie ratings): PG13
    The residents of Rolling
    Hills, a hamlet in southeastern Ohio,
    were horrified when the dismembered bodies of two missing teens were pulled
    from the local river. Multiply suspects surfaced, but only one was railroaded,
    Richard Allan Lloyd, a known nudist and hothead.
    What began as an evening
    stroll turned into what found only in horror films, and dubbed ‘the crime of
    the century’. 18 year old Babette, a voluptuous beauty contestant and
    horsewoman, and her 19 year old boyfriend Shane Shoemaker, a jealous and
    possessive unemployed printer, were last seen crossing a trestle bridge. Within
    fourteen days, their mutilated torsos and severed heads and limbs were
    unearthed, suggesting satanic cult activity.
    With an investigation
    smeared with contradicting statements, and a botched crime scene, investigators
    built a flimsy case against Richard Lloyd. The three-week trial was based on
    police corruption and ineptitude, fairytale theories, and forensic mishandling.
    This heinous crime
    shattered the sense of security for Rolling Hills, destroyed two families, and
    forever scarred the town. This story is a detailed account of finding justice
    for Babette and Shane, and of one man’s perseverance to gain his freedom from
    death row.

    Buy This Book

    Publisher – Black Rose
    Writing http://www.blackrosewriting.com/non-fiction/the-crime-of-the-century-a-shocking-true-story
    Book also available on
    Amazon and Barnes & Noble in paperback and ebook

    Interview with JoAnne Myers

    Why did you write this book?
    For many reasons. It is
    a true case that took nearly 30 years to solve. It put an innocent man on death
    row for five years, and forever scarred a small Ohio town. It was truly the worse case in
    the county’s history.
    What is your favorite genre to read?
    Probably fantasy, because
    almost anything goes in that genre. A writer can make the impossible sound
    possible.
    What is your favorite character from fiction (not
    including your own characters)?
    James Bond. He is the
    ultimate male alpha.
    Do you enjoy films and/or TV shows? Which are your
    favorites?
    watch court cases such
    as Judge Mathis, the Investigation Discovery channel which has true cases
    broadcasted. Also, I became hooked on this new fantasy show called Bitten. It
    is about a werewolf family living amongst humans.
    What are you working on at the moment, and what are
    we likely to see from you in the coming months?
    I am not working on any
    new books right now. I am mostly concentrating on promoting the books I do have
    and will have. I have two books being released soon. Loves, Myths, and
    Monsters, is a fantasy anthology starring the Mothman, the Chupracabra,
    Mermaids, an Egyptian curse, reincarnation, werewolves, a demonic cellmate, a
    serial killer family from the 1800’s, and a Quaker love story.
    Please tell us about your latest book.
    The Crime of the Century
    is a true double homicide case from 1982, that terrified residents and
    destroyed families. There were many bizarre suspects, but only one was
    railroaded by police.
    Excerpt
    At 5:45 pm., Chief White used his
    walkie-talkie, to radio Lt. Phillipes, who stayed at the command post with Richard
    and Nancy. Only a few short words were needed.
    “We found something, but we don’t
    know what it is,” said the chief.
    What searchers found . . . was unthinkable.
    Just 150 yards north of the railroad
    trestle spanning the Bottle
    Neck River,
    Sheriff Reynolds and one of his deputies reported “something entangled in debris,”
    near their small boat.
    The officers initially said they believed
    the object was an animal carcass. Once it was dislodged and floated down stream,
    they realized it was human.
    The officers then followed the remains
    and discovered 30 yards south of the first torso, the second torso was located.
    Both torsos were reportedly snagged against brush along the riverbank just west
    of The Regency Supply Company.
    Both torsos were reportedly nude and
    so badly decomposed, officers said they were unable to determine their sex.
    Upon the discovery, Jack Jones broke
    down and was seen “running and screaming” from the area. The remains were
    pulled to shore and coroner Rausch was summoned to the riverbank.
    Law enforcement personnel cleared
    the immediate area of non-official personnel. Afterward, they stationed themselves
    around the perimeter of the area while the bodies were examined.
    Many searchers, upon leaving the crime
    scene, were overheard by reporters asking one another “Are the authorities
    looking for one killer or two?”
    After his initial examination of the
    bodies, the coroner said he was unable to rule on the cause of death or what sex
    the torsos were. What he did say, was that if one man committed both murders, it
    was “during a great rage” and by someone with something “very personal”
    against one, or both, of the victims.
    Sheriff Reynolds reported an empty
    purse found, but did not know if it belonged to Babette. He told reporters, he did
    not believe the bodies were the missing Rolling Hills teens.
    Richard Lloyd told reporters that,
    when he and Nancy heard the bodies might not be that of Babette and Shane, they
    were relieved, and said, “That comment gave me and Nancy a speck of hope.”
    JoAnne Myers
    Author Bio
    I have been a long-time
    resident of southeastern Ohio,
    and worked in the blue-collar industry most of my life. Besides having several
    novels under my belt, I canvas paint.
    When not busy with
    hobbies or working outside the home, I spend time with relatives, my dogs
    Jasmine and Scooter, and volunteer my time within the community. I am a member
    of the International Women’s Writing Guild, Savvy Authors, Coffee Time Romance,
    Paranormal Romance Guild, True Romance Studios, National Writers Association,
    the Hocking Hill’s Arts and Craftsmen Association, The Hocking County
    Historical Society and Museum, and the Hocking Hills
    Regional Welcome
    Center. I believe in
    family values and following your dreams. My books along with my original canvas
    paintings, can be found at:
    Author Social Media

  • Author Interviews

    Poetry: About Life, Love, Everything in Between Jo Anne Myers @MelangeBooks #RLFblog

    Poems About Life…
    Jo Anne Myers, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. Let’s talk about
    your book,
    Genre: Poetry
    Blurb:
    “Poems About Life, Love, and Everything in Between”
    is a poetry collection that provides a glimpse into the heart, mind and soul, of
    its author. It is a heartwarming read, written with love and respect for others.
    Some poems were written in times of sorrow, other poems were written in times of
    joyous celebration. Life if like that.
    Buy links:
    Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/147837022x
    Below are some sample poems from the book.

    ACHIEVED THROUGH STRIFE

    In this bleak life of mine,
    I walk the dark alleys of broken dreams.
    A darkened corridor of lost tomorrows,
    within a collage of unraveled seams.
    My life simmered like a bad stew.
    Hidden within a clutter of tear stained cheeks.
    Living in darkness, an unbridled soul.
    Torn between life and death, my future seemed bleak.
    Despair cowered behind my eyes.
    Once beautiful, I was left aged and alone.
    Reflections in my sea of tears,
    reminded me I was forgotten and solitary.
    Stumbling over common life hurdles,
    like a babe learning to crawl.
    Losing everything to my lustful addictions,
    of fear, failure, and shame.
    Lost control of what was mine.
    That poison controlled me for a while.
    It felt bad and made me cry.
    As emotional pain went on for miles.
    I found courage with family and friends.
    No more shadows, cold or rain.
    The venom that once ruled my life,
    is a faded memory I achieved through strife.

    TO THE NEXT CHAPTER

    Shadowed by pain, I slowly melt.
    Nowhere to go, nothing to do.
    Only aggravation and loneliness felt.
    My life left empty, with nothing to lose.
    Suffocating, I fall into seethe.
    Falling as my world crumbles.
    I’m left wanting to believe, searching for hope.
    Like an acrobat walking an unraveling tight rope.
    I call to those I’ve hurt.
    Leaving a message ‘remember me.’
    I’ve done things I want to forget.
    A obstruction I’ve tried to avert.
    I crawl out of the past,
    finding a way at last.
    To rise up instead of fall.
    Destroying this dreadful brick wall.
    See me now, strong and brave.
    For I will never be hurt again.
    I know I will adhere,
    shedding this torment and pain.
    The one I see in the mirror,
    is someone, special and kind.
    I now focus on what I am after,
    moving forward, to the next chapter.

    Interview

    How did you get your start
    in the industry?
    When my crime/detective story “Murder Most Foul,” was
    accepted by Melange Books.
    What is the most important
    thing you do for your career now, as compared to when you first started writing?
    A mass overload of self promoting.
    What do you enjoy most
    about writing?
    The concocting of the plot.
    If you could give the
    younger version of yourself advice what would it be?
    To have a career before family.
    What is your work ethic
    when it comes to writing?
    Write what you are interested in even when others are not.
    How do you cope with stress
    as an author?
    Painting and being reclusive.
    Do things your family
    or friends do ever end up in a book?
    Yes, but they dont know it.
    What are some jobs you’ve
    done before (or while) you were a writer?
    I am still working that 9 to 5 job for a notable chain hotel
    Which of your books would
    you recommend to someone who doesn’t normally read your genre, and why?
    Loves’, Myths’, and Monsters’ which is due out March 2014 through
    Melange Books, because it stars characters some writers might not consider. Such
    as: the Chupracabra, the Mothman, psychic visions, and time travel
    What is your major goal
    in life?
    It is to be a successful writer-up there with Ann Rule and Aphrodite
    Jones. To see my stories on television and the big screen.

    Books Coming Soon

    “MURDER MOST FOUL,” due out July 31 2013
    “WICKED INTENTIONS” a paranormal/mystery anthology
    due out September 2013
    “LOVES’, MYTHS’ AND MONSTERS’,” a fantasy anthology
    due out March 2014
    Jo Anne Myers
    “FLAGITIOUS,” a crime and paranormal novella collection
    due out June 2014
    “THE CRIME OF THE CENTURY,” a biography true-crime
    “TWISTED LOVE,” a true-crime anthology
    SAMPLE POEMS FROM “Poems About Life, Love, and Everything
    in Between”

    About the Author

    Jo Anne Myers hails from the famous Hocking Hills region of southeastern
    Ohio. She has
    worked in the blue-collar industry most of her life. Besides having several novels
    under my belt, she also canvass paints. When not busy with hobbies or working outside
    the home, she spends time with relatives, her dogs Jasmine and Scooter, and volunteers
    her time within the community. She is a member of the Hocking Hill’s Arts and Craftsmen
    Association, The Hocking County Historical Society and Museum, and the Hocking Hills Regional
    Welcome Center.
    She believes in family values and following your dreams.

    Find Me Here

    Website http://www.booksandpaintingsbyjoanne.com
    (Includes original canvass paintings)