Interview with Anne Penn

Author of The Creep Among Us

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I am originally from Sacramento California.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

I wanted to live in the trees in a more rural setting. The city no longer felt safe as time went on. It was the time of escalating crime’s against women which were doubling and tripling from 1968 until 1982. In 1980 there were murders within the family. I knew it was time to move on.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I wanted to help others who had the same kinds of experiences I had. Eventually I wanted to face the fears I had held and try to move past them. I also wanted to improve as a writer and to try other niche writings. All of my writing experiences so far have been true and biographical. I want to try writing a fictional novel next.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

I would describe them as several things. True Crime, Biographical and then importantly they are criminal evidence novels. They are designed to ask questions, make the reader think about the evidence presented and it is my hope ultimately to keep cold cases in front of cold case detectives so that we can find the answers for families and solve who killed their loved one. My books are about very high profile cases that needed to be solved. We need to know who committed the crimes, how many they could be connected to and ultimately to help bring justice to the victims. Pretty serious subjects.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

People who are extremely curious about the details and the mysteries of crimes. Those who want to try to figure out the puzzles of unsolved murder cases now that we have new technology, DNA, Genealogy and forensics techniques. People who have open minds and are critical thinkers. Who knows maybe they can help solve the crimes that are looked at and examined in my books. True Crime people who are interested in the evidence.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

I think there were several things. One was how open many people are and who want to reach out and discuss what has happened to them. I also learned about the emotional rollercoaster one can be on throughout the process of writing about true crime, especially if the subject matter is something I deeply care about, and it is. Also writing is one of the most challenging things to do because it is essentially reaching out to all who will read the stories and leaving yourself open and vulnerable to their reactions.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

To be patient because the outcome of a story can be totally different than you think it will be than when you begin. Also to be less sensitive to those who do not understand your intentions or your story. There will always be those who do not understand what you are trying to say and have a different taste in books. One of the most rewarding things though is when people write to me and tell me they totally get my voice, they do understand and there are those who are appreciative of what the book is about. Listen to those voices.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

Everyone. Anyone who cares about truth and justice as well as integrity. I would like to reach everyone. My books seek to help and hopefully to instigate some kinds of changes within our systems to make our society better for everyone. And, maybe solve a few old cold cases. The more people that read are more people who can help.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

I think the biggest challenge has been putting myself out there even when what I have to say is controversial.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

I think one of the biggest strengths I have is patience and perseverance. When I commit to a project I immerse myself in it. So, writing and publishing are my greater strengths.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Marketing to the right places would be a weakness. I think one may have to beat their own drum loudly and I am more soft spoken in that way.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I already have the outline for my fictional novel. My goal is completion Spring or very early summer 2020. I just released a new book called What If? Golden State Killer ZODIAC SOLVED September 26, 2019. It is about the possible crimes of the man arrested in April 2018 as the alleged killer, East Area Rapist, Golden State Killer. I go all the way back to the 1960’s.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I am now fully self published. My books are on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Audio books will follow along with the kindle and paperbacks there.