Thoughts on Writing a Book on the Search for Jaycee Dugard

[mjm076]

So the last few days I’ve been giving some thought to the idea of writing a book about the search for Jaycee Dugard and the trial after she was found. The reason being is because I feel there hasn’t been a well written and accurate book about this case that deals with the investigation. I know John Glatt published his book Lost and Found in 2010, but it contained inaccurate information and included speculation. Also I know Robert Scott published his book Shattered Innocence in 2011, however I found that one quite dry and boring. Additionally, both books were published before Jaycee’s memoir.

I feel there would be value to a book about the investigation into her disappearance and the resulting court case since Jaycee’s book, understandably, are solely from her perspective.

Thoughts?

I can say I’m not a true crime writer and I’ve never written a book before. I have a Religious Traditions Degree however, and access to Newspapers.com.

 

[mjm076]

So the last few days I’ve been giving some thought to the idea of writing a book about the search for Jaycee Dugard and the trial after she was found. The reason being is because I feel there hasn’t been a well written and accurate book about this case that deals with the investigation. I know John Glatt published his book Lost and Found in 2010, but it contained inaccurate information and included speculation. Also I know Robert Scott published his book Shattered Innocence in 2011, however I found that one quite dry and boring. Additionally, both books were published before Jaycee’s memoir.

I feel there would be value to a book about the investigation into her disappearance and the resulting court case since Jaycee’s book, understandably, are solely from her perspective.

Thoughts?

I can say I’m not a true crime writer and I’ve never written a book before. I have a Religious Traditions Degree however, and access to Newspapers.com.

Anyone?

 

[luxISlight]

I think a new book could be interesting. Recommend you're able to site your sources on where you pull the information from. Good luck and let us know if you want it peer reviewed.

 

[mjm076]

I think a new book could be interesting. Recommend you're able to site your sources on where you pull the information from. Good luck and let us know if you want it peer reviewed.

Thank-you so much!

I’ve asked Jerri Williams, who interviewed Chris Campion on her podcast FBI Retired Case File Review last May, to forward an email I’ve written to him asking him for his thoughts on this idea. Chris Campion is a retired FBI agent who worked the Jaycee Dugard case from 1991 straight through to her recovery in 2009. He still has contact with Jaycee and her family to this day. I want to get his thoughts and also ask if I need Jaycee and her families blessing for me to do this. I don’t want to hurt them.

 

[mjm076]

So I have decided not to write a book on the Jaycee Dugard investigation. The reason being is that I don’t think I should without getting Jaycee and her mom’s permission or at least without their knowledge and I won’t even be able to ask or have someone let them know. As well, I won’t be able to use any comments made by the FBI agent who worked the case.

Sorry if I have disappointed anyone.

 

[HippieBeachChick]

So I have decided not to write a book on the Jaycee Dugard investigation. The reason being is that I don’t think I should without getting Jaycee and her mom’s permission or at least without their knowledge and I won’t even be able to ask or have someone let them know. As well, I won’t be able to use any comments made by the FBI agent who worked the case.

Sorry if I have disappointed anyone.

I don’t think anyone’s disappointed that you asked for feedback about the idea. If you want to get into writing non-fiction though, the best tip I can give you is to determine which citation formatting will be best for your work and keep copies of the up to date formatting guides. I am finishing two MA degrees right now and considering going into true crime writing myself. Having formatting guides on hand has always been the most helpful tool for my research writing.