Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have worked in law enforcement my entire career to include the sheriff’s department, corrections, and investigations. I have written since the first day of school when my poem was published in our school newspaper! I have three books out; I am working on a fourth.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“When Nashville Bled: the untold stories of serial killer Paul Dennis Reid.” Paul Reid was a media darling and had celebrity status here in Nashville. He was a serial killer who trolled “Music City” in 1997, with at least seven victims before he was caught. Yet there was little or no information on his victims. I decided it was time they were recognized. This story shows the ripple effect of crime; how a crime can not only harm the victim, but even a city and state.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I get very OCD. My desk/writing area has to be set just so. I have a drink (soda!) nearby — to the left, because I am left handed. I can only type with two fingers.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to name. Dorothy Parker, Alice Walker, JD Salinger, & Gore Vidal are probably my favorite authors. In true crime, I love Lowell Cauffiel’s work, and Erik Larson. Plus I love talking to Burl Barer, RJ Parker, and Cathy Scott. These guys were tremendously helpful, funny, and sweet to a new cat on the block.
What are you working on now?
In 2003 in Memphis, Tennesse, a woman was arrested for killing her husband. She claims self defense in a domestic violence situation. Evidence shows otherwise. It is really about domestic violence where women are the abusers, and how we view religion, sex, and gender in crime.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook and word of mouth.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t let anyone tell you it’s impossible, or you can’t, or you won’t make it. Writing is the easy part. Learn to self-promote. Read “Publish Your Nonfiction Book” which was my bible. This is not “fun” it IS work. Be slightly insane. Don’t read reviews; your worst reviews come from people who never read your book.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Lowell Cauffiel told me to write, rewrite, and write it again. He said every true crime story should have an underlying meaning, which I agree. For example, my book “The Devil You Know” is about a child murder, but it is really about how we turn a blind eye to obvious child abusers, and insist bad things will never happen to us, or our community.
What are you reading now?
I don’t read anyone’s work when I’m working on my own stuff.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Promoting “When Nashville Bled,” my latest. Working on my next book. I’d like to keep getting awards, with sales going up, because a percentage of my books is donated to charities (i.e. “When Nashville Bled” – a percentage benefits the Tennessee Chapter of Parents of Murdered Children) and I hope to help these charities. Something positive has to come from these horrible events.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
That’s hard! Poetry by Maya Angelou. I’d need something like “How to escape living on a desert island.” Something with animals. JD and Gore have to be there, too.
Author Websites and Profiles
Judith A. Yates Website
Judith A. Yates Amazon Profile
Judith A. Yates’s Social Media Links
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