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Bob Shell: The Perils of Prison Life and the First Amendment

man writing a letter from a prison cell — Image FX

The Perils of Prison Life and the First Amendment

I made my living for more than thirty-five years from writing and photography. In my current circumstances I am blocked from doing photography, but I haven’t been blocked from writing — until now.

A bit of history first: I grew up in a media family. My father was a TV news reporter for WSLS TV, the NBC affiliate in Roanoke, Virginia. He also wrote short stories for magazines. My mother worked for The Roanoke Times newspaper and became an early computer expert. I literally grew up in TV studios and newspaper offices. So I guess it was natural that I’d gravitate to the media.

In 1971 I started working for WRFT TV, the ABC affiliate in Roanoke. My boss there was Adrian Cronauer, the real man Robin Williams portrayed in ‘Good Morning Vietnam.’ While working for Ade, I was also writing a monthly column on UFOs for Gnostica magazine, my first paid writing gig.

In 1973 I invented the Harley Stone Detective Agency and wrote a number of genre detective stories. I didn’t have much luck in getting them published, but several did appear in limited-circulation ‘fanzines.’ I put the characters and story ideas aside and didn’t think about them much for years.

In 2018 I learned that it was possible to self-publish books through Kindle Direct Publishing, a division of Amazon. com . I wrote my philosophical/scientific book ‘Cosmic Dance’ between then and 2019, when I published it. Considering that I had a zero promotion and advertising budget, it has sold reasonably well worldwide, and has been positively reviewed.

In 2021, with a lot of time on my hands, I decided to return to the Harley Stone Detective Agency characters, so I started working on my first novel, titled ‘The Adventure of the Abducted Actress.’

I finished the book in near final form in 2024 and only needed to review the author’s proof for final editing and correcting. Then I hit a brick wall. When the proof arrived

in early March at Dillwyn Correctional Center where I’m currently housed, it was confiscated. It was sent to the Virginia Department of Corrections’ Publication Review Committee. In spite of the fact that it has not been published, and obviously isn’t yet a publication, they put it on the VDOC’s Disapproved Publications Listing. That listing is many unnumbered pages long with twenty or more items per page, hundreds of books and magazines.

I’m in good company. Dr. Anthony Fauci’s latest book is on there, as is a magazine banned for containing a recipe for sauerkraut!

Like most detective stories, my book has some sex scenes. But I was very careful not to include anything beyond what could be found in multiple books in the prison libraries, books by well-known authors, including a Nobel Prize in Literature laureate.

After fighting for months to get my proof back so that I may publish my book, I’ve exhausted all of my institutional remedies, and must now take the issue into court.

We all know that the First Amendment to the US Constitution guarantees us freedom of speech. Beyond that, I am in Virginia. Article One, Section Twelve, of the Virginia Constitution says “Any citizen may freely speak, write, and publish his sentiments on all subjects.”

I may be in prison, but I am still a citizen, and I have that right. But the Virginia Department of Corrections is interfering with my right.

The problem with taking this issue into court is that I am not a lawyer and have no money to hire one, while the Virginia Department of Corrections would be represented by the Virginia Attorney General.

I need help to defend my right to publish my book. If you watch TV, you’ve probably seen the commercials for the ACLU in which they beg for donations and say they defend freedom of speech. So far, the Virginia ACLU hasn’t even had the common courtesy to answer my letters.

If anyone reading this blog can help, or has suggestions on who might help me, you may email me via JPay.com

by using my name, Robert Shell, and my state ID number, 1201280, or write me at Dillwyn Correctional Center, P. O. Box 670, Dillwyn, VA 23936-0670. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

About The Author: Bob Shell is a professional photographer, author, former editor in chief of Shutterbug Magazine and veteran contributor to this blog. He is currently serving a 35 year sentence for involuntary manslaughter for the death of Marion Franklin, one of his former models. He is serving the 17th year of his sentence at Pocahontas State Correctional Facility, Virginia.

On September 16, 2024 Shell’s release date got moved up six years due to new “mixed charges” law to February 2, 2030. It was 2036.

To read additional articles by Bob Shell link here: https://tonywardstudio.com/blog/bob-shell-nova-nonsense/

Politics: The Chaos of DOGE

photo of the US capital aerial view — US Capital Building

The Chaos of DOGE

How Elon Musk’s Obsession is Disrupting America’s Federal Workforce

In recent years, Elon Musk’s fascination with Dogecoin (DOGE), the meme-inspired cryptocurrency, has transcended mere personal interest and begun to ripple into unexpected areas—including America’s federal workforce. What started as a series of playful tweets has evolved into a disruptive force, creating chaos for federal employees and raising questions about the intersection of cryptocurrency, corporate influence, and government operations. This chaos reached a boiling point recently when 21 employees at SpaceX, one of Musk’s companies, quit their jobs, citing concerns over his erratic behavior and the growing influence of DOGE on their work environment.

The trouble began when Musk, a self-proclaimed “Dogefather,” started using his massive social media platform to promote DOGE. His tweets, often cryptic and humorous, have caused wild fluctuations in the cryptocurrency’s value. While this has been a boon for some investors, it has created a volatile environment for businesses and employees tied to Musk’s ventures. Federal employees, particularly those working on contracts with SpaceX, have found themselves caught in the crossfire. SpaceX is a major contractor for NASA and the Department of Defense, and its operations are critical to national security and space exploration. However, Musk’s preoccupation with DOGE has reportedly led to distractions, shifting priorities, and a lack of focus on mission-critical projects.

The recent exodus of 21 SpaceX employees highlights the growing frustration among workers. According to reports, these employees left due to Musk’s increasing focus on DOGE and his unpredictable management style. Many felt that his obsession with the cryptocurrency was diverting attention and resources away from SpaceX’s core objectives. One former employee, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the work environment as “chaotic and unsustainable,” with Musk frequently pushing for DOGE-related initiatives that seemed disconnected from the company’s mission. This sentiment was echoed by others, who expressed concerns about the long-term impact on SpaceX’s reputation and its ability to fulfill its obligations to federal agencies.

The fallout from this situation extends beyond SpaceX. Federal employees working on joint projects with the company have reported delays and disruptions, as Musk’s focus on DOGE has led to missed deadlines and shifting priorities. This has created tension between SpaceX and its government partners, with some officials questioning whether the company can maintain its commitment to critical national projects.

The chaos caused by DOGE also raises broader questions about the influence of cryptocurrency on traditional industries and government operations. While cryptocurrencies like DOGE offer exciting possibilities, their volatile nature and the cult-like following they inspire can lead to instability, particularly when influential figures like Musk champion them. For federal employees, whose work often depends on stability and predictability, this unpredictability is deeply unsettling.

In the end, the DOGE saga serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of allowing personal passions to overshadow professional responsibilities. As Musk continues to navigate his dual roles as a tech visionary and a cryptocurrency evangelist, the challenge will be to balance his ambitions with the needs of his employees and the federal agencies that rely on his companies. Until then, the chaos caused by DOGE is likely to persist, leaving federal employees and the public to wonder what the future holds.

Behind The Scenes: Heroine’s & Vixens Series

Gina Iannece

Gina would become the 23rd woman to be cast for the Heroine’s & Vixens series. Casting subjects for the series over the past few years has been decidedly organic. One subject generally leads to the next when more of the work has gotten published on social media and the web. Gina initially contacted me via Instagram. At first, I thought the message she sent was spam so I didn’t respond to her request to model for me. As time went on I noticed her IG handle liking various photographs that I posted on my feed which moved me to take a second look at her earlier message. There were also some photos that accompanied the original message so I looked at them a little more carefully as well. I observed that one of the photos that she sent was a picture of herself looking through Best of Erotica, a book I had published in Germany back in 2003, so I followed up knowing she was for real and immediately started a dialogue. Oddly, when I initially responded to her message, she didn’t believe it was me. Friends of hers suggested that it probably wasn’t me and that somehow she was being duped. Gina went as far as to check my authenticity sending a friend request on my LinkedIn account. I obliged while being quite amused at the same time.

Now that we both knew we were being sincere I contacted KVaughn, my creative director so that he could begin styling the shoot scheduled for a February 1, 2025 release date. In the weeks leading up to the shoot, Gina was very attentive and professional in her response times to all requests and worked collaboratively with the entire team during her shoot. Michael Connor did a fantastic job on hair & makeup. Tony C. was on point with keeping the light on set just right and KVaughn was as magical as always in creating different looks to accommodate the complexity of the scenes we produced in studio.

Thanks as always to an amazing crew and Gina Iannece.

Gina Iannece: On Grief and Hope

Glamorous Woman at a beautiful castle looking sad and sorrowful — Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2025

On Grief and Hope

Model: Gina Ianneci

Photo: Tony Ward

Stylist: KVaughn

Hair & Makeup: Michael Connor

Lighting Grip: Anthony Colagreco

Throughout my life, I’ve faced traumatic experiences that I can easily recall, along with the memories and associated emotions.

For better or worse, these experiences are a part of me. The biggest one for me will always be the loss of my
brother, who was just 21 years old when he fell asleep and crashed his car on the NJ Turnpike. At this moment
Tony captured me, I was thinking about my brother and this ten-year-old video I found last year on YouTube.

In the video clip the actor Billy Bob Thornton shares his experience of losing his brother. He explains how this
loss has profoundly affected his outlook on life, leaving him with a persistent feeling of melancholy. Thornton
mentions that he never fully trusts happiness and often feels 50% happy and 50% sad. He advises people who
have lost a loved one to accept their feelings and honor them through their work or art. He emphasizes that
one never truly gets over such a loss but can learn to live with the pain and use it as a source of inspiration. I
relate deeply to his perspective and how he articulates his feelings.

https://youtu.be/4Pn3y7S5FAw

Woman wearing ancient battle armor with messy hair in front of an old castle — The Warrior. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2025

To access additional articles by Gina Iannece, link here: https://tonyward.com/feature-gina-iannece-meeting-the-moment/

Great Locations: History of Fonthill Castle

STYLISH woman seated in the yard at Font Hill Castle in Doylestown Pa. — Glamour at Fonthill. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2025

History of Fonthill Castle

Model: Gina Iannece

Photo: Tony Ward

Stylist: KVaughn

Hair & Makeup: Michael Connor

Lighting Grip: Anthony Colagreco

Nestled in the heart of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Fonthill Castle stands as a testament to the creativity and vision of one of America’s most eccentric and influential figures, Henry Chapman Mercer. Built between 1908 and 1912, this unique structure is not a traditional castle in the medieval sense but rather a sprawling, concrete mansion that reflects Mercer’s passion for history, art, and innovation.

Henry Chapman Mercer (1856–1930) was an archaeologist, anthropologist, and tile-maker who sought to preserve the craftsmanship of the pre-industrial era. Disillusioned by the rapid industrialization of the late 19th century, Mercer dedicated his life to creating works that celebrated handmade artistry. Fonthill Castle was his personal residence and a canvas for his artistic expression. The castle’s design is a whimsical blend of Gothic, Medieval, and Byzantine architectural styles, featuring 44 rooms, 18 fireplaces, and over 200 windows, each uniquely shaped and placed.

The construction of Fonthill Castle was groundbreaking for its time. Mercer insisted on using reinforced concrete, a relatively new material in the early 20th century, to create a durable and fireproof structure. The castle’s interior is adorned with Mercer’s handmade tiles, which depict historical scenes, literary quotes, and personal motifs. Every corner of the castle tells a story, from the intricate tilework to the hand-carved wooden furniture.

Fonthill Castle was more than just a home; it was a living museum. Mercer filled the space with his vast collection of artifacts, including prints, books, and tiles, which he used to educate visitors about history and craftsmanship. He often hosted guests, offering them tours of his eclectic creation and sharing his passion for preserving the past.

After Mercer’s death in 1930, Fonthill Castle was bequeathed to the Bucks County Historical Society, which continues to maintain and operate the site as a museum. Today, visitors can explore the castle’s labyrinthine halls, marvel at its artistic details, and gain insight into Mercer’s remarkable life and legacy.

Fonthill Castle remains a beloved landmark in Doylestown, attracting thousands of visitors each year. It stands as a symbol of Mercer’s dedication to art, history, and innovation, offering a glimpse into the mind of a man who dared to dream differently. The castle’s enduring charm and historical significance ensure that Mercer’s vision will continue to inspire future generations.

Glamorous woman on the grounds of Fonthill Castle — Gina at Fonthill. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2025