Jody Ortiz

Bashboard Bullies Jody Ortiz

Publisher Marketing: When a two-year-old child was murdered while home alone with her new stepfather in a small Oklahoma town, blind rage toward the child's mother and her entire family spread throughout the state. The media coverage was intense as stories of a war hero and doting grandmother made the headlines. Despite multiple gag orders, one side found a way to blatantly express their opinions and sealed documents were leaked to the press, while the other side followed the rules and remained silent. Oklahomans got an earful of the off-balance story and they were hooked. As time passed without any public argument against the story that had been created, the details surrounding the case became contorted, as a seething hate caused pitchforks to be raised against one person, and then another, and so on. The witch-hunt claimed multiple victims who sat defenseless against the growing mob that hid their true agenda and actions from the general public. As the campaign stage for a conviction was being played out under Oklahoma media's spotlight, behind the curtain and in secret shadows the tale of true hate was acted out. The "Bash Board Bullies" have continually changed form and venue, but their words and actions on the Internet are driven by a hate so strong that it's still claiming victims seven years after the child's death through stalking and threats. Contributor Bio:  Jones, Julie Julie lives in the Bay Area with husband Alan and two adorable rat terriers, Renzo and Rambler. Having worked in a variety of start-up companies and in the non-profit industry, she has been inspired by the daily and often quirky events that happen each day. This view on life is part of her writing style that is reflected in this book and other stories. "I Dream" is her first journey into children's picture books.