Tag Archives: Brown County Courthouse

New Edition…New Perspectives…New Look…

Leave a reply

Hello fellow supporters of Six Innocent Men –

For the majority of the winter, I’ve intensely focused on a 3rd edition of my book, Reclaiming Lives. I’m especially proud of this version and am excited to share the following information.

With merely weeks to go before publication, (approximately 4-6 weeks) this leg of the journey is getting real! Preorders are now available!!

Here’s a recap of the many steps that have been taken to ensure that this edition is top-notch.

New content crucial to this story which I believe will give readers much to think about regarding the merits of this case has been added.

The guys themselves once again contributed content which adds yet another layer to this story that will provide invaluable insight to all who read this book.

I am for the first time revealing the exciting new cover image!

Image of the Brown County Courthouse in Green Bay, WI

This version will have an entirely new look, complete with color photos. It will also have a Table of Contents and a listing of key characters to lessen the confusion about who is who.

The 4 beta-readers did an amazing job of scrutinizing and providing feedback for the manuscript. What they found truly makes this edition shine! The professional editor (through my publisher), upon completing their final round of edits for the manuscript, had this to say:

“A fascinating story and really well told. I like the narration style and content and the writing was quite good throughout.”  

I specifically asked my good friend Vicki to be a beta-reader because she reads a lot and has a good feel for what makes a good book stand out. She shared that my book is every bit as worthy of being on best seller lists. However, the fact that I’m not a well-known author per se makes it difficult to get there. So…I truly need your help.

A great way to start is by sharing the link below with friends, family, colleagues, anyone you can think of who might be interested. I’d also appreciate it if some of you took the initiative to reach out to media outlets, news organizations, libraries, book stores, etc… The more exposure this book gets the better chance it has of receiving recognition.

Let’s hit the ground running and get this important story out there and into as many hands as possible. These six men and their families deserve that much.

Preorder through this link:

https://www.kirkhousepublishers.com/product-page/reclaiming-lives-third-edition-by-joan-treppa

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Joan

Happy Holidays!

2 Replies

What’s in store for Reclaiming Lives in the New Year…?

Hi everyone. I’ve been absent for what seems like eternity but I wanted to share some exciting updates regarding my book. I’ve been diligently working on a third and final edition. There’s plenty yet to be done but much progress is being made. So….what will be included in this latest version?

Banner courtesy of StoryFirst Media in Madison, WI

In 2023, the Beyond Human Nature documentary premiered at the Green Bay Film Festival to a sold out crowd. Many supporters of the project were in attendance including our exoneree, Michael “Pie” Piaskowski. He, of course, had plenty to say about the endless barrage of false claims made throughout the film by the former Brown County DA, John Zakowski and the former detective, Randy Winkler. I dedicated a chapter to highlight Pie’s rebuttals.

(LtoR) Professor Nolan Bennett, Joan Treppa, and Keith Kutska during a visit to UWGB on February 29, 2023.

A chapter about Keith Kutska’s release in August 2023 has also been added.

Now that all of the men are free and have been for some time, I’ve asked each of them to provide insights into how life is going for them now.  You’ll be amazed at what they’re up to!

At the suggestion of an attorney whom I chatted with at a 2023 book fair – and due to a number of readers expressing difficulty with keeping the extensive cast of characters in the book straight – I’ve compiled a listing that will appear in the front of the book to be used as a quick reference that will include those names which cause the most confusion.

Exoneree Amanda Knox and Joan Treppa at the 2024 Great North Innocence Benefit.

Throughout this process amazing connections are being made which could lead to exciting developments that, for now, are too premature and too uncertain to share. Please send your happy vibes for the best outcomes in each of them. I’ve always believed that timing is key in this journey for justice. I believe that it will continue to be so moving forward. We have always been on the side of true justice. AND WE STILL ARE!

Talented ‘beta’ readers have lent their time and have provided valuable feedback that is transforming this version into the best one yet! The book will also have an entirely new look with a fabulous new cover design I cannot wait to share with you! Rest assured, the book’s important story and message will remain the same.

At this time, I’m refraining from giving a timeline for its completion. So stay tuned…

Okay…time to get back to work. My list of tasks continues to grow. But so does my enthusiasm for this blockbuster edition!

As always, thank you for your amazing support.

During this busy time, make sure to take time for YOU.

From our hearth to yours, have a wonderful holiday season! I’ll see you next year!

Joan

Two Veterans…One Personal Mission…

2 Replies

On this Veterans Day we honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I’d like to also pay tribute to two Veterans in particular that not only served dutifully in the Army but who have dedicated their lives to serving in other important ways as well.

It’s been my absolute privilege to have known these two distinguished gentlemen; Exoneree Michael “Pie” Piaskowski and Retired Crime Scene Expert Johnny Johnson.

Allow me to explain how they met:

“Johnny introduced himself when they walked in. His attention soon zeroed in on the hat Mike Pie was wearing, which revealed he had served in the US Army. Johnny was an army veteran too, which gave them plenty to talk about. They soon realized that they had served in a similar area in Vietnam. “Assisting veterans is what I do,” Johnny said that day. For a brief time, Johnny had assisted my neighbor, Ken, with veteran’s concerns. It is why I ran into him at my mailbox, and it was why I had the opportunity to ask for his help. There was no mistaking the bond already forming between Johnny and Mike Pie or the opportunity that this instance presented—Johnny’s ability to aid this veteran in his personal mission.”  – Excerpt from Reclaiming Lives

After realizing their similar connection they became close friends and together, fought another important uphill battle or personal mission if you will, closer to home. What occurred as a result of this partnership and their collaborations with many others is nothing short of AMAZING.

Read the full story in my book, Reclaiming Lives:

Kirk House Publishers

Amazon 

Or simply purchase through PayPal on this website (at the top right corner of this page).

THANK YOU!

Mike Pie and Johnny Johnson; two regular guys taking a breather in the midst of an important mission. Photo taken at the 2016 Hotrod Breakout fundraiser/car show in Minnesota.