After more than twenty years as a forensic photographer, Rita Y. Shuler turned her expertise and compassion for crime victims into two successful true crime books, Carolina Crimes: Case Files of a Forensic Photographer (History Press 2006) and Murder in the Midlands: Larry Gene Bell and the 28 Days that Shook South Carolina (History Press 2007). Both are about to go into second printings. The books are an extension of her life's work, focusing on the victims of violent crime, first with a camera, and now with a pen. "Physical evidence," Rita says, "is the only real truth.”
Although regional true crime is not often discussed as such, it comprises a huge bulk of true crime offerings today. Sometimes we forget how massive is the USA. If it weren't for authors like Rita Shuler, many crimes that had a strong impact on one locale would be entirely forgotten except by those to whom they most strongly mattered - the families and communities of crime victims.
But, as Rita says, sometimes it's the true crime author who winds up the victim.
(Photo credit: by Kim Kim Foster-Tobin, The State, Columbia, S.C.).
What prompted you to start writing true crime after your career in law enforcement? Truth is very important in life, and writing true crime is a way of writing the truth and most of all remembering the victims so they will never be forgotten.
What have been the most unforgettable moments you've had in writing two books of true crime? Researching, meeting and gaining more personal insight about the victims and their families and loved ones that are left behind. Also, remaining in contact with the victims and their families and having them share their personal feelings of the past and living with it everyday. Everyday they are still the victims. My work was all about the victims. Everything I did big or small with the evidence, I trusted that what I was doing would help give some comfort to the families and loved ones left behind. Also, meeting readers at my book signings. I love it when they share their memories of my stories and at times their own personal experiences living though a crime.
What have been the deepest insights you gained? The compassion and feelings of the concerned citizens and readers for the victims. The victim's rights seem to be put on the back burner when the rights of the offender is at hand.
Who are your favorite true crime authors? John Walsh, Ann Rule, Diane Fanning are just a few, but I admire all true crime authors that publish. Days, months and years of hard work go into writing true crime and getting published. It bothers me to hear reviewers trash authors... most of the time for their own hidden agendas and personal jealousies or weaknesses, making authors the victims.
Your favorite books in the genre? Tears of Rage and No Mercy, John Walsh, The Stranger Beside Me and Small Sacrifices, Ann Rule. I am now reading Into the Water, Diane Fanning and I'm loving it as it was a South Carolina case. Working on my books limited my time to read, but hopefully I can get back to more true crime reading since my books are completed.
Are you working on any more stories? Not at this time, but it's certainly possible in the future. I'm enjoying my personal appearances and book signings with Carolina Crimes and Murder in the Midlands right now, but I have many, many more stories that should not be forgotten.
For more about Rita and her stories, see her website.
It sounds like you and are on the same page. Your interview expressed my sentiments, exactly. My interview, (just above yours) shares every comment of yours, without exception! Write On, and Good Luck with your next venture.
Joanne Connors-Wade
Posted by: Joanne Connors-Wade | August 09, 2007 at 10:35 AM