2012 Golden Donut Short Story Finalists

2012 Golden Donut

 

The rules were simple…write a story about the photo we supplied, using exactly 200 words. No more, no less. The task…not so simple.

It’s pretty tough to pen a really good tale with so few words, especially a story complete with a beginning, middle, and ending. But, you guys met the challenge, which resulted in us receiving a mountain of wonderful entries from writers all over the country (more than the past years combined).

The stories were all sent to a first-reader who is not associated with the Writers’ Police Academy. The first reader is, however, a professional editor and author. All entries were blind entries, meaning that the stories were sent without the author’s names. The only identifying marker was a number randomly assigned to each entry.

The next step was to pick the top ten finalists, which the reader did, all while kicking and screaming, stating there were too many really good stories to narrow the field down to only ten. But, the top ten were finally selected and the list of ten numbers were returned to WPA officials. And, in no particular order, the 2012 Golden Donut finalists are…

Private Property -Melinda Loomis

Snakehouse -Rick McMahan

Turn Of The Key – Andrew Itlaia

Old Partners – David Swords

Alone – Bob Doerr

WWYD -Rick McMahan

Closure -Ann Kellett

The Best Deal -Linda Lindsey Davis

Kidnapped -Korey Hagans

Reminiscing – Cynthia Barwin

So, congratulations to the top ten finalists!

The step step in the process was to send the top ten picks to the official WPA contest judge, Kristen Weber. Many of you already know Kristen, especially if you’ve ever had a manuscript either accepted or rejected by her during her time as senior editor for Penguin’s New American Library (NAL) or Obsidian (imprint of NAL). Kristen was also in charge of NAL’s movie/television tie-in program and edited numerous original novels based on TV programs such as Burn Notice, The Unit, Criminal Minds, and Psych. She’s worked with well-known authors such as M. C. Beaton, Lindsey Davis, Margaret Maron, and Marcia Muller.

Kristen now runs an editorial service helping writers get their work in shape for today’s competitive marketplace.

Needless to say, our 2012 judge knows her stuff. And she has selected this year’s top story.

But you’ll have to wait until next week at the Saturday night banquet to learn the name of the winner. The Golden Donut Award will be presented to the winner at that time.

Again, congratulations, and good luck, to all the finalists.

And thanks to the dozens upon dozens of talented writers who entered the contest. Your support is greatly appreciated.

See you all in a few days. Get plenty of rest between now and then. You’ll need it!

/by

Writers’ Police Academy Schedule of Events

WPA Schedule

 

We’re only two short weeks away from the most exciting writer event of all time.

Final preparations are underway.

Dozens upon dozens of law enforcement officers are polishing-up their latest gadgets, tools, and equipment.

Experts have begun loading up their vehicles with specialty tools of the trade.

Fire trucks, ambulances, motorcycles, SWAT vehicles, patrol cars, mobile command posts, bomb squad trucks, and many other emergency vehicles are getting a good washing. Top experts are going over their checklists as they prepare to fly in to the Greensboro airport. Even the bomb robot is practicing its moves.

All this in anticipation of the surge of writers coming from nearly every state in the U.S., and Canada, who’ll soon hit North Carolina soil. And they’ll hit the ground running…and shooting, and fingerprinting, and handcuffing, and driving, and, well, see for yourself!

Here’s what’s in store for them…

THURSDAY

3 p.m. – Registration at the hotel

 

5:30 p.m. – Ride-a-long and Jail Tour Orientation- Embassy Suites hotel – details TBA

 

6 p.m.

Agent pitch sessions with agents from Sullivan Maxx Literary Agency (hotel)

Sign up sheets for the agent pitch sessions will be available in the lobby near registration. You MUST sign up in advance!!

 

6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Patrol ride-a-longs with police and deputy sheriffs – Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, High Point Police, Greensboro Police.

All riders MUST sign a waiver and submit to a brief non-intrusive background check that simply looks to see if you’re a wanted person or a threat to the country. It does not delve into your criminal or civil history. Ride-a-longs are selected by lottery (the name of every registered attendee is placed in the lottery drawing). Lottery winners will be notified within the two weeks preceding the WPA. Waiver forms and background check information will accompany the winning notifications.

 

Jail tours – Guilford County Sheriff’s Office

 

*Photography during the entire event is permitted, and encouraged. However, due to the sensitive nature and content of some workshops and other sessions, we request that you ask individual instructors before taking pictures. Those of you participating in the ride-a-longs must ask each officer about his/her department’s policy on photography. You may NOT photograph civilians engaged by the officers. Also, you may NOT video/record any interaction between the officer and civilians/suspects.

 

*You may NOT bring your cameras on the jail tour. Please leave them at the hotel.

 

***VIDEOTAPING WPA WORKSHOPS IS NOT PERMITTED***

 

6:00 p.m.

Orientation and brief Q&A – WPA Do’s and Don’t’s – What to expect and when to expect it. The WPA is quite different than the events normally attended by writers, so please bring your questions to this informal gathering at the Embassy Suites Hotel ~ Lee Lofland

 

*Please remember to bring rain gear. WPA is a rain or shine event!

 

FRIDAY


7:30 am – Buses depart Embassy Suites Hotel for academy. Please be on time. The buses cannot wait for anyone! They will pull away at precisely 7:30. Our schedule is extremely tight.

 

8am – Registration continues (Fire Station classroom across from Public Safety Building)

 

8:30 FATS (Firearms Training Simulator) and Driving Simulator – ONGOING. Please be at the FATS room and the Driving Simulator room at your designated time. The schedule is extremely tight with absolutely no wiggle room for tardiness, and there are no extra slots. Not even one. If you are not on-deck outside the FATS room when it is your time to shoot, you will forfeit your shoot time. No refunds.

FATS and Driving Simulator schedules will be sent to you via email sometime within the two weeks prior to the WPA. A copy of the schedule will also be available at the event. BE EARLY, if possible!!

*FATS and the driving simulator are add-on workshops. FATS filled long ago, almost at the start of registration.

 

8:45 – 1:00 p.m.

Live police, fire, EMS equipment display and demos K-9’s, SWAT teams, Bomb Squad, robots, Static displays, Mobile Command Posts, Pursuit vehicles, Motorcycles, Fire trucks, Ambulances, Crime Scene Investigation, Dive Teams, and much, much, more.  ~ local emergency responders and law enforcement (city, state, and county). ( Located on the driving track behind the fire station)

This is a hands-on event. Experts will be available for “show and tell” with the various equipment. However, please ask before touching!

 

Agent pitch sessions – check posted schedule at the academy (in the lobby area at the police academy/Public Safety Building)

 

*Please take a moment to visit the volunteers at the Sisters in Crime table to learn more about the organization and to say thanks for helping SinC members attend the WPA at such an attractive discount!

 

9:00 – 1:30 p.m.

DWI/Texting While Driving (ongoing session. walk up at any time)

How alcohol effects the body, and the dangers of texting and driving. See how well you can drive while under the influence, or while texting. WPA recruits driving on controlled course. ~ North Carolina State Trooper Ingram (Driving track)

 

***All workshops are on a first-come, first-served basis. Classrooms fill quickly, so please have 2nd and 3rd choices in mind. In fact, it’s a good idea to plan your day in advance. Most sessions are repeated, so, if you miss your favorite you’ll have a 2nd opportunity. This is a fast-paced, exciting, packed-to-the-brim event. You will not be able to see and do everything!!***

 

9:00 – 10:15

Human Trafficking – Instructor Tommy Sluder

Drug Interdiction – “Hidden Compartments” is an in-depth look at how officers locate concealed narcotics. Hands-on exercises and lecture. ~ Instructor Tim Cardwell

Gangs – the life of a gang member, signs, tagging, and colors. ~ Instructor – Culbertson

Making A Lasting Impression – Footwear, tire, and other impression evidence. Hands-on ~ Instructors Robert Skiff and Dave Pauly (Sirchie Fingerprint Laboratory)

*More workshops on the way in this time slot.

 

10:30 – 11:00

JAWS of Life – Instructors demonstrate how emergency responders use the JAWS of Life tool(s) to extricate crash victims trapped inside automobiles. Actual tools, procedures, and crashed vehicles will be utilized in this real-life exercise. Don’t forget your cameras! ~ Instructor – Tim Fitts

 

11:00 – 12:00

Fire Station Tour and Equipment Demo ~ Instructor Tim Fitts (Fire station) immediately following JAWS demo

 

10:30 – 12:00

Fingerprinting – The significance of latent fingerprints and how to locate and lift them from a variety of surfaces. ~ Instructor Susan Powell (hands-on)

Cold Cases and the Realities of Investigations ~ Dave Pauly and Dr. Katherine Ramsland

Making A Lasting Impression – Footwear, tire, and other impression evidence. Hands-on ~ Instructor Robert Skiff (Sirchie Fingerprint Laboratory)

Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs: Free-wheeling modern renegades or organized crime on two-wheels? An American invention, Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMGS) have been exported across the globe, with a presence on almost every continent. This will be an overview of the history, structure and criminal activities of OMGs.~ Instructor ATF Special Agent Rick McMahan

Jail Searches (All new course!) ~ Instructor Sgt. Catherine Netter

*More workshops on the way for this time slot.

 

12 – 1 p.m.

Lunch – on your own (available for purchase on academy grounds – proceeds benefit the EMS program)

 

1:00 – 2:15

Suicides, Hangings, and Auto Erotic Death Investigations ~ Instructor Professor Bill Lanning

EMS and the Crime Scene – What are the responsibilities of EMS workers when they must enter a crime scene to treat a patient? Which has the highest priority, the patient or the evidence?  Homicide crime scene and gunshot victim(s). Extremely realistic! ~ Instructor Randy Yow (EMS Bay)

Personal Protection for Women – an exciting and fun workshop with instruction on self-defense tactics especially for women. Learn how to avoid being the victim. ~ Instructor Cpl. Dee Jackson

Drug Interdiction – “Hidden Compartments” is an in-depth look at how officers locate concealed narcotics. Hands-on exercises and lecture. ~ Instructor Tim Cardwell (repeat of morning session)

Human Trafficking ~ Instructor Tommy Sluder

Interview and Interrogation – Learn how the pros get the bad guys to confess. Do officers really play “Good cop, Bad Cop?” See an actual interview room complete with recording equipment and “the mirror.” ~ Instructor Andy Russell

Building Searches – recruits will “suit-up” as part of a raid team on a high-risk entry into an actual residence. ~ Instructor Lt. Randy Shepherd (off campus) Details TBA

Cold Cases and the Realities of Investigations ~ Dave Pauly and Dr. Katherine Ramsland

*More workshops on the way for this time slot.

 

2:30 – 3:40

Microscopic Murder –  An overview of methods for bioterrorism agent dissemination and detection in the environment. Learn the signs and symptoms of infection and how laboratories identify the causative agent. This workshop is an actual behind-the-scenes perspective on these bad bugs! ~ Instructor Dr. Denene Lofland

Bloodstain Patterns and Presumptive Testing ~ Instructor Dave Pauly (METHODIST UNIVERSITY)/Sirchie Fingerprint Labs/TruForensics, LLC.

Building Searches – recruits will “suit-up” as part of a raid team on a high-risk entry into an actual residence. ~ Instructor Lt. Randy Shepherd (off campus) Details TBA

Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs: Free-wheeling modern renegades or organized crime on two-wheels? An American invention, Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMGS) have been exported across the globe, with a presence on almost every continent. This will be an overview of the history, structure and criminal activities of OMGs.~ Instructor ATF Special Agent Rick McMahan

Interview and Interrogation – Learn how the pros get the bad guys to confess. Do officers really play “Good cop, Bad Cop?” See an actual interview room complete with recording equipment and “the mirror.” ~ Instructor Andy Russell

*More workshops on the way for this time slot.

 

3:55 p.m.

Announcements

Auditorium (Everyone)

 

4:00 – 5:25 p.m.

Forensic Identification – World-renowned forensic anthropologist Dr. Elizabeth Murray will discuss skeletal remains and the tools associated with identification. Dr. Murray will also present information about NamUs (the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System) and some of its success stories.

Dr. Murray is known world-wide for her expertise in the field of forensic anthropology. As an expert, she often appears on television programs such as National Geographic, Forensic Files, Unsolved Mysteries, and she was featured in several episodes of Skeleton Stories on Discovery Health Channel. Dr. Murray was also discovered the key evidence needed to solve the cold case murder in the true crime tale, “Murder on Minor Avenue,” written by Lee Lofland.

 

5:35 – buses depart for hotel

 

7:30-8:30 p.m.

Reception at event hotel (Embassy Suites)

*The reception is sponsored by Sisters in Crime National. Please be sure to send your notes of appreciation to the SinC board of directors!

 

8:30 p.m. – until

Night Owl Presentation

“Mindful Investigations: How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes.” ~ Special guest speaker – Dr. Katherine Ramsland

You absolutely will not want to miss this fascinating interactive presentation!

Dr. Katherine Ramsland has published 44 books and over 1,000 articles, and recently had a #1 bestseller on the Wall Street Journal’s nonfiction list.

Dr. Ramsland speaks widely on serial killers and psychopaths, and is a frequent commentator on crime documentaries. She has appeared on 20/20, 48 Hours, Larry King Live, and numerous cable programs.

 

SATURDAY

 

7:30 a.m. – buses depart for academy

 

8 – 8:05 – announcements and important safety instructions for the day – Mandatory attendance by all WPA recruits ~ Lee Lofland and Jay Goodnight

 

9:00 – FATS and Driving Simulator – ongoing

 

9:00 – 10:15

Suicides, Hangings, and Auto Erotic Death Investigations – Professor Bill Lanning

Training New Recruits – A look at life as a new police officer. Introduction of mandates to become a police officer. Hands-on with police equipment—gun belt, vest, weapons, shields, etc. Instructor Lieutenant Rick Brewer (GTCC Police Academy Coordinator)

The Anatomy of an Undercover Cop, and How It Can Help Your Novel ~ Instructor NYPD Detective Marco Conelli

Training New Recruits – A look at life as a new police officer. Introduction of mandates to become a police officer. Hands-on with police equipment—gun belt, vest, weapons, shields, etc. Instructor Lieutenant Rick Brewer (GTCC Police Academy Coordinator)

Drug Interdiction – “Hidden Compartments” is an in-depth look at how officers locate concealed narcotics. Hands-on exercises and lecture. Instructor Tim Cardwell

Fire Scene Investigation  – Learn how the pros locate the point of origin of a structure fire. How they investigate arson. What happens when a body is discovered inside a burning building?Are arson investigators sworn police officers? ~ Instructor Jerry Coble – Asst. Fire Marshal

Viewing the Crime Scene in a Different Light – Alternate light sources used by crime scene investigators, including the remarkable Krimesite Imager. Hands on workshop – Dave Pauly/Sirchie Fingerprint Labs/TruForensic, LLC.

 

10:30 – 11:45

Fire Scene Investigation  – Learn how the pros locate the point of origin of a structure fire. How they investigate arson. What happens when a body is discovered inside a burning building?Are arson investigators sworn police officers? ~ Instructor Jerry Coble – Asst. Fire Marshal

Drug Interdiction – “Hidden Compartments” is an in-depth look at how officers locate concealed narcotics. Hands-on exercises and lecture. ~ Instructor Tim Cardwell (repeat of morning session)

Handcuffing and Arrest Techniques – Learn how the pros gain control of violent suspects and then place them under arrest. Hands-on. This wildly popular workshop is back by popular demand. ~ Instructor Field Training Officer and Subject Control and Arrest Technique Expert Stan Lawhorne (repeat session)

Jail Searches (All new course!) ~ Instructor Sgt. Catherine Netter

Police Gunfighting–Techniques, tactics, and training of law enforcement shooters. ~ Instructor ATF Special Agent Rick McMahan

Bloodstain Interpretations and Presumptive Tests ~ Instructors Dave Pauly and Robert Skiff (Sirchie Fingerprint Laboratory)

*More workshops on the way for this time slot.

 

12 – 12:45pm

Lunch

 

1 – 2:30 p.m.

Underwater Evidence Recovery: Session One – Guilford County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team demonstrates the equipment and techniques used in locating and recovering underwater evidence, including bodies. ~ YMCA pool

Shallow Grave Investigation – the untold story from the grave. Be prepared for a short walk in the woods. Sights, sounds, and smells are all activated in this all-to-realistic crime scene. Don’t forget your cameras! ~ Instructor Bill Lanning

K-9 Demo – Watch the police dogs in action. Narcotics search and suspect apprehension. Q&A. Bring your cameras! Please follow all instruction by the officers!

Mock Riot – (use of smoke and mock gas) – Crowd hostility along with crowd disbursement ~ Instructor Andy Russell

Handcuffing and Arrest Techniques – Learn how the pros gain control of violent suspects and then place them under arrest. Hands-on. This wildly popular workshop is back by popular demand. ~ Instructor Field Training Officer and Subject Control and Arrest Technique Expert Stan Lawhorne (repeat session)

EMS and the Crime Scene – What are the responsibilities of EMS workers when they must enter a crime scene to treat a patient? Which has the highest priority, the patient or the evidence?  Homicide crime scene and gunshot victim(s). Extremely realistic! ~ Instructor Randy Yow (EMS Bay)

Bloodstain Interpretations and Presumptive Tests ~ Instructors Dave Pauly and Robert Skiff (Sirchie Fingerprint Laboratory)

*More workshops on the way for this time slot.

 

2:30 – 3:40

Underwater Evidence Recovery: Session Two – Guilford County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team demonstrates the equipment and techniques used in locating and recovering underwater evidence, including bodies. ~ YMCA pool

Personal Protection for Women – an exciting and fun workshop with instruction on self-defense tactics especially for women. Learn how to avoid being the victim. Instructor Dee Jackson. Location – mat room. Please remove your shoes before stepping onto the mats!

Police Gunfighting–Techniques, tactics, and training of law enforcement shooters (repeat session). ~ Instructor ATF Special Agent Rick McMahan

Microscopic Murder –  An overview of methods for bioterrorism agent dissemination and detection in the environment. Learn the signs and symptoms of infection and how laboratories identify the causative agent. This workshop is an actual behind-the-scenes perspective on these bad bugs! (repeat session) ~ Instructor Dr. Denene Lofland

The Anatomy of an Undercover Cop, and How It Can Help Your Novel ~ Instructor NYPD Detective Marco Conelli

*More workshops on the way for this time slot.

 

3:55 – Announcements

 

4:00 – 5:25 p.m. Marcia Clark – “The Truth in Fiction – Delivering Your World Without Boring Them to Death.”

Presentation and Q&A (main auditorium)

Marcia’s presentation will delve into her role as a Special Trials prosecutor and how her work alongside police investigators inspired her Rachel Knight series.

Marcia Clark, one of the most recognized figures in the legal world, is a former Los Angeles deputy district attorney who was the lead prosecutor on the O.J. Simpson murder case. She co-wrote a bestselling nonfiction book about the trial, Without a Doubt, and is a frequent media commentator and columnist on legal issues.

5:35 – buses depart for hotel

 

6:30 – book store opens

 

7pm – cash bar

 

7:30 – 8:30 banquet, awards, silent auction and raffle, and announcements

SPECIAL MYSTERY GUEST! You won’t believe your eyes!

 

*The list of items to be raffled and auctioned at the 2012 WPA is OUTSTANDING!

To name a few:

 

– Fender guitar signed especially for the WPA. Donated by Kathy Harris, author and marketing manager for the Oak Ridge Boys – signatures include The Oak Ridge Boys, Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum, and Keith Urban. This item is priceless! Also, a signed book by Kathy Harris.

– Opposite of Fate – Hardcover signed by Amy Tan

– Greatest Moments in LSU College Football – signed by 5 players Ltd. Ed. # 478/500

– “One Hundred Seasons” Duke University Basketball- # 352/500

– Patti LaBelle Cookbook – signed by singer Patti LaBelle

– Madam Secretary – Madeleine Albright memior – signed

– Life Beyond Measure (Letters to My great Granddaughter) – 1st print HC signed by actor Sidney Poitier

– Meditations from the Joint -Hardcover signed by Tommy Chong (w/ a photo of him signing the book)

– A grocery bag made of crime scene tape fabric

-The Talisman and Black House by Stephen King& Peter Straub Ltd. Ed. Hardcover set. Set is signed by Peter Straub and Rick Berry

– “A Remarkable Mother” HC 1st Printing signed by former US President Jimmy Carter

– Official equipment from Sirchie Fingerprint Laboratories

– New York Yankees encyclopedia Signed by 9 former Yankee’s Players it is a Ltd. Edition

– A character in Stuart Woods’ next novel named after the auction winner

TV and Movie Scripts

South Park – Signed by Trey Parker

Family Guy- Signed by Seth MacFarlane

10 Things I Hate About You- Signed by Julia Stiles

The Cider House Rules- Signed by Charlize Theron

Nightmare On Elm Street- Signed by Robert England (Freddy Krueger)

Pirates of the Caribbean- Signed by Johnny Depp

Ghost- Signed by Whoopi Goldberg

Young Frankenstein- Signed by Mel Brooks

And dozens of books signed by your favorite authors, such as Joseph Wambaugh, Faye Kellerman, Tess Gerritsen, Joseph Finder, and many, many other items too numerous to mention in this small space!

 

8:30 – keynote address with Lee Child

Book signing immediately following banquet

 

*Singer songwriter Stacy Allen will entertain and host sing-a-longs immediately following the book-signing.  Bring your acoustic guitars and voices and join in. It’s a lot of fun.

 

SUNDAY


 

10am – noon – Debriefing Panel with instructors. This session is rated one of the best of the academy! (bring paper, pens, questions, and a fantastic sense of humor)

 

Notes of interest:

* More exciting workshops on the way!

*Due to the highly unpredictable world of law enforcement, the schedule and workshop topics may change at any time. Remember, many workshops are taught by active-duty police and forensics experts.

* No personal weapons of any type are permitted on the WPA/GTCC grounds. No exceptions! (this includes any firearm, ammunition, chemical sprays, stun guns, edged weapons – knives, daggers, etc., and martial arts weapons. If it’s a weapon, leave it at home or in your hotel room). We supply all training equipment. Any violations of this rule will result in immediate dismissal from the WPA program. Remember, this is a college campus/police academy.

*Armed law enforcement officers must have proper department ID and badge. Please, for your safety and the safety of others, alert academy/WPA staff if you are carrying concealed. This is extremely important due to the active scenarios that may “pop up” unexpectedly throughout the event.

* WPA recruits may only bring a pencil, ID, and notepad on the jail tours. No other items will be permitted inside the jail. This is a working jail that houses prisoners who’ve committed crimes that range from minor misdemeanors to murder. Weapons, purses, car keys, cell phones, and/or cameras are NOT permitted.

 *** THIS SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME. FOR ACCURATE DETAILS, PLEASE REFER TO THE OFFICIAL SCHEDULE POSTED ON THE WPA WEBSITE. ***

/by

Disneyland For Writers: The Writers’ Police Academy

Disneyland for writers

 

When

September 20-23, 2012

Where

Guilford Technical Community College/Public Safety
Jamestown N.C.

About us:

The Writers’ Police Academy offers the most hands-on, interactive and educational experience writers can find to enhance their understanding of all aspects of law enforcement and forensics.

This is a one of a kind event, featuring real police, fire, and EMS training at an actual police academy.

Top instructors and experts include Marcia Clark (former OJ Simpson prosecutor), experts from Sirchie Fingerprint Laboratories, forensic anthropologist Dr. Elizabeth Murray, author Kathy Harris (marketing manager for the Oak Ridge Boys), ATF Special Agent Rick McMahan, NYPD Detective Marco Conelli, cold case expert Dave Pauly, Detective Lee Lofland, bioterrorism and DNA expert Dr. Denene Lofland, author and forensic psychology expert Dr. Katherine Ramsland, GTCC police academy instructors, and literally dozens of active duty police officers, firefighters, and EMS workers.

Workshops include (and many more):

– Interview and Interrogation.
– Cold Case Investigations.
– Special guest speakers.
– Firearms
– Bloodstain pattern investigations
– K-9’s
– Dive teams
– Arson investigation
– Federal agents
– Undercover officers and UC investigations
– Bioterrorism and DNA
– Gangs
– Firefighting
– Treating gunshot victims
– First responders
– FATS training
– Driving simulator
– Arrest techniques and Handcuffing
– Defensive tactics and self defense for women
– Women in law enforcement
– Jail tours
– Polygraph
– Suicides and Hangings
– Shallow grave investigations

And police ride-a-longs (by lottery)!

Literary agents from the Sullivan Maxx Literary Agency will be on hand to take pitches!

Our 2012 Keynote speaker is international bestselling author Lee Child.

And much, much more!

Please visit us at www.writerspoliceacademy.com

 

 

/by

Writers’ Police Academy Is The Real Deal

WPA is the real deal

 

Each year we offer the best program possible. We begin the process by determining the most current sought-after topics of interest to writers. Yes, I keep a file of all the questions presented to me during the year.

I then choose the most popular topics and begin searching long and hard for the experts in those particular fields. And, we don’t just settle for anybody. No way. You guys mean far too much to us to present you with second best. What we look for in a WPA presenter is an expert who rises a notch above the best. However, they must understand the type of information needed by authors—the details, even the little ones. And you, as writers, should never settle for anything less when it comes to getting the facts right for your stories.

Not only will you receive behind-the-scenes information at the WPA, you’ll learn the emotion that comes with the job. Our instructors share the danger, the excitement, the boredom, and the tears.

The Writers’ Police Academy is designed for you, the writer. But we definitely are NOT a typical writers conference. Instead, the WPA is a hands-on event that focuses on making your fiction as absolutely believable as the written word allows.

This is not a watered down citizens police academy, where officers don’t/can’t tell you “everything.” This event is the real deal, with real equipment and real instructors, and it takes place in an actual police, fire, and EMS academy, not a hotel meeting room. You receive the same details as the officers who attend police academy training.

Well, this year is no exception to our self-imposed rule of excellence. Believe me, we have gone all out this time. Nope, we’re not holding back anything.

You asked for it, so here it is… the 2012 Writers’ Police Academy.

2012 Writers’ Police Academy

When

September 20-23

Where

Guilford Technical Community College/Public Safety
Jamestown N.C.

www.writerspoliceacademy.com

The Writers’ Police Academy offers the most hands-on, interactive and educational experience writers can find to enhance their understanding of all aspects of law enforcement and forensics.

This is a one of a kind event, featuring police, fire, and EMS training at an actual police academy.

Top instructors and experts include Marcia Clark (former OJ Simpson prosecutor), experts from Sirchie Fingerprint Laboratories, forensic anthropologist Dr. Elizabeth Murray, author Kathy Harris (marketing manager for the Oak Ridge Boys), ATF Special Agent Rick McMahan, NYPD Detective Marco Conelli, cold case and bloodstain pattern expert Dave Pauly, Detective Lee Lofland, bioterrorism and DNA expert Dr. Denene Lofland, author and forensic psychology expert Dr. Katherine Ramsland, all GTCC police, fire, and EMS academy instructors, and literally dozens of active-duty police officers, firefighters, bomb squad, SWAT, CSI’s, pilots, and EMS workers.

Workshops include (there are more than what’s listed):

– Interview and Interrogation.
– Cold Case Investigations.
– Special guest speakers.
– Firearms


– Bloodstain pattern investigations
– K-9’s
– Dive teams
– Arson investigation
– Federal agents
– Undercover officers and UC investigations
– Bioterrorism and DNA
– Gangs
– Firefighting
– Treating gunshot victims
– First responders


– FATS training
– Driving simulator


– Arrest techniques and Handcuffing
– Defensive tactics and self defense for women
– Women in law enforcement
– Jail tours
– Polygraph
– Suicides and Hangings
– Shallow grave investigations

And police ride-a-longs!

Literary agents from the Sullivan Maxx Literary Agency will be on hand to take pitches!

Our 2012 Keynote speaker is international bestselling author Lee Child.

Silent auction and raffle feature signed scripts from TV and film, a Fender guitar signed by the Oak Ridge Boys, Lady Antebellum, Keith Urban, and more, signed books, and many other fantastic items. Guitar donated by author Kathy Harris who just happens to be marketing manager for the Oak Ridge Boys.

And much, much more, including a special surprise guest!

*Sisters in Crime is once again paying over half the registration fee for SinC members.

*Remember, profits go to the GTCC criminal justice foundation for police training and equipment. These are the officers who devote their time to teaching YOU!

We invite you to join us this year for a spectacular event. Please visit our website to register today. Hurry while space is available!

www.writerspoliceacademy.com

*     *     *

The Mayberry sheriff has left us.

Sheriffin’ will never be the same without him.

Andy Griffith

1926 – 2012

 

/by

Writers’ Police Academy Registration IS Officially Open…and almost full!

20-Hot tips: Preparing for 2015 WPA

 

Registration for the 2012 Writers’ Police Academy is officially open!

The Writers’ Police Academy offers the most hands-on, interactive and educational experience writers can find to enhance their understanding of all aspects of law enforcement and forensics.

This event is the real deal. You’ll train in a real police academy in workshops taught by actual police academy instructors and experts.

The WPA is a one of a kind event, not offered anywhere else in the country…in the entire world, actually!

We offer the best police, fire, and EMS instructors in the business.

Top experts in their fields (criminal psychology, cold cases, computer forensics, police snipers, etc.) come from all over the country to help writers “get it right.”

Experts from the elite Sirchie Fingerprint Laboratories present “law enforcement only” sessions.

Learn how the pros investigate criminal cases. Fingerprinting, handcuffing, impression evidence, cold cases, undercover work, defensive tactics, arson investigations, K-9’s, bomb squads, dive teams, helicopters, motorcycles, firearms, federal agents, role play, emergency medicine, death investigation, and much, much more. Far too much to see and do in one weekend!

You’ll use real police, fire and EMS equipment.

We have a real, working fire station on site (with real, working firefighters!)

Experience the feel and smells associated with crime scene investigations.

And, where else can you go to play cops and robbers with Lee Child? Yes, Lee Child is the 2012 WPA keynote speaker!

See you in September!

www.writerspoliceacademy.com

*Space is limited to the first 150 people to sign up, and we have almost reached that point.

*FATS (firearms training simulator) and Driving Simulator slots are limited to the first 60 people to sign up. Very few slots remain for either of those exciting sessions.

From last year:

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2011 Golden Donut Winner And Runners Up

2011 Golden Donut

 

I’m so glad that I wasn’t a judge for the 2011 Golden Donut Short Story contest, because each of the entries were absolutely wonderful. But, after a first round of screening, the top ten stories were submitted to our judge, editor Kristen Weber, who had the difficult task of picking a winner. (All stories were submitted to the judges as blind entries—no names were attached to the stories, only randomly selected numbers).

In case you don’t remember the contest rules, the stories had to feature the picture above and be exactly 200 words, including the title. With that in mind, here are the top three stories beginning with the winning story written by Rick McMahan. The Golden Donut Award was presented to Rick at the WPA during the Saturday night banquet.

FIRST PLACE

TINY DANCER

by

Rick McMahan

“When I was little, I used to dance and pretend I was a ballerina,” the chained woman said.

He knew she was trying to get sympathy. He held a flashlight in one hand, a gun in the other. “You said you would cooperate,” he said.

They stood in front of an old rambling house, overgrown with weeds. It was a place Norman Bates would find appealing.

“I will,” she whispered, struggling to raise her shackled hands to push her blonde hair behind her ear.

On the roof, a row of crows and took to flight.

She didn’t try to run. “On stage, I hold my eyes closed against the neon and pretend I’m a ballerina.” Her voice and steps faltered as he opened the door.

The flashlight’s beam pierced the dark interior. The smell of spoiled blood filled the air.

A sturdy pole stood in the center of the room. The flashlight illuminated the overlapping bloody footprints circling the pole.

“How did you pick them?” the cop asked.

She stared at her collection arrayed along the wall.

“Their age, dark hair and the whiskey on their breath, just like Daddy did when he came for his tiny dancer.”

SECOND PLACE

OMG

by

Elizabeth Bryant

“OMG!!!!” squealed Courtney. “This place is SO awesome!”

“Cool, huh?”

Jason turned the lock on the door behind him.

“How’d you find this place? It’s like a haunted house out of a

movie or something.”

“Came across it one day. Nobody lives here, so I figured ‘what the

hell.’”

Jason placed his hands on either side of Courtney’s waist and

looked into her eyes.

“Man, I’ve got to call my BFF Heather and tell her about this

place. It’s sick.”

Courtney wiggled away and started digging in her humongous purple hobo bag.

“Call her later.” Jason smiled, coming toward her. Courtney’s back

was against the wall.

“So are you legal Courtney?”

“What kinda legal?”

Jason placed his palms against the wall on either side of Courtney’s

head. Her hand still in the hobo.

“How old?”

“I’m 16. You?”

“I’m a little older,” he whispered, “but I like making love to

pretty young girls. What do you like?”

Courtney giggled. “You’re going to think I’m such a freak!”

“No I won’t. Tell me.”

Courtney whipped a pink handled Bowie knife from her hobo bag and

giggled again as she plunged the blade into his chest.

“I like watching things bleed.”

THIRD PLACE

THE GARDENER

by

Nancy Sweetland

The house was a beauty, all right. It looked regally traditional, nestled so prettily in waves of blooming flowers. Everyone raved about those flowers, and about my dear auntie Heliotrope (just a little dotty, we all thought, but harmless). Who would have guessed her penchant for taking in derelicts wasn’t for the greater good? “I just give them a chance to contribute,” she often said. “Isn’t that nice?”

The day I went to check on her she answered the door with her grey hair all screwed up on top of her head, stuck through with a lethal-looking pair of knitting needles that I swear could skewer a small dog. Her apron was spattered with something unpleasant I couldn’t identify.

“Why, Sissie,” she said. “Thanks for coming but I can’t have tea now. I’m busy.”

“Doing what?”

“Just turning my compost. Come see.” She led the way to the cellar door and threw it open. The stench that billowed up was unbelievable. She flicked on the light. All I could see was a floor covered with bones and rotting bodies.

Heliotrope’s smile was proud. “See? At last they’re contributing. You think my flowers get that beautiful without good fertilizer?”

*Thanks to everyone who participated in the short story contest. Your support is greatly appreciated!

*Photograph by Sunday Kaminski

 

 

 

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Writers’ Police Academy: The Recruits

WPA: The Recruits

 

Another Writers’ Police Academy has come and gone…and it was FANTASTIC! Sure, the faculty was comprised of some of the top experts in their fields, but the real superstars of the event were the recruits. And all the instructors were quite impressed by your eagerness to learn and your desire to “get it right.”

WPA attendees traveled from nearly every state in the U.S., and from Canada, to have a peek inside our lives. And what a peek that was…from reciting the Law Enforcement Code Of Ethics (as a group), to seeing a hostage situation unfold and terminate in real time. This event is a one of a kind event. There is no other like it, anywhere!

The weather didn’t exactly cooperate, but that didn’t stop anyone from braving the downpour to have a look at Professor Bill Lanning’s shallow grave crime scene. The victim, “Sonja,” waited patiently as recruits photographed her in the spot where her killer attempted to cover his tracks.

Dr. Katherine Ramsland (with WPA event bag) joined recruits in photographing the crime scene

Reciting the Law Enforcement Code Of Ethics is how the day begins at many police academies. We maintain that same long-standing tradition.

WPA recruits took the event seriously, and for that they were rewarded with “behind the scenes” tips not normally seen by civilians.

A disgruntled employee takes Sandra Neal hostage during the Saturday morning briefing.

I dialed 911, and within seconds, a hostage negotiations team was on the scene.

But words weren’t enough this time. A loud “CRACK” echoed throughout the auditorium. Instantly, the threat was terminated by a single rifle shot to the suspect’s head. It was Lt. Randy Shepherd, a sniper for the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, who delivered the threat-ending shot.

Lt. Shepherd is a nationally renowned expert sniper.

WPA recruits tested their newly-acquired fingerprinting skills.

Chester Campbell is now ready for his first crime scene.

EMS instructors showed recruits the proper way to enter an active crime scene to treat a gunshot victim. Their goals are to preserve both the life of the victim, if possible, while protecting the evidence from contamination and destruction.

Luckily, our gunshot victims were able to enjoy lunch between receiving bullet wounds to the head.

Even “Sonja’s” best friend, Chris P., stopped by to say hi to WPA defensive tactics and arrest techniques instructor Stan Lawhorne. It really burns him up to see Stan getting all the attention…

More WPA fun on Wednesday. Tomorrow, Melanie Atkins and I once again play good-cop-bad-cop in our review of Castle. Until then, I’m getting some rest. You guys wore me out last weekend!

*By the way, in case you haven’t heard the news…Lee Child is the keynote speaker for the 2012 Writers’ Police Academy!

 

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2011 Writers’ Police Academy: The Beginning

2011 Wpa

 

The 2011 Writers’ Police Academy is well underway. Registration opened Thursday afternoon at 2pm, with many folks anxious to get the formalities out of the way so they could begin tours of the county jails and ride-a-longs with deputy sheriffs.

WPA recruits receiving briefing from a Guilford County, N.C. sheriff’s lieutenant, the shift commander, prior to climbing into patrol cars. The recruits were told of an on-going standoff with a kidnapping suspect that was already underway.

Heading out on patrol.

Receiving final instructions. WPA recruits were permitted to accompany deputies on actual calls and traffic stops.

Sgt. Catherine Netter teaching workshop on conducting jail searches. WPA recruits were then permitted to search the cells looking for hidden contraband, such as weapons and other illegal items.

EMS workshop

Learning about EMS equipment and ambulances.

Author Dana Stabenow (left) catching a brief rest between workshops, while Dr. Denene Lofland (top right) answers bioterrorism question from WPA recruit.

Corporal Dee Jackson teaches about personal safety for women.

On the way to an emergency call in the driving simulator.

Partners working together to navigate an emergency vehicle through an intersection. One drives while the other activates the emergency equipment (lights and siren).

Lots of accidents during the day, including one person (not the drivers above) who slammed an ambulance into the back of a police car. Fun and excitement all around!

Field sobriety testing (“walking the line”) while wearing DUI goggles. The pair of goggles worn by this WPA recruit simulated a level of .o6 blood alcohol concentration, an amount that’s well below the top of the legal limit. She failed the test miserably. Drunk as a skunk without ever drinking a drop.

No one passed the tests.

Police canine, Joy, delighted the crowd with a couple of fantastic demonstrations. She even allowed her handler to join in on the action. But Joy quickly stole the show.

Dr. Katherine Ramsland wound up the Friday program with a session called “Psychological Sleuthing and the Tools of Forensic Psychology.”

Then it was off to the reception where the crowd sang Happy Birthday to Sisters in Crime (It’s SinC’s 25th anniversary).

I finished up the day with a night owl session called Smelling Elephants: The Demons Inside My Head (you had to be there).

Time for a little sleep and then back at it bright and early on Saturday.

Wish you were here!

*There was far too much excitement on Friday for one blog post. More on Monday.

 

 

 

 

 

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The Secret Is Out: Golden Donut Award Finalists

Golden Donut awards


Well, it’s nearly done. Yep, it is almost time to stick a fork in it. And the 2011 Golden Donut Short Story Contest was a roaring success.

The rules were simple…write a story about the photo we supplied, using exactly 200 words. No more, no less. The task…not so simple. It’s pretty tough to pen a really good tale with so few words, especially a story complete with a beginning, middle, and ending. But, you guys met the challenge, which resulted in us receiving dozens of wonderful entries from writers all over the country.

The stories were all sent to a first-reader who is not associated with the Writers’ Police Academy. The first reader is, however, a professional editor and author. All entries were blind entries, meaning that the stories were sent without the author’s names. The only identifying marker was the number assigned to each entry.

The next step was to pick the top ten finalists, which the reader did, all while kicking and screaming, stating there were too many really good stories to narrow the field down to only ten. But, the top ten were finally selected and the list of ten numbers were returned. And, in no particular order, they are…

 

 

Her Self Worth – Travis Richardson

The Keening – John Turney

The Gardener – Nancy Sweetland

Prowler Call – Dave Swords

Tiny Dancer – Rick McMahan

The House Hunter – Joseph Massucco

If These Floors Had Talked – Melinda Loomis

Buried Secrets – Ellie Oberth

OMG – Elizabeth Bryant

Fixer-Upper – Elizabeth Bryant

So, congratulations to the top ten finalists!

The step step in the process was to send the top ten picks to the contest judge, Kristen Weber. Many of you already know Kristen, especially if you’ve ever had a manuscript either accepted or rejected by her during her time as senior editor for Penguin’s New American Library (NAL) or Obsidian (imprint of NAL). Kristen was also in charge of NAL’s movie/television tie-in program and edited numerous original novels based on TV programs such as Burn Notice, The Unit, Criminal Minds, and Psych. She’s worked with well-known authors such as M. C. Beaton, Lindsey Davis, Margaret Maron, and Marcia Muller.

Kristen now runs an editorial service helping writers get their work in shape for today’s competitive marketplace.

Needless to say, our 2011 judge knows her stuff. And she has selected this year’s top story.

But you’ll have to wait until next week at the Saturday night banquet to learn the name of the winner. The Golden Donut Award will also be presented to the winner at that time.

Again, congratulations, and good luck, to all the finalists.

And thanks to everyone who entered the contest. Your support is greatly appreciated.

See you all in a few days. Get plenty of rest between now and then. You’ll need it!

 

 

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