Glenn Langohr Speaks Out About the California Prison Hunger Strike

Glenn Langohr Speaks Out About the California Prison Hunger Strike.

The Prisons I lived in for 10 years couldn't contain me! I wrote books that shine a light on life behind bars. Check out FREE samples of the Audio Books here~ http://amzn.to/19dNrsm All my books are available in Print or Kindle for immediate download. God Bless You!

Crime Will Go Up Says Prison Author Glenn Langohr

1)    As most of your readers already know, you've spent some time in prison but have now turned your life around.  Can you tell us what happened to land you there and how your change/rehabilitation came about?

Two good parents raised me, but they divorced when I was 12 years old. Being a momma’s boy, I was broken hearted when I didn’t go with her. I called my dad out for ruining everything and that didn’t work out well for me. I ran away. I got into selling drugs. The law interrupted me, many times.

I spent 10 years in some of California’s worst prisons with 4 years in solitary confinement for riots and investigations.

The prison system didn’t rehabilitate me, writing did. California has 35 state prisons and they are violent and gang riddled. While “doing time” it is all about surviving. I started waking up at 4 am to write before surviving another possible riot took over my being. Eventually, I built up enough momentum writing books to know in my heart that I had a new life.

2)    You are obviously quite (rightly) dedicated to highlighting the plight of prisoners in the US correctional system (as well as the abuses therein).  Your personal experiences aside, anyone who has had dealings with it can understand why this is such an important cause to you but most people don't have any such experience. How would you respond to critics who would argue that prisoners get what they deserve ("do the crime, do the time" types)?

First I would say that some crimes are worse than others. I think we are too easy on Child Molesters and Rapist. But, are we the “Leaders of the Free World”? No, we are the leaders of the incarcerated world. In California alone we have 35 state prisons that are bursting at the seams, with more people behind bars than any other country other than China! Why? Because we are locking humans in prison who are addicted to drugs, or who are below the poverty level, and therefore undesirable. That could be your kid, your mother, and your neighbor.

In prison, that addiction is bred into an affliction much harder to escape, where gangs are the solution, spitting out tattooed down displaced humans without any job placement or anywhere to live.

So really, most of the prisoners are not getting what they deserve, because we look at drug addiction like alcoholism these days, like a disease. They need treatment, not prison. I am working on adapting one of my books, “My Hardest Step” into a TV show about Addiction and Recovery. One of the girls who did a casting call has been to prison. It didn’t help. A drug treatment center did work. She has been sober for over 2 years and has her son back in her life.

3)    What do you see as the way forward in terms of prison reform?  How does this come out in your books?

Prison reform isn’t going to happen until there isn’t enough tax money to keep the current system going. I’m just being real. The Politicians and Media promote the need for prisons to keep the rest of us safe. To get elected, you have to be “tough on crime”. To stay elected, you have to be “tough on crime”. This starts with the D.A. In one of my “High Profile” drug cases, the head D.A. at the time had aspirations to become the Attorney General for the U.S. and for that to even be a possibility, he couldn’t look weak on crime, so he made sure he had a 99% conviction record. Ten years later, his son is doing time for heroin addiction.

My books take you inside of prison survival between the gangs and politics and what life looks like “Inside”.

If real prison reform were to happen, it would have to be extreme. How about work programs instead of prison? How about prisoners actually learning how to get a job while in prison with computer training, resume training, job placement, housing placement and a real chance upon release?

How about only sending people to prison for violent crimes and giving the rest programs for treatment and self-help?

4)    It is also clear that you are a man of faith.  What role has that faith played in your work?  How does it come out in your characters?  How is it part of your ideas for reforming the prison system?

Thank you for bringing this up. I read the Bible in prison every day and found hope that God restores the hopeless.

My characters are divided into two groups, those who are trying to find their conscience, and those who aren’t, with a good cop verses bad cop theme as well.

In my books, my main character chases redemption by knowing he has to help other lost souls find hope and a new life away from prison and the drug war, yet just surviving takes almost all of his attention.

5)    How have you been able to partner your efforts with research and/or faith-based organizations to spread the word on your mission?

Not that well. The church I attend is amazing because of a few things. The worship band it out of this world. Our teaching Pastor is amazing also. He loves my books. But they and most churches don’t want to face their own issues, drug addiction in their family and their community.

My writing has progressed from 10-Drug War and Prison books that are in Print, Kindle and Audio Book, to 4 Prayer Books, to my most recent self help books. “My Hardest Step” is based on the Twelve Step Programs.

My best selling Prison Book is Underdog found here~ http://amzn.to/14ZQwUj 

6)    Most, if not all, of your books are based on real-life events.  How much did you write while you were still in prison?  How do you deal with the possibility of getting sued by people who may recognize themselves, particularly the more well-known you and your work become?

I wrote my first book, Roll Call, in prison for 7 years on the back of my trial transcript paperwork. Once out of prison I turned down a couple of big publishers to self publish. I got a review from Kirkus Discoveries Nielson Media out of New York that blew my mind, “A harrowing, down-and-dirty depiction--sometimes reminiscent of Steven Soderbergh's Traffic--of America's war on drugs, by former dealer and California artist Langohr. Locked up for a decade on drugs charges and immersed in both philosophical tomes and modern pulp thrillers…”  http://amzn.to/16oQXu6

As for being sued for writing such raw and penetrating content, I use this quote in TV interviews: “I paint with the true colors of life on a fictional landscape to protect the innocent and the not so innocent.”

My newest Prison book, “The Art of War: A Memoir of Life in Prison, is the most controversial yet. While I was finishing up my sentence at a hard-core prison on the California border of Mexico, there was so much violence, you just wouldn’t believe half of it. Being a White inmate where over 80% of the population is Mexican or Black, it wasn’t easy. We had a prison guard who gave us information about other inmates, one of which was a notorious “Child Molester”. You’ll have to read the book to see what happened. It is on sale for .99 for Kindle here~ http://amzn.to/18YH60f

7)  What one thing you would like for our readers to know about you?  Your work? Jesus is my landlord. I got that quote from a homeless woman who told it to the police who were harassing her for living in her car. They stopped dead in their tracks and let her go. I used that quote in one of my books. God bless you.

Here’s a six-minute TV Interview I did about my books and prison life. http://video.pbssocal.org/video/2365052683

Best Selling Author Glenn Langohr Speaks About Prison Life on PBS Southern California's "The Real Orange"

Glenn Langohr spent 10 years in California's worst prisons on drug charges, with 4 years in Solitary Confinement for riots and investigations, before becoming a best selling author.

He has published 12 prison and drug war books that shine a light on conditions inside of California's overcrowded prisons.

When asked how much of his books are true, Glenn Langohr responded, "I paint with the true colors of life on a fictional landscape to protect the innocent and not so innocent, inmates and prison guards included."

To check out Glenn Langohr's complete list of books in Print, Kindle and Audio book go here~ http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00571NY5A

PRISONERS FAMILIES VOICES UK: Author Glenn Langohr Supporting Prison Widow

PRISONERS FAMILIES VOICES UK: Author Glenn Langohr Supporting Prison Widow: My friend Glenn from California has written a piece for Prisoners Families Voices: Glenn Langohr Spent 10 Years in Prison, With 4 Yea...

Check out the U.K Prizon Widow who gives a voice to the voiceless. If you share her site I will gift out a kindle copy of one of my books! Give her some love!

Glenn Langohr Spoke to the Men at the Salvation Army in Pasadena, LA About His Best Selling Prison Books and HIs Upcoming Interview on Oprah Winfrey

Glenn Langohr: Speaking to the men at the Salvation Army in east LA, about his Prison Books and Faith! To check out all of Glenn Langohr's Book in Audio to listen to a FREE sample/purchase tap this link~ http://amzn.to/17JVzA4

Glenn Langohr's Best Selling Prison Book Got Another Great Review

Underdog by Glenn Langohr is available in Print for 8.99, Kindle for .99 or Audio book for 6.99 Here's another great review for my Prison Book Underdog: Desolation, June 24, 2013

By 

karen - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: UNDERDOG, A True Crime Thriller of Prison Life (Prison Killers- Book 4) (Kindle Edition)

I haven't figured it out yet but this short book affected me to my core. Maybe it's the similarities between the dogs and the inmates. Maybe it's because I know in my heart that what was written is true.

Glenn Langohr Speaks About His Vision From Prison About Turning Into a Best Selling Author. Check it his Best Selling Prison and Drug War Books in Audio To Listen to a FREE sample/purchase here~

Glenn Langohr Speaks About His Vision From Prison About Turning Into a Best Selling Author. Check it his Best Selling Prison and Drug War Books in Audio To Listen to a FREE sample/purchase here~ http://amzn.to/11HEA9x

Prison Author Glenn Langohr's Radio Interview on Women Behind the Wall 05/28 by 4justicenow | Blog Talk Radio

Women Behind the Wall 05/28 by 4justicenow | Blog Talk Radio It was great to be on the radio with Gloria Goodwin-killian about Prison conditions. If anyone has time to listen and or leave a comment to show the advocates who run the show to help prisoners that they are being heard, I appreciate it!

Same DiNamics: Underdog Book Review

Same DiNamics: Underdog Book Review: Underdog Author Glenn Langohr Synopsis: Another one of Glenn Langohr's stunning memoirs - a brave, unflinching account ... I love meeting people in the UK who read my books! This one read and reviewed my Prison Thriller, Underdog. It is the deepest look into prison life ever and is available in Print, Kindle or Audio Book here~ http://amzn.to/12J41br

Please Welcome My Awesome Author Friend From The UK, Tracey Alley

Please Welcome My Awesome Author Friend From The UK, Tracey Alley! I had the chance to meet her about a year ago and wanted to give her story and her books some publicity here in the U.S. She has helped my books get publicity in the U.K, so please check her out and buy and share her books! Here's an interview with her:

Tracey can you tell me about the first book you published?

The first novel I published was Erich's Plea.  That's the first novel in the fantasy series The Witchcraft Wars.  It's a classic, epic fantasy tale that essentially asks the question 'how far would you go to save someone/thing you loved?'  It explores the different definitions of love such as romantic love, love of a friend, parental love and love for parents as well as love for your kingdom.  The story is told via the ambitions of conquest by an evil sorceress who possesses an alien form of magic to the land of Kaynos ranged against a motley assortment of extremely unlikely allies using their own, traditional form of magic as well as other battle skills.  There's a lot of twists and turns throughout the series and it's very character driven.
Erich's Plea is FREE today!

Can you tell me the order of your books?

Erich's Plea, Ursula's Quest, then Slade's Destiny.  I also have an anthology of short stories featuring background info on some of The Witchcraft Wars series which can be read either before the series or after although all the action in The Kaynos History Tales takes place before the events in The Witchcraft Wars.

What are some of the best highlights to your writing life so far?

So many highlights in my writing career.  All the expected ones I guess, first sale, first 5 star review, first fan letter but for me the biggest highlight of my writing career was having my Mum, now deceased, read Erich's Plea and enjoying it.  She, and my Dad, had always been my greatest supports but also my harshest critics - if they thought the writing was bad they never held back in telling me so and I cherish them both for that.

What frustrates you about the publishing process?

In terms of traditional publishing it is unbelievably frustrating at how difficult it can be to get someone to even look at your work.  The big publishers tend to be more interested in pushing their already established names rather than seeking out new talent - and believe me there is a huge world of very talented authors out there who can't get a look in with traditional publishing.  The other very frustrating aspect of traditional publishing is the extremely low returns to authors.  I actually had a contract with one of the big publishers for The Witchcraft Wars series but when I compared that to publishing independently there was simply no comparison.  I turned down their offer and have been Indie ever since and doubt very much I would ever change my mind.

In terms of Indie publishing the biggest frustration there is the lack of having a huge marketing team behind you to get your products in the public eye.  All of your promotion and marketing has to come through your own hard work and the help of people like yourself who are willing to give Indie authors a voice.

Can you tell me about some of your best reviews for your books?

I've had many wonderful reviews for my work, which is incredibly humbling.  I think the reviews where fans are asking for more of your work are probably the most gratifying.  Although, having said that, many reviews can be very favourable but still point out areas for improvement and to me, they are very important if you want to keep putting out quality work.

Can you give me the important links to purchase your books in the U.S. and U.K. for my readers?

U.S. http://amzn.to/143pdwW

U.K.   http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=tracey+alley&x=0&y=0

Can you give me any of your social sites?

My website is http://traceyalley.weebly.com/

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tracey-Alley-Author/127959000550782

Twitter - https://twitter.com/traceylalley

Wattpad - http://www.wattpad.com/mystories

Email - world.of.kaynos@gmail.com

I am a Christian myself who loves the Lord and I'm so glad you are as well! Can you tell me a little about how your faith has grown?

The story of my journey towards God and my walk with Him since is a rather long one with more than a few miracles along the way.  The short version is that I was not born into a specifically Christian household.  My Mum was what would best be called 'a seeker' - she was searching for something.  As a result she studied with many different denominations, looked at many other philosophies, studied the sciences extensively but she was in her 40's before she gave her life to God.  My Dad [Step-Dad actually] was an Aboriginal who believed in the Dreamtime and taught my sisters and I about that.  Briefly put both my parents encouraged my sisters and I to seek out 'the truth' for ourselves and not to be influenced by others but to think for ourselves.

I had an acceptance, if you will, of God's existence for a very long time - since I was a small child actually - but never considered it of any importance in my life.  I had been told a story by my Mum, which most people don't believe but I swear is true, that when I was age 4 we lived in a house across the road from a big park with a very large, very deep man-made lake.  I couldn't swim.  Mum was knitting and not really paying attention to what I was doing when she suddenly heard a voice, not in her head but in the air, which said 'socks and shoes off, in the water' and that is exactly how Mum found me - had it not been for that voice, an angel probably, I would have gone further into the water and drowned.  So I was always aware of God as a 'real' Being.  

I married first when I was very young and it was a tumultuous relationship that ended badly - no one's fault really, we were just both too young.  After my divorce I sunk into a very deep depression, something I had been prey to off and on since I was 14.  Mum was living in New Zealand at the time so I decided to go over and spend some time with her to maybe pull myself out of my depression.  Long story short I became the target of a very dangerous stalker.  He broke into our house many times, damaged my car - it was near continual and very scary.  The man involved was a paranoid schizophrenic with a long history with local police and yet, despite all his efforts I was never hurt by him, apart from being emotionally frightened, he was never able to actually get his hands on me.  This made me start really thinking about God in a much more serious way as I believed firmly that I was somehow under the Lord's protection.  I'm ashamed to admit that I'm quite stubborn so in spite of some very close calls where my escape can only be called miraculous I didn't immediately give my life to God.  It would take me another eight years before I finally realised how long He had been calling me and I gave myself up fully to Him.  I've never felt a greater sense of peace than I did at my eventual Baptism and my relationship with God continues to grow - in spite of me   I have never, in the 13 years since, considered that I had a very strong faith so I was taken completely by surprised about a year ago when I had several people, in different situations, tell me how strong my faith was and how much they admired my faith.  I was shocked and take no credit for this - whatever I may have, whatever I may be it is only Jesus living within me.

I love listening to worship music like that band Hillsong? Have you heard of them and do you have any special music or Bible verses that bring you closer to the living God?

I have heard of Hillsong and enjoy much of their music.  The congregation I worship with, small though it is, has our own band and they perform a combination of many different songs and hymns, including one my Mum wrote not long before her death.  I tend to be a little old fashioned in some ways and my favourite hymns are Ancient Words, There Is A Redeemer and The Battle Hymn of The Republic.  

As for favourite verses there are so many that inspire me it is hard to pick one.  If I had to though it would probably be "I will never leave you, nor forsake you."  Knowing that God is always there for me, that Jesus lives within me is the most incredible gift I have ever been given.

  

As you know, I started writing true life drug war and prison thrillers based on my old life of crime, but now I also write Christian Prayer books, do you plan on writing other genres?

I have published an anthology of poetry, a great love of mine, called Reflections: A Modern Anthology.  At the moment I'm working on a mystery/thriller and have plans for a series of novels after that before returning to fantasy.  I don't feel confident enough to put my thoughts or feelings about God into a book... yet - you never know what the future will bring and if that is something He calls me to do I will respond.  I do write a Christian blog which is based solely on my own studies and beliefs - I try not to 'preach' but simply outline the lessons from the Bible and I encourage my readers to seek out the truth for themselves by reading the Bible and prayer and meditation to hear that 'small, still voice of God'.  This is the address if you're interested - http://traceyalley.blogspot.com.au/  Should you read some of the posts you will realise fairly quickly I'm not the most conventional of Christians but that is just my walk with God 

Lift You UP Blog - Always there for You: GUEST AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH GLENN LANGOHR

Lift You UP Blog - Always there for You: GUEST AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH GLENN LANGOHR Check out this awesome page from my new friend James in the UK. He has a great site for authors to promote their books and for readers to connect with authors and find great new books! He is a great Christian and he let me talk about how I went from writing in prison on drug charges to becoming a best selling author of drug war and prison thrillers that are chalked full of redemption.

That Girl Reads Interviews Ex-Con Turned Best Selling Author Glenn Langohr

TGR: Which actor would you want to portray you if your books were turned into movies?   For more, check out her site!   http://thatgirlreads.blogspot.com/2013/01/author-interview-glenn-langohr.html 

Check Out This Interview: From Ex-Con To Best Selling Author

Check Out This Interview: From Ex-Con To Best Selling Author http://www.authorscourtwithme.blogspot.co.uk

Glenn T Langohr - Ex-con to Best Seller Author Life Story Book Interview

Interview Highlight 

 

I'm honored and thrilled to be interviewing Glenn Langohr author of Roll Call, Upon Release From Prison, Race Riot, Lock Up Diaries, Gladiator, Underdog, Prison Riot and Pelican Bay Riot, on I Am Darmie Orem and Authors' Curtilage with Darmie Orem.

Welcome Langohr.

“Thank you, Darmie.”

Langohr, 42, has spent 10 1/2. Years -   approximately a quarter of his life - in prison, the result of drug - related convictions which has evoked his desire to write and write and write some more about the story of his life after he found God and a calling as a writer.

The salvation found well-built author ran away at 12. By 15, he was selling pot supplied to him by Mexican Smuggler. By 18 he was serving his first hold in jail. When he got out he resumed dealing drugs, this time he became one of the busiest amphetamine dealers in South Orange County and also became addict.

Langohr in all has written eight books. He has been invited to speak before criminal justice classes at colleges.

His most recent book Underdog, a crime thriller true story opened with: Sergeant Torrez crowding the convicts’ cell door with a smirk on his face with six IGI Gooners behind him.

Glenn as the character Bj in the book said, they called the inmate Gang Investigators Gooners because they wore similar uniforms to the regular prison guards and had additional black stitching on their shoulders and chest that resembled tattoos to signify they were in charge of deciphering; who the gangsters were, usually was based on their tattoos...

Using the experiences of one's life and transforming them into fiction can be a great challenge. Langohr, how were you able to pull this off?

“I use the true colors of life and paint on a fictional landscape to protect the innocent and the not so innocent. “

From the opening of Underdog one could see that the story is tight and compelling. Did you have some sort of writing courses during your years behind bars?

“No. That is what we need to do as a society. Help prisoners get instructional writing guides and more learning power. What I did is pray and read the Bible every day. I also read everything else I could get my hands on. God answered my prayers and led me to write. Out of the blue, I got a letter from a Pastor by the name of David Hocking from the church, Hope For Today. From that point on I communicated with him and he sent me information on how to publish books and make movies. That lit a fire of encouragement inside of me and I kept on writing with new vigor.”

Obviously, you consider your life as some big book and ain't ashamed to go on talking about it. Why did you use life as novels?

“I wanted to change the destructive path I was on. When I ran away from a divorced family at the age of 12, I was hurt emotionally and had to find a way to soothe the pain. The streets and the drug world was an exciting distraction at first but always ends with prison, insanity or a coffin. I will use a quote from my novel Roll Call to make the point. "Sow a bad thought and reap an action. Sow an action and reap a habit. Sow a habit and reap a character. Sow a character and reap a destiny." I wanted to open up people's eyes that God can turn any life around, even those that society has cast aside as the worst of the worst. It all starts with changing your thoughts.”

When did you first get down events in your life on the paper? Did you start by keeping a journal or simply started writing it as a book?

“I started writing from a prison cell in solitary confinement with the hope that I could write a novel about the drug war that would turn into a movie or TV series. I woke up at 4 AM and wrote sporadically all day and night. ”

How did you act when it occurred to you that you could turn your life experiences into books? Or was it somebody that opened your eyes that you could do that?

“After a year of writing I saw the light. I knew the content I was writing about was destined to be read and understood. I got excited and started pacing the length of the cell back and forth and it helped me think even deeper.”

What's the central conflict of the novel Underdog?

“In California and other prisons in the U.S, prison tattoos on inmates are being used as evidence to classify prisoners to solitary confinement where they don't get to see the sun ever again. While I was in prison the Criminal Justice system sent way to many people to prison for drug crimes. That filled the prisons up to double their capacities. It made prison a more violent place and a bigger breeding ground for gangs. It was harder and harder to keep the peace and disputes arose over who could use things like tables, work out bars and showers. More and more riots happened. I was involved in a few that I did everything I could to avoid. When I went to the hole, solitary confinement, I saw first hand how the prison was falsely labeling prisoners as bad influencers based on their tattoos. I published Underdog one day after a prisoner died in a hunger strike over the same issues. “

You've been quite creative in transforming your life experiences into books. Any tips for those willing to also put out their life stories?

“Write every day until you are waking up before everyone else. Write before you get distracted! Don't worry about it being perfect or you will never get started. Keep in mind that you have to develop conflict and characters early. Always remember that any script must have a beginning, middle and end. So break it into those pieces and it will come together eventually. Know that you have to rewrite the script many times so the first time don't hold back. You can cut pieces out later. Just do it.”

Is there any word of advice for strayed children doing drugs?

“Don't do it! God is so amazing and He made us in His image. Drugs are poison and pollute the brain and worse, they stain the very soul. You only have one brain, one soul and one body, treat yourself like a Holy temple for God. If you are a child who is lost, ask for help! Go to all the churches and boldly tell them your problems. If nobody is helping you, don't worry. God will! While you are suffering, look at it as an opportunity to help other people who are suffering and you won't be suffering as much!”

Now that you are reborn again into a clean path, what sort of man would you describe yourself?

“I used to have to work out for 4 hours a day to deal with life and feel good. I found a way better way. If you sing worship songs to the Lord you feel the same way and get even better looking at the same time! It's true; singing makes your cheek bones more beautiful. The older and wiser I get, the more I realize I need God to direct my path.”

Are there any life's failures which could make you go back to your old ways?

“There is no way! I'm still hyper sensitive and all the same pains and temptations still exist, but I don't want to lose this connection I have with God. The Bible has proven itself to be the Holy Word of God by how many prophecies have been fulfilled. With that said, I believe the end is near and all this craziness is the last gasp of a fallen world. I want to be about God's Kingdom, not the devils.”

Please provide links to your Website/blog, your social media profiles, and links to purchase your book (s).

“Here are links to all my books in the U.S. in print and kindle”

Books in Print and in Kindle 

Kindle 

Books in Audio 

 Glenn's Friends' Facebook Page

Facebook Fan Page 

Glenn's Google Site 

His Wordpress Site 

Besides turning your life story into books, do you have plans of selling them to filmmakers for movie adaptation? I think you should contact FeatureWorld and see what they have to offer you if you've got any plans like that. Or you market all your stories at TVFilmRights

TV film rights is the Film, Television, and Publishing Industry's premiere online source for selling different kinds of scripts. There are always producers scouting movie ideas and screenplays on the site.

“Thanks for the links to sell the stories to the movies!”

Have you read through Glenn T Langohr interview? What do you think of him? Don't you think he's a product of grace everyone should reckon with? Feel free to submit questions for him at his email address and he will reply them promptly.

Once again Glenn, I'm honored and thrilled to have you stop by at my blogs.

“The pleasure is all my. Thank you, Darmie.”