Inside Lenz Network

Dennis N. Griffin, Morgan St. James and Eric James Miller are all very actively involved in the writers' community and their careers. They are all currently writing books, and have many books in publication to their credit--Griffin has 16, St. James 14 and Miller has 2. They have also written published short stories. So what is a writer's life like? How do they come up with ideas? How do you know when your book is really finished? What about juggling writing and work? They will talk about all of these things from experience and more.

Host of popular radio show, Grief Diaries, Lynda Fell joins Shattered Lives to explore different types of loss and grief, primarily loss by homicide. Host Donna Gore will explain this type of loss through her own experience of the loss of her father by homicide, and how the grief of that loss effects her entire family many years later.

Grief Diaries includes support groups, awareness campaigns, a book series, resources and a radio show to share the experiences of those worldwide that suffer a loss and grieve in so many different ways.

Lynda Cheldelin Fell is president of the National Grief & Hope Coalition, a radio/film producer, post tragedy community facilitator, and an international bestselling author who found herself beginning the long journey through profound grief when her 15 year-old daughter died in a car accident in 2009. Lynda's world took another unexpected turn when her 46 year-old husband suffered a major stroke leaving him with permanent disabilities. Lynda found comfort by helping others who were struggling, and this fueled her passion to create a legacy of help, healing and hope. Considered a pioneer in the field of inspirational hope in the aftermath of loss, Lynda’s focus centers around groundbreaking projects dedicated to improving grief literacy on a global level. She is also a passionate advocate for the ignored, invisible, and forgotten members of society and loves developing inspirational projects focused on validation, bits of wisdom, and hope.

Daily in the news we are seeing instances of cop shootings all across the country. Shattered Lives is honored to have as guests Chief Marty Sumner and Chief Matt Catania on the show together to discuss this alarming topic from the perspective of those who put their lives on the line for our safety.

Jan Blaser-Upchurch, Victim Services Administrator, AZ Department of Corrections. Jan Blaser-Upchurch has a distinguished record of leadership and service to crime victims, both in Arizona and across the country. She is a steadfast advocate for the rights of victims and has worked diligently to educate the public and train victim advocates regarding vital issues facing the Victim Services community for over 20 years. Tragically, her first husband Sgt John Blaser, AZ DPS, was killed in the line of duty by a drunk driver in 1990. Since his untimely death, Jan has worked tirelessly to educate the public and to enhance DUI and crime victims’ rights legislation. She has dedicated countless volunteer hours and leadership to organizations both statewide and nationally, some of which include: Arizona Concerns of Police Survivors, Arizona DPS Critical Incident Review Board, AZ Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Task Force; Southern AZ DUI Task Force, MADD National Board, and the Concerns of Police Survivors National Board. 

Jan has been the Victim Services Administrator at the Arizona Department of Corrections since 2009. In her position at ADC, she has been able to maintain a high level of service to victims of crimes whose perpetrators are incarcerated. She regularly attends clemency hearings and executions; and assists in a variety of ways to advocate for victims each and every day.  Jan has provided services and morale support to thousands of victims throughout her career, and has been instrumental in shaping laws and guidelines that affect victims and offenders both in Arizona and throughout the nation.

Interviews become part of every published author's life. In October Writers Tricks of the Trade will begin to schedule interview segments with authors and those in the publishing business. The interview feature will launch in November. That brings us to how do you give or conduct compelling interviews? Hosts Morgan St. James, Dennis N. Griffin and Eric James Miller have all been on both sides of the mic, and will discuss what works, what doesn't, what to avoid and how to make the interview interesting and animated.

This episode features discussion with 3 State Outreach Coordinators from CUE Center for Missing Persons. Shawn White of Virginia is the featured guest and will present informaiton about several missing persons cases in her area.

For details on the missing persons cases, how to volunteer, or to donate to the cause, please refer to CUE Center website NCMissingPersons.Org 

Host Donna Gore is the SORC from CT, and co-host Delilah Jones is SORC for South Carolina.

Suicide and it's prevention is the topic of discussion with guest, Brett Scudder of SISFI.Org which also houses the Suicide Institute. They are active in research, training, education, awareness and resources for those who feel hopelessness, as well as a resource for those who have survived the suicide of a loved one. 

Sept. 7-12 is National Suicide Prevention Week.

An unusual parole reversal case, combined with victims’ rights policy and the honoring of a fallen police officer who became the victim of a ruthless homicide. Family members of officer Robert Holcomb join the show along with Plainville, CT Police Chief and Holcomb family friend, Matt Catania to discuss the case and the treatment of the family during the process. We will also discuss the importance of the victim impact statement and recommended reforms for legislation.

Previous show: Victim's Wish List

Jessica O’Grady was a tall, starry-eyed co-ed in search of finding her Mr. Right. Christopher Edwards was a 19-year-old deceitful and darkened soul. David Kofoed was a veteran crime lab commander who was on the prowl for more high-profile sensational murder cases to keep his prestigious forensics lab in the media spotlight. In May of 2006, Jessica’s sudden and mystifying disappearance quickly turned into the biggest news story in Omaha, Nebraska.  John Ferak's BODY OF PROOF lays out critical questions about evidence in the case from the perspective of an investigative journalist.  

Ferak will also update listeners on the latest news about Dixie Shanahan, the subject of his book and previous Shattered Lives interview, DIXIE'S LAST STAND.  

John Ferak is one of the true crime authors published by WildBlue Press.  Visit the author website, JohnFerak.Com for a complete list of books and order a signed copy.

Reviews—the good, the bad and the ugly. Authors need them, but sometimes the reviews are less than glowing. Whether deserved or not, those one and two star reviews are like a punch to the gut and we’ll be discussing a little about that as well easy techniques for giving good reviews yourself. Picture your worst nightmare has come true. The book you thought would be a smash hit got a bad review. Does that mean the world will come crashing down around you? Maybe yes, and maybe no.