Get a Clue Editor’s Note Molly Weston ...... 3 The mission of Sisters in Crime is to promote the Catriona’s Letter professional development and advancement of women crime writers to achieve equality in the industry. Catriona McPherson ...... 4 Catriona McPherson, President Chapters ...... 5 Leslie Budewitz, Vice President Susan C. Shea, Secretary How Did You Become a SinC Member . 8 Lori Roy, Treasurer Library Liaison The Peace Corps Affected My Writing Carolyn Dubiel, Barbara Fister, Monitoring Chair Carolyn Mulford ...... 9 Clare O’Donohue, Bookstore Liaison Martha Reed, Chapter Liaison Everything in Moderation Simon Wood, Publicity Laura Brennan ...... 10 Frankie Bailey, At Large Julie Hennrikus, At Large Beth’s Bits G. M. Malliet, At Large Beth Wasson ...... 13 , At Large Laura DiSilverio, Immediate Past President Crimelandia ...... 13 Molly Weston, inSinC Editor Laurel Anderson, inSinC Proofreader SinC Monitoring Project Report 2014 Gavin Faulkner, inSinC Proofreader Barbara Fister ...... 14 Marisa Young, inSinC Proofreader Sarah Glass, Web Maven/Social Media A Lost Sister Restored: New Vera Caspary Reprints Beth Wasson, Executive Director A. B. Emrys ...... 16 PO Box 442124 Lawrence, KS 66044-2124 Best Source for Inspiration: The Quickening [email protected] Katherine Ramsland, PhD . . . . .18 785.842.1325 (P) • 785.856.6314 (F)

Getting the Facts Straight ©2015 Sisters in Crime International Leslie Budewitz ...... 20

We Love Libraries! Andrea Smith ...... 22

Awards & Nominations inSinc is the official publication of Sisters in Crime International and is published four times a year. • One-year dues are $40 for professional US and Canada writers and $35 Gay Toltl Kinman ...... 24 for non-professionals (add $5 for other countries). Two-year dues are $80 and $70; lifetime, $500 and $350. Address and all other changes can be made by members on Save the Date ...... 24 www.sistersincrime.org. If you do not use a computer or need a user name, please contact Beth Wasson at the address above. Information in inSinC is submitted or reprinted from sources listed in each article. Where required, permission to reprint has Events & Happenings ...... 25 been granted and noted. SinC does not investigate each submission independently and articles in no way constitute an endorsement of products or services offered. No mate- The Docket ...... 26 rial may be reprinted without written permission from Sisters in Crime.

2 inSinC March 2015

¡ ¡ Editor’s Note Sisters in Crime Past Presidents 1987-88 by Molly Weston 1988-89 1989-90 Susan Dunlap 1990-91 Carolyn G. Hart 1991-92 P. M. Carlson 1992-93 hew! Does your Linda Grant 1993-94 calendar turn as Barbara D’Amato 1994-95 Elaine Raco Chase 1995-96 quickly as mine? It Annette Meyers 1996-97 Sue Henry 1997-98 seems we were just Medora Sale 1998-99 enjoying the holi- Barbara Burnett Smith 1999-00 Claire Carmichael McNab 2000-01 days and now tax Eve K. Sandstrom 2001-02 Kate Flora 2002-03 season is staring us in the face! Before we get Kate Grilley 2003-04 to the taxes, though, let me tell you about several things some of us Patricia Sprinkle 2004-05 W Libby Hellmann 2005-06 are working on behind the SinC scenes. Our Membership Com- Rochelle Krich 2006-07 Roberta Isleib 2007-08 mittee is hard at work looking for ways to recruit new members Judy Clemens 2008-09 and re-connect with former Sisters and Misters. If you have ideas 2009-10 Cathy Pickens 2010-11 for these important tasks, please send them to Frankie Bailey who Frankie Bailey 2011-12 Hank Phillippi Ryan 2012-13 chairs the committee at [email protected]. Laura DeSilverio 2013–14 This issue is brimmed full of articles that, hopefully, will entertain, inspire, motivate, and educate you. We are lucky to have so many folks who are willing to share their expertise with us—and they

Deadline & Submissions do it willingingly and without renumeration. When you see any of Deadline for articles for the them at a conference or workshop, I hope you’ll join me in offering June issue of inSinC is April 15. Include name, your thanks. email, mailing address, and phone number with submissions. Send Speaking of authors in this issue, I’ve been truly fortunate with columns, articles, high-res photos, almost everyone I’ve asked to write for inSinC to agree—and so ideas, praise, and story ideas via email to many who’ve volunteered with pitches for articles. Sisters in Crime Molly Weston is blessed with experts who are willing to share. Keep the ideas [email protected] 919.362.1436 coming! I’d love to work with more of you.

As always, I look forward to meeting more Sisters and Brothers at conferences and workshops during the year—and especially at Bouchercon 2015 in Raleigh. That’s right next door to me!

Meanwhile, happy writing!

Molly

3 inSinC March 2015

¡ ¡ Dear Siblings, it again. January is certainly the time for writing and reading. And Catriona’s “Happy New Year!” I want to Letter resolutions. say, because I’m writing this in January even though you’re read- This year I’m resolving, for ing it in March. And I think the the second time, to read some Romans were onto something Dickens. And, since third time’s with their calendar, when the the charm, I have every inten- year did start in March, so I’m tion of failing and trying again going ahead: Happy New Year! in 2016. I’m also resolving to write down the author, title, It’s not that March makes a bet- publisher, publication date and ter first month than January. No, Agatha, Anthony, Macavity and where the Romans really nailed Lefty category of every book I it was deciding that the year was Not telling. made up of about three hundred read. Yes indeed, next year, fill- ing in my nomination forms for days, starting in spring and end- As for writing resolutions, this is awards at Left Coast, Malice and ing in December with a big feast. the year I write three books and Bouchercon will take mere min- Then, they decreed, there was a launch three books. Different utes, with no rummaging. bunch of completely bleh days books. Making six in the air that didn’t really count, when Now to some resolutions I might overall. (It’s a long story.) And so you’d do better to stay wrapped keep. I need to find a way to read my only resolution is to get to in a duvet, binge-watching enjoyably off a screen. I don’t Hogmanay [ed. note: New Year’s Castle. (I might be paraphrasing think I’ll ever fully switch to Eve in Scotland or a gift given the history books slightly.) e-books (as long as my eyesight on Hogmanay] having met my deadlines, still friends with all So, this greeting comes from doesn’t force the issue in years three of my publishers (that’s one end of the bleh days to the to come) but it’s getting more part of the story), still married, other, with hopes that Sisters in difficult to blurb or moderate and not having broken down and the snow zones are seeing green panels as a paper person in an sobbed during Q&A at a reading. shoots poking through the melt electronic world. So, 2015 might Another related resolution is to be the year I cave in and get a and Sisters in the storm paths see 2015 as a great big crazy treat gadget. (This will seem like such have come through them with of a year, not a problem. Or at a non-issue to so many of you, trees standing and roof tiles least a problem it’s an honour to but I am gadgets’ number infinity attached. Here in California, my have. bougainvillea and hibiscus sur- fan. Don’t care for them, whether vived four nights below 40, with it’s food processors or electric So how about you? What are fleece blankies wrapped round. toothbrushes. If it’s got a battery your reading and writing resolu- or a plug, I’m out.) tions for 2015? Are they intact in Of course the other great thing March? If not, you do know you to do in winter when it’s too dis- I’d be interested to hear how can go Roman and start again? I gusting to venture outside (four recent converts learned to love might be right there with you. nights below 40!) is curl up with their devices. Would I be secretly a lap-top and spin tales, or curl relieved to hear if anyone tried Love, up with a spun tale and unwind to learn to love them and failed? Catriona

4 inSinC March 2015

¡ ¡ ews r N te p

a

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Central Virginia sinc-centralva.wix.com/ sinc-centralva

inC-Central Virginia partnered with the Mys- teries by the Sea Chapter in Tidewater to publish Sthe anthology, Virginia Is for Mys- teries. The group served on pan- els and signed books at a variety of events recently, including the Poe Birthday Bash, Festival of the Book, and the Suffolk Mystery Authors’ Festival. The Sisters and Mister have been invited back to the Poe Birthday Bash again this year to present a panel on writing mysteries and to sign the anthology. This project has been Dr. Hal Poe (cousin of Edgar Allan Poe) has his copy of a great partnership between the Virginia Is for Mysteries signed by the authors. two smaller chapters in eastern Virginia. The two chapters are currently working on the second anthology and have been invited to participate in RavenCon in Richmond in April. The chapter’s recent programs have included Carolyn Greene, the “Plot Doctor,” who presented her writing techniques for plot- ting cozies and terrorism expert, Allen Norton, who talked to the group about home-grown and Fiona Quinn, Meredith Cole, and Rosemary Shomaker foreign radicalized groups and (front row), Heather Weidner, Teresa Inge, and Maggie King their tactics. braved the cold to sign Virginia is for Mysteries. 2

5 inSinC March 2015

¡ ¡ Toronto www.torontosistersincrime.ca

hanks to a generous grant of $1,000 from our mother ship, Toronto Sisters in Crime ran a booth at the first Toronto Interna- tional Book Fair, held at the Metro Toronto TConvention Center, November 14–16. Twenty mem- ber authors sold their books throughout the week- end. Most of them would do it again. Three authors whose stories appear in Toronto’s new anthology, The Whole She-Bang 2 were part of the Cliffhangers program organized by the Chapter. Sister Dorothy Birtalan ready for action Each author read a suspenseful excerpt. Then, to at the Toronto Book Fair. everyone’s amusement, the audience was asked to suggest what came next. Finally, attendees were invited to find out what really happened by buying the book. Many visitors, most of whom had not heard of Florida Sisters in Crime, stopped at the booth to chat. floridasistersincrime.wordpress.com More than 250 business cards were given, as well as dozens of pamphlets and magazines supplied by he Florida Sisters in Crime the mother ship. The Chapter signed up three new chapter is taking it on the members at the fair, but we think the real impact road with a booth at the Ft. on membership will be evident in the new year, Myers Southwest Florida TReading Festival on March 21, 2015. after potential members enjoy a meeting. 2 Backed by more than $100,000 in TV, print and radio advertising throughout the state, the Reading Festival is a great venue for Sisters to meet new sisters! For more details on this event—and especially if you’re Your Chapter able to join us—contact Florida Sisters in Crime Chapter President News Here! Susan Kiernan-Lewis at suekier27@ Is your chapter doing great things? Of me.com. 2 course it is! Why not let others know what’s going on in your area? It’s not just the president’s job—any chapter member can take on this task—and you don’t have to submit every quarter. An occasional line or two is fine!

6 inSinC March 2015

¡ ¡ Sisters in Crime New York/TriState www.nysinc.org

J Rozan, author of fifteen novels, many short Editors Speak stories, and winner of the Edgar, Shamus, On November 19, the chapter welcomed three edi- Anthony, Nero, and for Best tors who buy crime and mystery novels for their Novel, and the Edgar for Best Short Story, was publishers: Juliet Grames, associate publisher at S Soho Press; Toni Kirkpatrick, editor at Thomas the speaker at the October 15 meeting of the New Dunne/St. Martin’s Press; and Chris Knopf, partner York/TriState Chapter of SinC. The topic was “The at Permanent Press. Art of the Short Story,” and SJ shared her approach to writing this classic mystery form and discussed its Juliet Grames said she was looking for unusual set- rewards and challenges. True to form, SJ’s presentation tings: Morocco, Egypt, Turkey, Mexico, and other was interesting, informative, and fun. places not usually written about. She cautioned writ- ers not to change their perspective, but to keep a She began by reading a seven-hundred-fifty-word constant viewpoint and establish a voice of author- short story and took us behind the curtain to see how ity throughout the novel. She doesn’t want to read she made it work. Her first draft was eleven-hundred- about dreams or serial killers, which are way over- plus words. Most of the words she cut were atmo- worked. Also no Nazis. She loves books that leave the reader more informed, and she looks for manu- sphere, and part of the challenge of the rewrite was to scripts that make the reader feel she is in a real part include atmosphere using the word count available. of society, not some imaginary place.

Her writing process is relatively simple. She starts Toni Kirkpatrick also said no to serial killers and with an idea. In the case of the story she read to unrealistic dialogue. She likes originality, historical us, she knew the maximum length, wanted to write settings, and she wants to learn something from the about Mongolia, then narrowed her concept to the novels she publishes. She mainly deals with agents, illegal falcon trade there. When she started writing, and all communication is electronic. She wants to she knew the ending but didn’t know the story. know if you’ve been published before—even self- published—and what kind of reviews you got.

Presentation Takeaways Chris Knopf is looking for literary mysteries. Quality Short stories offer opportunities to experiment with is the main characteristic of Permanent Press. No style and to work on getting every word exactly right. violence, no cozies. He is attracted to books other Limitations of form and topic provide excellent exercises. publishers would not consider—books that are dif- She also talked about the practical side of writing ferent. Novels should start hard and fast and be fast- paced, with realistic dialogue. He said it was best to stories. Short stories are a good way to get publish- send in a query letter to start. Although he accepts ing credits, and, although most don’t pay, there is a ideas both over the transom and from agents, he lively market in e-zines, anthologies, and magazines. said it was a good idea to have an agent. She had useful tips, the first being one of the oldest for any writer: Know your audience. In other words, All three panelists gave very useful, specific guide- lines for submitting manuscripts, and the program don’t send the cute cat story to Akashic, where they was exceptionally helpful. love noir! 2

7 inSinC March 2015

¡ ¡ Sisters in Crime New England www.nincne.org

isters in Crime New England had a busy fall. We co-sponsored the New England Crime SBake, always a super conference. Guest of Honor Craig Johnson was a great choice, and we were Board members were all smiles after another successful New England Crime Bake! thrilled that Laura DiSilverio was able to join us. Next year’s was a lot of fun—you can listen lots of pictures of both events Guest of Honor will be Elizabeth to the panel by going to www. George, and planning starts next on our Facebook page www. month. BostonBookFest.org. Facebook.com/SinCNE We had two other outreach We also had a booth at the New This winter we are going to do projects that helped raise the England Library Association. We an online class with Ramona profile of our chapter. At the won Best Booth Display, thanks DeFelice Long and an in-person Boston Book Festival, we had to ’s hard work. Scrivener seminar with Gwen a booth for the fourth year in Different authors came by over Hernandez on March 28. a row. The event gets a lot of the three days and helped staff foot traffic, and we have differ- the booth. It was a great way to Our new president is Sharon ent authors do signings every talk to a lot of librarians about Daynard and vice-president is hour. We also got a panel this our Speakers’ Bureau. We have Edith Maxwell. year, and had a game show 2 format called “WhyDunnit?”. We had three teams—Team Cozy (Edith Maxwell, , How Did You Become a SinC Member? Sheila Connolly), Team Police In an effort to recruit new SinC members (and re-enlist former mem- Procedural (Kate Flora, Barbara bers), the SinC Board is looking at ways to best use our advertising Ross, Marian Lanouette) and and networking efforts. We decided to ask the experts—you, our Team Thriller (Arlene Kaye, current members. Ray Daniel, Liz Mugavero). The moderator was Julie Hennrikus. Would you take a moment to drop an email to mysteryheel@mac. The audience provided victims, com and tell us how you found SinC? And, if you’ve got time to share sleuths, methods, then a volun- a couple of sentences about the experience, we’d like to be able to teer spun the “Wheel of Plot” use these quotes to interest prospective members. Quite naturally, if and chose a motive. Each team your chapter has a story to tell about recruiting members, we’d like to came up with a scenario from know about that as well. Thanks for helping make SinC even stronger! their sub-genre’s point of view. It

8 inSinC March 2015

¡ ¡ The Peace Corps Affected My Writing! by Carolyn Mulford

ur past remains in our present and affects All peoples and individuals are how we live and what we write. different,- all peoples and indi- viduals are the same. If we listen That came home to me when I prepared and look for commonalities, we a talk on the lessons learned as a Peace can work and play together with Corps Volunteer in Ethiopia in the Sixties. people of all races, cultures, and Teaching English in the only high school O creeds. Ain’t easy, of course. in the province—some students walked six days to reach the school—influenced not only my attitudes Those core beliefs determine the themes in my and interests but also the work I’ve done since then, mysteries. including the mysteries I’m writing today. Americans take for granted our nation’s privi- Fresh out of grad school (an M.A. in journalism), I leges- and resources, from our rich farmland to our saw the two-year assignment as an adventure and a Constitution to our diverse population. service, not a career move. I had long planned to be a writer. Teaching certainly solidified those inten- My stories—like those of many mystery writers— tions. After I left Ethiopia, I didn’t stand in front of spring from the longing for justice, the ideal we a class for twenty years. When I did, I taught writ- aspire to as a nation. My protagonist follows an ing and editing in graduate continuing education ends-justifies-the means code and disobeys the programs. law without hesitation (not the way I live my life). Nevertheless, she focuses on justice and equity in a The general lessons that I learned as a Peace Corps world deficient in both. volunteer (PCV) have served me personally and pro- fessionally. Here are some of them. I also acquired lifelong interests during those two toughest-job-you’ll-ever-love years. These include Keep your head and cope with whatever impossi- - folklore (folk tales reveal culture and values even ble challenge arises. When you don’t have what you better than history does), international affairs (lead- need to do the job, figure out another way to do it. ing me to work for the United Nations and travel in some seventy countries), and the workings of gov- That’s certainly a driving force for Phoenix Smith, ernments. These interests pop up whenever appro- the protagonist of my “Show Me” series. Accustomed priate in my fiction. to having the CIA’s resources at her fingertips in Eastern Europe, she must use ingenuity to fight Certainly my hitch in the Peace Corps taught me crime in rural Missouri. And she never loses her cool. the importance of persisting in the face of failure, a lesson almost every writer must learn. I kept rewrit- Writing in a time of great change and of intense ing until an editor “loved” Show Me the Murder, the competition, we have to be creative and persistent first book in my series. to move our manuscripts into readers’ hands. For example, when agents passed on them, I found a reputable small publisher. Carolyn Mulford’s latest in the Show Me series is Show Me the Gold. To read the opening chapters of her mysteries go to carolynmulford.com.

9 inSinC March 2015

¡ ¡ Everything in MODERATION by Laura Brennan

onferences depend on intelligent, One way to become a bet- -  enthusiastic moderators to keep ter moderator is to watch panel conversations lively—peo- the pros in action. When ple just like you! But moderat- ing can also be nerve-wracking, attending panels, take notes especially your first time on the on what works, what doesn’t, podium. Here are some tips to help you ace the and why. Cjob. Like any other skill, moderating gets easier with -  practice. Before tackling a national conference, Before the Conference practice in comfortable settings. Your local Do your homework. Rochelle Staab, author of - the “Mind for Murder” mystery series, reads chapter of Sisters in Crime is one place to start, at least one, and usually two, novels by each but you can also contact your library, school, of her panelists. “A great moderator,” Staab church or civic group about moderating a small says, “shares mutual friends with her panel- panel. This is a no-pressure opportunity to learn ists—the panelist’s characters. Get to know the ropes and get comfortable with the role. the quirks and personalities of their charac- ters, and the conversation with the authors Developing Questions becomes simple and fun.” While you should prepare twice as many questions Tina Whittle, author of the Tai Randolph/Trey as you think you’ll need (I prepare at least 25 for - Seaver series, suggests asking your panelists an hour panel) you will still run out. The better you beforehand to share one or two things they’d know your authors and their work, the easier it will really like to talk about. “If you have some be to fill in the inevitable gaps. go-to topics in hand,” Whittle says, “creating that conversational flow becomes easier.” Laurie Stevens, author of the Gabriel McRay psychological-suspense series, thinks in terms of Reach out to the panelists. Generally, you’ll education. “What would the audience want to take - get their e-mails when you’re asked to mod- away from this panel?” she asks. “It’s always nice to erate. Sending a quick group “hello” will set everyone at ease. And while spontaneity makes see audience members taking notes on advice or for a lively panel, you don’t want authors a resource they can use. If you can ask questions caught off guard. Staab sends her panelists a that will steer panel members toward sharing what list of topics in advance, so there aren’t any has worked for them, the panel will be all the more big surprises. memorable.”

10 inSinC March 2015

¡ ¡ There are three main arenas to explore, and you want to have a mix of questions from each.

The Panel Topic. Audience members are enticed - by the promise inherent in the title. Research, world-building, even forensic questions can be tailored to fit topics ranging from Historical Mysteries to International Intrigue. While you want to cover essential information, stretch yourself to think of far-reaching questions. What would someone already steeped in the genre not have heard elsewhere? At the Conference Arrive early, well before your panel is scheduled Author Expertise. Here’s where all that reading -  -  to start, to check out the room. Usually, the dais comes in handy. What do your panelists each do will be set up with water and microphones, but well, as individual writers? Is one of them par- if it’s not, you want to have plenty of time to get ticularly skilled at creating three-dimensional that sorted before the panelists arrive. characters? Does one excel at snappy dialogue or crisp scenes? Did someone’s book make you Be sure to welcome each panelist. This may be -  laugh out loud? Look not just to craft, but also the first time you’ve met in person, and they to the themes and social issues they explore. will be relieved to see you’re (relatively) sane. Run your introduction by them to make sure it’s The Business of Writing. Everyone loves a peek - behind the curtain. How do your authors navi- accurate and that you are pronouncing their gate their careers? Writing schedules, juggling name correctly. multiple series, finding an agent, even how to “The important thing to remember is it’s not -  ask for blurbs are all topics that audience mem- about you, it’s about the panelists,” advises bers hope you’ll cover. Parnell Hall, author of the “Puzzle Lady,” Stanley Molly Weston, editor of inSinC and experienced Hastings, and Steve Winslow series. “It’s fine to mystery panel moderator, recommends having a establish a rapport with the audience by open- few questions in your arsenal that can work with ing with a joke, but it should be a self-deprecat- any panel. “Questions like, ‘Where were you when ing one. I kicked off my first panel by explain- you got the news of your first contract?’” Molly ing the convention programmer had called suggests. “‘Who was the first person you told and asked me to moderate a panel of first time about your award nomination?’ or even, ‘If you’d novelists. I said, ‘That’s fine, but I’m not a first- known you’d be writing a dozen books about Suzie time novelist, I have four books out now, and Whodunnit, what changes would you have made in two more in copy edit.’ He said, ‘I know, but for the beginning?’ These kinds of questions can be the moderator we wanted to get an established inserted into any panel with good results.” author with a recognizable name who had been Finally, you want to be prepared to prod overly- on panels before and was good at public speak- short answers with a little encouragement: “How ing.’ I said, ‘Oh.’ He said, ‘But Jeremiah Healy interesting! Can you tell us why?” can’t do it...’”

11 inSinC March 2015

¡ ¡ In the same vein, allow the writers to engage Maybe we could hear more about that later,” - with each other. No matter how logical it may or “Wow! That could become a panel topic for seem to interview one panelist at a time, resist next year!” the temptation. The more you can keep a lively Need to coax a wallflower into the discussion? conversation going, the better. - Try asking about her characters. While talking Pay attention! “Make eye contact,” says Staab. about herself might feel uncomfortable, she may - “Engage. Nothing is worse than a moderator open up when discussing her characters and busy checking notes while authors are talking their lives. to the audience. If you have to sneak a peek, be Keep yourself out of the discussion. “Your job quick about it.” - as a moderator does not include answering your

own questions,” reminds Whittle. To help with that, try using a system that makes it easy to find specific questions. Color-coded A volunteer will usually keep track of the time index cards work well, with only the sneakiest of - for you; when they give you the ten-minute peeks. I use a touch system one index card for warning, open it up for questions from the audi- each question, with a different corner turned ence. Always repeat the question into the micro- down depending on whether it’s a question for phone before letting a panelist respond. the entire group or for a particular panelist. I can Try to wrap up the Q&A with a minute or two left flip through and pull out the type of question I’ll -  want next without having to read the cards. so that you can give the entire panel one last question. Something like, “What do you wish you Listening is key. Do not be so wedded to your had known before you wrote your first book?” or -  written questions that you don’t follow up wher- “What’s the best advice you ever got?” will help ever the conversation leads. end on a high note. Most of all, fall in love with your panel. Your genu- With the Panelists ine passion—for the topic, for the authors, and for “When fans go to a panel, they want to be enter- the stories they tell—will be what makes your panel tained,” says Deborah Lacy, whose Mystery shine. Playground blog features reviews, crafts and 2 cocktails. “When authors participate on a panel, As a Hollywood writer, Laura has created, critiqued, and lis- they want to sell books. It’s the moderator’s job to tened to hundreds of pitches. She likes to introduce herself as make sure that both needs are met by inspiring an a Goddess, but likes it even more when her friends introduce entertaining panel where all the authors get air her as one. Find out more at PitchingPerfectly.com. time. Ask great questions,” Lacy adds, “and don’t be afraid to make sure no one author dominates.” If you do get a panel hog, don’t be shy - about reining them in. Be sure to ask questions of other panelists by name; this might be one time where a couple of “down the line” questions, giving every- one a chance to respond, could change the tone of the panel for the better. Sometimes, you’ll have no choice but to jump in with, “Oh, that’s so interesting!

12 inSinC March 2015

¡ ¡ Beth’s Bits by Beth Wasson

enewal time is coming to a close. Left Coast Crime Thank you for your patience with a Congratulations to the Harriet new Sisters in Crime data-management Vane Chapter which is celebrat- platform. If you are still have problems ing 20 years at a Left Coast Rrenewing your membership e-mail me at admin@ Crime breakfast. SinC has sistersincrime.org and I will help. partnered with LCC to provide Malice Domestic Breakfast the free breakfast and a unique panel. The first Will you attend Malice Domestic? The Sisters “Ask an Expert” panel will be held at the breakfast. in Crime annual breakfast will be on Saturday, President Katy King will host this event along with May 2, 2015 at 7:30 am. The room name will be National Board Members Catriona McPherson, announced at a later date. Come join the gang for Leslie Budewitz, G.M. Malliet and Simon Wood. If a full breakfast with lots of coffee. Make your reser- you are registered for Left Coast Crime in Portland vation by visiting www.sistersincrime.org and log you are invited to attend this free event on in. Next, click on the rotating banner on the home Saturday, March 15, 2015 at 7:00 am at the confer- page, and follow the instructions. The cost is $20 ence hotel. The room name will be posted at the for Sisters in Crime members. Guests are welcome conference. at $30. Their reservations need to be made with me by e-mail at [email protected]. SinC Up! 2

Crimlandia/SinC “Ask an Expert” Breakfast Portland, Oregon is the scene of the (Left Coast) crime this year. The murder party takes place March 12–15. The Harriet Vane Chapter of Sisters in Crime, established in 1994, is pleased to partner with National Sisters in Crime for a special “Ask an Expert” breakfast on Saturday, March 15, 7:00–8:30. All Crimelandia attendees are invited to this free event. Catriona McPherson, SinC president; Leslie Budewitz, vice president; G.M. Malliet, board member at large; and Simon Wood, head of SinC Publicity, will be here and so should you. SinC authors and attendees may contact Katy King, president of the Harriet Vane Chapter, to schedule a time to sign books, staff the SinC table or donate books to be offered as prizes at the SinC-sponsored breakfast. KatyKing01@ hotmail.com.

Sisters in Crime will also have a table at Left Coast Crime with membership information. Stop by and visit! 2 13 inSinC March 2015

¡ ¡ SinC Monitoring Project Annual Report 2014 by Barbara Fister

he Sisters in Crime Monitoring to other categories. As in previous years, Deadly Project, started when the organiza- Pleasures was more generous in giving space to tion was founded in 1986, takes an reviews of books by men, with reviews of women’s annual look at how much of the books capturing 36%, the same as last year. available book review space is given to women writers in the crime fic- All the Reviews Fit to Print tion genre. Volunteers collected data from more In 2014, women authors gained a slightly greater Tthan three dozen print and digital publications. share of book review space in traditional review The percentages of women writers published and outlets. National newspapers all saw an increase reviewed has climbed significantly over the past in the percentage of women authors reviewed, quarter century, and in 2014 showed gains in ranging from 44% of the mystery reviews in The nearly every category. New York Times (up from 36% in 2013) to 30% of reviews in the Wall Street Journal (up from 27%). Award Nominations The only decrease from recent years was in the As usual, we used the books submitted for Edgar Washington Post, which gave 45% of its mystery Award consideration as a benchmark to see review space to women authors in 2013 but only who was getting published and in what formats. 35% in 2014. Women writers edged ahead over 2013, with 53% of submitted mysteries in the Best, Best First, In local newspapers, women authors also and Best Paperback- or E-Original categories gained written by women. (Founding members of the slightly, with organization estimated that about a third of an overall published mystery writers in the late 1980s increase from were women.) 41% to 42% of all mystery As before, women appear to be more likely reviews. The overall num- to be published in paperback- or electronic- ber of reviews in monitored original form than in hardcover. Men con- newspapers declined, however, tinue to hold an edge in hardcover as rep- with several newspapers dropping resented by Best Novel submissions, though reviews from their pages entirely. We women authors in 2014 accounted for 46% also looked at reviews in Entertainment Weekly, of the titles in that category compared to 43% which had an equal (though rather small) num- in 2013 and 38% in 2012. Men also held a small ber of crime fiction reviews of books by men advantage in the Best First category submissions. and women. NPR, disappointingly, favored male Women again dominated the writers heavily, with only 24% of their crime category, which was started after its namesake fiction reviews featuring books by women. complained that women weren’t getting their share of award nominations. However, all but As in previous years, Library Journal was more three of the submissions were also submitted generous to women mystery authors with its

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¡ ¡ review space than Publishers Weekly or Booklist. Looking at “Best of 2014” Lists We monitored five genre-focused publications, Finally, to round out our annual snapshot, we all but one of which saw some increase in the took a look at Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, percentage of women’s books being reviewed. and Kirkus to see how women authors fared Mystery Scene, which had been giving male in their end-of-year list of best mysteries and authors slightly more than half of its reviews, thrillers. Combining their lists, twenty-three has returned to nearly equal coverage (49%). male authors and sixteen female authors were Suspense Magazine increased its attention to counted among the best. Digging a little deeper, women’s mysteries to 60%, a significant increase we noticed that the women whose books were over last year. RT Reviews (formerly Romantic included on these lists were equally comfortable Times) has always provided more space to women writing about male or female protagonists (or, in authors. This year, it weighed in with 78% of its some case, multiple points of view involving male reviews focusing on books by women. and female characters). A couple of the male authors’ books featured female protagonists, but The Digital Scene it was far more likely that male authors’ books Interestingly, the percentage of women authors featured male protagonists. Research has long reviewed in the born-digital review sites we have suggested that women are more likely to read monitored since 2011 is still gener- both male and female authors than ally high, but not quite as high this men, who are more likely than women year. Reviews of women authors in to say they prefer to read books by Reviewing the Evidence, a site that authors of their own gender. This look has published more than 10,000 at a small number of well-received reviews since 2001, dropped from books raises the possibility that 42% down to 36%. (The overall women authors may be more comfort- number of reviews published also able imagining their fictional worlds dropped after one of its editors through characters of another gender started a separate UK-based site, than male writers are, though it would Crime Review.) Bookbitch, a review take more research to confirm that site with many contributors, increased its cover- hunch. age of women writers to 40%. Readers of the I Love a Mystery Newsletter, a book review publi- Conclusion cation that had migrated from print to the web All in all, women writers saw advances in 2014 and lasted more than twenty years, were sad to in terms of getting their mysteries published learn that it would cease publication in 2014. and getting reviews. That said, male authors still have an edge when it comes to being published In addition to review websites, we looked at in hardcover, getting reviewed in the most pres- more than a dozen book review blogs. Among tigious mainstream national publications, and US-based bloggers monitored, women authors in having their work recognized in “best of the continued to get a generous share of attention, year” lists. with 58% of reviews going to books by women 2 authors. Male authors were given the edge by When not chairing the SinC Monitoring Project and serving European and Australian bloggers monitored in on our board, Barbara Fister is a librarian at the Gustavus 2014, with only 42% of their reviews covering Adolphus College in Minnesota. She writes the Anni works by women writers. Koskinen mystery series.

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¡ ¡ A Lost Sister Restored New Vera Caspary Reprints by A. B. Emrys

n about 2000 when I began to research Wisconsin Historical Vera Caspary’s career as a screen writer Society) and her having and novelist, all her books except Laura, left her copyrights to the her breakthrough novel and best known Authors Guild (then the work, were out of print. Less than fifteen Authors League). years after her death, and barely more than twenty years after her last book was published, After I tracked down her writing from bookstores Inone of her other eighteen novels was available in and libraries, I analyzed her fascination with novels current editions, and most had not been reprinted told by characters in my study of her dialogue with in decades. That was how fast her sixty years of Wilkie Collins (See a previous article about this for widely praised novels, stories in large-circulation InSinC at blogspot.com/2011/12/vera-caspary.) magazines like Good Housekeeping, as well as first- Vera started her writing career in advertising, but rate productions of plays and scripts, had faded quickly branched into novels, screen scenarios from view. (plot summaries for movie scripts) and plays. By her This happened despite Vera’s careful disposition thirties she was making her living from fiction. She of her manuscripts and papers in an archive at achieved her biggest success from doing what she the University of Wisconsin-Madison (now in the loved most: writing dialogue and character voice. At first she was puzzled about how to do this in mysteries, which in the thirties and forties seemed to her completely plot-focused for hard-boiled male detectives.

By 2005 The Feminist Press had reprinted Laura and Caspary’s second mystery, the black widow thriller Bedelia. Clues: A Journal of Detection had published my first Caspary research; and, in 2009 Crippen & Landru brought out a collection of Vera’s magazine mystery stories (The Murder in the Stork Club). I am happy to update the available work with four more Caspary titles that appeared in 2014, one in print from The Feminist Press and three as ebooks published by The Author’s Guild.

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¡ ¡ The new electronic editions from the Authors it first appeared, parallels the novels of Patricia Guild include Stranger Than Truth (1946), the Highsmith in its calculating characters and unex- third of Caspary’s mysteries, and a close adapta- pected consequences. tion, including its comedy, of Wilkie Collins’ The The revival of Vera’s work is, as it should be, inter- Moonstone. The adaptation is all the more remark- national. In 2012 Place des Editeurs brought able because Stranger Than Truth also satirizes out a French omnibus of Laura, Bedelia, Stranger Vera’s years as an advertising and magazine writer. than Truth, The Husband (1957), and Final Portrait, The novel centers around a magazine publisher (1971). Laura also appears in a separate crime fic- of “truth” journals and himself the author of the tion omnibus from J’Editions/Avocat a la Coeur, mega-selling “My Life Is Truth,” whose career is along with works by Ed McBain, Dashiell Hammet, anything but honest. He is unmasked by one of his Raymond Chandler, and Arthur Conan Doyle. The writers, by his daughter (who loves the writer), by South Korean publisher, Munhakdongne, which a drunken editor, and, unwillingly, by his obsessed brings out other major US writers, also has an edi- secretary, all of whom tell parts of the story. tion of Laura. The Guild’s other two titles are Evvie (1960) and Without Laura, the republication of six other books The Secrets of Grown-ups, Vera’s autobiography (an by Caspary since 2005 would have been more dif- Agatha nominee in 1980). Pairing these two allows ficult. Laura was serialized in Colliers, published as the reader to compare Vera’s direct account of a novel filmed by Otto Preminger, and nominated her life with the highly personal narrative of her for six Oscars (it won for black and white cinema- Chicago days in Evvie (and her magazine years in tography). Later, Vera reworked it into a play of the Stranger). Evvie, the title character, leads a danger- same title that is still produced: Laura by itself kept ous life narrated by her cooler-headed roommate, her name alive. At the same time, her non-mystery but many of the happenings, such as the book’s novels and her long film- and stage-writing career, out-of-control party finale, Caspary lived herself, remain largely out of sight. The continuing recov- making the book as much a portrait of roaring girls ery of her work underscores the essential impor- in the 1920s as it is a murder tale. tance of presses and journals that recapture for us The Man Who Loved His Wife (1966), the third of the lively work of more or less lost sisters who were the Caspary novels published by The Feminist publishing throughout the twentieth century. Press in its Femme Fatale series, is about a disabled A. B. Emrys has had fiction recently in Mysterical-E, and her and bitter man who keeps article on Patricia Highsmith is forthcoming in Clues. Her a fake diary accusing his study, Wilkie Collins, Vera Caspary and the Evolution of the wife of wanting to kill him. Casebook Novel, was a nominee for the Agatha and Macavity When he dies, everyone awards. Her website is at abemrys.com. The previous else, including the police, Caspary article for InSinC can be found at sisters-in-crime- read it. This novel, labeled sinc.blogspot.com/2011/12/vera-caspary. a “psycho-thriller” when

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¡ ¡ Best Source for Inspiration: The Quickening by Katherine Ramsland, PhD

’ve been writing for more Ideas? than two decades, leaping Like many of you, I’m often (as many of us do) from asked where I get ideas. A few one genre to another. I come through suggestions, but began with a book about a mostly I go looking for them. philosopher, a self-help for But some seem to be looking Icollege students, and a biog- for me. Ideas that most inspire It’s right. It’s rooted. As soon as raphy of Anne Rice, and now I me embrace me, as if I’ve I encountered it, the growth mostly write about crime. After walked right into their arms. began. some fifty-five books and hun- These are ideas for which I dreds of articles, I’ve covered a I should point out that not all lot of terrain, including books know I can sustain interest. ideas that quicken for me will that have taken me into adven- They have a magical, allur- meet with my agent or edi- tures (Cemetery Stories, Piercing ing quality. They sing with tor’s approval. And not all of the Darkness.) resonance and everything else my books or articles have been recedes. My heart beats fast. I inspired by this breathless Among my genres are biog- recognize the idea. It makes me sense of rightness. However, raphy, narrative nonfiction, feel alive. I call this experience quickened ideas that pro- encyclopedias, vampire novels, “the quickening.” duced articles, stories, and philosophy, thrillers, psychol- books have been my favorites ogy, paranormal, self-help, The Quickening to write. TV guidebooks, travel essays, Some might say this is just blogs, reviews, co-written inspiration, but there’s a dif- So, what’s the source? memoirs, history, and true ference. I’ve had inspirations In part, the quickening arises crime. Even a cookbook! that flared brightly but faded from experience and ability. If fast. The quickening feels I’ve become an expert in some- strong and vital. This idea has thing that would frame a book, chosen me. I’m the one to set such as my history of serial it in motion. That’s more than murder, The Human Predator (a just inspiration. It’s personal. very hot quickening), this idea

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¡ ¡ can be so pressurized I can’t they become sensitive to its psychological research that not write it. This is because nuances. They need no external supports how to cultivate such I’ve formed my career path in validation and they can bypass inspirations for profound such a way that certain ideas self-censoring mechanisms. forms of creativity. The quick- that interest me as a writer will ening works because the idea All of this can be fertile also work well with how I earn to which we resonate emerges ground for the quickening. a living. from what we’re already pre- Let me try to put this one pared to write. It’s there inside Also, whenever I meet more way. If I were turning our deepest wells. someone or go someplace, 2 the pages of a book full of I remain vigilant for story themes, images, and ideas for potential. That’s similar to a a potential project, the one photographer developing an that quickens will stop me. I “eye” for perspective. will go no further. It will take my breath away. I will feel as Expanding my world if I must start on it right now. To supplement my personal or The quickening is intense, it’s professional interests, I read magnetic, and it beckons so in areas other than my exper- Dr. Katherine Ramsland, a professor urgently that I can’t turn away. tise. A lot. I also go out and of forensic psychology, has published meet other experts. I get gigs I never know where it’s going fifty-five books and more than 1,000 where I can interview them. to come from, but I always articles. She writes a blog, “Shadow The more my world expands, know it when I feel it. And it Boxing,” for Psychology Today. Her the more potential there is for has never disappointed. I’ve book on inspiration and quickening a quickening to happen. even published a book full of is Snap! Seizing Your Aha! Moments. Quickened ideas transcend other viable subject matter. They feel mine but they also feel like they will stretch me beyond who I think I am. So, they are me and also more-than-me. Relevant to this experience is a research finding is that creative people are energetically curious.

They have honed their exper- tise in some area so well that

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¡ ¡ Getting the Facts Straight by Leslie Budewitz

My character died without a will. Who decides what happens to his property?

person who A common example is spouses, dies without who often own their home as a will is called joint tenants; when the hus- with the remaining half split “intestate”— band dies, all rights pass to the equally between any minor an odd word wife without becoming part of children. That leaves any older stemming from his estate or subject to probate. children nothing, which can be Joint tenancy with rights of the Latin testare, to make a will. ugly, especially in step-families. AState law sets out the distribu- survivorship is also frequently Marital property is handled tion of assets for intestate per- used by an elderly parent who adds a child to her accounts to differently in the nine commu- sons. If he was married without make bill-paying easier, espe- nity property states: Arizona, children, his surviving spouse cially in emergencies. California, Idaho, Louisiana, takes everything he owned in Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, But. Legal problems might his own name. Any assets he Washington, and Wisconsin. arise if the child uses the joint held with another person as “Community property” means account for personal reasons. “joint tenants with right of sur- each spouse has an undivided And, when the parent dies, vivorship” pass directly to that half-interest in earnings or should the remaining funds go other person, and are not part property acquired by either to the child on the account, or spouse during the marriage. If of his estate. be split with the your story is set in a community siblings? property state, keep in mind Intestacy gets the differences; typically, half tricky when there immediately goes to the surviv- is a surviving ing spouse, while the remaining spouse and chil- half and any separate property dren. Typically, the are subject to intestacy laws. “spousal share” of If your intestate character left assets is one-half, no surviving spouse or minor

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¡ ¡ children, the estate is divided Escheats among other heirs as set out by Assets go to the state—in a state law: first degree relatives process called “escheat”—only (parents and children) first, if if there are no legal heirs, they survive him, then grand- either by will or by the intes- parents and grandchildren, tacy statutes. Potential heirs siblings, nieces and nephews, may still make a claim, usually within two to seven years. Some cousins, and so on. Distant rela- states, such as Washington, tives may sue to establish their allow a stepchild who has not right to inherit. How distant a been legally adopted to inherit relationship qualifies for inheri- if doing so will prevent escheat. tance varies, but the premise of The idea is that the intestate those spooky gothic novels isn’t person would probably have too far off— it is entirely pos- preferred the stepchild to sible to inherit from a relative inherit, where there are no liv- whom you didn’t know existed. ing blood relatives, rather than Adapted from Books, Crooks & give his assets to the state. A state or county usually has Counselors: How to Write Accurately About Criminal Law and Courtroom a public administrator who States typically hold funds for Procedure, by Leslie Budewitz, winner handles estates without a legally potential claimants for a time of the 2011 for Best specified by statute; real or appointed PR (personal rep- Nonfiction. Also winner of the 2013 resentative, called an execu- personal property may be auc- Agatha Award for Best First Novel, Leslie tor or administrator in some tioned. After the time expires, is the first author to win Agatha Awards states) or known heirs to take the state keeps the funds for a for fiction and nonfiction. Still a practic- control of the assets, find heirs, purpose specified by statute. In ing lawyer, Leslie lives in Northwest and handle claims against the some states, funds go to a trust Montana and is vice-president of SinC. or permanent fund for the For more help getting the law right estate, such as unpaid debts or public schools, in others to the in your stories, visit her blog, www. ongoing litigation. By statute, if general fund. LawandFiction.com/blog. a stranger or someone without 2 known heirs dies in your house, you must also give notice to the public administrator.

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¡ ¡ We Love Libraries! by Andrea Smith

ight budgets make it challenging for libraries to provide valuable services their communities depend on. The Sis- ters in Crime We Love Libraries! lottery helps libraries bridge the budget gap and keep their readers connected to their favorite authors. Here’s a look at what receiv- manager. “There were shouts of joy, as we now had Ting a $1,000 grant meant for three recent winners. a chance to fulfill some of the requests for titles our patrons were asking for.”

Holahan said the Mount Vernon library has In Mount Vernon Washington focused on presenting more programs for local The August win happened at just the right time and self-published authors, and displays including for the Mount Vernon County Library. It allowed a “reader-to-reader” display of recommendations the library to add new titles to its adult fiction and from library users. The library is proud of its chil- non-fiction collections with emphasis on mysteries dren’s programs, including “Baby Story Time” and and true crime. after school Science and Technology workshops.

“We were down to pennies when we got the “Libraries are so essential because we offer the announcement,” explained Sara Holahan, library community the opportunity to browse books and materials and be surprised with unexpected gems Mount Vernon library staff Irene Nelson and Alisa Kester to read, view or listen to,” she added. cheered being able to add mystery titles to their library's collection thanks to a SinC We Love Libraries! grant.

In Russiaville Indiana The Kokomo-Howard County Public library (the little library that can) may be a small branch in the Kokomo system, but it has a big impact on the community it serves. From its unique round struc- ture, KHCPL Russiaville presents a variety of pro- grams from author book fairs to a fifty-book read- ing challenge for kids.

“Like many public libraries, we’re struggling to bal- ance services with reduced budgets. This grant is a real gift for us and our patrons,” said Meredith Wagner, KHCPL Russiaville manager.

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¡ ¡ Members of the Speed City Indiana Chapter had the honor presenting the $1,000 grant for September to Meredith and KHCPL Assistant Director Doug Workinger. Cheryl Shore, chapter vice president and author of two mysteries—Seeker of Truth and Titania’s Suitor—joined yours truly for the presentation. “Libraries connect readers to our work and encour- age love of the written word,” Cheryl said. “We’re happy the Sisters in Crime organization can sup- port KHCPL Russiaville in providing new books for its patrons.” Cheryl presented KHCPL Russiaville with a copy of Titania’s Suitor to add to its mystery collection.

A SinC We Love Libraries grant helped the Kokomo-Howard Russiaville library bridge its budget gap. Speed City Indiana Chapter President In Leesburg Georgia Andrea Smith (center) presented the grant to KHCPL Assistant Director For the Lee County library, winning the We Love Doug Workinger and Russiaville Manager Meredith Wagner. Libraries! grant in October meant being able to increase the size of both its large print fiction and adult fiction sections, said Claire Leavy, library director. “We’ve experienced a materials cut so the grant played an important role in buffeting some of the The Lees County Library does these things through loss. The grant allowed us to continue to supply community programs such as its “Family Movie new materials to patrons who very much enjoy Night” and through promoting authors in spe- Sisters in Crime authors. Writers such as Sara cial displays and signings. Adds Leavy, “We want Paretsky, Lisa Jackson and Joanne Fluke will surely authors to keep writing so we do our best to pro- see an increase in our collection. We were also be mote them.” able to buy additional materials for our juvenile section,” Leavy said. The Sisters in Crime’s We Love Libraries! program is now in its fifth year. Spread the word to your library Leavy also emphasized the We Love Libraries! partners about this great opportunity to receive a program helps libraries play a major role in the grant to add to their collections community. In her view, libraries have the power to 2 function as a magnet that brings a community in Storyteller Andrea Smith writes mystery and romantic sus- pense featuring strong, resourceful women protagonists. and holds it together. A library will increase a com- Her police detectives and sleuths have appeared in several munity’s literacy rate. Libraries also help bridge the short story anthologies. A Chicago native, Smith now lives in digital divide that has arisen in the past decade. Indianapolis.

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¡ ¡ Awards 1 Nominations by Gay Toltl Kinman

Donna Andrews has been nominated for Molly MacCrae is a Love is Murder Lovely Lori Rader-Day’s The Black Hour has been The Lefty for The Good, the Bad, and nominee for Spinning in Her Grave and nominated for The Rosebud. the Emus. also for Plagued by Quilt. Cindy Sample has been nominated for Rhys Bowen’s Queen of Hearts is a Bruce Alison McMahan’s The Saffron Crocus The Lefty for Dying for a Dude. Alexander Memorial Historical has been nominated for the RWA Mystery Award nominee. Rosemary Award for Best Historical L. J. Sellers’ Deadly Bonds has been nomi- Rob Brunet is a Love is Murder Lovey Fiction and for the Daphne Award nated for The Rose nominee for Stinking Rich. from the Kiss of Death RWA Chapter. Kelli Stanley’s City of Ghosts is a Bruce Susanna Calkins’ From the Charred Remains Catriona McPherson’s A Deadly Measure Alexander Memorial Historical is a Bruce Alexander Memorial of Brimstone is a Bruce Alexander Mystery Award nominee. Award nominee. Memorial Historical Mystery Award Diane Vallere has been nominated for nominee. Her The Day She Died is M. J. Cooley’s Ice Shear has been nomi- The Lefty for Suede to Rest. nated for The Rosebud, best first nominated for an Edgar Award for mystery novel of Left Coast Crime. Best Paperback Original. Holly West’s Mistress of Fortune has been Evelyn Cullet is a Love is Murder Lovey Diane Gilbert Madsen is a Love is Murder nominated for The Rosebud nominee for Once Upon A Crime. Lovey nominee for The Conan Doyle Geri Westerson’s Cup of Blood is a Bruce Robert Goldsborough is a Love is Notes: The Secret of Jack the Ripper. Alexander Memorial Historical Murder Lovey nominee for Murder in Terri Nolan’s Glass Houses has been Mystery Award nominee. the Ball Park: A Nero Wolfe Mystery. nominated for The Rose the best Em Kaplan is a Love is Murder Lovey mystery novel set in the Left Coast Please send nominee and award infor- nominee for The Bride Wore Dead. Crime region. mation to gaykinman@gaykinman. Jess Lourey was nominated for Left Coast Gigi Pandian’s Pirate Vishna has been com for inclusion in this column. Crime’s The Lefty for January Thaw. nominated for The Rose.

Save the Date! f you’re coming to Bouchercon in October, or live within commuting distance of Raleigh, North Carolina, mark your calendars now for our next SinC Into Great Writing! James Scott Bell, award-winning thriller writer and author of nine Ibooks on writing craft, will be teaching an amazing workshop on Plot, Structure and Dialog on Wednesday, October 7, from 1:00–5:00 at the Sheraton, room TBD. Registration will be open soon on the SinC website. Be sure to check out the June inSinC for an interview with James Scott Bell! 2

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¡ ¡ 2015 Bouchercon 2015 Left Coast Crime 2015 Writing Raleigh NC • Oct. 8–11 “Murder Under the Oaks” will feature Workshop Margaret Maron, Kathy Reichs, Tom Portland OR • Mar. 11 Franklin, Zoe Sharp, S. Allan Guthrie, Instruction on writing mystery/sus- Sean Doolittle, Lori Armstrong, Sarah pense/thrillers by NYT Bestselling Shaber, and Ron Rash. Authors April Henry and Robert Dugoni Bouchercon2015.org leftcoastcrime.org/2015/Writing Workshop Killer Nashville Left Coast Crime 2015 EVENTS Nashville TN • Oct. 29–Nov. 1 Portland OR • Mar. 12–15 HAPPENINGS KillerNashville.com “Crimelandia” explores noir, cozy, Magna cum Murder Historical Novel Society thriller, historical, graphic novels, Indianapolis IN • Oct. 30–Nov.1 and more. GoH Timothy Hallinan and Denver CO • June 26–28 GoH William Kent Krueger, Intl GoH Chelsea Cain, toastmaster Gar Anthony Explore time periods, learn about . MagnaCumMurder.com Haywood leftcoastcrime.org/2015 weaponry, improve your craft, explore Kentucky Writers’ publishing opportunities. GoH Karen 2016 Cushman and Chris (C. C.) Humphreys. Conference & Southern Bouchercon HNS-Conference.org Kentucky Book Festival New Orleans LA • Sep. 15–18 Bowling Green KY • Apr. 17–18 ThrillerFest X “Blood on the Bayou—Down in New Special Guest Diana Gabaldon will New York NY • July 7–11 Orleans” will feature Harlan Coben as headline the event. SoKyBookFest.org ThrillerMaster Nelson DeMille, Silver GoH, Mo Hayder as intl. GoH, Julie Authors Combat Academy Bullet Recipient Kathy Reichs, Spotlight Smith as local legend, Jon and Ruth Nashville TN • Apr. 17–19 Guests Mark Billingham, Charlaine Jordan as fan GoH, and Harley Jane The annual convention of authors and Harris, and Greg Iles. Kozak as toastmaster. David Morrell experts so writers can learn from the ThrillerFest.com will be the lifetime achievement award best how to write amazing fight scenes. recipient. Bouchercon2016.com Deadly Ink AuthorsCombatAcademy.com New Brunswick NJ • Aug. 7–9 2017 Triangle Area Freelancers Donald Bain and René Paley-Bain as Bouchercon Raleigh NC • May 2 GoH, as toastmaster, David Morrell will be the keynote and Les Blatt as fan GoH. Toronto ON • Oct. 12–15 “Passport to Murder” will feature Louise presenter at the conference for fiction, DeadlyInk2015.org non-fiction, and screen writers. Penny, Canadian GoH; Megan Abbott, TriangleAreaFreelancers.org Writers Police Academy American GoH; Christopher Brookmyre, Appleton WI • Aug. 20–23 intl. GoH; as B’Con Bloody Words IV Best-selling authors Karin Slaughter 4Kids GoH, Margaret Cannon as fan Halifax NS • June 4–7 and Allison Brennan join a host of pub- GoH, and Twist Phelan and Gary Planning is underway for Stormy Weather! lic safety officers for this one-of-a-kind Phillips as toastmasters. International GoH Dr. D. P. Lyle. academy. WritersPoliceAcademy.com Bouchercon2017.com BloodyWords.com/2015 Four Corners Writers Workshop 2018 California Crime Writers Gallup NM • Oct. 2–4 Conference Bouchercon Readings and workshops by members of Culver City CA • June 6–7 St. Petersburg FL • Sep. 13–16 the national writing community, includ- Biannual conference hosted by SinC The conference will feature Karin ing publishers and literary agents. Los Angeles and MWA SoCal will feature Slaughter, Sean Chercover, Sara Blaedel, www.Gallup.UNM.edu/fourcorners and . Mark Billingham, Lisa Unger, Tim [email protected] Ladies of Intrigue Dorsey, Ian Rankin, Judy Bobalik, Ayo facebook.com/CaliforniaCrime Huntington Beach CA • Oct. 3 Onatade, and as Ghost of Honor John WritersConference [email protected] D. MacDonald. Bouchercon2018.com

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¡ ¡ September 2015 Alison McMahan, The Saffron Maria Alexander, Mr. Wicker Raw Crocus, Black Opal Books, P, E Dog Screaming Press, P, E y Jacqueline McMahon, When Love C.C. Ansardi, Shaman Woman, Won’t Die, Splice Publishing, P Gilded Dragonfly Books LLC, Docket Bourne Morris, “The Red Queen’s P, E Run,” Henrey Press, P, E, A Annette Dashofy, Lost Legacy, Carolyn Mulford, Show Me the Henery Press, P, E, A Kristen Houghton, For I Have Gold, Five Star, P, E Sherry Knowlton, Dead of Autumn, Sinned A Cate Harlow Private Sunbury Press, P, E Leigh Perry, “The Real Santa Investigation, Koehler Books, P, E Clause” in Dead But Not Sybil Johnson, Fatal Brushstroke, Forgotten, Charlaine Harris October 2015 Henery Press, P, E and Toni L.P. Kelner, eds. Ace Sparkle Abbey, The Girl with the Sharon Langdale, Vein of Justice, Books, P Dachshund Tattoo, Bell Bridge Sharon Langdale, P, E Martha Reed, The Choking Game - Books, P, E Julia McDermott, Underwater, A John and Sarah Jarad Nantucket C. Hope Clark, Murder on Edisto, Thomas & Mercer, P, E, A Mystery, Buccaneer/KMA Bell Bridge Books, P, E Lesley Mang, “No Honor Among Pittsburgh, P, E Tena Frank, Final Rights, Grateful Thieves” in The Whole She-Bang Marguerite Sansone, False Alibi, Steps Foundation, P 2, Janet Costello, ed., Sisters in The Wild Rose Press, P, E Steve Shrott,”More Good Times” Crime Canada, P, E in The Killer Wore Cranberry: A M. E. May, Purged, M & B Literary Steve Shrott, Dead Men Don’t Get Fourth Meal of Mayhem, J. Alan Creations, P, E Married, Cozy Cat Press, P, E Hartman, ed., Untread Reads, Scott L. Miller, Interrogation, Susan Union, Paws for Death, P, E Blank Slate Press Koehler Books, E Parker Riggs, Finding Jessica, November 2015 Mainly Murder Press, P, E January Susan Bernhardt, Murder Under Steve Shrott, “Tourist Town” in Beverly Allen, For Whom the the Tree (A Kay Driscoll Mystery The Whole She-Bang 2, Janet Bluebell Tolls, Berkley Prime Book 2), MuseItUp Publishing, E Costello, ed. Toronto Sisters In Crime, P, E Janet Costello, ed., The Whole Crime, P, E DV Berkom, The Body Market (A She-Bang 2, Toronto Sisters in Marty Wingate, The Red Book of Leine Basso Thriller), Duct Tape Crime, P, E Primrose House, Alibi, E Press, P, E Lynn Chandler Willis, Wink of an Vinnie Hansen, Black Beans & Eye, Minotaur, P, E December 2015 Venom, misterio press, P, E Joan C. Curtis, The Clock Charlaine Harris and Toni L.P. Becky Johnson, Stand, Amazon, Strikes Midnight, MuseItUp Kelner, Dead But Not Forgotten: P, E Publishing, E Stories From the World of Sookie Pat McGrath Avery, Consequence, P.A. De Voe, “The Demon’s Stackhouse, Ace Books, P Red Engine Press, P, E Reckoning, from the Judge Lu Marilyn Ida Horowitz, The Book of Jo Perry, Dead Is Better, Page Case Files” in Under the Surface, Zev, Koehler Books, P, E Burner Press, P, E Bradley D. Watson, ed. Saturday Lora Lee, Bringing in the Thieves, Writers, P Book One of Joyful Noise E.M. Powell, The Blood of the P.A. (Pam) De Voe, Reckoning, Mysteries, Bell Bridge Books, P, E Fifth Knight, Thomas & Kings River Life, E Mercer, P, E, A

26 inSinC March 2015

¡ ¡ Joyce Yarrow and Arindam Leslie Budewitz, Assault and Christine DeSmet, Five-Alarm Roy, Rivers Run Back, Vitasta Pepper, Berkley Prime Crime, P, E Fudge, Penguin Random Publishing, P, E Nichole Christoff, The Kill Shot: House, P, E A Jamie Sinclair Novel, Random P.A. De Voe, “Judge Lu’s Dilemma, February House’s Alibi, E from the Judge Lu case files”in Lucy Arlington, Played by the Book, Hallie Ephron, Night Night, Sleep Fish or Cut Bait, Ramona Berkley Prime Crime, P, E Tight, Wm. Morrow, P, E, A DeFelice Long, ed., Sisters in Lu Erickson, Where the Hell is Glen Erik Hamilton, Past Crimes, Crime Guppies Chapter, P Myra Atkins?, Lu Erickson, P, E William Morrow, Faber & Eva Gates, By Book or By Crook, Faber, P May Obsidian, P, E Laura Lebow, The Figaro Murders, Vinnie Hansen, “Novel Solution” Shirley Rousseau Murphy, The Minotaur Books, P, E in Fish or Cut Bait, Ramona Cat, the Devil, the Last Escape, Susan Oleksiw, “Perfect in Every DeFellice Long, ed., Wildside William Morrow, P, E Way” in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Press, P Magazine, P, E Pearl R. Meaker, “The Devil’s March Music,” Promontory Press, P, E Connie Archer, Ladle to the Grave, Penguin Random House, P, E April Annette Dashofy, Bridges Burned, Shannon Baker, Tattered Legacy, September Henery Press, P, E Midnight Ink, P, E Shelley Freydont, Trick or Deceit A Celebration Bay Mystery, Berkley

Farewell, Docket

All good things must come to an end. The Docket has been a part of inSinC for many years, and for much of that time it was the only way for SinC members to announce new publications, nominations, and awards. With the advent of the Internet, things have changed tremendously—authors have websites and their own e-lists for mail- ings; Sisters in Crime has a tremendously helpful website with rotating book covers, an interactive author, and more; bloggers and librarians have information galore; Amazon, GoodReads, Riffle and other sites post new reviews daily; and StopYoureKillingMe. com lists virtually all crime authors and their titles.

A quarterly listing of upcoming titles simply isn’t as helpful as it was when visualized; therefore, this will be the last time The Docket will be a part of inSinC.

Thank you for being so diligent about including your information. Thanks to Web Maven Sarah Glass for compiling it every quarter. Lastly, happy writing to all of you!

27 inSinC March 2015

¡ ¡ Obits from the (Not-Yet) Deceased

f you missed the Austra- way, become the COO of two suc- managed to play up her eyes and lian’s obituary of Colleen cessful technology start-ups and dress appropriately to disguise McCullough you were write a few books. her hips, thereby finding a man surely working on your who would marry her. She appar- Ramona DeFelice Long own novel. After Austra- ently chose to work outside of Despite being short and possess- lia’s best-selling author the home as a police officer and a was described “…as a charmer. ing little-to-no-patience, Ramona I Long married a younger, red- crime writer. Plain of feature, and certainly overweight, she was nevertheless, headed man, gave birth to twins Leslie Budewitz a woman of wit and warmth. In without even an aspirin to ease Despite unruly hair, poor taste in one interview, she said: ‘I’ve never the pain, and regularly found fun shoes, and an unfortunate ten- been into clothes or figure and things to do in Delaware. She also dency to say what she thought, the interesting thing is I never wrote, and ran a one-woman edit- Budewitz nonetheless married ing business. had any trouble attracting men.’” a successful doctor of natural SinC members joined the numer- medicine and talented musician ous online posts mocking the Mouthy, overweight, often who kindly encouraged her legal publication. appearing in public without career for 30+ years and her mys- Jess Lourey makeup—others wondered how tery writing. Mrs. Burke managed to land Despite being small of breast and Twist Phelan with arms hairy enough to shave musician and educator Tim Burke, or to keep him when she Despite being 5’12” tall and in her teens, Lourey managed to overly athletic, she neverthe- score more than one date before failed to produce offspring. She wrote, but never a real novel, and less managed to graduate from she died. With two Master’s Stanford undergrad and law, suc- degrees, she unsurprisingly died maintained an unfeminine inter- cessfully sue middle-aged white single. She also wrote books. est in science. guys who stole other people’s Diane Piron-Gelman Edith Maxwell money, marry a time or two, travel “Short-waisted and 20 pounds Blaming it all on being third the world, and write a bit. shy of attractive, Ms. Pirrone child of four and ever the young- nonetheless kept two boys and a est and shortest in her class, Jeri Westerson husband well-fed and cared for, overassertive Edith Maxwell man- Too short, too Jewish, too loud, while writing the odd book or so.” aged to produce two sons and and too full of herself. But she pull off five (or six) consecutive wrote some words and stuck them Catriona McPherson non-lucrative careers before pre- between book covers. Meh. Despite being too tall and tending to earn a living writing mouthy for a girl, McPherson mystery novels. Sarah Glenn nevertheless snagged a husband Despite being broad of beam and and baked for him regularly. She Robin Burcell crude in humor, Sarah Glenn also wrote books. Despite inheriting her father’s became a successful lesbian tro- mouth (that would be her lips phy wife. Barbara Ross that didn’t close properly­—the Despite her weight, squinty eyes swearing part she managed on Kate Flora and general bossiness, Ross still her own), and always being a Her ass grew broad from thirty managed to find a husband, have bit wider in the hips than was years at herwriting desk, but her two great kids, and, oh, by the fashionable, Burcell nevertheless mind was equally broad. 2