

Bonus Episode: Interview with Tanita Matthews - True Crime Author & Documentary Maker
Jan 24, 2025
Tanita Matthews, a true crime author and documentary maker, discusses her recently released book about the murder of Judith Roberts. She sheds light on the failures of the justice system that led to a wrongful conviction for over twenty years. Tanita shares her five-year journey of writing and the evolution of true crime media, emphasizing the need for innovative storytelling. Additionally, she tackles the ethical challenges filmmakers face and explores her aspirations for future true crime narratives.
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Why Judith Roberts' Case
- Tanita Matthews chose Judith Roberts' case because it remained unsolved over 50 years later, with no one convicted.
- She aimed to seek justice for Judith, whose story deeply moved her during extensive research.
Tanita's Writing Routine
- Tanita balanced work and writing by researching throughout the day and writing mostly at night.
- She found music or silence helpful and often wrote late into the night, fueled by small comforts like tea from her dad.
Publishing Process Realities
- After finishing edits and submitting a manuscript, expect a few months of back-and-forth with the publisher for verification and clarifications.
- Once submitted, prepare to wait several weeks for publication while managing feelings of doubt about the final work.