As writers, we are often compelled to tell the truth.
Kerrie Droban is an author, podcaster, and criminal defense attorney who is committed to the truth. Today, we talk with her about her true crime books and podcast and how she uses narrative storytelling to reveal reality.
We learn about what compelled her to share these stories and how she dug deep into each character and event to not only get things right but also to make the narratives compelling to her readers and listeners.
ABOUT KERRIE DROBAN
Kerrie's podcast, Crime Stands Still, is available anywhere you get your podcasts!
Kerrie's book, Running with the Devil: The True Story of the ATF's Infiltration of the Hells Angels, won the USA Book News National Book Award for Best Memoir/Autobiography and is a two-time winner for their True Crime award. She also co-authored Prodigal Father, Pagan Son: Growing Up Inside the Dangerous World of the Pagans Motorcycle Club. Both books are available in our Bookshop!
You can learn more about Kerrie Droban here!
CALL TO ACTION RESPONSE
Today's response came from Larissa, who gave us her "Barnabas" name—the name her community gave her based on her characteristics.
HEY JON MEYERS
Sorry to Jon Meyers and anyone who found today's topic disgusting. If you want to be even more disgusted, read more about it here.
ON THE BOOKSHELF
Related to the call to action, Emily Brooks recommends The Science of Storytelling by Will Storr, which helps fiction and nonfiction writers dig deeper into their characters to write realistic and powerful character arcs. It's now available in our Bookshop!
(Warning: Storr will make you question all of your pre-existing beliefs and seems at times to be anti-religious, which was difficult for me (Emily) to read at times. Still, even he suggests that stories need a "God moment" to be powerful, so the book isn't nihilistic and doesn't suggest nihilistic themes for books. Overall, I (Emily) think the book is worth reading).
CALL TO ACTION
Kerrie's Call to Action is for you to identify and share the "watershed" moment for your character. What moment was the turning point for your character that made them who they are? This may change the trajectory of your story!
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Nikki Glaser Podcast
Every week comedian and infamous roaster Nikki Glaser provides a fun, fast-paced, and brutally honest look into current pop-culture and her own personal life.