Dear Friends,
It’s a snowy Sunday as I write this final newsletter for the year. And what a year it has been. The pandemic. Publishing a new book in the middle of the pandemic. Virtual school and virtual work. While my immediate family bonded over pinball, chess games, and new-found cooking skills, we also experienced many challenges that you perhaps will find familiar. Social isolation. Family separation. Illnesses. George Floyd’s unjust death. National protests for racial and social justice. The most anxiety-laden election season ever. And that’s just the tip of the 2020 iceberg.
I will never forget this year. But frankly, I am so very glad to see it go.
Hellloooooo, 2021!
Looking ahead to the New Year. I am happy to share my seventh annual “criminal justice wishlist.” I am hopeful with a new administration and a new tone in leadership that some of these wishes might actually become policy. What changes in criminal justice would you like to see? I’d love to hear your ideas.
On a different note, for those of you who are true crime fans, I’d highly recommend the podcast “Women and Crime.” Co-hosted by Dr. Meghan Sacks and Dr. Amy Shlosberg, each episode takes a deep-dive into a female-focused crime story.
I recently had the chance to be on the show to talk about the case of Patricia Stallings (featured in my book) and no-crime wrongful convictions. I come on around 28:00 minutes, but the entire episode is a fascinating look at how no-crime convictions happen in the first place. Take a listen!
You can check out my other podcast appearances from this year on my website.
In other book news, I’m delighted to share that Smoke but No Fire was featured in Publishers Weekly Social Justice Book List for 20-21.
I was honored and humbled to see Smoke but No Fire included with such other amazing titles!
As the year thankfully draws to a close, I am filled with hope for the coming months, gratitude for your support, and admiration for your resiliency in the toughest of times.
Thanks for all that you do. I’ll be raising a glass to all of you and wishing you the happiest of holidays and a very (hurry-up-and-get-here) Happy New Year!
Stay safe and well,
Jessica