Tag Archives: citizen advocacy

New Edition…New Perspectives…New Look…

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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

Two Veterans…One Personal Mission…

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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.

Unrelenting Journey of Hope…

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October 2nd; International Wrongful Conviction Day.

A fitting day to acknowledge the importance of my mission on behalf of six innocent men; Michael Piaskowski, Keith Kutska, Reynold Moore, Michael Hirn, Dale Basten, and Michael Johnson.

As the menacing COVID variants have impacted my ability to fully promote this edition, my stance as an unrelenting advocate has not been thwarted!

Encouraging sales have taken place. Amazing feedback has been forthcoming. But I’m not one who embraces inactivity for very long. Like the virus this journey of hope, lending a voice to the silenced, and rousing real change, knows no boundaries. Time is of the essence!

I’ve been gifted with the following opportunities by gracious associates who strongly support this mission of justice:

In-person interview as part of the “Speaking of Authors” series in Edina, MN.

Over-the-phone interview via Kirk House Publishers:

Participation in the Rosemount Country Faire in Rosemount, MN.

Mike and I at Rosemount County Faire on Sept. 25, 2021. Photo courtesy of Ann Aubitz

On October 28, 2021, for the second year in a row, I will speak virtually with Sociology students at Hamline University in St. Paul, MN.

Thanks to dear friends, Lynn Moller and Nina Bingham, for wonderful second edition (5 star) reviews recently posted on Amazon:

A Passion to Correct an Injustice

“What can I do? That’s a question we often ask when confronted with unfair situations; however, we may feel powerless or unqualified to take action. Joan Treppa, horrified at the circumstances of the Monfils case, sprang into action. She had no legal experience, but felt compelled to do what she could. And what a difference her involvement has made in this case, as well as calling attention to the travesty of wrongful convictions. This book is easy to read and Joan’s story is relatable and inspiring. Prepare for a rollercoaster ride of drama, frustration, sadness, highs and lows, and hope, infused with bits of humor along the way. It is refreshing to hear a voice from an average person advocating for awareness and change of our not-so-perfect criminal justice system.” – Lynn Moller

Joan Treppa is the Erin Brockovich of the Criminal Justice System

“I first met Joan Treppa on my Facebook page. I asked her some questions about this criminal case she’d been raising awareness of. She was working at the time as an advocate on behalf of a non-profit that represented the wrongly imprisoned. I’d never taken an interest in this subject before I met Joan, but she was so passionate about it that I wanted to learn more. As she told me her story, how she began a one-woman crusade to fight wrongful imprisonments, I assumed she must have a loved one incarcerated. I was surprised to find that she didn’t. But she is such a compassionate person that she has dedicated her life to finding justice for prisoners who wouldn’t have a voice without her. I invited her on my radio show as a guest so she could tell her story. I called her the Erin Brockovich of the criminal justice system; the Joan of Arc of prisoners (her name is Joan, after all). I was so pleased to see her book, Reclaiming Lives, had found a publisher and an audience, and winning awards. It is truly inspiring to see a person so committed to lifting others out of darkness! She challenges us all to be our best through her advocacy work, and her writing. 5 stars!” – Devi Nina Bingham

I continue to connect with individuals/venues to further the goal of freeing all six men whose innocence is irrefutable.

Copies can be ordered through my website via Paypal

Through my publisher

These and other local booksellers can special order copies of my book:

(Minneapolis) Once Upon A Crime

(Stillwater)  Valley Bookseller

On Amazon

Take care. Stay safe. And thanks for your past support!