What Do Luminol and the Sam Sheppard Trial Have in Common? Glad You Asked.

Today, nearly every modern fan of fictional or true crime shows is familiar with Luminol's recognizable blue glow - but during the infamous murder trial of Dr. Sam Sheppard, it was new and sounded to the jury like something from a science fiction novel. 

In this episode of Stephanie Hoover Has That Story, I tell you about the history of Luminol, and its role in what was then called, "The Trial of the Century."

Proudly Introducing My Podcast.. "Stephanie Hoover Has That Story"

I'm so proud to unveil the first episode of my podcast, "Stephanie Hoover Has That Story."

The slogan of the show is, "Whether it's history, crime or legend - Stephanie Hoover Has That Story."

Over the next weeks, I'll be covering a variety of entertaining and interesting stories. On this first episode, I'm talking about the 1920 locked room murder of carouser and card player Joseph Elwell which spawned the creation of fictional detective Philo Vance.

If you're looking for an interesting way to spend the next 13 minutes, give it a listen.

Proud to Be a Guest on the Popular "Most Notorious!" Podcast

There's a reason why Rolling Stone called Erik Rivenes's historical true crime podcast one of the "ten best." Erik actually reads the book and conducts thorough and entertaining interviews.

I now know this first hand. I was fortunate enough to be a guest on the May 24, 2020 episode. We discussed the Kelayres Massacre - a staggeringly bloody political conflict that happened in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania in 1934. To be able to share my book and knowledge of this incident was a great honor.

Please consider listening to the podcast. You can find it on MostNotorious.com, on Apple Podcasts, and other popular streaming platforms.

As always, let me know what you think.

How's This for Offensive: Take Your "Morals Clause" and Shove It

The Authors Guild reports an increase in publishers' demands for a "morals clause" in writers' contracts. Vague terms for our punishable sins include "publicly condemned behavior."

Let's be honest: under the back-breaking yoke of the "influencer" era, every time you write a Facebook post in opposition to the majority of your followers, you will be "publicly condemned."

So... should you have to repay your royalties because a friend-of-a-friend's cousin-in-law finds your position on hemp farming "offensive?"

Should you be forced to return your advance if your comments in support of a family member someone simply dislikes create a Twitter backlash?

Should you lose your book contract if your old college roomie posts a picture of you sleeping with both arms wrapped around your beer bong?

In my view, this trend toward "morals clauses" is one more way that writers - or, as I like to call us, the income generator that finances the publishers' yachts - are trivialized.

It's not bad enough that the vast majority of publishers do NOTHING to assist with the marketing of our books. That they apparently regard the words "book launch party" as vestiges of a dead language. That their business model seems to be "quantity over quality," resulting in a stable of writers so large that providing sales and promotional support is impossible. That their royalty statements are written with the sole purpose of confusing the author.

Nope. All that's just not enough. Now they want to base our (dwindling) income on our level of "morality."

That, my friends, is TRULY worthy of "public condemnation."

Book Launch: Mechanicsburg Mystery Bookshop, April 24, 2019

I am thrilled to announce that the launch for my latest book, Spiritualism and the Supernatural: An Entertaining Encyclopedia for Believers and Skeptics Alike, happens April 24th at the Mechanicsburg Mystery Bookshop.

I'll be giving a presentation about the tricks used by 19th century mediums and - of course! - signing copies of the book.

For details on the event, visit Mechanicsburg Mystery Bookshop's website.

For information on the book, visit StephanieHoover.com.

Thanks, Mr. Publisher - but No Thanks

So... the acquisitions editor of a traditional publishing house I will not mention has been contacting me over the last several weeks, encouraging me to submit a book proposal. 

I was sort of flattered - UNTIL I learned that they use a PREVIOUS traditional publisher I worked with to market their books. 

You know... the publisher that "forgot" to ship the books for the launch party of my third book for them...? The launch party attended by nearly 50 people including state and local politicians, local historians, and lots of really nice readers - some of whom were related to people in the book...? The launch party where I had to announce that there were going to be NO BOOKS - even though it was a book launch and signing...? 

Do I even have to tell you that I sent a polite "Thanks but no thanks" to this editor?

Latest Authors Guild Survey Bad News for Writers

The latest Authors Guild survey results are in - and they are devastating. 

Income for writers across the board is down 42% since 2009. 

Those of you who self-publish are in even worse shape, with earnings of 58% less than traditionally published authors.

Why these declines...? Smaller royalties, Amazon and Google using "fair use" as justification to freely distribute many writers' works, and Amazon's lock on ebook prices, among other reasons. 

If you're NOT a member of the Guild, what are you waiting for...? We can only make changes by working as a strong, united front. 

Or perhaps you disagree with these findings. If so, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Another Year... Another Year of Public Domain Works

As an historical non-fiction author relying heavily on public domain resources for my research, I have - for many years - repeated this self-made little mnemonic: "Pre-23, free to you and me." It was my way of remembering that books and materials published prior to 1923 were in the public domain. On January 1, 2019, however, a full year of works (published in 1923) will be added to those freely accessible archives. So, I've had to re-write my memory tool, as the meme below illustrates. It won't win any poetry awards, but it will keep me on the right side of copyright law.

Know Your Rights, Fellow Writers!

A recent experience has taught me that I need to know more about my copyrights - and, I'd be willing to bet, so do YOU. 

For instance, I've read that the statute of limitations on copyright violations is THREE YEARS. In some jurisdictions, that's three years from when you learn of the violation. In others, it's three years from infringement date - no matter whether you know about it or not.

So my advice? Google yourself and your books, articles and web content. See if it appears (as mine did) within the works of others using it without your knowledge or permission. Don't let that statute of limitations run out. 

And if you think you've been robbed, SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY. Yes, they cost money. But they may save a lot more than you spend.

Thanks, Real Estate Radio Guys and WHYL

Thanks, John and Kingsley, for making my appearance on this morning's show such a great experience! We talked about my books, including my newest "Spiritualism and the Supernatural: An Entertaining Encyclopedia for Believers and Skeptics Alike." If you're looking for something to entertain yourself with for the next hour or so, check out their Facebook page and watch a repeat broadcast:
https://www.facebook.com/RealEstateRadioGuy/