Writing Crime: Myths And Misconceptions About The FBI With Jerri Williams
Most of us are law-abiding citizens, but it's clear that writers and readers are obsessed with crime — and those who fight it. In today's show, former FBI agent, Jerri Williams explains some of the myths and misconceptions about the FBI, and why true crime podcasting has turned into an unexpected new career.
In the introduction, I give an update on my writing as I finish up the production process on Audio for Authors and move into the first draft phase on Map of the Impossible. The creative cycle turns again! Plus, I'm on The Writer's Ink Podcast talking about creative entrepreneurship, and on the Six Figure Author Podcast talking about audiobooks, and multiple streams of income with non-fiction. I also mention some audiobooks from the Financial Times Business Book of the Year 2019, as well as World War Z by Max Brooks.
This podcast is sponsored by Kobo Writing Life, which helps authors self-publish and reach readers in global markets through the Kobo eco-system. You can also subscribe to the Kobo Writing Life podcast for interviews with successful indie authors.
Jerri Williams is a retired FBI special agent, crime writer, and true crime podcaster. She's also the author of FBI Myths and Misconceptions: A Manual for Armchair Detectives.
You can listen above or on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and full transcript below.
Show Notes
* Why we’re fascinated with crime and law enforcement
* Specifics about FBI special agent job titles and hierarchy
* The types of crimes that are under FBI jurisdiction
* What types of murder the FBI actually investigate
* Misconceptions about FBI agents
* What the FBI Academy is really like
* How TV shows measure up to what’s real about the FBI
* Stepping into podcasting as a book marketing tool
* Podcasting as a mission rather than a revenue generator
You can find Jerri Williams at JerriWilliams.com and on Twitter @JerriWilliams1
Transcript of Interview with Jerri Williams
Joanna: Jerri Williams is a retired FBI special agent, crime writer and true crime podcaster. She's also the author of FBI Myths and Misconceptions: A Manual for Armchair Detectives.
Welcome to the show, Jerri.
Jerri: Hi. I'm so glad to be here. This is exciting.
Joanna: It's super exciting because everyone's like, ‘Ooh, FBI.'
Start by telling us a bit more about you and your background in the FBI and in writing.