Serita Stevens
Personal Information
Description
Serita Deborah Stevens Born in Chicago, Serita (a registered nurse) came out to Los Angles when offered a teaching job at USC. With her master’s in writing (with honors) from Antioch University in London, England, she went on to become well known in the romance and mystery field. Working as an investigative reporter for CBS (Chicago), she helped discover a hospital in the northern suburb who pretended to heal cancer patients with falsified alternative methods. Her first published book This Bitter Ecstasy, a historical romance from Pocket Books was her introduction to the film industry when she was asked if she could write a treatment of the book for possible adaptation. She continued writing historical romances including Tame the Wild Heart – a story of James II’s foray into Ireland; Daughters of Desire – French Canada , Lightning and Fire – a dramatized story of Deborah, the prophet (Judges 4/5-The script was finalist in several contests including Karios.) Turning her attention to mystery and suspense she wrote historical suspense as The Bloodstone Inheritance, (young adult mysteries ) Unholy Alliance (nominated for Best Book for the Reluctant Reader from the American Library Association,) Deceptive Desire (a western female driven suspense now in script form as Logan’s Land optioned several times) Red Sea, Dead Sea and Bagels For Tea (the Fanny Zindel novels – a Jewish Murder She Wrote) and many more, including ghosting and adaptations. She was hired by the studio to write the prequel of the TV series Cagney and Lacey. Her award winning short story, The Unborn, about an unborn child who vows revenge on her mother’s killer is a short and will soon be out as a feature and a book. As an RN trained in forensics she assists writers with their medical, investigative and forensic questions for their stories. Her two non-fiction books are– The Book of Poisons – written in plain English helps writers to correctly murder their victims. On October 22, 2016, she appears as the poison expert on True Nightmares –Investigation Discovery. Her book, The Forensic Nurse –shows how nurses help police solve crimes. Serita was awarded from University of Illinois College of Nursing for contributions to nursing with her forensic nurse book. A pilot and scripted TV series package for this character driven procedural, Nursing The Evidence is now in consideration. Writing for professional – law and nursing magazines, as well as lifestyle, travel, and general publications, she has had nearly 40 books published by Pocket Books, Fawcett, Zebra, Leisure, St Martin’s Press, Writer’s Digest, Oak Tree Press, Hard Shell, Motivational Press, True North Press, Intrigue Press and others. Her first script was Murder Me Twice (a sci-fi thriller won several awards and was recently optioned again for a TV movie.) Other awarded scripts include Mother In Law (a female driven buddy dramady with a supernatural twist based on the Fanny Zindel character,) A Match Made in Heaven (a supernatural romantic comedy inspired by true events,) Simon Sez, (aka Angel Wings) a kids adventure with a Chinese twist, Against Her Will (a teen drama book and script based on true events,) and The Master’s Will – A PAGE AWARDS SEMI-FINALIST (book and script based on true events. She currently is working book and script for The Mark of the Dragon – a sci-fi romantic suspense with director Sean McNamara and Lynda Ryan. Other TV pilots include Golden Murders (The Nanny meets Murder She Wrote -based on her Fanny Zindel mystery series,) her spec pilot Gangsta – winner of Writer’s Boot Camp and Talentville contests that deals with South Central gangs and the police that work with them, Yo Nun – an urban sitcom, and Alex With A Z– a teen sitcom. Her recent book, The Ultimate Writers Workbook for Books and Scripts (Motivational Press) is based on her teaching at various universities and conferences. She is a frequent speaker at conferences on the craft of writing and adaptations and continues to mentor writers and teach on various subjects like mystery writing and script vs book writing and lectures with Changing Images in America – Women Helping Women. Serita is a past board member for Film Industry Network (FIN), the Caucus, and often helped writers at now defunct Alameda Writers Group (AWG.) An active member of Women In Film (WIF) she participated in their PSA team where she wrote the Emmy nominated public service announcement for St. Joseph’s Care Center, Santa Monica, California. Networking where she can she attends and helps out at Breaking Into Hollywood, Hollywood Breakfasts and other groups as Stage32 and Roadmap Writers. After adopting her Romanian daughter, she helped found the non-profit “Hearts for Romania,” supporting the Romanian orphans left behind. She has judged for the SET awards – honoring films and shows with scientific correctness and numerous other contests. Her international fans urged her to join the Hollywood International Film Festival as a board member and she assists with that now. Recently, she joined the team of Vesuvian Media Group as VP of Special Projects – assisting with acquisitions and the foundation. Recently she was given an award from the group Millionaires for a Cause in honor of her humanitarian work with her mentoring young writers and using her talents to bring important issues to light. In addition, she is a regular freelance journalist for LA Splash Magazine covering film, theatre, entertainment industry events, health topics, and travel.
Books
Daughters of Desire
Fleeing a forced marriage to a decadent marquis, Genevieve set sail for New France with a boatload of bartered brides. Her beauty brought many offers but it was a rough-hewn hunter who wed her. Though she ached for fulfillment, her proud spirit refused to submit to the man who had bought his way into her bed. Only the ecstasy of his love could subdue her rebellious heart.
Deadly doses
A comprehensive guide to poisons of every description, intended for the mystery author wishing to bump off a character or two. Includes examples and real case histories, examples from celebrated whodunits, symptoms, dosages, how administered, advantages, and drawbacks. There are even instructions for inventing your own imaginary poison and making it appear realistic. Indispensable for the mystery writer with murder on his/her mind.
This Bitter Ecstasy
THE FRENCH COURT BOWED TO HER INNOCENT BEAUTY... Orphaned daughter of a Scottish nobleman and his tempestuous wife, Morag Elliot, with her wavy auburn mane and flashing green eyes, enticed every man in the court of Versailles. But her rebellious nature defied their longing, especially the bold attentions of Quentin Sauvage, bastard son of a nobleman and an Indian queen -- the most desirable man in all of France. BUT ONE MAN SET HER INNOCENT BLOOD AFLAME... Beneath fine silks and brocades, he flaunted his muscular bronzed body...his insolent stare raised a flush on Morag's pale skin--but still she defied him. From the decadent French court to London's elegant drawing rooms...from torrid Caribbean islands to the untamed Canadian wilderness, Morag could not escape Quentin Sauvage--the one man powerful enough to tame her...the one man who could bring her, boldly, savagely, tenderly to...THIS BITTER ECSTASY
Tame the Wild Heart
IN A LAND TORN BY CONFLICT, A WAR RAGED IN HER HEART. Beautiful, raven-haired Roxanna Alden had her own good reasons for hating James II. Not only had his extravagance led Ireland down the path to corruption and ruin, but she couldn't forget how he had seduced her mother--and then broken her heart. Now she was married to one of James's most loyal men, the handsome Lord Sebastian Steele, a man whose touch she both hungered after and fought against. Would she betray her memories or her heart?
Unholy Orders:(Caroline Canfield Mysteries #2.5)
In this unique collection, eighteen of today's best-loved authors have woven together the most riveting elements of mystery and faith into a joyous and haunting tapestry that is as thought-provoking as it is compelling. Series: Reverend Collins' Visit (William Monk, x.5) Volo te habere... (Dame Frevisse??, an early intro to Joliffe?? It is set in 1404.) Amish Butter (Caroline Canfield, x.5) Dunne Deal (Father Dowling, x.5) The Stories Anne Perry- “Reverend Collins'” Visit was an echo of Agatha Christie as Henry Rathbone observed the passage of society outside his sickroom window putting two and two (and two) together to solve the truth about the Reverend Collins' thefts. Rochelle Krich- “Widow's Peak” a look at the upheaval caused by the Holocaust when wives could not find their husbands nor husbands their wives. Nancy Pickard- “Speak No Evil” - Joseph Owen tracks a serial killer by stalking a young woman two years into a five-year vow of silence. She witnessed the murder, but refuses to speak of it. Margaret Frazer- “Volo te habere”- takes place during Bishop Beaufort's early years and a simple case of murder and legitimacy in 1404 when Beaufort has Richard Medford investigate the murder of a young, emotional woman who claims Stephen Hameden is her husband. Dianne Day- “Labyrinthine Way” is a little bit magic and a little bit justice as a woman priest uses hypnosis to snare an evil man within a labyrinth. Rather mysterious. G. Miki Hayden- “Shaman's Song” Coyote Man manages to pull together the money he needed for the dowry for Yellow Flower Girl. Indian Agent Dennis Riordan believes in his power of finding. Thomas Kreitzberg- “Charity of a Saint” reporter Marvin Quinn investigates a St. Alice miracle in which she sends a dream to a farmer, Henry Lance, and he discovers buried Elizabethan treasure. Rhys Bowen- “Seal of the Confessional” John Lutz- “Dilemma” About a crisis in faith, when Police Corporal Alana Martinez needs to choose between the greater good and the law. Joyce Christmas -“Chosen” A young Catholic girl receives a vision for which she is castigated for lying, but it does result in the apprehension of a murderer. George Chesbro- “Model Town” The horrible economy of a shut-down mining town leads to the character’s conclusion that this is a Model Town, relating to his employers forecast of a world collapse due to fear. Jacqueline Fiedler- “Amish Butter” is full of misconceptions when Caroline picks up an Amish hitchhiker on a dark and stormy night with some odd, moving luggage. Kate Charles- “That Old Eternal Triangle” Cressida has come to hate her dull, boring husband. Hugh is a good man but there is nothing left in their married life for Cressida. When Father Jonathan arrived in the parish, he came to spend more and more time with Cressida and Hugh. When Jonathan admitted to his wrongful desires, it set Hugh's fate. Terence Faherty- “God's Instrument” is a roundabout way for a man to find God and yearn for a life that makes a difference through the tragedy of a train explosion which kills a number of people. Mary Monica Pulver- “Father Hugh and the Kettle of St. Frideswide” uses psychology and the help of a saint to catch a medieval chicken thief. Ralph McInerny- “Dunne Deal” is a confusion in stolen goods dropped in the poor box. Carolyn Wheat- “Remembered Zion” A woman who remembers Kristallnacht. Who remembers the Germans taking away her friend Esma. Being told she should hate her. Now, it's starting again. Her own son is a part of it. She cannot be a part of this. She must take a stand. And she does. For a very short time as she sees the hate in her son's eyes. Serita Stevens- “In a Jewish Vein” is of a trip a trio of Jewish women make to Romania to adopt a baby. Only to run into unexpected help and an even more unexpected spouse. [Kathy Davie-Amazon reviews] In 2001, Unholy Orders was nominated for the Anthony Award for Best Anthology.
The shrieking shadows of Penporth Island
The fate of her sister was all Victoria could think about as she journeyed to Penporth Island. Her sister had gone there to marry a man she had never seen, a man whose reputation was mean and frightening. And when her letters stopped, Victoria was certain that something dreadful had happened -- that she'd never see her beloved sibling again. Alone, terrified, but determined to discover the truth, Victoria had no inkling of the danger lurking in her future... A destiny of her own was awaiting Victoria at Lord Julian Hawley's manor. The gray Cornish building loomed menacingly over the water. The screeching gulls, the choppy sea -- it seemed as though even nature was warning her to leave. But nothing prepared her for Julian's dark brooding eyes that watched every move she made, that seemed to bore into her soul. And when she heard his footsteps echoing in the hallways and saw his ghost-like silhouette on her bedroom wall, she knew that her sister's fate would soon be her own -- that she would never escape from THE SHRIEKING SHADOWS OF PENPORTH ISLAND (