My upcoming book, Chained Birds: A True Crime Memoir, received a five-star review this week from the Manhattan Book Review, which launched squeals and gasps in my household (okay, this was just me; my husband is more measured). The reviewer, Philip Zozzaro, called my debut “a future true crime classic,” and I would like to send him a bouquet of flowers, or a
Awards and Praise for Chained Birds
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The latest blog posts
Author Carla Conti Q-A hints at two upcoming books
Anyone curious about two upcoming book projects of mine (Spoiler! They both involve true crime!) can check out my first Author Interview on a book blog hosted by author and book promoter Vinny O’Hare. I discovered Vinny in my Goodreads Mysteries & Thrillers group, where he helps promote new authors writing in the genre. As a new author myself on
What I’m learning about “Social Proof” for my upcoming book Chained Birds
It’s been a steep learning curve since I signed a book contract with WildBlue Press last December. This year, I completed the manuscript (the book was sold on proposal) and collaborated with my wonderful editor, Rowena Carenen, who helped shape Chained Birds: A True Crime Memoir into the breakout debut we all hope it will be. (Publication day is 11/12/24.)
Debut book Chained Birds mixes genres and breaks the true crime mold
I’m especially fond of this review blurb that landed in my inbox this week because it mentions the genre-bending aspect of Chained Birds: A True Crime Memoir. I’ve been asked on numerous forms and submissions to check the genre box(s) that most apply to this debut book of mine, and the answer is—sometimes there weren’t enough boxes. I’ll begin with
Early Access: Chained Birds book sample now available to read online
I’m excited to share an early access link where curious readers can sample the first dozen pages of Chained Birds: A True Crime Memoir. In partnership with BookFunnel, a secure delivery service for advanced reader copies (ARCs)—and so much more!—readers can view pre-release content that includes the book description, i.e., what will appear on the back cover, the preface, the
Chapter 5 “The Big House” — historic Lewisburg Prison a.k.a. “Mafia Row”
It’s no spoiler to reveal that my true crime memoir Chained Birds is also part exposé of the horrific experimental prison program that operated at Pennsylvania’s Lewisburg Prison from 2009-2018. One of the book’s main characters, federal inmate Kevin Sanders, was my inside source who helped me chronicle the cruelty and bloodshed inside Lewisburg as he was swept up in
Chained Birds gets more early praise from editorial reviewers
More early praise continues to roll in for my debut, Chained Birds: A True Crime Memoir, launching November 12, 2024, with WildBlue Press. Is it okay to stop pinching myself now? As I mentioned in my post about getting my first “highly recommended” and 5-star editorial review from Readers’ Favorite, I am slowly recovering from the impostor syndrome that afflicts many
Chained Birds’ exposé focus is historic Lewisburg Prison
It’s no spoiler to reveal that my true crime memoir Chained Birds is also part exposé of the horrific experimental prison program that operated at Pennsylvania’s Lewisburg Prison from 2009-2018. One of the book’s main characters, federal inmate Kevin Sanders, was my inside source who helped me chronicle the cruelty and bloodshed inside Lewisburg as he was swept up in
Chained Birds nabs 5-star editorial review ahead of November release
Imagine my euphoria after opening my inbox and seeing this 5-star review from Readers’ Favorite this week. And the fact this is my first editorial critique makes it all the more special. As a debut author trying to navigate the publishing world amid a wee bit of imposter syndrome, this review by Carol Thompson validated everything I set out to
First look at original artwork for Chained Birds: A True Crime Memoir
Prison artist sketch inspires book title and cover design (cover reveal coming soon!) The November 12, 2024 launch date of Chained Birds: A True Crime Memoir is just around the corner! Manuscript editing is complete. My publisher, WildBlue Press, has begun its marketing efforts. And soon, I’ll be revealing the cover design that will incorporate my most cherished piece of
Chained Birds: A True Crime Memoir to be Published by WildBlue Press November 12, 2024
I’m thrilled to announce my debut true crime memoir, Chained Birds, has found a home with WildBlue Press and will be published this November! I signed with WildBlue Press at the end of 2023 following two weeks of dialogue with press co-founder (and author) Steve Jackson. Steve and I dove deep into my book’s details to ensure it would meet
Spellbinding film ‘Subject’ examines ethics and fallout in true crime and documentary storytelling
For purveyors and consumers of true crime and other documentaries, the film Subject is a gripping, must-see examination of everyone’s role in this burgeoning infotainment landscape. An award-winning 2022 film just released on Amazon this month, Subject features participants from a handful of nonfiction films and their wide variety of personal fallout. The outcomes range from devastating to exonerating and