Photo: Anita Dickason: Former SWAT sniper turned acclaimed mystery author, crafting authentic stories inspired by her remarkable real-life experiences.
Courage, Creativity, And Unforgettable Thrills
Anita Dickason shares how her trailblazing career in law enforcement as a SWAT sniper inspired her award-winning, realistic crime thrillers and cosy mysteries, captivating readers with authenticity.
Anita Dickason is no stranger to breaking barriers and crafting legacies. Beginning her law enforcement career at 44, she rose to prominence over an incredible 22 years with the Dallas Police Department, eventually making history as the first female sniper on the Dallas SWAT team. Her multifaceted roles as patrol officer, undercover narcotics detective, tactical officer, and advanced accident investigator provided her with a deep reservoir of stories—and a determination to share them.
Fast forward to today, Anita has shifted her focus from solving real-life crimes to penning unforgettable fiction as an award-winning mystery and crime author. With ten gripping novels to her name and another on the way, Anita’s journey has captivated readers worldwide. Her novels, such as Sentinels of the Night, Going Gone!, and the Tori Winters Mystery Series, thrill audiences with their authenticity, twists, and action-packed narratives.
“Don’t let age be a deterrent. You are never too old to start.” – Anita Dickason
Reflecting on her transition from police officer to writer, Anita shared with Reader’s House Magazine: “A strange twist of fate prompted me to say yes.” The path began when a crash reconstruction investigation led her to author her first book, JFK Assassination Eyewitness: Rush To Conspiracy. That pivotal work inspired her passion for writing and launched her second act as a storyteller.
Anita’s novels don’t just come alive with riveting narratives—they are steeped in real-life experiences. “OMG—my books are filled with my experiences,” Anita exclaimed in our interview. Her crime thrillers and cosy mysteries draw from the cases she worked on, offering readers unparalleled authenticity. From a sniper’s perspective to undercover stings and advanced accident investigations, her real-life encounters inform every plot twist, bringing her characters and scenarios vividly to life.
In discussing her challenges, Anita spoke candidly about switching from crime thrillers to cosy mysteries with the Tori Winters Mystery Series. “I had built my reputation on crime thrillers. Cosy mysteries require a different writing style… the emphasis is on the characters and how the crime affects them,” she explained. Her gamble paid off, with Deadly Keepsakes and other works earning acclaim, including recognition in Kirkus Reviews as Great Indie Books Worth Discovering.
Anita’s meticulous research is another element that sets her apart. Case in point: her dedication to factual detail led her to spend hours studying house demolition videos for just a single paragraph in her Tori Winters series. Her process ensures every element of her books resonates with accuracy.
For aspiring writers, Anita offers simple yet insightful advice: “Don’t let age be a deterrent. You are never too old to start.” A lifelong learner herself, she encourages others to embrace creativity, find inspiration in the everyday, and pursue their dreams regardless of the obstacles. “Inspiration is everywhere,” she said, proving that her own journey is as inspirational as her books.
Anita Dickason’s extraordinary career—from law enforcement pioneer to acclaimed author—is a testament to the power of reinvention and storytelling. Her works continue to enthral readers with their rich narratives, crafted from the very fabric of her fascinating life. Stay on the edge of your seat as her eleventh novel is already in the works!
