Michael W. Streed’s Motivation for Writing SketchCop

A note of encouragement from a mentor.

The inspiration and motivation for writing SketchCop – Drawing A Line Against Crime.

The idea for SketchCop – Drawing A Line Against Crime was hatched in 2002 by my late wife. We were inside my office talking one day when she suggested I write a book. I brushed her off immediately. “What am I going to write about?” I responded. She pointed towards my file cabinet and reminded me about the headline making cases I worked on over the years. She thought the cases would make a book that people would want to read. After the idea sunk in, I had to admit that maybe she was right. After all, I have always been complimented on my writing skills. So I thought to myself – why not? Shortly after I began writing, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

When her treatments began, the book came back to the forefront. I quickly found that research and writing became great coping mechanisms. Each week after chemotherapy, I remained nearby to tend to her needs. It was during those periods I worked on the manuscript. The strength she displayed throughout her illness motivated me to finish the book.

My wife eventually lost her battle with cancer and died. Over the next few years the project lay dormant. It was revived when my new wife, an avid book reader, suggested that I revisit and refresh the manuscript. She too felt the manuscript told a series of compelling stories that would make an interesting book. She helped inspire me to finish it once again and made several valuable contributions.

Looking back, they were right. Over the years and hundreds of cases later, the stories never get old. Since then, I have collected more stories not yet told. And like the ones before, I have no doubt they too, will have a long shelf life. The public seems to have an insatiable appetite for true crime. Not only do they enjoy watching true crime programs on television, they also love to read about it. I think what resonates most with them is that the victims of these horrible crimes are people much like themselves. These stories are often relatable, which scares the daylights out of them because it becomes so personal.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think that my career would result in a book. It was hard work that in the end was worth every hour spent writing it. I always looked at myself as an ordinary person with an extraordinary career. Many of us have great ideas and stories we’d like to share. Sometimes, all we need is a little inspiration to find the motivation to get started. Luckily, I found mine close to home. Where will you find yours?