James Handen Letters

[mercury-hall.livejournal.com]

I was reading about the biggest serial killers (I'm heavily interested in criminal psychology) and when reading the chapter on Son of Sam, I was inspired to write a story. If you don't know, Son of Sam was a prolific serial killer in New York who targeted couples. He wrote to the newspapers as well, and one journalist, Jimmy Breslin started a column and wrote back. I decided to take this idea and create a longer and more personal correspondence from the newspaper.

My serial killer is named James Handen. I changed my journalist to just an advice columnist rather than someone who gets the stories etc. Her name is Annabelle Bailey (and her column is "Dear Annabelle").

Okay, so I put what I have so far in the best order I have for now. The first three letters in this entry are in exact order, and the rest of them are chronological but with a lot of space in between them.

( Dear Annabelle )

And from here the letters are spaced out widely on a vague timeline...

( Once upon a time )

( I looked at you and I felt something strange. )

I am also wondering if you think I should keep the point of view all documentation (letters, news stories, police reports/notes, the criminal profile, etc) OR if I should have it from an actual person's viewpoint (Annabelle, Handen, an investigator, a victim, an uninvolved civilian, etc).

Also, any suggestions on where to set this story would be great too. I want it to be in a big city, but not in New York like Son of Sam and Jimmy Breslin were. Any input is appreciated! :)