Writing The Pickton File

It's been really busy since I released my book, The Pickton File. It's the first time I've done a book tour since 2001, and the difference this time is in the online media. I used to write a tech column and I love online stuff, so it's been fascinating.

The transition from writing for newspapers and magazines to writing books was a gradual decision. I didn't give up newspapers until probably 2002, when I was offered this job in Vancouver. I knew then I couldn't do anything other than this book. Of course, I've done some columns here and there, but it was basically all Pickton, all the time.

I've said I also made the transition from writing about white collar to blue collar crime. In all truth, they aren't all that different; they're all criminals, it's just that the white collar criminals don't often go to jail, whereas the blue collar criminals do. Even when they're guilty, white collar criminals sue like mad, and often newspaper or television publishers and executives will back away because of the cost of the lawsuit, regardless of who is right or wrong. Luckily, I've always had great publishers that would take it on.

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The Pickton File has been a huge undertaking. If I knew then what I know now, I'd do it again in a heartbeat. It was a no-brainer for me; the moment it was offered to me, I said yes. But I wouldn't do a similar case again unless it was finished. A lot of people have asked me if I'd like to do the Highway of Tears or Project KARE in Edmonton. Sure I would, but not until they've convicted someone, not midstream, because you have no control over the timing.