|
|
"If you want to be successful: know, love and believe in what you're doing." Will Rodgers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
JULY 2, 2007: I'm excited to be a guest blogger on Karin Tabke's "Write Life" Blog. I'll be talking about criminal procedure and information that could be relevant to your suspense plots. I'm going to be giving away a $10 Borders card to one commenter. So come on by. www.karintabke.com/blog
|
|
|
|
|
|
Motions to suppress evidence are made almost routinely by defendants in criminal cases in hopes that they can keep damaging evidence from the jury. In my current wip, my hero, a defense attorney, makes a motion to suppress the defendant's confession based on the fact that it was not knowing and voluntarily given. He argues that because the defendant had just awoken in the hospital with major injuries, the detective should have waited before interviewing him. Ultimately, the judge rules that the confession is admissible.
The rule behind the exclusionary rule is to dissuade police officers from engaging in behavior that violates a defendant's Constitutional rights. As a result, damaging evidence that clearly links a particular person to a crime is sometimes thrown out, and the jury never knows about it. There's obviously reasons for the rule. Some people argue it is the price that needs to be paid for living in a democracy. Others argue that evidence shouldn't be excluded based on technicalities, but rather that police who engage in misconduct should be subject to civil or professional liabilities. What do you think?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last weekend I attended the Calgary RWA conference. I went with a feeling that something wonderful was going to happen, and I wasn't disappointed. I made it through both flights with relatively little panic. The
return flight did have a bit of turbulence. I kept repeating a refrain
in my head. "Trust." Trust fate. Trust myself. But trust is hard for
me. I had a wonderful time in Calgary. It exceeded my expectations.
I met wonderful women, learned so much from some very talented authors,
and was especially moved by Lori Wilde's keynote address. Lori likened
one's journey to publication to climbing Mt. Everest. She talked about
how climbers actually climb, then retreat, climb, then retreat -- all
for the purpose of finding that one perfect opening. I know exactly
what she means. I pitched to an editor in Calgary who loved my work.
That was an incredible high for me. Since returning from Calgary, I've
replayed that conversation in my head several times. Again, trust
issues. Maybe I imagined how enthusiastic she was? But I know that's
not true. No matter what happens, I need to be able to embrace that
experience and take if for it was. Wonderful feedback. A great ego
boost, and hopefully an opening for the future. If I can just
persevere. And trust.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, tomorrow morning I am taking my first plane ride in over five years. I have always been afraid to fly, but since we haven't had many reasons to fly in the past few years, it hasn't been a problem. Let's face it, raising three boys under five has had enough challenges without trying to get them all on a plane. But because I missed the RWA conference in Atlanta this year, I started looking for a fun conference to go to. I just missed the Emerald City Conference in Seattle. The Calgary RWA Conference was the next in time and in proximity. (Well, proximity being a mattern of opinion, of course. My husband doesn't think it's very close, but he's being supportive.) It also has the benefit of being small. Only about 75 people, with all the workshops being single track. I've read Lori Wilde's books, and am excited to hear her workshop on layering scenes.
It wasn't an easy decision though. I spent hours researching the best deals on flights and hotel reservations, but couldn't manage to commit. I kept going back to whether the conference was worth "risking" my life for. I know it sounds dramatic, but it's true.
Ultimately, though, I couldn't shake the feeling that I'm supposed to go. And that I couldn't let my fear of flying limit my life. This would be a good, small way to start trying to get over that fear. So, I finally booked the tickets, and surprisingly I haven't worried as much since doing that.
Yesterday, my friend set up a "Reike" massage for me at her clinic. I haven't done a lot of research on it, but I've been told Reike is a form of guilded self-healing through energy work. It was...interesting. I'm not ready to trade in my Swedish massages for it, but I enjoyed the experience. As the masseuse (who referred to himself as a "light guide") applied pressure to different parts of my body, I found myself thinking of different topics or visualizing different things. Different people. Different fears. Sometimes I'd feel angry. Sometimes happy.
My favorite moment lasted for several minutes as Ron pressed on my left shoulder blade and I listened to the ocean-themed meditation music. I imagined myself floating in a large body of water, waves lapping over me. I felt at peace, which is significant since I can't swim, have never swum in the ocean, and wouldn't feel comfortable in the water by myself. But as I imagined myself completely alone in the water, I felt comfortable. Energized. Blissful.
Anyway, I'm big on signs, and I think this imagery was symbolic of me overcoming my fear of flying and moving towards self-fulfillment. I guess it would have been more approrpriate if I'd imagined myself flying through the air like a feminine Peter Pan, but I'll take it. Who knows, maybe I'll get on that plate to Kauai someday AND swim in the ocean. In any event, by the time I return from Calgary this Sunday, I'll be a little closer to that dream. And hopefully a little closer to my dream of publication.
How about you? Do you have a fear you're trying to overcome? Have you done anything towards that end?
|
|
|
|
|
|
I'm sure you know that when a suspect is arrested, one of the first things that happens (at least on t.v.) is that the officer reads the suspect his Miranda rights. This is because a law enforcement officer must read a suspect Miranda rights (Miranda v. Arizona (1966) 384 U.S. 436) before the officer can question the suspect about the possible commission of a crime.
"You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you...."
One of the main purposes of Miranda rights is to inform a suspect that he doesn't have to make incriminating statements to the police. In fact, the suspect doesn't have to say anything without an attorney present.
But did you know the police only need to advise a suspect of his Miranda rights if he is "in custody?" If the suspect voluntarily speaks to police, or is interviewed in his home, so long as that person has the right to leave, the officer does not have to give Miranda warnings.
Sometimes it's a close call. The rule is not based solely on the suspect's subjective belief about whether he can leave, but, as most things in criminal law, "the totality of the circumstances."
I'm sure, like me, you've been in situations where you were technically free to leave, but still couldn't manage to extricate yourself from the situation or conversation. Since I've been writing in public, I've had several people sit down next to me and strike up conversations. I like meeting new people, so most of the time I enjoy the conversations. Sometimes, especially when I am on a roll, I just want to get back to my writing. Most of the time, I'll simply ride the conversation out, but since my writing time is so precious, I'm learning to be more assertive. Have you ever been in a situation like this?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thanks for visiting my blog! I am an aspiring romance writer who is also a criminal prosecutor
for the state of California. I recently joined Romance Writers Of America and I hope to submit my manuscript to agents at the beginning of this year!
I've wanted to start writing for a long time. When asked what I do for a living, I'm always a little embarassed to say I'm an attorney. Why, you ask? Not because there's anything wrong with being an attorney (um, I'm trying to be serious here, F5), but because it doesn't feel accurate. Yes, I'm an attorney, but I want to say I'm a writer. A romance writer. Well, hard to say if I don't actually do it.
In September, my friend, published romance writer Brenda Novak, invited me to attend a Sacramento Valley Rose event. (If you are not familiar with Brenda or her online auction to help fund juvenile diabetes research, please check out her website!). I sat at Brenda's table and listened to the inspirational message of Debbie Macomber. I also met several other writers who made me realize that having a day job and kids shouldn't be an impediment to writing. One of these writers, Misa Ramirez, invited me to join her critique group. That generous invitation has changed my life.
Since September, I've worked with three fabulous writers, Misa Ramirez, Kate Perry, and Susan Hatler, and officially become a "Scarlet." In the short time we have known each other, they have helped me improve my writing by leaps and bounds, and provided tons of laughter and support. I have found romance writers in general to be a friendly, warm-hearted group, and am looking forward to meeting more!
As most of my friends know, I am a restless spirit who has been searching for a creative outlet for a long time. I've tried my hand at musical theater, painting, and digital scrapbooking. (I know there have been other things!) I think I put off trying to write because it's the one thing I wanted to do most. Now that I'm doing it, I can't believe I waited so long. I have so much to learn, and with the love and support of my family, I know I'll be able to do it. Stay tuned for more.
Oh, and by the way, I have to put in this disclaimer (I guess you can't take the lawyer out of the writer): This site is intended to provide information and antecdotes about my writing journey, as well as some informaiton about the criminal justice system. Although I'll certainly do the best I can, I do not warrant the legal accuracy of the information. The law is always changing and legal issues are never simple. Do not rely on this site for legal advice.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright . http://CALL.NINAMEYERS.COM. All rights reserved. |
|
|