Interview with Ed Barajas, author of The Quiet Revolution


Title: The Quiet Revolution
Author: Ed Barajas
Publisher: iUniverse
Pages: 110
Genre: Non-fiction/Law
Format: Kindle
This is a different view of our criminal justice system in a way that challenges the negative portrayals from people considered experts. Contrary to the prevailing view of most experts describing a broken and inhumane system, something appears to be working. For the past twenty years crime has taken a plunge in the US and the experts appear to be clueless regarding the cause. Barajas suggests the reason for less crime is because of an ongoing transformation of the justice system that is more focused on public safety and working in concert with the community and other service agencies.
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Q: Welcome to The Writer's Life, Ed Barajas.  Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you’ve been writing?

A:  Ed Barajas retired from the Federal Bureau of Prisons after twenty-seven years of service, including twelve years in three maximum-security prisons.  He began his career as a correctional officer right after graduating from college.  He worked his way into management and administrative positions, including ten years with the National Institute of Corrections in Washington, DC.   He has been a guest lecturer at universities and has written chapters of criminal justice textbooks and published articles and guest editorials in various periodicals.  He and his wife live in North Carolina.

Q: Can you please tell us about your book and why you wrote it?

A:  This book presents a different view of our criminal justice system in a way that challenges the negative portrayals from people considered experts.  Contrary to the prevailing view of most experts describing a broken and inhumane system, something appears to be working.

For the past twenty years crime has taken a plunge in the US and the experts appear to be clueless regarding the cause.  I suggest the reason for less crime is because of an ongoing transformation of the justice system that is more focused on public safety and working in concert with the community and other service agencies.

Frustration with the lack of information and coverage about the subject from this perspective drove me to write the book.

Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced writing it?

A:  The biggest challenge for me was inertia.  The idea of writing a book seemed daunting and I was content with writing letters to the editor and occasional guest editorials.  I suppose writers cramp from so many small articles prompted me to write on comprehensive work of my views and opinions.

Q: Do you have a press kit and what do you include in it?  Does this press kit appear online and, if so, can you provide a link to where we can see it?

A:  The publisher (iUniverse) issued a press release in January 2015.  I’m waiting for a report on responses.  I don’t have a link.

Q: Have you either spoken to groups of people about your book or appeared on radio or TV?  What are your upcoming plans for doing so?

A:  As of today, I haven’t been asked to speak to any groups.  The local Barnes and Noble said they’d do a book sighing for me and I plan to pursue this.  If the press release and blog tour generates requests for radio or other media interviews I’d be happy to accept.

Q: Do you have an agent and, if so, would you mind sharing who he/she is?  If not, have you ever had an agent or do you even feel it’s necessary to have one?

A:  I don’t have an agent.  The publisher has been doing some promotion and marketing for my book.  I don’t know how much more an agent can do for me but I’m open to learn.

Q: Did you, your agent or publisher prepare a media blitz before the book came out and would you like to tell us about it?

A:  The publisher’s press release went to some 500 media outlets.

Q: Do you plan subsequent books?

A:  Not now but if the spirit moves me at a later time…
 
Q: Thank you for your interview, Ed Barajas.  Would you like to tell my readers where they can find you on the web and how everyone can buy your book?

A: The publisher’s site is: http://bookstore.iuniverse.com/AdvancedSearch/Default.aspx?SearchTerm=Ed+Barajas

Amazon site is: http://www.amazon.com/Quiet-Revolution-Shattering-American-Criminal/dp/1491749008/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425048038&sr=8-1&keywords=Ed+Barajas

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-quiet-revolution-ed-barajas/1120689845?ean=9781491749005

My Blog: http://justusdepartment.blogspot.com


Ed Barajas retired from the Federal Bureau of Prisons after twenty-seven years of service, including twelve years in three maximum security prisons. He began his career as a correctional officer right after graduating from college. He worked his way into management and administrative positions, including ten years with the National Institute of Corrections in Washington, DC. He has been a guest lecturer at universities and has written chapters of criminal justice textbooks and published articles and guest editorials in various periodicals. He and his wife live in North Carolina.

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