Blog by VONNIE DAVIS -- International, Award-Winning Romance Author: Adventurous...Humorous...Amorous.

Sunday, April 8, 2012

KELLY MORAN -- Author

My guest today is Kelly Moran--poet, children's author, romance writer and mother of three little boys, two of which are twins. Kelly's interests include: sappy movies, MLB, NFL, driving others insane and sleeping when she can. She is a closet caffeine junkie and chocoholic. Kelly, I've got your "favs" right here. So, tell us what you've been up to lately. I mean other than laundry and running after the kids.

Oooh, coffee AND chocolate. Yum. Thanks so much for having me today, Vonnie! I'm eager to talk about my new release and I'll give away one eBook copy of You Never Have to Remember the Truth to a commenter.



BLURB:

It was one of the most sensational murder cases in U.S. history. Lawrencia "Bambi" Bembenek, a former Playboy waitress and ex-Milwaukee police officer, was arguably railroaded and convicted of murder. When all hope of proving her innocence seemed lost, she planned a daring escape from prison with her boyfriend, and together the lovers slipped into Canada under assumed names. Now, nearly twenty years after the escape, Dominic Gugliatto wants to set the record straight.  The man who laid it all on the line tells a different tale — one of deception and betrayal. For the first time, Gugliatto speaks out about the lies and secrets long buried. That Bembenek knew more about the murder than she professed, and that the prison escape involved co-conspirators, including a retired Milwaukee police officer.  The truth is coming, told by the only man who knows it all.



Follow us on Facebook at www. facebook.com/thetruthiscoming

The link for our youtube video is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq41R-5OEKM

To tell you a little about me and the book, here's my Dear Reader page from the book. After reading, I'd love to answer any questions you have!
 

Dear Reader,



            Awhile back I got a call from an old friend and colleague asking me some publishing questions. As I've always wanted to be a writer, and I spent the better part of ten years researching the industry, this wasn't unusual. Imagine my surprise when she tells me it's about writing a book for Dominic Gugliatto!

            I was four years old at the time of Christine Schultz's murder, five when Lawrencia Bembenek was found guilty, and thirteen when Dominic helped Lawrencia escape prison. Though I was young, I remember Wisconsin's outcry and the media blitz, and the eventual world-wide pandemonium this case created. Ergo, I was interested in talking about a book with Dominic.

            In saying that, I'm also a romance and children's book writer. I deal with fiction and happily ever afters, not dates and facts and figures. So I was reluctant, as I didn't know if I could give Dominic the book he deserved. I was also concerned about the possible emotional toll that writing a book like this might have on my family. So over dinner one night with my husband and then three-year-old twin boys, I discussed the project. Well, the twins discussed Toy Story, my husband, Darren and I discussed the book. Halfway through my spiel, my husband lifts his hand to stop me and says, "Do it." My response was somewhere along the lines of, "Huh?" He said, "Do it. It's a great opportunity and it can help your career."

            Now that really got my brain churning. It could help my writing career, open doors, and challenge me. After getting back on the phone with Dominic however, I knew this book and my agreement to write it would never solely be about my career. There were many reasons for me to do and not to do this, and one why I should-- It was the right thing to do. It's about telling his story, the one no one's ever truly heard, and giving him some closure. For weeks we met in person and over the phone. I watched this guy sitting on my couch, torn and upset even after all these years, and I saw what was inside the man behind the media craze. He's loyal, compassionate, forgiving, and strong beyond any means I can literate.

            I stayed objective, pouring over information to make sure we got this right the first time. Dominic and his family kept nearly every document, letter, and article ever written about this case. And he kept it in an old luggage case I now refer to as "The Suitcase From Hell." It took me weeks to go through all of it. Once I had the facts, I added Dominic's story. And what a story it is.

            I'm glad we became friends through this process, Dominic and I. And I honestly can say I'm a better person for having known and met him. I can only wish the same for those reading this book, but then again, I feel that's pretty much a given.



Sincerely,

Kelly Moran

Remember: To be eligible for the drawing for a free eBook copy of Kelly's book, you must leave a comment with your email address so she can contact you.

11 comments:

christine warner said...

What an interesting story! I love your husbands support in you tackling this project. I remember all of the media hype this case generated as well and I have to say I'm a huge true crime fan...reading about it, not participating...lol. This books sound very interesting.

Just in case I'm lucky enough to win, here's my email addy:
christine.warner@yahoo.com

Either way it's on my tbr! Good luck with your book and your writing.

Sandra Dailey said...

Kelly, I've already commented on the book on your facebook and blog, but I have to say, you truly amaze me. I can't imagine tackling a project like this. I wouldn't be able to do as little as I do now, with a baby and twin toddlers in the house. You are Superwoman!

Sandra Dailey
sandy4lee@yahoo.com

Kelly Moran said...

Thanks so much for having me today, Vonnie!

And I don't know about Superwoman, but I would love a superpower, lol. Do let me know how you like the book. XO

Brenda Whiteside said...

How absolutely fascinating! What a project. I'm a fiction person, but as the cliche says, truth is stranger than fiction. Brenda
brenda@brendawhiteside.com

Kelly Moran said...

Hi Brenda, Sandra, and Christine. Thanks for coming by. This was an interesting experience to say the least. I'll stick with my imaginery friends and fiction from now on though, lol. XO

Karen Michelle Nutt said...

Hey Kelly,

Looks like you're making the rounds today. lol
I'm intrigued to know more about the story.
I was one who didn't know about it until you sent me the info about your book.

I wish you the best.

Vonnie Davis ~ Romance Author said...

Oh, Karen, I'm glad you spoke up. I'd never heard of the murder either. Had never seen the t-shirts with "Run, Bambi, Run" so I was really feeling out in the cold. It sounds like an intriguing read, doesn't it?

Kelly Moran said...

Hi Karen and Vonnie. Don't feel bad. Though this got national attention, the story was most popular in Wisconsin and Canada, where the events took place. Either way, it was a fascinating story. One you don't need to know the background of to enjoy the book. Thanks for the interest. XO

A. Y. Stratton said...

I remember the events, all of them, the policeman's wife's murder, Bambi's trial, and then the not-so-great escape. I am not the only one who thought he played the fool for love.

Kelly Moran said...

Anne, so right. Crazy. The things he did/we do for love.

Kelly Moran said...

And the winner is Christine. Grats, you'll get an email soon.
Big thanks to Vonnie for having me! XO