What was the idea, or spark, that first set off the need to write Bundy: A Clinical Discussion of The Perfect Storm?

I read several books and viewed movies devoted to Bundy’s life and actions and felt none of those sources explained sufficiently why he turned out to be a serial killer. All the experiences he had – being illegitimate being rejected by a woman, having a volatile grandfather have occurred with many people yet most did not commit murder let alone kill over thirty women and young girls. I wanted to take a step back, review child development per se in the first few chapters and discuss how children turn out normally = then back track to look at Bundy’s life as a child. Simply saying he had a need for control. or lacked a conscience were not enough of an explanation.  I tried to look a bit deeper into the human psyche in presenting a theory.

How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to put it all together?

I did a good deal of research, including, articles, books, and even cases not attributed to Bundy (one of which here in New Hampshire back in the late 70s. Most of the conclusions derived from my experience as a clinical practitioner, particularly in working with antisocial personalities

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

The most central idea conveyed in the book is that simple cause and effect explanations of psychopathy – for example detachment experiences, trauma, neglect or abuse cannot explain the motives of a serial killer. Another variable is needed as a catalyst of such actions. My conclusion was (basically) that all actions, motives and emotional dispositions emanate from self-perceptions. In the final analysis what we do, feel and think pivots off of how we see ourselves. When the self is ill-defined in the extreme, or so in conflict with how others react to us it alows for any number of imprinted experiences and reactions and throughout life the central tasks will consist of attempts to define, fortify   and enhance self perceptions. Ultimately Bundy had no identity he was a blank slate requiring constant self definition. That in turn required such a self focus as to block put outside influence. And his self confusion was so extreme that whenever it was threatened (by females with status and an ostensible happy existence -therefore not “eligible” for domination by Bundy he had to erase them from the blackboard. As long as they lived he could not achieve self-resolution.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?

I believe many readers out there are fascinated with true crime stories, particularly people who cannot fathom how a man so apparently normal could (or needed to) murder females for purposes of self definition. I hope some of them plug into this book and find it interesting. If they take away the fact that true anchor point of both normalcy and pathology is the self I would have sucessfully made my point.