The Rural We: Deborah Herman
The literary agent, writer and Manson cult expert runs Micro Publishing Media from her home in Stockbridge, Mass.
Writer Deborah Herman has written 13 nonfiction books on everything from law to self-help and even "The Idiots Guide to Motherhood," but her most recent releases have been the most rewarding and challenging yet. She’s helped bring to life the story of Dianne Lake, the youngest Charles Manson cult member in "Member of the Family," and delved deep into Manson’s murder trial with the newly released "Inside the Manson Jury," culled from the jury foreman’s copious notes. She and her husband run Micro Publishing Media out of their Stockbridge, Mass. home to provide opportunities for new or niche authors. Herman is also a mystic and animal communicator, which sounds worlds away from her work as a true crime writer, but she explains why it’s not.
The people who know me for my mystical and spiritual work with animals and people are so surprised that I got into writing these books about the most horrible things in our society. They think its incongruous but it’s actually not. It’s a path that makes sense.
When I was 10 I made up my mind that I’d be a lawyer and make the world better. I started college at age 16. I didn’t realize that I was a smarty pants; I was always very enthusiastic about learning. I’d go to a comedy club every night, because my brother was an amateur comedian. The owner told me, “You’re here all the time and you don’t even drink,” so he put me to work to writing personality profiles for every comedian coming to town. And I loved writing. I ended up getting a dual degree in law and journalism.
I’ve been fascinated with true crime since I studied literary journalism. Nobody saw this coming, but I did. I studied the Manson case for a long time. I was fascinated with cults because the late ‘80s was full of a new wave of cults and self-proclaimed gurus. I could see how it could happen to people. When you’re a seeker and you’re creative and artistic, these things are very appealing because it’s a new way of looking at the world. I grew up in the ‘60s and people were rethinking how to live their lives.
My husband said “Why are you studying the Manson family? It’s so dark.” And then Dianne Lake contacted us to see if we could ghostwrite her book — she had never told her story before. It’s almost like I’d been waiting for her. From the outside it was dark, but people who read it said that they couldn’t put it down. The day we handed it in to the publisher, Charles Manson went into the hospital and it created urgency. It was such a triumph to have people read something of mine. It was even being taught at Boston College as an example of the true crime genre.
What was so amazing and challenging was meeting a person who was so traumatized and being given the trust to take us through this journey. It was a great opportunity to push my limits and go outside my comfort zone.
I just finished this book [Inside the Manson Jury]. If anyone has doubts that he [Manson] really was controlling people, this is the final word. I’m a trial lawyer, so I went through all the notes. The book can be ordered now, and will be in stores in September.
I always follow the signs — I listen to the guidance I get from loved ones on the other side. Part of how I stay grounded is being surrounded by animals — I have 3 dogs, 3 cats and a horse. I have a telepathic bond with them; I know they’re not speaking English, but I’m communicating with them. A dog will come up to me and people will say, “My dog never does that.” I’m most telepathic with horses, and I’m working right now with a trainer, learning horsemanship, and it’s gotten me to stay grounded. If you’re occupying several dimensions at once, you have to stay grounded.
I’m very happy because I’m creating opportunities for other writers and sharing my skills with them. It’s creating a lot of healing for me and for them through these true crime memoirs. People can overcome anything, and that’s really helped my outlook. Unfortunately, it’s largely women who become victims, become members of a cult. And that is spiritual work for me. I see it as very consistent.
