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Ann Rule's Guestbook and Web Log
True Crime Writer Ann Rule's Web Log and Guestbook
Ann Rule's Guestbook and Web Log 
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ANN,
Anyone who knows you and reads your books knows about your good heart and understands what a special person you are and how you’ve helped thousands with the countless, selfless hours you’ve put into research. Nothing else matters.
We love you.
Hi Ann and Ann’s readers. As you guys have already figured out, Rick Swart was less than forthcoming about his relationship with Liysa Northon. Here’s a detailed account of how we found this out.
http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/dailyweekly/2011/07/what_rick_swart_failed_to_tell.php
As an editor at a newspaper (Texas), I applaud the Seattle Weekly for doing their best to un-ring this bell – and I cringe at the blow that this freelancer delivered to their credibility. In this economy, newspapers (and most print publications) have had to reduce staff and rely more on freelancers. Fortunately, with modern technology, the word spreads fast and far about unethical writers so we can weed them out.
I’ve been a huge Ann Rule fan for years and years. Ann, keep up the good work!
Swart is a 100% certified rat. Not only did he write pages of untruths, he failed to mention his relationship with Liysa to Ann. In addition, he’s announcing his engagement while still married to another woman. I can hardly wait until Ann’s attorneys slam his back to the wall. He certainly gives journalism a bad name. Ann, just let your attorneys handle it and don’t you worry about it.
Swart is still married to another woman but announcing an engagement to Lisa??? They deserve each other!
Thank You Fiona!
I went to the site. Wow is this guy in for a surprise. My son got involved with a female similar to this several years ago. She was even in Law Enforcement.
We ended up calling her the”Black Widow”. He too wanted to believe every thing she said. The out come was anything but positive. Our whole family has suffered because of her. I don’t know if my son will ever be the same.
In the mean time she goes on as usual, already had her next victim in line.
I hope this fella gets a little smarter real soon, or Ann will be writing about him next. He will be the victim of course. I hope he lives through it. Wake up Rick Swartz before it is too late for you also. You might want to further your research without a biased opinion.
I just looked at Liysa Northon’s website and there is a very nice picture of her with her fiance….Rick Swart. Hmmmm. That explains a lot.
OMG, you’re right there is!!!
“The truth is incontrovertible, malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end,there it is”…Winston Churchill.
So, enjoy the raspberries, finish the book and get over it. xox
Dear Ann,
Ah, so the truth comes out. I read the article in the Seattle Weekly and I just posted a comment. The person who commented before me wrote that Mr. Swart and Lisa are engaged. How interesting. Wow, there’s a real unbiased article for ya.
I commented in your defense, saying that Mr. Swart should read Heart Full of Lies for himself to determine if this type of woman (sociopath) is someone he really wants to marry. And I stated what all of us already know: that your research is impeccable and extensive and that you the best true crime writer of all time.
I know it would bother me if someone wrote a really mean-spirited article about me and my research, but now that the ‘truth’ is coming out, most people will put two and two together and see for themselves that it is Mr. Swart’s ‘research’ that is flawed, based on his personal relationship with her. I hope some day he publicly apologizes for slandering your research and writing ability.
I kind of feel sorry for him, (just a smidge), because it is clear he has fallen for her lies.
Enjoy your raspberries!
Sharon in Maine
Ann,
Happy Birthday to “Tweets”!
I don’t have access to the article you are referring to, however you have a very large support group. We all klnow you, and know how hard you work to always get to the truth, no matter where you have to go, or how long it takes.
Obviously this fellow doesn’t know you, or as others have mentioned, has some kind of vindetta going on. I think he needs to do his research.
I am not a big supporter of Law suits because I always felt it raises prices, and fee’s, and only lines the pocket book of the attorneys. However I think I would have to do something to shut this guy up. You are much too good, and honest of a person to be treated, and accused of these negatives.
I wonder how many people he has helped in his lifetime from his writings.
I truley believe your writings help every person who picks up one of your books and reads it.
I wonder about his success as a writer. We haven’t ever heard of him before now.
You hang in there Ann, you make a wonderful contribution to our society with every book you publish.
Connie: Just copy the following link into your address bar to view that article: http://www.seattleweekly.com
It’s me again. I forgot to mention that today is “Tweet’s” third birthday! Remember when we all called her Tweets before she was born? She is a wonderful little girl–grandma talking here–who brings sunshine to my days. I got her a swing set earlier this summer and I love to hear the delighted shrieks and laughter coming from next door. She can read a little, talks a blue streak, and I tried to spell something in front of her the other night,and she caught me; she knew what C-A-N-D-Y was. She has a great sense of humor, something I covet in people. Hope it will stand her in good stead throughout her life.
Thank you all who posted a comment at the Seattle Weekly supporting me. I will try to get the whole story behind the writer to you ASAP. It’s kind of startling that so many people believed what he said–and they obviously haven’t even read Heart Full of Lies, which might just change their minds.
Talk to you all soon. I’m on the next to last chapter now.
Ann
Happy birthday to Tweets! It was wonderful to have the opportunity to meet you, her, and her Mom when she was just a “little kid.” She sounds much more worldly now.
I read the article by Mr. Swartz and asked if it has occurred to him that he may be just another victim of a sociopath and their explanations for everything. But his attack against you is way, way over the top. I wouldn’t worry about it. It sounds like somebody stepped on his Twinkie and he’s taking it out on you. Hang in there. Mary
Aw, happy birthday to your precious granddaughter Ann! Hope she had a wonderful day! Blessings to you and your family!
WOW, that Freelance author is some chancer…he’ll be quaking in his boots when your lawyers come a knockin’!!!!
Hi Ann
I’m a long time fan currently residing in Vietnam (originally from New Zealand) I also read the Seattle article which I came across via your wiki page entry. I was actually looking for updates to another case from “In the name of love” but anyway …
Reading the article It’s obvious the author has set out to write a malicious piece against you, I couldn’t figure out why until I clicked on the link to Liysa’s web page mentioned in the article and saw that she has a photograph of herself & a man in an embrace along with the caption “This is my fiance Rick Swart”! Which made it pretty clear why his article is so biased, If he thinks his article is so factual & credible why did he fail to mention he is engaged to the convicted murderer?
Hi Ann, I read the article in the link to the Seattle Weekly. I left a comment in support of you! I can’t get over the author of that article! He knows nothing of the case and you researched and wrote the truth. Liysa got off so easy with that 10-12 year sentence–she should have received life in prison! Thanks for writing the true story and for supporting women who are in abusive relationships. Keep writing–the world needs you!! Christine in Massachusetts
Wow, Ann, I did read the scathing article by that guy, Swart. It almost seems as if he has a personal vendetta against you. What did you ever do to him? Did you steal his dump truck from his sandbox years ago? Think back…. Do you recall ever cracking him in the knee with a baseball bat? I loved the one comment by someone who wrote that Rick Swart was simply jealous of Ann Rule. I think that’s true.
Ann
I have read everyone of your books and I know that you are one of the best if not the best true crime writers around, Many who say really awful things about a person is because they are jealous and this person must be really jealous. As for a kitten I have a black long hair kitten who mama was thrown out the car when she was about due to have her babies we saved her and they are so good. They really cheer me up when I am down. I never had to worry about moles as my rottwilier took care of them I have enjoyed your books and have gotten other to read them
Hi ma’am Anne! I’m Lara May from the Philippines. Thank you for the inspiration that you continue to give to your fans. I just finished my licensure examination but you know, I read your books throughout my 4 month licensure exam review. Instead of reading medical~surgical books, I will read your books first then later on the review books. heheh! ^^; My younger cousins reads your books as well. I’m so glad to have found your personal website. I wish I live in the US so I could send my book to be signed. 😦 Anyways, I wish you good health. happiness, and God’s love and guidance everyday.
Love lots from Manila, Philippines!
Lara May
Here I am again–sneaking a break from Don’t Look Behind You. I am about five days from being done. My house is cleared of everything in the kitchen, living and family room so the demo/rebuild guys can get to work at 8 a.m. Monday. Sigh. I am a person who likes to sleep until 10 and write until 11 p.m. My bedroom is now a bachelor apartment. Have my frig, microwave, TV, desk, computer, and bed in there–with adjoining bath! I try to tell myself it will be cozy and not claustrophobic. Can I wake up at 7 a.m. every day? We’ll see. Sigh.
Readers interested in my take on Casey Anthony and other readers’ opinions, PLEASE click under “previous” and then keep clicking under “Older Posts.” You will find a whole bunch of interesting stuff!! And not just about the Anthony case.
A worrisome note. Although the Seattle Weekly is a free paper given away in my area, it is read by many people. A free-lance author has written an extremely malicious article about me in the July 20th issue. I have never developed a thick hide, but most criticism rolls off my back. This one, however, is full of inaccuracies, and seems deliberately mean. It supports the total innocence of Liysa Northon of Heart Full of Lies, and leaves out all the evidence that convicted her of murder. All I can say right now is that anyone who reads it should know it’s not true, and I am certainly not a “sloppy writer.” My research on this book was more extensive than most and I traveled far and wide to substantiate the information I published. I’m mad–and I hardly ever get this mad. Maybe 8 times in my whole life! Not to mention the really ugly cartoon of me that accompanies it! But keep your ears open, there is a back story concerning the article’s author that I cannot reveal at the moment–it will knock your socks off when my lawyer allows me to tell you about it.
I know that when you are in the public eye, you have to be prepared for hot shots at you. This goes far beyond that.
On a brighter note, we hope to have our temperatures rise into the seventies and no appreciable rain in the next five days! I am very concerned for people in the south and midwest and even the east coast with the continual heat wave. Please keep as cool as you can, and please everyone watch for pets that need water and shelter. My prayers are with you as I read about more people dying from heat stroke. It’s the poor and the elderly who get hit the hardest. If you know someone who cannot afford fans, please help them get one or two? It’s been such a strange summer for everyone.
I have Lucy’s ashes and they are on the shelf in my office. She was a great dog for almost 20 years, and I know she was relieved to let go and cross the rainbow bridge. Willow, of course, is always beside me as I write. I have a hankering for a new kitten. I’d like to find a Himalayan mix like FluffButt was. He had a sweet, easy going personality. A Ragdoll-Himalyan mix would be perfect. I can’t bear to go to the humane society because all the ones I can’t take home haunt me.
Thanks for all the mole fixes. I usually put dog hair under my bulbs, and that works. I never get to a hairdresser–as you can tell by my funny-looking hair, but Willow supplies a lot of hair. I’ll try mothballs. I might have to get a dachhound, though. I really lean toward BIG dogs, though. My Riddex thing worked in the basement of my last house and kept critters away. I’m going to dig up the poor Zuchinni and plant it in a very large container where it might have a chance. My daughter-in-law has a large, thriving vegetable garden–even corn–and I can always put a word in for her overages. They live right next to me, and I think she’s sending her moles over here.
Going to pick raspberries. It’s good for the soul to be outside and listening to the birds while I do it.
I think Rainey, one of my web masters, is on vacation. Next month, maybe she and I can figure out a way to get to ALL the posts here more easily. In the meantime, please pour yourself a glass of lemonade and spend a half-hour going back and back and back.
If anyone should read the nasty article in the Seattle Weekly, and would like to post a comment, go for it! One person has already posted and said she won’t read my books any more. Their web site is http://www.seattleweekly.com
Now, just tell me to get over it and get back to writing after the raspberry harvest!
Love,
Ann
Dear Ann,
I know it must be hard, when you’ve worked endlessly to write a true account of a crime, then have someone trash that work! I DO wish you would not let it affect you, but I can see were it would! I was TOTALLY convinced at her guilt, as I’m sure many were.
Can’t wait for the new book, and Luv you forever!!
Don’t worry Ann. The opinion of a fan of a convicted murderer, does not matter in the grand scheme of things. Your fans love your work and your friends & family love you. Take care and go get a new kitty to cheer yourself up.
anne i am so glad to find your website.read everything you have ever written. will you be writing about the anthony case?
Ann,
Looks like your old pal, Randy Woodfield, worked for Oshkosh Trucks for
support of his life of Black Propaganda upon real sleuths.
Funny thing, the US Military didn’t provide adequate Support for our convoys
in the Middle East, and Oshkosh made lots of money, replacing those blown
up, and fired upon, nor have they used proper mine-sweeping techniques.
Then all of the campus murders.
I would like to know what happened to Diane downs and her children
I just read “Stockholm Syndrome” in Empty Promises and before this I’d read Ann’s book “Possession”. I remember wondering whether the book was pure fiction or whether something had aspired her to write it. The chilling case is right out of anyone’s nightmares. I’ve started to dread other people’s camping trips (I myself never take any but they fill me with dread nonetheless). I hope and pray that Robin Marcus is doing well and that she never has to encounter Tom Brown again.
Just wanted to let Ann and all the ARFs know, I just finished reading a great book called Erased by a woman named Marilee Strong. Ann is actually mentioned in the book. =) It is about the breed of killer men who “erase” their wife or girlfriend and/or child(ren) when they no longer serve a “purpose” in their life. The main example of an eraser killer she talks about in the book is Scott Peterson. He is a classic example of a sociopathic killer who has no conscience and is only able to mimic emotions. She also touches on other older and perhaps lesser-known eraser killings such as Chester Gillette. In any case, if you need some fascinating true crime to read while anxiously awaiting “Don’t Look Behind You”, this is a really good and interesting read! =)
I read this book last year…Chilling.
ROTFLMBO
Dear Ann, I learned to type on a manual Underwood typewriter my Mom used to write with. I still tend to bang the keys when typing.
I have the perfect solution for your moles. Since you just want to relocate, not kill them, I’ve found Nitrous Oxide works well. (I worked in surgery so I know about these things) Buy a small tank from an auto store-they use it for race cars. Empty the tank into the hole and your moles will come out giggling their little heads off and rolling around the lawn laughing and holding their belly’s.
It’s really easy to catch and cage them because they think it’s so dang funny. Release them in someone else’s yard and bing-badda-boom, no more moles!
I can’t wait for you to finish Don’t Look Behind You!
HaHaHa!!!
I’m pretty sure that’s what our neighbor does.
OK that was pretty funny