An Update!
Very quickly I’d like to pass on that the BBC piece called, “The Secret Map of Hollywood”, which covers the Wonderland murders, will be aired in February instead of December as previously posted.
Thanks,
Dawn
Very quickly I’d like to pass on that the BBC piece called, “The Secret Map of Hollywood”, which covers the Wonderland murders, will be aired in February instead of December as previously posted.
Thanks,
Dawn
December 20th, 2004 at 8:34 am
I was just curious to find out what the name of the book is and when it was goingto come out.
December 20th, 2004 at 12:19 pm
The working title is called “The Road Through Wonderland” and so far the projected release date is winter/2005 to spring/2006 — in that range. I have noticed people comment on this site that they read “somewhere” that Sharon has written a book under the same title. But this is not so. Sharon is a collaborator my book and perhaps someone accidentally wrote the wrong information. No worries though. Thanks for asking.
Dawn
December 20th, 2004 at 4:19 pm
Dawn,
If you wouldn`t mind, would you keep us updated on the date and time the “BBC piece called, “The Secret Map of Hollywood” will air? ….
December 20th, 2004 at 8:23 pm
No problem. As soon as I know anything, I will pass it on.
Dawn
December 20th, 2004 at 11:56 pm
im really looking forward to reading your book.
its really comforting reading about your experience with drugs and others who leave comments. for so long i felt like i was the only one at my age (barely 16) who was dealing with an addiction to coke.
i havent done it in two months, i dont think ive ever been more proud of myself
December 21st, 2004 at 9:26 pm
thank you for the update. and another question…i love the movie, it has become one of my favorites. i was just curious as to how true to life, (or as much as possible) that it was as far as events? and were you satisfied with the outcome that it was accurate?
December 21st, 2004 at 10:23 pm
Hello Dawn,
On my cable, I have BBC America. Is that the same BBC channel or a seperate channel when that special airs?
Thank you.
Amber
December 22nd, 2004 at 1:15 am
Two months is great Ashley, keep counting the days til you can count years, and even then keep counting. You are probably dealing with alot of emotions, some up, some down, perhaps. I hope you have somewhere safe to be — if not create it and know you are not alone.
To Sean: Wow, those are huge questions and ones I have recently discussed in detail with the owner of another website — someone who has spoken to alot of viewers — and have come to realize that the range of understanding is vast. So, I’d like to respond by saying, ALOT was left out and some of the scenes had the director’s twist to it. There is a scene that was affectionately called by the cast and crew “the scene that never happened”. It was the scene when Sharon tells me I have to get away from John. She never told me that and that dialogue never took place, but the scene was developed in order give the viewer some background into the relationship between John, Sharon and myself. It has been made very apparent to me that because I know the story in detail, (and many more scenes were shot then actually made it into the film), I somehow figured that people “got” the story. I mean, not everyone understood it as I did. I was actually pondering posing the question to people, the audience, of “how did you see the story with regard to John, Sharon and my character”, so I could get a better perspective of how the movie was actually understood. Then, perhaps, I can acurately say how satisified I am with the outcome. I guess, coming from someone who knew the story and seeing that the film was more about the murders, I was okay with it. I always felt that my book would explain fully what happened and enable people to separate the “Hollywood” of the film. I hope this is a good enough answer for now?
Amber,
I will find out if there is another BBC channel or they are the same. Something tells me they are the same, but I will keep you posted.
Thanks to all of you.
Dawn
December 22nd, 2004 at 1:29 am
Dear Dawn,
I was compelled by the movie to resarch you and Sharon. I’m not sure why. There’s a strength there in each of you that is amazing. This could’ve taken you down with it and I’m sure everyone would’ve understood you staying in bed for the rest of your life…But, you got up. I would really like to read your book. Where can I get it? Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Love, Sally
December 22nd, 2004 at 4:44 am
Hi Dawn
I just watched Wounderland for the second time. I liked the movie very much. I’m glad to see in real life that you are ok. I would love to read your book when it comes out. I know it must have took a lot of will power to leave John and turn your life around.
What I would like to know about the movie and I hope you can tell me without giving your book away. Was your part in the movie about you pretty much the way you really was back then? If it was, you are a great role modle for those who want to over come. Take care.
December 23rd, 2004 at 1:09 am
Thanks Sally, Happy holidays to you too. I am trying my best to have the book out by the end of 2005 or close to it. I really appreciate everyone’s patience.
To Lee, this is a difficult question to answer in a simple way. I would have to say that personality wise, the director added too much of a party frame of mind and too little of the fear. At least that is what some people tell me they saw when watching the film. I think the most important true aspect of my character was how naive I was and how much he controlled my actions.
I hope your holidays are great as well.
Dawn
December 25th, 2004 at 2:03 pm
Dawn,
I Just recently watched Wonderland and I have to say i found it very compelling. I hadn’t seen a movie that grabbed a hold of me like that in a while. I think Val Kilmer is an excellent actor. One of my favorites in fact. I have no idea what John was actually like but I was wondering if how Val portryaed him, was close to the real thing. I am going to get a copy of your book. Mostly out of curiousity and a little out of complete awe. I never really understood your relationship with his wife in the movie though. You seemed so close yet you were her husbands girlfriend/lover. i would love to hear an explanation about that.
Thanks
Sarah
January 12th, 2005 at 5:56 pm
Dawn,
Have you heard anymore information about when the documentary “The Secret Map of Hollywood” is going to be on BBC and if it is going to be on BBC America? I have been checking on this information on the BBC website, but there are more than one BBC channel. The website’s TV schedule is kind of confusing to understand because of all the different channels.
I also wanted to let you know that I am glad that your family in Thailand is safe. Your family and all of the people that were affected by this horrible disaster are in my thoughts and prayers.
Thanks again for such a wonderful website. You are doing a great job!!!!
Angie
January 17th, 2005 at 11:06 pm
Hi Angie,
No final word from the BBC, but February is the proposed air date. Unfortunately, BBC America will not be airing the show as per my conversation with them this morning. I will keep you all posted.
Thanks.
Dawn
January 25th, 2005 at 11:40 am
I have to say that Wonderland is the first movie in a long time that i wanted to see again. It hit home in so many ways. I to was an addict in my teens up to age 20. I have been clean for three years and i believe that was due to my becoming a mom. Thank you for coming out with your story so Wonderland could be made. It helped me in a down time when I wanted to use again. I cant wait to read the book. Best wishes Dawn, Tracy
January 25th, 2005 at 5:59 pm
Hi Tracy,
Keep up the good work. You and your daughter deserve it. Opening up with my story has been a challenge to say the least, but it feels so worth it to hear that it means hope to you and others in some way. Everybody matters… Thanks alot.
Dawn
February 1st, 2005 at 5:04 am
I HAVE JUST WATCHED WOUNDERLAND & IT’S ONE OF THE BEST FILMS THAT I HAVE SEEN FOR AGES. CONSIDERING IT’S NATURE, THERE WAS NO GLAMOUR. IT WAS IN MY OPPINION VERY RAW. YOU AND SHARON ARE BOTH SURVIVORS!!!!
HEATHER.
February 9th, 2005 at 9:00 pm
hello dawn,
just wanted to tell you that i saw “wonderland” and thought it was an excellent movie. I can’t begin to imagine how hard it was for you to turn john in. though i have never been in your situation it brings great comfort to me that women who are in your previous situation can see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. i guess i just want to say God Bless you and your family. i hope this movie is an insperation for women presently in this predicament.
thanxs,
Erica
February 9th, 2005 at 9:01 pm
dawn, do you have any recent updates on the “secret map of Hollywood?”
February 11th, 2005 at 7:57 pm
Thanks Heather and Erica. The news about the Secret Map of Hollywood is that it will be aired only in Europe and supposedly in Feb. I will inquire with the BBC again next week.
Sorry about that,
Dawn
March 27th, 2005 at 8:50 pm
Hi Dawn, I bought the “Wonderland” movie at Blockbuster not knowing what it was really about but it was great! I can only imagine what you went through with John Holmes. To be so young, you are truly a very strong person to turn him in to the police in the end. I thought it was also good that you and SHaron Holmes could be friends. I know what that’s like, I became good friends with my husband’s ex-wife because she totally understood things I went through with him. It helps anyway. I can’t wait to buy your book when it comes out. You are a true survivor. Good Luck. Angeline S. from St. Petersburg, FL
September 18th, 2005 at 10:00 am
hi Dawn, Could you please let me /or I imagine there are lots of other’s that would really like to know what happened to Susan Launius, how much did she recover, what is she doing now, did she kick her habit, is there a bio of her life anywhere? I can only imagine the nightmares that she may still face alone in the dark, when she sleeps.She would also be a person I would love to contact, at the end of the movie it said something to the effect that she sustained injuries that would be with her permanently, I am talking of the physical injuries, I know the emotional ones will always be there,not only for herself, but for her husband, even though he was a troubled man, to say the least, he was a human being, and her husband.If anyone can tell me where I can find pics of the two, bio’s ect, please let me know.Also where is Lind???? Does anyone know is whereabouts, or anything about him as well, I would really like to know, thank you,I cannot find anything on the internet, I thought a person could find anything????? please help with any info!!
September 19th, 2005 at 12:10 pm
Christi,
you can visit these websites: 8763wonderland.com or IMDbBoardsWonderland(2003).com. They can be infomative if you are serious in your research. The IMDb site is sometimes full of opinions but I like 8763wonderland.com a Rodger Jacobs site it is very good site. I believe Lind died of a heroin overdose in 94.
Nicole
September 20th, 2005 at 7:22 am
Thanks Nicole, I di read somewhere that Lind died of an overdose in 1995. I will take alook at these sites you gave me, thanks so much, I hope I can find something about Susan Launius, sometimes after a horrific shock that she had, which is an understatement, I do believe the mind will eventually allow such awful memories to come back slowly, it is a way for your brain to bury the shock.I hope for her sake , the memories of that night never come back to her. I do think about her often, did she ever find happinnes again, how bad were her injuries she sustained, after the physical healing took place, even the injuries will always be a reminder. Keep me posted if you happen to find any other info re: Susan, when the funerals took place, all these people that died, had parents, siblings, ect, how sad for all. If my math is correct, Ron L would have been 60 yrs old now if he had lived. Christi
December 5th, 2005 at 4:14 pm
Hi Dawn,
Is your book out already, I have been looking for it with no avail.
Warm regards,
Dawn Marie Burns
July 12th, 2006 at 2:45 am
HI DAWN,
I WOULD LOVE TO FIND PICS OF SHARON IF POSSIBLE. I REALLY FEEL YOU AND HER ACCOMPLISHED A LOT TO HAVE GONE THROUGH WHAT YOU BOTH DID. YOU BOTH SAW IN JOHN THE REAL MAN NO ONE ELSE SAW AND YOU BOTH SEAMED TO HAVE LOVED HIM FOR WHAT WAS ON THE INSIDE NOT THE OUTSIDE. I TO WAS MARRIED TO A MAN THAT WAS ON DRUGS AND ABUSIVE AND I THINK I AM ALOT STRONGER WOMAN FOR LIVING THROUGH IT. I HOPE AND PRAY YOU AND SHARON ARE HEALTHY AND DOING GREAT!
July 19th, 2006 at 4:39 pm
I have a request for Dawn. I was wondering if you had an e-mail address for Sharon Holmes. I feel compelled to write her although she doesn’t know me at all. My e-mail is above so let me know if this is possible.