iinSSininC the Sisters in Crime Quarterly Vol. 24, No.2

Reviewers unleashed by Molly Weston

eviews of mysteries written by women— Award for Best Novelette for “Rearview Win- include women in an equal or disproportion- or rather the dearth of them formed the dow” in Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine. ately favorable manner…For the subgenre…I foundation of Sisters in Crime. Our love best, hardboiled/noir, men still outnumber R Sarah Weinman (offonatangent.tumblr.com/) review monitoring project has remained front women. So when a female noir writer comes began her blog, “Confessions of an Idiosyn- and center for years, and authors talk about the along, this is a godsend…” cratic Mind,” in 2003, when “literary blogs were topic at every gathering. being noticed by book editors at various news- Speaking of subgenre To get a look at the other side of the subject, papers.” Since then, her reviews and columns Cogdill “gravitate(s) more toward hardboiled, we polled five well-known reviewers to ask have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, the but I love it all.” Taylor agrees. “I’m…as happy how they choose books, if gender bias in Wall Street Journal, the National Post, Maclean’s, with a cozy as with hardboiled or noir.” reviewing is real, and other questions. The Baltimore Sun, the Washington Post, the Ephron’s favorites? “Don’t have one.” Forbus Barnes & Noble Review, the Philadelphia Inquir- How they came to review in the first place puts confesses, “I like gritty; I like social issues: and erer, the Daily Beast, and others. pause to the disgruntled, jealous writer argu- I don’t always expect a happy ending. So, I ment fostered by many. Each of the reviewers How do you choose? think it’s unfair to both me and the author to take a book that doesn’t have a chance of being admits to a tremendous love of the genre. All reviewers except Forbus have some books the right fit for me.” Weinman’s views are assigned for reviews. For their newspaper audi- Wanting to add some writing to her work at widening from her hardboiled/noir preference. ences, both Cogdill and Ephron give weight to the Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel, Oline H. “I am growing to love what I think of as local authors but added that additional factors Cogdill (tinyurl.com/4xlbwtp) offered to ‘domestic suspense,’ psychological novels about influence their decisions. Cogdill looks for review a “couple” of mysteries. Since 1991, she women…subtle, but scary books they are.” has written for other publications including what “sounds good or different—or if an Mystery Scene, Publishers Weekly, and author is new,” and Ephron added, “one where Cover influence McClatchy Tribune Features which often dis- there’s some kind of buzz building, a well- Anyone who has read the 2010 SinC Mystery tributes her work across the world. known author whose work I’ve never read, a Readers Survey knows how readers feel about great first page, a debut novel.” covers, but our reviewers are mixed. Taylor Hallie Ephron’s (hallieephron.com) bi- asks, “How can you not be influenced by monthly column has appeared in The Boston Weinman added, “if I’m choosing for a column, covers…an eye-catching cover certainly grabs Globe since 2004, when the book editor asked a common theme helps, and knowing the audi- your attention, makes you want to see what’s if she’d like to take over from a reviewer who ence and disposition of a particular publication inside. Sometimes you’re rewarded, some- gave it up. She grabbed it! Hallie releasedWrit- absolutely helps. What works for the LA Times times not.” ing and Selling Your Mystery Novel before her might not for the Wall Street Journal.” two novels of suspense, Never Tell a Lie and Because Forbus is an independent reviewer, she Weinman differs but knows who to blame. “Sub- Come and Find Me. can use other criteria. “First is time. I’ve had to consciously, I know a bad one when I see it, but I also understand authors get saddled with Jen Forbus missed talking about books with turn down requests because I’m simply over- crappy covers through no fault of their own.” others after retiring as a high school English whelmed…next is the story concept…I won’t teacher, so she began “Jen’s Book Thoughts” review books I can’t be mostly positive about.” Forbus answers with one word, “nope.” (www.jensbookthoughts.com) about three Given the opportunity to choose, Taylor gen- “Since many of the advanced copies I get have years ago. She also reviews for Crimespree. erally “looked for diversity—stylistic, gender, just a blue, green, or yellow cover with no pic- Although Art Taylor (www.arttaylorwriter. geographical, etc.—and tried to represent a mix tures (or no cover if they come by e-book, the com) began reviewing all types of books, his of publishers…small presses as well as the big answer is no,” said Cogdill, however, “if the first love as a reader was mystery and suspense. New York houses.” publisher has put no effort into the cover, then His freelance review work for the Washington Does author gender matter? what is [inside it] probably isn’t worth it either.” Post moved him steadily in the direction of Everyone except Weinman was emphatic in Ephron takes a wider look at the whole book, crime fiction. He has published numerous short denial. Her response may surprise, “It shouldn’t “Of course, also the quality of the binding, mysteries and is nominated for the Derringer but it does, and I do try as best as possible to paper, and typeset.” See Reviewers, p 15 inSinc June 2011 1 Get a Clue Reviewers Unleashed Molly Weston ...... 1 inSinc Cathy Speaks the Sisters in Crime Quarterly Cathy Pickens ...... 3 The mission of Sisters in Crime is to promote the professional development and Editor’s Note advancement of women crime writers to achieve equality in the industry. Molly Weston ...... 3 Chapter Highlights ...... 4 SinC into Great Writing! ...... 5 Cathy Pickens, President Jim Huang, Bookstore Liaison The FOSS Cure Frankie Bailey, Vice President/President-Elect Mary Boone, Library Liaison Ramona DeFelice Long ...... 6 Barbara Fister, Secretary Nancy Martin, At Large e-Zine Seeks Submissions ...... 7 Kathryn Wall, Treasurer/Authors Coalition Liaison Val McDermid, At Large Briefly…from Beth Beth Wasson ...... 7 Sandra Parshall, Chapter Liaison Barb Goffman, Monitoring Project Another Loss ...... 7 Ellen Hart, Publicity Marcia Talley, Past President Who’s Watching Our Deaths? Kathie Felix, Public Relations Peggy Moody, Web Maven Jan Burke ...... 8 Laurel Anderson, inSinC Proofreader Molly Weston, inSinC Editor/Layout Writer Beware Beth Wasson, Executive Secretary, PO Box 442124, Lawrence kS 66044-8933 Victoria Strauss ...... 10 Phone: 785.842.1325; Fax 785.856.6314; e-mail [email protected] We Still Love Libraries ...... 11 Memories of Malice ...... 12 Edgars Honor Sara Paretsky ...... 14 Conferences & Happenings ...... 10 Presidents of Sisters in Crime Law & Fiction 1987-88 SaraParetsky 1995-96 Elaine Raco Chase 2003-04 KateGrilley Leslie Budewitz ...... 18 1988-89 NancyPickard 1996-97 Annette Meyers 2004-05 PatriciaSprinkle Deviant Addiction 1989-90 MargaretMaron 1997-98 SueHenry 2005-06 LibbyHellmann Katherine Ramsland, PhD ...... 19 1990-91 SusanDunlap 1998-99 MedoraSale 2006-07 RochelleKrich The Docket 1991-92 CarolynG. Hart 1999-00 BarbaraBurnettSmith 2007-08 Roberta Isleib Patricia Gulley ...... 15 1992-93 P.M. Carlson 2000-01 ClaireCarmichaelMcNab 2008-09 Judy Clemens Writing Contests ...... 16 1993-94 LindaGrant 2001-02 EveK. Sandstrom 2009-10 Marcia Talley 1994-95 Barbara D’Amato 2002-03 KateFlora 2010–11 Cathy Pickens

Deadlines & Submissions • Deadline for articles for the September issue of inSinC is July 15. Legend • Include name, email and mailing address, and phone number with submissions. In 2008, the board of directors of Sisters in Crime implemented a new strategic • Sendcolumns, articles, high-res photos, ideas, plan. Three goals emerged from this plan. inSinc articles will be marked with praise, and story ideas via e-mail to Molly Weston icons to represent the appropriate goal. [email protected] 919.362.1436 Docket Advocacy, monitoring, and reporting • Members’ publications since this edition will be listed in THE DOCkET. Include publication dates when submitting. Professional education and career development • Honors, awards and events of great “pith and moment” should be submitted as short, sep- arate notices without publicity/ promotion of individual members. Membership growth, networking, and forums for members • Material for THE DOCkET is due July 10 and should be sent to Patricia Gulley [email protected]

JuST THE FACTS • inSinC is the official publication of Sisters in Crime International and is published four times a year. • Dues are $40 for uS and Canada, add $5 for other countries. Address and all other changes can be made by members on www.sistersincrime.org. If you do not use a computer or need a username please contact Beth Wasson at 785.842.1325 or [email protected] • Information in inSinC is submitted and reprinted from sources listed in each article. Where required, permission to reprint has been granted and noted. SinC does not investigate each submission inde- pendently and articles in no way constitute an endorsement of products or services offered. No material may be reprinted without written permission inSincfrom Sisters in Crime. Sisters in Crime©2011 June 2011 2 Cathy Speaks

isters in Crime has many projects in the our library liaison, is arranging for the booth works! Beginning with “The Mystery at the ALA meeting, where we will promote SBook Consumer in the Digital Age” SinC to librarians. We are located near both study (available on the SinC website, if you the mystery and food stages, which can only haven’t already seen it), we have been exploring help improve the draw to our booth! Let the ways readers and books find each other. Mary know if you’ll be attending ALA! • The annual Publishers Summit this year will • Of course we’re continuing the SinC Moni- descend on the American Library Associa- toring Project, led by Barb Goffman, evalu- tion’s annual meeting in June, where the team ating the amount of review coverage received (including Frankie Bailey, Barbara Fister, by women mystery writers. This year, Bar- Nancy Martin, Molly Weston, and me) will bara Fister presented an academic paper on interview librarians from different specialties SinC’s activities, including discussion of the (YA and adult reader advisory services, pro- monitoring project and other activities, at gramming), publishers’ contacts, book the Popular Culture Association’s annual reviewers, and others to learn how libraries meeting. find books and how they share those with • And of course we’re continuing the We Love their patrons. The final report will be available Libraries Lottery. The lottery selects one in the fall. library each month to receive $1000 for book This is where we need your help! Ask your purchases. The number of libraries registered To see Publishers Summit reports from pre- local librarians if they have registered for the for the drawing hasn’t grown much in the vious years, check the SinC website under lottery! Offer to help them select the books last few months, but what library wouldn’t Resources. Last year’s Summit reported on by SinC members for the photo! Tell them like the chance to win $1000 to buy books? e-books and interviewed Google Books, they can join SinC! Amazon, iBooks, and Smashwords. Registration is simple: Complete the entry form on the website and upload a photo of Plenty of other things are going on, too. As • SinC has also signed on as a Library Cham- one or more library staff members with three always, I hope you have a huge to-be-read stack pion, an American Library Association (ALA) books from their collection by Sisters in of mysteries waiting for you and plenty of time program in support of libraries. Mary Boone, Crime members. to enjoy them. Happy reading!

Editor’s Note by Molly Weston

omebody, please—remind me I’m Carolina were there—and how few I knew opportunity to pick retired. Or, else—tell me how I ever held before I got there. the brains of people a full-time job. So much is going on in in the know about S Just lately, I’ve had delightful visits from authors my life now I never have time to wonder what how readers find on tour, a weekend in Bethesda MD for Malice to do next. On the other hand, I rarely do any- books. (I’ve bought Domestic (where I spent time at the SinC pres- thing I to do! a new pair of com- don’t want idents’ lunch, the SinC breakfast, and moder- fortable shoes! Sisters in Crime has a lot to do with how I ating a panel composed completely of SinC We’re going to be spend my days now, and I rarely have a week members). I was delighted to meet many more very busy.) go by without someone asking me how they members and invited several readers and librar- can have my job. I won’t share that information ians to join SinC. Several assured me they Please enjoy this yet, but I will tell you some of the exciting things would and I sincerely hope they have all joined issue of inSinC. We’ve got great articles and I’ve done recently and more that I look forward by now. Welcome! I’m running of of space so I can’t mention to doing. them all here. I was happy to be asked to join the SinC Pub- In February, I went to the Cape Fear Crime lishers Summit team and attend the ALA Con- Here’s wishing you all a wonderful summer Festival in Wilmington. I was impressed with ference in New Orleans in late June. Cathy has filled with good writing and excellent reading. how many SinC members in North and South put together a schedule that will give us the That should make all of us very happy!

inSinc June 2011 3 Chapter Highlights

Chapter Presidents Meeting chapter does, can use those events to bring by Sandra Parshall attention to SinC’s milestone anniversary and the importance of the organization to women About 20 chapter representatives attended our mystery writers. Guppy Chapter meeting at Malice Domestic on Friday, April www.sinc-guppies.org 29, to exchange ideas for celebrating SinC’s 25th A series of library panels would take the SinC anniversary. There’s some confusion about the message to a wider audience and give authors The Guppy Chapter is celebrating the publica- exact date of the anniversary, since the founding in your chapter added exposure. Many chapters tion of its first anthology, Fish Tales: 22 Tales of members were getting together for several already do library events regularly. Those that Murder and Mayhem from the Rising Stars of months before SinC was officially born, but don’t yet have an organized speakers’ project Mystery. everyone agrees that SinC became a real organ- should reach out to local libraries, which are At 400-plus members, the ization at Bouchercon 25 years ago, so October usually receptive to both traditional print Guppies—short for The is the month designated as our anniversary authors and e-book authors. Contact the editor Great unpublished—is month. of your state library association’s newsletter and ask to submit a brief article in the newsletter the largest and one of the Beth Wasson reminded everyone that SinC most supportive SinC offering to arrange mystery programs for any grants are available to help cover the cost of interested libraries. chapters. Many members special chapter events. The application form is have published their first on the national website in the Members Only kathie Felix, SinC’s public relations director fiction while a Guppy and section. Beth can also supply 25th anniversary and managing editor of the SinC blog, encour- have stayed in the chapter banners and signs, and our new national mem- aged chapters to publicize their events in the to keep sharing and learning with other writers. bership brochure. (Please request at least a smaller community newspapers in their areas. In 2009, the chapter conceived its first anthol- month before you need the materials.) Large papers will seldom be interested in chap- ter activities, but community papers may wel- ogy as a learning experience for its members Possible chapter activities discussed: and as an opportunity to introduce mystery come announcements. Also reach out to mys- readers to some promising new writers. More An anniversary party, complete with cake, at tery book discussion groups and aspiring than 40 members submitted stories, each a bookstore or library, with SinC authors on writers’ groups. Post announcements on Face- involving a body of water in which fish could hand to meet the public and talk about the book and the national SinC listserv. Provide be found. Each submitting writer reviewed and organization. kris Neri, who owns the Well photos and articles about your events to the evaluated three other submissions, using cri- Red Coyote in Arizona, agreed to hold a party SinC blog ([email protected]) and to inSinC teria established by the organizing committee; at her store. ([email protected]). ultimately, 22 stories were chosen. SinC mem- A special chapter meeting, open to the public, When the discussion turned to recruiting new ber and freelance editor Ramona DeFelice Long with members talking about what they’ve pub- members, Beth reminded everyone that the worked with contributors to polish the stories; lished in the past year, no matter the publishing national website’s member directory now allows SinC member, editor, and Agatha-winner Chris platform. This is a good opportunity to demon- for member searches by state. You can regularly Roerden wrote an introduction. strate the support and practical help SinC offers obtain a list of new SinC members in your The contributors and committee then searched its writer members. If you have an independent chapter area and invite them to attend a meet- for a publisher, ultimately landing with Wildside, bookstore in your area, invite the bookseller to ing, get to know everyone, and join the chapter. also the publisher of the Chesapeake Chapter’s handle print sales at the meeting. A personal invitation is often all it takes to bring in a new member. recent anthologies. Contributors are now learn- A meeting, open to the public, with a “star” ing about promotion first-hand, while drinking SinC member as guest speaker. I hope all of you will continue the discussion champagne (cyber and otherwise), eating on this list and exchange more ideas about ways Chapters that regularly participate in book fairs, chocolate, and firing up the kick line—all tra- our chapters can celebrate SinC’s 25th anniver- library conferences, etc., as the New England ditional Guppy methods of celebration. sary. Let us hear your ideas! Some members have published full-length mysteries, short stories, or nonfiction, while Chesapeake Chapter others are getting their first dip in the waters. www.chessiechapter.org The waters are so fine that the Guppies are now reviewing submissions for the next anthology, On the first Saturday in April, 23 Chesapeake We took fingerprints; examined splatter marks, Fish Nets. Chapter super sleuths descended on the pieces of fabric and handwriting samples; and, National Museum of Crime and Punishment compared the whereabouts and statements of Fish Tales is available in print and electronic in Washington DC. We woke our little gray cells the three persons of interest. When it was time form. The full list of contributors is in The and got to work identifying “whodunit” at the to reveal the perpetrators, more than a third of Docket. museum's “Forensic Lab: The Total CSI Expe- our group identified the correct person(s). We rience” workshop. Not a single clue was over- left the scene of the crime in good spirits and looked as we sifted through the evidence, deter- headed home, knowing that the world was a mined to ascertain how the murder was little safer—thanks to our astute powers of obser- committed and by whom. vation and excellent crime-solving abilities. inSinc June 2011 4 Sinc into Great Writing! Mapping the New World of Publishing— Or, How to Succeed in a Business That’s Really Trying

isters in Crime will hold the annual SinC into Great Writing! workshop Son Wednesday, September 14, 2011, one day prior to Spirits of St Louis Bouchercon. “Mapping the New World of Publishing—Or, How to Succeed in a Business that’s Really Try- ing” will be held at the Holiday Inn Select, just two short blocks away from the conference hotel. Bouchercon registration is not necessary to attend this one-day workshop. Sisters in Crime has discounted the work- Wilk shop as a benefit for its members. The cost for the entire day, including dinner, Gardiner is just $50. The charge for non-members is $150, so join Sisters in Crime and save money! Spots fill up fast and we can seat only 100. Register now!

David Wilk, CEO of Booktrix, will be the keynote speaker; his topic, “Planning for a Long Career in a Changing Industry.” Afternoon programs include “Traditional, Small Press, Self Publishing, E-books, or …? Making the Decision That’s Right For You”; “Everything You Need to know Panittieri about Getting Your Book into (or Back in) Print and Were Dying to Ask”; “Look, Mack Ma! I’ve Been kindled: A Step-by-Step Guide to e-book Publication,” featuring Libby Hellman, Cathy Pickens, Marcia Sinc into Great Writing! Talley, Ellen Hart, and other industry pro- fessionals whose participation we will Mapping the New World of Publishing—Or, How to Succeed confirm soon. in a Business That’s Really Trying Our dinner speaker will be Meg Gardiner, New York Times bestselling author, whose Wednesday, September 14, 2011 u 1:00 - 9:00 PM topic will be “Lying for a Living.” Holiday Inn Select u St. Louis, Mo The after-dinner panel, “Brazen Hussies $50 for SinC members u $150 nonmembers. Speak Out: Marketing Your Novel in an Includes welcoming coffee, mid-afternoon snack break, cash bar and dinner. Electronic World” will featuare Gina Special dietary requests will be honored. Panittieri, president of Talcott Notch Lit- Keynote Speaker David Wilk, Ceo Booktrix, “Planning for a Long Career in a erary and Debbi Mack, New York Times Changing Industry” bestselling e-book author. Dinner Speaker Meg Gardiner, New York Times bestselling author, “Lying for a Living” Register online at tinyurl.com/6l4x44j inSinc June 2011 5 The fOSS cure by Ramona DeFelice Long

oes the thought of writing 75,000 Practice this immersion therapy until “How words seem like a snap, but a word did they do that?” becomes “Hey, look how Dlimit of 7,500 gives you claustropho- they did that!” bia? Does a single-digit cast of characters make you feel hand-cuffed? Does one setting, one Step 2 – Embrace the Fear story arc, one primary conflict send you into a Fear is a state of mind, but it’s also physiologi- panic? cal. A daunting task or terrifying situation can freeze the mind—or it can trigger an adrena- If you experience any, or all, of these symptoms, line rush. Writing a short story is not that dra- you may be suffering from the writerly syn- matic. You won’t need to lift up a car. You just drome known as FOSS—Fear of Short Story. might need to unhinge the brain lock and alter Fear no longer, phobic writer. A three-step cure your mindset. is dead ahead. First, accept what’s worth your while. Why Step 1 – Understand the Fear learn to write short? Because markets abound, both in print and online. Anthologies seek out “There is good reason to be afraid of short sto- Practice picking apart big conceptual ideas into submissions. Roberta Isleib, quoted above, ries as their brevity requires a neatness of plot individual parts. Do it character by character. wrote a story set in her home town to benefit and character that I find quite challenging.” Strip away what’s not relevant to the one pri- Habitat for Humanity. As with any profession, mary conflict. Choose a narrator and tell what —Roberta Isleib the more tools in your skill set, the better. happens to, or via, that character. Write out- Phobias are about fear, and fear is borne of the To write a short, one must think short. A nov- ward—but not too far. unknown. Let’s get to know the short story elist’s mind is set for big pictures. Short story form. artists think in small snapshots. You can teach Step 3 – Conquer the Fear • Short fiction comes in graduated sizes: yourself to do either, or both. After the immer- “All you really need for a short story are a pro- novella, short story, short short, flash fiction sion reading above, start training on recogniz- tagonist, a problem, and a solution. Anything and micro-fiction. ing short story ideas. else is optional. I prefer a twist at the end, too. • A short story is meant to be read in a single Even better, a double twist.” sitting. “My short story ideas occur in intuitive little —Kaye George flashes, like headlines out of National Enquirer. • Short fiction requires the same elements as kaye’s pithy list says it all. Once you have a An idea will hang around in the file cabinet of novels (character, setting, conflict, theme) as character, a conflict, and an ending, what comes my psyche until I understand what realm it’s well as basic dramatic structure (set-up, in between is addressed by these three ques- in—literary fiction or crime fiction or horror— rising action, climax, resolution) but in a tions: and I feel the need to start writing. Or, someone compact space and with a smaller cast. • What does the protagonist want? will ask me to write a story and I’ll think, Yes, • Mystery shorts include the same sub-genres • What is at stake? now’s my chance to write about the guy who (whodunit, locked rooms, police procedural, • What gets in the way? noir, cozies, etc.) as novels. thought he was Jesus and tried to kill me.” —Harley Jane Kozak The twist is the fun. To have this fun, play the For a novelist, writing short requires no new What If game. What if Young Man grew up in knowledge, but it may mean reconditioning. Intuitive little flashes, news clippings, a grand the house and he’s back to find something he To begin this process, desensitize your nerves notion that hits you in the shower—however hid as a child? What if Wheelchair Man pulls by reading lots of short stories. See how authors it arrives, a story idea simmers until it’s ready out a gun—or a samurai sword? What if it’s jump into conflict from line one. Note the spare to be fleshed out. This is a writer’s mindset. A SWAT Member’s first day? What if Neighbor is number of characters. Pay attention to what’s short story artist will learn to whittle a big idea one of Harley’s headlines, and thinks he’s Jesus? not there (backstory, secondary characters, long into a smaller format. descriptions). Study the simpler, linear plotlines. Voila! Let’s take a sample scenario: Young man breaks into a home. Inside is a man in a wheelchair. Character, conflict, and an ending, with a twist He’s called the cops. A SWAT team arrives. The as lagniappe. Address your fear, whittle down neighborhood goes into lockdown. an idea, and write it out. Really, it’s as simple as that. This could be a novel—or five short stories. Why five? Because we have five characters: Ramona DeFelice Long is an author and independ- Young Man, Wheelchair Man, 911 Dispatcher, ent editor whose short fiction has appeared in liter- ary, regional and juvenile publications. She writes SWAT Member, Neighbor. Each has a personal about her literary life atramonadef.wordpress.com history and a role on this day. Each has an experience. A novel might include all five expe- riences. A short story may record just one. inSinc June 2011 6 E-Zine seeks submissions

iller Nashville is seeking submissions for a new e-publication, Killer Nashville E-Magazine. The magazine seeks articles in Kmany areas: book reviews of killer Nashville authors; reviews of nonfiction books on writing or forensics; interesting mystery/sus- Briefly—from Beth pense-related facts and activities; how-tos on forensics, writing, pub- Sinc into Great Writing! lishing, computers, gettting published, research, publicity/ promotion/marketing; genre how-tos on suspense, thriller, mystery; Mapping the New World of featured websites, killer Nashville success stories; and author, agent, Publishing—Or, How to and editor interviews. Succeed in a Business That’s There is no payment for free web or newsletter displays. There is a Really Trying payment for compilations or articles that are sold. Articles can be reprints or unpublished work. Writers do not have to have any affil- Wednesday, September 14, 2011 iation with killer Nashville. Writers retain all rights and can publish 1:00 - 9:00pm articles elsewhere, but killer Nashville has unending reprint rights in Holiday Inn Select u St. Louis, Mo print and on the web. killer Nashville currently has about 4,000 sub- scribers so this is a great way to get the news out about your books, $50 for SinC members tours, or organization via your by-line. $150 for nonmembers You can learn more and find all the details (specifics, pay schedule, themes, etc.) online at www.killernashville.com/knmagazine.html . Includes welcoming coffee, mid- Those interested in being a regular or occasional contributor, or if afternoon snack break, cash bar you would like to be interviewed for one of the issues, please contact and dinner. Special dietary the e-magazine as soon as possible at [email protected] requests will be honored. . This is just one more way that killer Nashville seeks to help writers and fans of great literature. Registration online only tinyurl.com/6l4x44j We look forward to hearing from you.

25th Anniversary Celebration Don’t fortget to let us hear about your chapter’s plans for the celebration. If you need banners, grant funding, Another Loss bookmarks, membership brochures, let me know a month in advance of We’re sad to report that Barbara Mooney, 84, a member of the event. Contact me at Sisters in Crime since 1999, died January 18 in St. Petersburg [email protected] . Beach, Florida. Barbara was a member of the Florida Sisters in Crime Chapter. Barbara served on the board of The Friends of the St. Pete Beach Public Library as well as the St. Pete Beach Library Advisory Committee. She enjoyed running the library's book discussion group. Her service to the book club reflected her lifelong devotion to literature. Barbara is survived by two daughters, two sons, and their families. inSinc September 2010 7 Who’s watching our deaths? by Jan Burke

n mysteries, we often see mention of med- position of the remains of the unidentified and ical examiners and coroners’ offices (ME/C) the indigent. without knowing the difference between I Information reported by ME/Cs is used to deter- these two terms or having a clear idea of what mine public health risks and to discover which these officials do, who may hold these offices, diseases are killing us—statistics that often or how they are trained. Our fictional notions affect how we fund medical research. This data of death investigation are usually far from the identifies public safety risks of many kinds — reality. product and automotive safety problems are The truth is that death investigation in the among them. ME/Cs determine how fatal united States is a mess. It is wildly inconsistent injuries may have been received—investigating and often in the hands of the unqualified. In deaths caused by anything from workplace 2009, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) accidents to malfunctioning amusement park issued a report, Strengthening Forensic Science rides. in the United States: A Path Forward. The sec- (2010) Photography McKinley Sheri ME/Cs respond in times of mass disaster, when tion on death investigation said, in part: a community may suddenly be overwhelmed ity, and passage of a written and practical exam- It is clear that death investigations in the US rely with a large number of deceased. We depend ination. Jobs in forensic science labs associated on a patchwork of coroners and medical exam- on them to identify outbreaks of disease and with the work of forensic pathologists (DNA iners and that these vary greatly in the budgets, any other factors causing a sudden increase in analysts, toxicologists) often require a master’s staff, equipment, and training available to them, deaths in a community. degree and additional training. and in the quality of services they provide. No This is just a partial list of their responsibilities. Training and requirements for coroners are matter what the level of quality of other forensic And yet, in much of the uS, their important also varied. Coroners are the overwhelming science disciplines that are supported by a par- work is woefully underfunded, carried out in majority of death investigators in the uS. ticular jurisdiction may be, if the death investi- utterly inadequate facilities, and undertaken According to a 2004 survey of ME/C offices by gation does not include competent death inves- by individuals who are not qualified or trained the Department of Justice, 80% were coroners’ tigation and forensic pathology services, both to do the job. offices. In 1928 the NAS began recommending civil and criminal cases may be compromised. Problems revealed that the country should be on a medical exam- Sometimes, the public’s fears about the subject iner system run by forensic pathologists, but of death and misunderstandings about the Let’s talk about a few of the problems high- in the decades since, little has changed in the work of death investigators cause us to lose lighted by the NAS study and other recently- way of eliminating coroner systems. published research and investigations. sight of the fact that the work of ME/Cs is for Coroners may be elected or appointed. In some the benefit of the living. First, definitions for the terms “coroner” and states, a person becomes the local coroner by Medical examiners/coronors work “medical examiner” are not the same in every holding another office—the local justice of the part of the country. The definitions and require- The living need quality death investigation for peace or the county district attorney, who may ments for holding these offices vary wildly from a number of reasons. Most of us in Sisters in have legal but not forensic science training. Or place to place. Each state (and in some states, Crime are aware of the criminal justice side of the coroner may be sheriff, which may set up a each individual county) defines the meaning this. It is in the public interest to know if crimes conflict of interest when it comes to investi- of those terms in their jurisdictions. have been committed, and to find whatever gating deaths caused in custody or during law evidence of those crimes is at death scenes and In much of Wisconsin, for example, no medical enforcement activities. left on bodies. But that is just one part of what training of any kind is required for someone It is not unusual for the office of coroner to be ME/Cs do for us. to become a medical examiner. In some places, held by an individual with no legal, forensic, the medical examiner must be a physician, but They notify families of deaths, often give griev- or investigative training whatsoever. Being at not necessarily a pathologist, let alone a forensic ing families important information, issue death least 18 years of age, a citizen, and having no pathologist. This means that obstetricians, gen- certificates, and determine the cause of death. felony conviction are all that is required in some eral practitioners, and other kinds of doctors They decide which deaths may require further states. Those that do require training may only may become medical examiners—and are not investigation, and how those investigations will need to take one 20-hour course. required to have any forensic science training. be conducted—including whether or not there Except in states which prohibit them from will be an autopsy. They identify the deceased, Compare this to the education of a board-cer- holding the office, coroners’ jobs are often and if this is not possible, may arrange for infor- tified forensic pathologist who typically has taken by undertakers, who sometimes steer mation to be sent to Namus (a national missing four years of medical school, three-to-four years business their own way. This can place fami- persons/unidentified remains database at of training in pathology, a one-year fellowship lies at their mercy for mortuary services. www.Namus.com ). They arrange for the dis- at an approved medicolegal investigation facil- Coroners have also been known to hire their See Deaths, p. 9 inSinc June 2011 8 Deaths, cont’d. from p.8 children as deputy coroners. Not long ago in Critical needs the years 2005 and 2006 found that more men Indiana, a teenager in high school became a Autopsies are essential to learning the true than women are autopsied. These and other deputy coroner. causes of death. In many states, there are no disparities in who gets autopsied have a “pro- Many coroners are good people who work long, standards set for deciding when an autopsy found effect on how people understand the unpredictable hours and are on call 365 days a should be required. Nationally, autopsy rates diseases that run in their families and how year. They face the emotional strain of viewing are rapidly declining; they are already far too medical research is conducted.” sometimes gruesome death scenes and of deal- low for any of us to feel confident in our death What about accreditation? Although standards ing with grief-stricken families. They often do investigation systems. Add to this the fact that are set by professional organizations, with no so with inadequate budgets and little help. They fewer than five percent of hospital deaths are federal or other mandates to insist that ME/Cs frequently have no offices of their own, let alone autopsied—autopsy rates have also sharply follow them, few offices meet those standards. facilities for storing bodies or conducting declined in hospitals, where deaths of patients Of the 2,342 ME/Cs in the uS, only 79 are accred- autopsies. Many have no refrigeration units are seldom investigated by ME/Cs—and it ited by the National Association of Medical available to store bodies. Many are still entirely should be clear that in the uS, we really don’t Examiners (NAME) or the International Asso- on paper systems. Some are able to arrange know what is causing our deaths. ciation of Coroners and Medical Examiners. autopsies only through pathologists working A study by Scripps Howard News Service in We are also facing a severe national shortage at distant centers and must find a way to pay 2009 reviewed 4.9 million deaths in the uS from of forensic pathologists. At a time when the for the transportation of bodies in addition to NAS has again recommended moving from autopsy costs. coroner systems to medical examiner systems, You may begin to sense that there is a strong fewer than 50 medical residents are enrolled potential for low-quality death investigation in in forensic pathology programs. poorer rural counties. The autopsy rate in these It is time to insist on the improvement of death counties is also below that of larger jurisdic- investigation in the uS. tions; since autopsies may cost about $2000, coroners in cash-strapped counties may order Jan Burke’s novels include Disturbance, The few of them. Messenger, Bloodlines, and the Edgar-win- ning Bones. She is also an award-winning

Dani Simmonds Dani short story writer. Burke is the founder of the nonprofit Crime Lab Project. Visit her at www.janburke.com .

What can you do about these problems? 1) Become educated. Watch Frontline’s“Post coroner or medical examiner’s system, what 4) Tell Congress that the improvement of Mortem” program online (www.pbs.org/ the training requirements are, what the basic death investigation in the uS should be a wgbh/pages/frontline/post-mortem) and qualifications for the Me/C and staff are. Find high priority. Ask it to establish programs to read the associated articles on the nPR and out if the nAMe “Best Practice Guidelines for encourage more medical residents to ProPublica Web sites. Identifying unknown Decedents” (available become forensic pathologists. free from namus) is being used. If you can’t Read the nAS study (www.nap.edu/cata- 5) Speak up about these problems! Talk get answers to your questions, try to interest log.php?record_id=12589), the Scripps about them on your blogs, on your social local media in finding out what conditions Howard Autopsy Study (www.scripp- networks, and when you speak in public. If are and what is needed for better death snews.com/node/45617), and the Doj it works with your personal writing choices investigation in your jurisdiction. Let your Surveys (bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/index.cfm?ty to include some of this information in your legislators and other representatives know =dcdetail&iid=281) . books and stories, you can help to increase that quality death investigation is important. awareness. Subscribe (to the Crime Lab Project’s CLP 3) Consider establishing local scholarship news, which provides links to forensic sci- 6) Volunteer to help find the missing on programs to send your area’s death investi- ence news stories every week. It’s free— just www.NamUs.com . gators to receive training at quality courses send a blank email to clpnews-subscribe such as the St. Louis Mediolegal Death These are just a few of the steps that you @yahoogroups.com . Investigation course. can take to make a difference. others can 2) Ask questions about your local jurisdiction. be found at the CLP blog Find out whether your jurisdiction uses a crimelabproject.wordpress.com .

inSinc June 2011 9 Writer Beware by Victoria Strauss

Writer Beware is a publishing industry watchdog group co- founded by Victoria Strauss and Ann Crispin and sponsored by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. Writer Beware provides information and warnings about the many scams and schemes that threaten writers.

n 1998, when Writer Beware first began Fee-charging and/or unqualified literary Another new publishing pitfall: the many warning about literary scams, the pub- agents are still a danger; however, with so editing, marketing, promotion, and coach- Ilishing world was in turmoil (sound many agent-free publishing options, finding ing services aimed at small press and self- familiar?). Conglomeration had melded a literary agent is no longer every author’s published writers. Again, some are ripoffs— many formerly independent publishers into default starting position. As a result, Writer people who will take your money and do a few mega-corporations. Layoffs had Beware is seeing many fewer agent scams nothing for you. Others are run by unqual- reduced the number of editors, while the than in the past. Most of the complaints we ified individuals (inexperienced editors and number of published books continued to receive these days involve publishers. publicists are everywhere). Others are just a rise. With time-crunched editors no longer waste of money. For instance, press release In some cases, these really are scams—pub- able to dip into their slush piles, publishers services that blast an email to thousands of lishers that claim to charge no fees but were increasingly adopting an “agented sub- addresses (mostly, these will be treated as expect writers to pay for editing or publicity missions only” policy, and relying on liter- spam), or marketing services that charge or cover art; publishers that call themselves ary agents as gatekeepers. hundreds of dollars to post your book on a “traditional” yet require authors to buy or series of obscure websites or include it in a Two of the major game-changers—print on pre-sell their own books; publishers that catalog supposedly taken to book fairs demand (POD) technology and electronic appear independent yet are actually part of (many rights are sold at book fairs, but not books—were as yet just blips on the horizon. a network of agencies, editing services, and from pay-to-play catalogs). marketing services that pass clients back and Writing scams were definitely a problem in forth between them and profit every step of 1998, but variety was limited. With print What to do the way. publishing still the only game in town, most So, how do you protect yourself from scam- scams involved fee-charging literary agents. Pitfalls abound mers and amateurs in the ever-changing world of publishing? Complaints about dishonest agents outnum- Just as often, though, there’s no deliberate bered complaints about dishonest publishers scam. The power of the Internet, the cheap- • know as much about your chosen field as by better than four to one. ness of POD, and the ease of getting e-books possible. Before you start submitting for Technology brings changes to market have made it possible for just publication, educate yourself about the about anyone to set themselves up as a pub- publishing world. The more you know, Thirteen years later, POD technology is lisher, whether or not they have any qualifi- the less likely it is that you’ll be taken in everywhere. After years as a niche market, cations for doing so. Inexperienced new by scams, entrapped by amateurs, or e-books are poised to take center stage. publishers may not have the skill or seduced by hype. And start with a printed These developments have made self-pub- resources to acquire, edit, and design books. book, rather than the Internet—the Inter- lishing inexpensive and practical for almost They may offer terrible, nonstandard con- net is an invaluable research tool, but it everyone and have spurred an explosion of tracts. They may have a poor understanding also contains a lot of myth and misinfor- small presses that offer an alternative to the of marketing and distribution, and their mation, and without some prior knowl- big commercial houses. In 2011, authors small budgets may severely limit any pub- edge it can be hard to filter it all. have a bewildering number of alternatives licity efforts they do make. They may run to the agent-to-print-publisher route that • Research before submitting. Be sure the into trouble and go out of business was the main pathway to success in 1998. agent or editor you’re thinking of hiring abruptly—possibly without releasing rights has a respectable track record or, if new, unfortunately, new opportunities for writ- before shutting down. A bad experience has a relevant professional resume. Make ers inevitably spawn new ways to take with an amateur publisher probably won’t sure the publisher employs qualified staff advantage of them. There are more literary rob you of as much cash as a scam, but other and puts some marketing effort behind pitfalls than ever before—and it isn’t just consequences are the same: a poorly-pub- its books. Check for complaints. This all scammers you need to watch for, but well- lished book, minimal sales and exposure, may sound obvious—but many of the intentioned amateurs. and general disappointment. questions Writer Beware receives come See Writer Beware p 11 inSinc June 2011 10 We still love libraries!

he Sisters in Crime “We Love Libraries” program is still going strong! Each month, begin- ning in January of 2010, SinC has donated $1000 to a library somewhere in the united TStates. Has your local library entered? It’s very easy. Simply complete the entry form and upload a photo of one or more of your staff with three books in your collection by Sisters in Crime members. You can find a list of our members who are authors at www.sistersincrime.org and navigating to our left-side menu under “Resources, SinC Authors.” Writer Beware - Cont’d from p.10 After the random drawing on the last business day of the month, the winning library will be con- from writers who are checking on an agent’s tacted and announced. All branches within a large system may enter; however, once a library in or publisher’s reputation only after receiving the system has won, no other libraries within that system can win the grant. Those not successful a contract. Even a bad contract offer is in one month will automatically be entered for subsequent drawings. Grants must be used to harder to refuse once it’s in hand. purchase books and may not be used for general operating expenses. Book purchases are not • Get to know the watchdogs. There are sev- restricted to the mystery genre or to those by Sisters in Crime members. There is no cost or obli- eral groups that follow and report on pub- gation other than allowing us to post winners’ photos on our website. lishers, agents, etc., both good and bad. All libraries are welcome to enter. They’re a good place to start your research. Winners to date • The Writer Beware website (www.writer- Kingstowne Library, Alexandria VA beware.com) and blog provide informa- Kraemer Family Library, university of Colorado, tion and warnings about a wide variety of Colorado Springs Co literary scams and schemes. If you write to Pineville-Bell County Public Library, Pineville Ky us ([email protected]), we’ll be glad to Cresco Library, Cresco IA share information from our huge database Seminole County Public Library, Casselberry FL of complaints and documentation on ques- Bertram Trail Regional Library, Washington GA tionable agents, publishers, and others. newton Falls Public Library, newton Falls oH . St. joseph township-Swearingen Memorial • Preditors and Editors P&E (www.pred- Library, St. joseph IL ed.com) is a vast listing of agents, publish- yuma County Library District, yuma Az ers, editors, contests, and other writing- Cary Memorial Library, Lexington MA and publishing-related professionals and Lenox Township Library, new Haven MI services. “Not Recommended” and other Seymour johnson Air Force Base Library, warning notations indicate those about Goldsboro nC which P&E has received complaints. Folsom Public Library, Folsum CA Pecatonia High School Library, Pecatonia IL • The “Absolute Write’s Water Cooler” Hastings Public Library, Hastings ne (absolutewrite.com/forums/index.php) “The Bewares, Recommendations, and Background Check” forum at this popular cary Memorial Library, writers’ community includes hundreds of Lexington MA discussion threads about agents, publishers, Semour Johnson Air Force Base Library, etc. If there are complaints—and compli- Goldsboro Nc ments—they are likely to show up here.

Victoria Strauss is the author of eight fantasy novels for adults and teens. Passion Blue, a YA his- torical fantasy is coming in 2012. The Writer Beware website www.writerbeware.com has links to its blog. Victoria welcomes visitors to her own website www.victoriastrauss.com .

inSinc June 2011 11 Sisters at… Agatha Nominees SinC Members are in bold. Winners are listed first. Best Novel Bury Your Dead, Louise Penny Stork Raving Mad, Donna Andrews The Scent of Rain and Lightening, Nancy Pickard Drive Time, Hank Phillipi Ryan Truly, Madly, Heather Webber Best Non-fiction Linda Rodriguez was the happy winner of the Agatha christie’s Secret Notebooks 50 Years of St. Martin’s Press/Malice Domestic award for Mysterys in the Making, john Curran best first novel. Toni Plummer, her smp editor was all smiles too. The Poisoners Handbook Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York, Deborah Blum Sherlock Holmes for Dummies, Steven Doyle Anne Murphy was fan guest of & David A Crowder honor. Have Faith in Your Kitchen, Katherine Hall Page charlie chan The Untold Story of the Honorable Detective and His Rendezvous with American History,yunte Huang Best Children’s/yA The Other Side of Dark, Sarah Smith Theodore Boone, Kid Lawyer, john Grisham Janet Rudolph , winner of the Poirot Theodosia and the Eyes of Hours, R.L. Award. LeFevers The Agency Spy in the House,y.S. Lee Virals, Kathy Reichs Best first Novel The Long Quiche Goodbye, Avery Aames Murder at the PTA, Laura Alden Maid of Murder, Amanda flower Frankie Bailey makes a point Full Mortality, Sasscer Hill at the Sinc board meeting. Diamonds for the Dead, Alan Orloff Best Short Story ”So Much in Common,” Mary Jane Maffini “Swing Shift,” Dana Cameron “Size Matters,” Sheila Connolly “Volunteer of the year,” Barb Goffman “The Green Cross,” Elizabeth Zelvin Guest of honor carole Nelson Douglas was guest of honor. Luminaries Guest of Honor, Carole Nelson Douglas Toastmaster, Donna Andrews Lifetime Achievement, Sue Grafton Malice Remembers, Lyn Hamilton Poirot Award, Janet Rudolph Bride Deborah Sharp drafted lots of Fan Guest of Honor, Anne Murphy bridesmaids at the wedding panel SMP/Malice Domestic Best First novel, Sunday morning. Linda Rodriguez William F. Deeck-Malice Domestic Grant for Sally Goldenbaum and Goddess Nancy unpublished Writers, Robin Templeton Pickard paused for a glass of wine.

inSinc June 2011 12 …Malice Domestic 2011

Avery Aames is all smiles after Goddess Eve Sandstrom, aka winning the Agatha for best Joanna carl first novel.

Short story Agatha winner Mary Jane Maffini and Rhys Bowen presented a lovely tribute to their friend Lyn Hamilton.

Sasscer Hill, Ellen Byerrum, and Patricia Sarah Smith seemed nearly as happy chat- Gouthro enjoyed a pre-banquet chat. ting with Toni Kelner as accepting the Agatha for best ya novel.

Donna Andrews served as toastmaster.

Teresa Inge and Becky Bartlett Elizabeth J. Duncan brought Hutchison were all ready to Malice really is a family affair! two guests to the banquet. party!

inSinc June 2011 13 Edgars Honors Sara Paretsky

n Thursday, April 28, Mystery Writers of From Sara Paretsky America presented its Grand Master I went to my first Edgar dinner in 1982. I watched the OAward to Sisters in Crime founding sister icons of my reading life talking and joking, but I was Sara Paretsky at the annual Edgar Awards banquet. painfully shy and didn’t try to introduce myself to SinC President and MWA board member Cathy Pick- anyone. I was seated at a table at the outermost reach ens introduced Sara at the ceremony. Their speeches of the Sheraton ballroom, and the high point of the are below. meal was when a waiter slugged one of my tablemates for not relinquishing his salad plate on schedule. From Cathy Pickens I’m amazed, and grateful, to join the company of In 1980, with the visionary thinking we know to Grand Masters whose work I have long admired, expect in publishing, 13 publishers rejected The first Photography Peyton Matt but it is unsettling to realize how quickly 29 years V. I. Warshawski novel "does not meet our needs at have passed. this time," they said. Visionary indeed. Many people helped me reach this point. Stuart trialization. But ours is also a time that thrives on Fortunately, V. I. hit the streets of Chicago and book- kaminsky, whom we mourn, mentored me as I slick one-liners, and on lies, made easier to swallow shelves in 1982, breaking the barriers that said wrote my first book. My agent, Dominick Abel, because we devalue literacy. women in mysteries could be only victims or vamps. agreed to represent me all those years ago; he has Today, close to one in four American adults can’t That would've been enough, creating a body of work never faltered in his support. read or write well enough to handle a job application, that does what the best of fiction should do in keep- Thanks to my editor, Chris Pepe, and my publishers, let alone read a novel. ing the genre alive and relevant. Putnam, for their hard work, and their presence at It took a 12th-grade vocabulary for Melville to follow But social justice can't always be sought only on the the banquet. (Although the company is known as the Lincoln-Douglas debates, but our most recent pages of a novel. In the mid-1980s, Sara Paretsky GP Putnam’s Sons, it was George Putnam’s daughter, presidential debates use the language of sixth graders. saw that, while women wrote one-third of the mys- Mary, who was a leading 19th century writer and Some candidates have devolved to the pre-school level. tery novels published, they were receiving less than feminist. It seems fitting that my novels bear the 10% of the review space. So she gathered a group of name of the woman who forced England to accept We writers owe a duty to our gifts. We’ve been given like-minded women mystery writers and began women as doctors.) the gift of language, and we need to dig deep into monitoring reviews and educating reviewers. words. We need to relish wordplay, not rely on clichés I have been fortunate in the friendship of Dorothy as we stumble toward the marketplace, or settle for Today, women write roughly half of the mysteries Salisbury Davis. Her advice as a writer, and her guid- the slick, repackaged street-talk we pick up from published. The gap in review coverage still exists, ance in the business of living, have been my lodestar rap and TV. but it is much smaller than it was. And it is signifi- for many years. cantly smaller for mysteries than the recently publi- And we owe a duty to our other gift, our stories. In Above all, I thank my husband, the distinguished physi- cized and debated gap that exists in the reviews of the cacophony of sound that fills our broadband cist Courtenay Wright, who has listened to 29 years of literary fiction. waves, amid the lies and shrill self-promotions, it is fears and self-doubts; his steadfast support has kept the essential that we writers return to Melville’s silent And that would've been enough. But Sara and this wind beneath my sails. To him and to Dorothy, this grass-growing place and find the truths that fiction band of Sisters in Crime didn't think it was enough. award and these remarks are equally dedicated. can lay bare. They set about educating writers about what it means The world of books has seen major changes since my to be a professional in this business, and they encour- Our fictions are myths, of course, not histories: they first Edgar dinner. It had been hard for me to find a aged and mentored and shared their wisdom. show heroes vanquishing monsters. Theseus versus publisher for a woman PI in America’s heartland; now, the wicked Minotaur, Marlowe versus the wicked I remember poring over my copy of Shameless Pro- as a result of the revolution I helped start, detectives temptress, V. I. Warshawski versus the wicked cor- motion for Brazen Hussies (you've got to buy a book of all stripes and locations are commonplace. poration, they’re all the same story. with a title like that! It's now available in its third I was lucky: In 1982, there were many more pub- edition). And I've learned much from countless Sis- But these fictions tell essential truths, about our emo- lishers to approach than exist today. ters who have become my mentors and friends. tional lives, what we fear, what we want, what we We live in a world of conglomerated publishers and need. Writing is a form of auto-surgery: the closer Sisters in Crime has grown to 3,000 members, an distributors; we writers are often told that we are we cut to our own bones, force ourselves to emotional inclusive group of writers and readers, booksellers not creating stories or characters, but brands, as if truth, the more authentic will our voices become. and librarians, women and men, who continue to the chief difference between our stories and toilet encourage the professional development of writers. As the poet Sappho wrote, more than 2600 years paper is that you can’t upload Charmin to your iPad. ago, So, as a reader, I thank you for V. I. Warshawski, who At least, not yet. In such a world it is hard to remem- Although they are only breath has shown us how tough women can be and how we ber that we are storytellers, not accountants, mar- Words, which I command all should be, fighting for things that matter. keters or vending machines. Are immortal. As a writer, I thank you for the mentoring, education This is not a new problem. When Melville published What we remember from Sappho’s time, and from and support. Moby Dick in 1851, the reception by both public Melville’s, are not brand names or spreadsheets, but and critics was hostile: he had left his brand, his And, as the 24th president of Sisters in Crime and on poets. For in the end, it is that word which is only travelogue novels. During Melville’s life, this aston- breath which endures. behalf of MWA, it is with delight that I present to Sara ishing masterpiece sold 500 copies. Paretsky this much-deserved Grand Master Award." This article first appeared on the Sisters in crime blog Melville lived through times as turbulent as ours— (Sisters-in-Crime-SinC.blogspot.com)on Saturday, slavery, the Civil War, the changes wrought by indus- April 30, 2011. Reviewers - Cont’d from p. 1

Approaching a reviewer Everyone interviewed agreed that lack of time author a second chance, “although I like to let is a huge factor in their work. How then, does a few books lapse before I do so.” one get consideration—and what works and Taylor said, “I try to get a sense of an author’s doesn’t? previous books…before approaching a new Forbus’ blog “Just be sure I get a copy at least a month before release.” As for a second chance, “absolutely.” the pub date,” said Ephron. “I’ll consider any- Taylor keeps a foot in both camps. “If I simply The backlist “depends on the author,” said thing that gets distributed through standard don’t find the book fun, I’ll generally just skim Ephron, and, “I don’t review an author’s new channels from publishers who take returns.” through, reading bits of it before setting it one if I reviewed their last.” Taylor works through aside.” Forbus continues reading authors whose work his publications’ editors, she enjoys. “If they have one bomb, I’m willing Why mysteries? but he does receive to give them another chance —or if they veer Simply put, all the reviewers love to read mys- review copies or email out of their normal genre.” For second chances, teries. Forbus said “I read first and foremost for press releases “to call “Typically if the first thing I read is really bad, pleasure. I review to share that pleasure with attention to certain then no.” others and to help them find books they will books.” He considers enjoy. Weinman added, “If I didn’t read for that “just part of the job.” While Cogdill pays no attention to backlists, pleasure then reviewing wouldn’t be pleasura- When contacted by she hopes to see improvement, “all the time. ble!” authors “who ask me One negative review doesn’t mean that author personally about being will get only negative views”. She quickly cited When asked what was pleasurable about the interviewed [on his the converse. genre, everyone had a different answer. “The Ephron blog], …it’s awkward.” secrets that surprise me; the plot twists; the Reviewer vs. way a good one comes together in the end in “I prefer authors to let their publishers and/or reader? an unexpected way,” said Ephron. Forbus said, publicists contact me via email,” said Cogdill. Do reviewers “I love great character development, so series As for having received gimmicks with the want the same characters are among my favorites. I enjoy the books, she said, “the entire package, book and things as challenge of puzzles…I look for depth…[and] all, went into the trash.” r e a d e r s ? smart humor.” Taylor clari- Forbus dislikes the overbearing. “I don’t want Weinman likes that “they cover, channel and to see an email full of blurbs because I don’t fied the ques- tion. “I don’t discuss the way we live now more than any care about them. I don’t want to be contacted other genre—plus the tension of order and a million times to see if I’ve read the book.” think that all readers want chaos is pretty much unbeatable.” Cogdill says, Weinman is emphatic. “Let’s just say that if you the same “Mysteries take us to new worlds, make us pitch me a book on Twitter, I will block you Taylor thing from think about who we are and what kind of soci- and ignore you for life.” On the other hand, books. Some want sheer escapism…while ety we live in—besides, we all need heroes and she suggests, “Be professional and polite. I’m others might want some degree of seriousness heroines.” happy to take and education,…but, yes, I think we still want The future a look but can’t to be entertained and even enthralled by a Cogill voiced a promise any- book, to fall in love with a novel and get lost in s u g g e s t i o n thing beyond that feeling.” Ephron continued Taylor’s idea, about the fact that. Timeli- “We all have different tastes in our personal that too many ness is crucial, reading…when I read as I reviewer, I’m looking newspaper book too.” for books I think readers will enjoy.” Cogdill sections are summarized the answers with, “I think so—a being elimi- good story, good writing, characters who are nated. Her sug- believeable, and a plot that grabs you and gestion is Weinman doesn’t let go.” simple: Readers Reconsidering an author Ephron stops reading “if the story doesn’t grab need to write or Sometimes the first book one reads by an my interest, the characters feel cliched, the view- cogdill call their newspapers to tell author just doesn’t garner a favorable opinion. point slides all over the place, the prose is over- them how important these Often, too, an author has a strong backlist. How written so I’m more aware of the words than sections are—especially mystery reviews. Don’t do these reviewers handle these situations? the story, sex and violence are over the top and accept this as inevitable—if no one says any- don’t serve the story, there is no character to thing, editors will think there is no value to the Backlist is important to Weinman for essays, book section. “because I want to talk about an author in a root for—really just like anyone else!” considered and informed way.” She’ll give an Law & Fiction : Getting Facts Straight by Leslie Budewitz

-What is a pro se litigant? sources can be hard to navigate. Non-official online sources abound but are not always Pro se literally means “for one’s self,” and it reliable. Some sources aimed at adherents means to represent yourself. Only lawyers of a particular philosophy perpetuate mis- can represent other people in judicial pro- information that resurfaces over and over. ceedings, although some tribal courts allow Persons representing themselves often don’t trained advocates in specified types of cases. recognize the differences between states’ But civil plaintiffs and civil or criminal laws. They may not understand that a 1937 defendants can always represent themselves. Vermont decision interpreting a then-cur- Alternate terms: pro per (used in Oregon rent statute is virtually meaningless to a and elsewhere) and in propria persona. modern day court in, say, California or Why do it? Florida, because the law has evolved and In civil cases, the motive is usually lack of state statutes and precedents differ. Many Most pro se defendants are well-behaved, money—or the unwillingness to part with state and local bars and law libraries now though nervous and worried about missteps. it. Sometimes a pro se plaintiff has not been provide self-help centers, with staff who help Lawyers should take extra care communi- able to find a lawyer who believes in the guide pro se litigants to forms and resources, cating with pro se parties, and most do— case—and the cause it espouses—as much or provide information online. but the seriously hard-nosed and the ill- intentioned could take unfair advantage of as he does. Pro se briefs tend to be ramble, though they an unrepresented opponent. In a suit a pro can be entertaining. My favorite remains a In criminal cases, a defendant who can’t se backhoe operator brought against our brief I read while clerking for the Washing- afford a lawyer is entitled to a public client, a homeowner who had refused to pay ton State Court of Appeals. The case defender. But some choose to represent all of a bill triple the written estimate, I sat involved an easement and boundary line themselves for philosophical reasons. This on a bench in the hallway outside the court- dispute. The only authorities cited were defi- occurred with some frequency in the late room after a hearing explaining the details nitions from an antiquated edition of Black’s 1980s and early 1990s in states like Montana, of the judge’s ruling. I wanted the man to Law Dictionary and the Bible. Of course, Washington, and Michigan where anti-gov- understand why he had lost—and not attrib- many do consider Ezekial an authoritative ernment types and militia members charged ute it to “a stacked system” or say “well, they source—but before a different judge. with crimes ground their axes by refusing had a slick lawyer.” The next time I saw him to “cooperate” with a system they opposed. Judges and pro se in town, in a coffee shop, he insisted on pay- In civil cases with a low dollar value, as in Most judges will give pro se parties some ing for my coffee. small claims court, self-representation leeway and guidance with procedural Felony cases aspects of trial and pretrial procedure, but makes sense. Judges in those courts are used In felony defenses, especially death penalty the substantive law is applied evenly. For to dealing with the parties directly. Think cases, courts often appoint defense lawyers example, the judge may point out that the of Judge Judy’s court room, without the cam- to assist the pro se defendant. In uS. v. questions a pro se defendant is asking his eras and melodrama. Massoui, the defendant—better known as own witness are leading—which is not per- the 20th hijacker—initially accepted defense Drawbacks missible—and suggest another way to at public expense, then fired his attorneys. But in larger-value disputes and criminal phrase the question. A judge may suggest a The judge held that Massoui was competent cases, self-representation can be a minefield. followup question, or pose it herself, but is to represent himself—that is, he was men- The biggest drawback is that lay people not likely to suggest a line of questioning the tally competent and of sufficient intelli- often don’t understand important legal defendant hadn’t considered. Judges may gence, understanding, and language points or some of the law’s finer distinctions. caution a pro se party that the case may be skills—and appointed his former counsel to As a result, making cogent arguments can more complicated than he thinks, and assist him. The lawyers could help him out- be tough. Pro se parties get more emotional encourage him to consult with a lawyer; side the courtroom with writing briefs and than lawyers—a good potential source of judges may continue—that is, postpone or planning arguments and witness examina- drama for writers. Imagine a custody dis- reschedule—a hearing or trial to give a party tion, but their role inside the courtroom was pute where the parent pleading for a change time to find representation. of custody makes his own case, or a child strictly limited. They sat behind him, not at welfare proceeding where a pro se mother But no judge will ever tolerate a pro se party counsel table. Hence the term “standby argues that she’s conquered her drug addic- obstructing the proceedings. If your pro se counsel.” story defendant disobeys a judge’s order and tion, is rehabilitated, and should get her Ted kaczynski, the unabomber, also asks prohibited questions, raises his voice children back. accepted public defense initially, but tried once too often, or blatantly violates deco- to fire his counsel when they insisted on Widespread cutbacks in county law libraries rum, a warning is likely, with a threat of presenting an insanity defense. kaczynski make research difficult, and official online contempt proceedings. See Law and fiction, p 17 Illusionists and the Brain by Katherine Ramsland, PhD

ognitive psychologists have studied driving). In addition, as the brain fills in gaps, the way magicians exploit perceptual it can be deceived into absorbing erroneous Cprocessing to work their tricks, and information. Once this is integrated into our many of their “secrets” reveal why similar memory fields, we believe it occurred. methods work for predators. It’s all about Magicians and illusionists profit from these the way in which we—the audience or quirks. They create a frame in which they prey—respond to visual input. Try as we choreograph our focus from top-down to might to remain observant, some aspects of bottom-up. First, they form a context for perception are beyond our control. A good directing us, knowing that we will automat- trickster knows how to blind us. ically follow. Then they use motion, lighting, As humans, we’re hardwired to focus, and novelty, surprise, timing, a stream of patter, we need to see important things rather than and knowledge about typical human everything. In addition, our perception can assumptions to maintain control. Within throw, they keep the ball, but we “see” the be hijacked and manipulated. When we the perceptual shadows, which the brain ball go up, as it did during the three previous attend to something voluntarily, it’s “top- does not process, they perform their tricks. trials. Because of the expectation the magi- down,” which we direct. When something Often, they’ll make them part of a natural cian has induced, we process as a real event draws our attention, it’s “bottom up,” and action, such as touching their hat, so it won’t something that did not occur. we tend to follow whatever’s eliciting it. detract from their deflection activity. They Predators exploit the same perceptual oddi- When the object or movement is particu- may use misdirection, such as a dramatic ties. They, too, use deflection, social miscues, larly salient, our focus narrows, and this event (a flying white bird). At the same time, and misinformation to provide cover. Often, makes us vulnerable to tricks or illusions:As they shield what they’re actually doing they use a contrived persona of charm and we focus, we automatically resist distraction (shoving a different bird up their sleeve). success to falsely engender trust. They also from other parts of the visual field. This is They also gaze at viewers while performing, deflect caution by doing favors or engaging called attentional shadows or inattentional because most people will look into eyes that their prey in compliant situations. Like magi- blindness. are looking at them. Laughter, too, is a cians, they create a frame in which to man- tremendous focusing tool. Inattentional blindness age our attention. They know what it takes to fool the brain. Charm, humor, a winning Basically, visual input moves through our reti- Back to us, the audience. We also have a smile, dressing well, discussing their achieve- nas and forms into patterns in the brain. peculiar facility to block out things that ments, and lying with practiced smoothness Different cortical regions extract information, occurred and accept things that did not. all work to seduce us into inattentional so that we can perceive objects as lines, sur- Studies that tracked eye movement during blindness. Promises, fast talk, and gifts are faces, textures, colors, motions, and contrasts. a trick indicate that the eye does see it. How- calculated to deflect us from their manipu- In addition, our perceptual system takes short- ever, subjects do not recall seeing it, which lation, while they perform their best tricks cuts. It resolves apparent ambiguity by impos- demonstrates how the brain can decline to in the perceptual shadows. ing a context, and that context derives from process and store it into memory. On the our knowledge and experience. That is, when other hand, magicians can induce false Katherine Ramsland is a writer and a profes- we get used to a certain scenario, we anticipate memories with suggestion, unspoken innu- sor of forensic psychology and criminal justice. that it will continue to work as we expect, so endo, and post-event misinformation. For Among her 38 books are The Forensic Psy- we stop focusing. Thus, we fall into a cognitive example, repeating an act can induce an chology of Criminal Minds and The Mind stupor and fail to see the full range of our per- expectation of cause and effect. They throw of a Murderer: Privileged Access to the ceptual field (this is like trancing out while a ball into the air three times. On the fourth Demons that Drive Extreme Violence. She has also published more than 1,000 articles.

Law and fiction - Cont’d. from p. 16 insisted he was perfectly sane when he man- to plead guilty in exchange for not receiving Leslie Budewitz is a practicing lawyer and a ufactured and sent his bombs. The judge the death penalty. fiction writer. Her book for writers, Books, found that he had the requisite intelligence Crooks & Counselors: How to Write Accu- You’ve heard the old saw “a man who repre- and understanding, but based on several rately About Criminal Law and Courtroom sents himself has a fool for a client.” Does psychiatric exams, lacked mental compe- Procedure, will be published by Quill Driver the same hold true for a lawyer? Your story, tence to represent himself. The judge’s deci- Books in 2011. your call. But what possibilities! sion led directly to kaczynski’s agreement inSinc June 2011 17 Conferences & Happenings

Bloody Words Public Safety Writers Conference Killer Nashville Victoria BC, Canada • June 3–5 Las Vegas NV • July 14-17 Nashville TN • August 26–28 The venue will be the Hotel Grand Pacific. Open to those writing fiction or non-fiction The conference for writers and readers offers Guests include Michael Slade and Laurie R. about or for any public safety field. learning tracks for varied interests and expe- king; the MC will be Denise Dietz. William Conference speakers include a coroner, fire rience levels: writing, publishing, career man- Deverell will receive a lifetime achievement firefighters, police officers, and others in the agement and promotion, forensic, and fan. award. Highlights include panels, agents, a writing field. See www.policewriter.com . Donald Bain and Robert Dugoni are guests short story contest, and forensics. For more of honor. For details, visit information see www.bloodywords2011.com. Thrillerfest 2011 KillerNashville.com . New york City • July 6–9 California Crime Writers Hosted by The International Thriller Writers, Seascape “Escape to Write” Conference the conference will feature R. L. Stine and Writers Retreat ken Follett as Thrillermasters and Robert Pasadena CA • June 11–12 Chester CT • September 9–11 Crais, Diana Gabaldon, and John Lescroat as Four tracks of workshops, a cocktail party Participants in this non-conventional confer- Spotlight Guests. For more information see with agents, manuscript critiques, and ence will pre-submit 25 pages of a work-in- www.thrillerfest.com . keynote speakers T. Jefferson Parker and S. J. progress (WIP). S. W. Hubbard, Hallie Rozan will highlight the biennial conference Threkstons Old Peculier Crime Ephron, and Roberta Isleib will lead focus at the Hilton Pasadena. Conference details groups which will examine the WIP from dif- are at www.ccwconference.org . Writing festival ferent perspectives. Full details can be found Harrogate UK • July 21–24 at www.robertaisleib.com/seascape.html . Historical Novel Society The festival where “your only crime…would Conference be to miss it” will be high quality, wall-to-wall Bouchercon San Diego CA • June 17–19 crime for four solid days. Featured guests are St. Louis MO • September 15–18 The Society’s bi-annual celebration of histori- Linwood Barclay, Lee Child, Martina Cole, “Spirits of St. Louis” will convene at the cal fiction will feature Cecelia Holland, Harry Lisa Gardner, Tess Gerritsen, Denis Lehane, Renaissance St. Louis Grand Hotel with spe- Turtledove, Jennifer Weltz, Diana Gabaldon, and Howard Marks. For more information cial guests Robert Crais, Charlaine Harris, and C. C. Humphreys. For more information and to book, contact the Festival Office at Colin Cotterill, Val McDermid, Sara Paretsky, contact the program chair at +44 (0)1423 562303 or email crime@harro- kate Stine, Brian Skupin, and Ridley Pearson. [email protected] or visit gate-festival.org.uk. Details and updates are The ever-developing website is at www.historicalnovelsociety.org . at www.harrogate-festival.org.uk/crime . www.bouchercon2011.com . American Library Association Deadly Ink Writers’ Police Academy New Orleans LA • June 24–27 Parsippany NJ • August 5–7 Jamestown NC • September 23–25 Sisters in Crime will host a booth in the Deadly Ink will kick off at the Sheraton, Experience the most hands-on, interactive exhibit hall at ALA. Author and librarian SinC Parsippany. Guest of Honor is Hank Phillippi and educational experience writers can find members who live in the area or who may be Ryan and toastmaster is Jeff Markowitz. to enhance their understanding of all aspects traveling there during the conference dates, Special honoree is Sisters in Crime. Happy of law enforcement and forensics. Speakers are invited to represent SinC. For more infor- 25th Birthday, Sisters in Crime! More infor- include Dr. katherine Ramsland, Dr. Denene mation, contact Mary Boone, Library Liaison mation is at www.deadlyink.com . Lofland, Alafair Burke, Rich McMahan, and at [email protected] . Josh Mouin. See more at florida SinC Workshop writerspoliceacademy.com . Jacksonville fL• August 6 Nancy J. Cohen will headline the second Love Is Murder Conferences & Workshops annual free workshop at the Southeast Chicago IL • february 2012 Please send all conference and work- Regional Library. Details are at www.florida- Love is Murder provides an educational shop information, including those sistersincrime.com . For more information forum to writers and readers to further their sponsored by SinC chapters, directly contact [email protected] . knowledge of writing, publishing, and the business of book production. See to Molly Weston at mysteryheel @mac. St. Hilda’s com. Include conference name, date, www.loveismurder.net . Oxford UK • August 19–21 location, brief description, contact Plans are underway for the conference “The information, and website. Please Anatomy of Justice.” More information is include “Conference” or “Workshop” in forthcoming. the subject line. Deadline for the September issue is july 15.

inSinc June 2011 18 The Docket by Patricia Gulley

Avery Aames (Daryl Wood Gerber), Lost and kaye George, Choke, Mainly Murder Press, Jessica Speart, Winged Obsession, Wm. Fondue, Berkley Prime Crime, May May Morrow, April Susan Wittig Albert, Mourning Gloria, April; karen Harper, Dark Angle, Mira Books, May Dorothy St. James (Dorothy McFalls), The Darling Dahlias and the Naked Ladies, Flowerbed of State, Berkley Prime Crime, July, both Berkley Prime Crime Roberta Isleib, “The Itinerary,” The Rich And May the Dead, Grand Central, April Laura Alden (Janet koch), Foul Play at the Elaine Togneri, “Paparazzo,” The Rich and Bethkanell, The Secret Room, Voyage PTA, Signet, July the Dead, Grand Central Publishing, May (Vermont), September Lea Wait, Shadows of a Down East Summer, Judy Alter, Skeleton in a Dead Space, Perseverance Press, April, Turquoise Morning Press, August Julie kramer, Killing Kara, Atria/Simon & Schuster, July kathryn R. Wall, Jericho Cay, St. Martin's Barbra Annino, Opal Fire, January, Minotaur, April Bloodstone, June, both Vanilla Heart Sofie kelly, (Darlene Ryan) Curiosity Thrilled Publishing the Cat, Obsidian, February Weibezahl, Robert, “Identity Theft,” Deadly by the Dozen, OROx Books, February P.I. Barrington, Final Deceit, Desert Breeze Norma Lehr, Timestep to Murder, Camel Publishing, January, “killer Stew,” Suspense Press, June Lois Winston, Assault With a Deadly Glue Magazine, January, “A Cougar’s Tale,” Ramona DeFelice Long, ed., Fish Tales: 22 Tales Gun, Midnight Ink, January Suspense Magazine, April of Murder and Mayhem from the Rising Stars Patricia Wynn, A Killing Frost, Pemberley of Mystery. Introduction by Chris Roerden; Joan Blacher, Lethal Lake, Zumaya Press, July short stories by Leslie Budewitz, Nancy Adams, Publications, March James Montgomery Jackson, Diane Vallere, Elizabeth Zelvin, “The Emperor's Hoard,” Janet Bolin, Dire Threads, Berkley Prime k B Inglee, Patricia Winton, karen Pullen, Mysterical-E, April Crime, June Sarah E. Glenn, Gigi Pandian, Warren Bull, Peggy Ehrhart, kaye George, Betsy Bitner, Awards/Nominations Mary kinney Annette Dashofy, krista Davis, Gloria Alden, Barb Goffman was nominated for an the Branson, Delayed Heidi Saunders, Deborah J. Benoit, Daryl Justice: Inside Agatha Award in the Short Story category Wood Gerber, Beth Groundwater, Darlene for “Volunteer of the Year” in Chesapeake Stories from Ryan, Patricia Gulley, Wildside Press, March America’s Best Crimes: They Had It Comin'. Cold Case Jeanne Matthews, Bet Your Bones, Poisoned karen Harper's Down River was nominated Investigators, Pen Press, June for The Mary Higgins Clark Award. Prometheus Frances McNamara, Death at Pullman, Books, June Sasscer Hill’s Full Mortality was nominated Allium Press, March for an Agatha Award for First Best Novel. P.A. Brown, katherine Hall Page, The Body in the Gazebo, Between Darkness Sandra Parshall is a finalist for ForeWord Wm. Morrow, April & Light, February, Reviews Book of the Year Award in the Bermuda Heat, March , both MLR Press L.J. Sellers, Dying for Justice, Spellbinder mystery category for Broken Places. Press, April Lila Dare (Laura DiSilverio), Polished Off, Jeri Westerson’s The Demon’s Parchment was Berkley Prime Crime, February Clea Simon, Grey Zone, Severn House, Dogs nominated for a Bruce Alexander Don't Lie, Poisoned Pen, both April Memorial Historical Award. kathleen Delaney (kathleen koppang), Murder Half-Baked, Camel Press, May Vicki Delany, Among the Departed, Poisoned Pen Press, May Sending your Entry • Author, book or story title; publisher, magazine, or anthology; release month Laura DiSilverio, Die Buying, Berkley Prime • Awards and nominations in sentence format with period Crime, August • Docket in subject line A. B. Emrys, Wilkie Collins, Vera Caspary, • no further information, entries older than six months, or colors. and the Evolution of the Casebook Novel, • editor(s) of anthologies only with a story in anthology McFarland. April • Pen name? Add real name in parentheses if you want this included. • Send to Patricia Gulley Susan Furlong-Bolliger, “Paddy Whacked,” • [email protected] Untreed Reads, March PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PO Box 442124 PAID BLACKSBURG, VA Lawrence kS 66040 PERMIT NO. 158 [email protected]

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Writing Contests florida Sisters in Crime Contest St. Martin’s Minotaur/mwa first June 30 Crime Novel Florida Sisters in Crime is holding its first Annually, November writing contest. Submit your first scene or Open to any writer who has never been the prologue up to 750 words. Winner receives a author of a published novel (excepting self- certificate and a critique from Elizabeth published or one who is under contract). Sinclair, author of The Dreaded Synopsis. See Murder or serious crime must be at the heart www.floridasistersincrime.com for details. of the story www.mysterywriters.org /?q=Contests-writers or us.macmillan.com/ Writing Contests Content.aspx?publisher=minotaurbooks&i Please send all information for William f. Deeck-Malice d=4933 mystery writing contests, including Domestic Grants Program for those sponsored by SinC chapters, Unpublished Writers Golden Donut & directly to Molly Weston, inSinc editor, at [email protected] . Annually, Mid-November Don Knotts Silver Bullet Include contest name, entry dead- Grants to two unpublished writers in the Watch for updates line, sponsor, and website. Include malice domestic genre at the Malice The Golden Donut short story contest and “Contest” in the subject line. Domestic Conference. Details at Don knotts Silver Bullet Novel contests are Deadline for the September issue is www.malicedomestic.org/grants.html . sponsored by the Writers Police Academy. updates at writerspoliceacademy.com. july 15.

inSinc June 2011 20