Conference Roundup Killer Nashville Writers’ Police Academy Bouchercon Magna Cum Murder Get a Clue Insinc Editor’S Note Molly Weston

inSinC The Sisters in Crime Quarterly Vol 26 No. 4

Conference Roundup Killer Nashville Writers’ Police Academy Bouchercon Magna cum Murder Get a Clue inSinC Editor’s Note Molly Weston ...... 3 Laura’s Letter Laura DiSilverio ...... 4 The mission of Sisters in Crime is to promote the professional development and advancement of women Chapter News ...... 5 crime writers to achieve equality in the industry. Pitching Can Be Fun (Honestly!) Laura DiSilverio, President Laura Brennan ...... 8 Catriona McPherson, Vice President Stephanie Pintoff, Secretary Writing Contests ...... 9 Julie Hennrikus, Publicity Lori Roy, Treasurer We Love Libraries Martha Reed, Chapter Liaison Debra H. Goldstein . . . . 10 Sally Brewster, Bookstore Liaison Carolyn Dubiel, Library Liaison Conference Roundup Barbara Fister, Monitoring Project/Authors Coalition Molly Weston ...... 11 Sally Brewster, Bookstore Liaison Carolyn Dubiel, Library Liaison Nominations & Awards Frankie Bailey, At Large Robert Dugoni, At-Large Gay Kinman ...... 13 Val McDermid, At-Large Events & Happenings . . . . 14 Hank Phillippi Ryan, Immediate Past President Molly Weston, inSinC Editor SinC at PLA Laurel Anderson, inSinC Proofreader Kaye Barley, inSinC Proofreader Cari Dubiel ...... 15 Gavin Faulkner, inSinC Proofreader Hunting for Hemingway Sarah Glass, Web Maven/Social Media in Cuba Diane Gilbert Madsen . . . 16 Beth Wasson, Executive Secretary PO Box 442124 SinC Board Minutes Lawrence, KS 66044-2124 Stephanie Pintoff . . . . . 17 E-Mail: [email protected] Phone: 785.842.1325 Mystery Writers vs. Fax: 785.856.6314 “Literary” Writers Margaret Maron . . . . . 20 ©2013 Sisters in Crime International Law & Fiction—Hearsay Leslie Budewitz ...... 21 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 for non-professionals (add $5 for other Are You an Innie or Outie? countries). Two-year dues are $80 and $70; lifetime, $500 and $350. Katherine Ramsland, PhD Address and all other changes can be made by members on 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 The Docket ...... 23 inSinC is submitted or reprinted from sources listed in each article. Where required, permission to reprint has been granted and noted. SinC does Beth’s Bits not investigate each submission independently and articles in no way constitute an endorsement of products or services offered. No material Beth Wasson ...... 24 may be reprinted without written permission from Sisters in Crime. Sisters in Crime Editor’s Past Presidents Note

å Sara Paretsky 1987-88 Nancy Pickard 1988-89 Margaret Maron 1989-90 Susan Dunlap 1990-91 Carolyn G. Hart 1991-92 ou know, everybody needs a little P. M. Carlson 1992-93 help now and then (writers, think edi- Linda Grant 1993-94 Barbara D’Amato 1994-95 tors). After three extremely short years Elaine Raco Chase 1995-96 with inSinC, I began to feel the layout Annette Meyers 1996-97 Sue Henry 1997-98 was getting a bit stale, so I asked the Medora Sale 1998-99 incredible Gina Harrison for some help. Barbara Burnett Smith 1999-00 Gina has produced the last two Summit Reports, this Claire Carmichael McNab 2000-01 Eve K. Sandstrom 2001-02 Yyear’s Strategic Plan summary and most of the SinC ads Kate Flora 2002-03 in magazines and conference programs for several years. Kate Grilley 2003-04 Patricia Sprinkle 2004-05 I’m extremely excited about our new look, and I hope you’ll find it easier to Libby Hellmann 2005-06 read—and that you’ll like it, too! Rochelle Krich 2006-07 Roberta Isleib 2007-08 This issue has some great articles—some are opportunities for professional Judy Clemens 2008-09 Marcia Talley 2009-10 development; some, informational, and some, food for thought. As always, Cathy Pickens 2010-11 Leslie Budewitz has a great article about how to use “hearsay” in your legal Frankie Bailey 2011-12 Hank Phillippi Ryan 2012-13 scenes. This time, Katherine Ramsland has a quiz she developed from a talk, “How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes.” Debra H. Goldstein brings us stories on not three, but four libraries who’ve won $1000 from SinC’s monthly Deadline & Submissions lottery. Gay Kinman joins the regular inSinC contributors. She’s agreed to Deadline for articles for the March issue of inSinC is February 15. Include name, track and report on awards and nominations. e-mail, mailing address, and phone number with submissions. Send col- If you weren’t able to attend SinC into Great Writing this year, Lauren umns, articles, high-res photos, ideas, Brennan’s how-to on pitching parallels (in a much briefer version) Bob praise, and story ideas via e-mail to Dugoni’s workshop on selling your novel. Diane Gilbert Madsen’s fascina- Molly Weston E-Mail: [email protected] tion with all things Hemingway brings us a wonderful real-life mystery that Phone: 919.362.1436 she hopes she’s near to solving.

The Docket There’s a lot of SinC business and writer opportunities, too. You’ll want to To list your publications read the minutes of the SinC Board meeting in Albany. Beth Wasson always and award nominations, login to gives lots of upcoming member information. Be sure you have your calen- SistersinCrime.org and look for “The Docket” under dar out—the December issue always has listings of events, happenings, and “Members Only.” Fill in the information, deadlines, and Cari Dubiel has a call for SinC members at the Public Library one entry per publication. Information Association meeting in Indianapolis. on the SinC website will be updated regularly and will be available to anyone If you’re wondering what I’ve been doing lately, I’ve never been to so many under “Resources.” The Docket will crime conferences in a year, let alone a quarter. And if you were to ask, I still continue as an item in inSinC. love my job!

—Molly Weston

3 inSinC December 2013 ¡ Ç Laura’s ear SinC siblings, investigation, SWAT ops, bomb-sniffing year on a Letter dogs, etc. regional basis. I am overwhelmingly Take advantage honored (and just plain Get-togethers with other writers, to con- 1 of their overwhelmed) to be serving nect with them and with fans (in the bar, seminars, as SinC’s 28th president. perhaps) and to learn more about writing podcasts, Hank Phillippi Ryan, as and publishing. book clubs, Dour outgoing president, left big shoes to get-togethers and A class taught by a New York Times fill (we’re talking 17-eee designer leopard- 1 other activities. best-selling author so I can absorb her print pumps); luckily, she also marked the Join! path clearly by guiding us in creating a new knowledge. strategic plan. It’s being designed and printed Best-selling A spot on the NYT best-seller list; an 1 and will be available on the SinC website 1 author Jan Burke Edgar, a Pulitzer, and an Oscar; and and in brochure form by January. We are is doing a session a reserved space in Poet’s Corner at not waiting for the printed product to arrive, on forensics for our pre-Bouchercon Westminster Abbey. (Do I need to be a however, to get started on the actions the SinC into Great Writing session in Long British citizen for that? I can convert.) board determined would move our organiza- Beach. tion forward and make it more dynamic and But, wait! I don’t need Santa for any of these On top of that, we’re investigating helpful to members across the spectrum— 1 gifts. I’m a SinC member! As we enter 2014, opportunities to provide grants to teen from not-yet-published to multi-published, SinC is sponsoring many events to get you best-selling authors. Stay tuned! writers, writers of color, and people excited about writing, help you connect doing scholarly work focused on women Before I continue this letter, I want to take a with other writers, and educate you about crime writers. We’re also in the early moment to thank Hank for her wise leader- aspects of our craft. Here’s a preview of just stages of putting together a Hollywood ship, her mentorship to all of us, and her some of the things we’ve got on tap. Conference in 2015, and we’ve got a continued service to SinC (as immediate past tremendous listserv where members ladle We’ll be at Malice Domestic, president on our board of directors). Hank 1 out support, information, advice, and Killer Nashville, Left Coast Crime, embodies the spirit of this organization: encouragement daily. Bouchercon, Police Writers Academy, talented, dedicated, generous writers doing Crimebake, Magna cum Murder, their utmost to help other writers. SinC is SinC members’ stockings are full to burst- Northwest Bookfest, Love is Murder, stronger and better because of her tenure. ing—and that’s before Santa even gets his Brooklyn Festival for the Book, Los sleigh out of the garage. (Unfortunately, With December and the holidays already Angeles Times Book Festival, siba, SinC can’t create a coupon or a gift certifi- upon us, I thought I’d take a break from Tucson Festival of Books, and the cate for making it onto a best seller list or decorating, baking, and—oh, yes—writing, American Library Association Annual winning awards or snuggling up against to compose a writer’s wish list for Santa’s Conference in Las Vegas, among others. Charles Dickens for all eternity. I have no consideration. I’ve been a reasonably good Find me in the SinC booth or the bar doubt, though, that some of you are work- girl this year—no felony convictions, twerk- and let’s chat about all things writing and ing on the manuscripts that will earn you ing scandals or appearances on daytime talk publishing, and you can tell me what else that kind of recognition.) shows, and I’m hoping my little meltdown you wish SinC was doing. at the DMV will slide under Santa’s radar— Take a break from writing sometime this We’re still giving members a HUGE so I have high hopes that I’ll find some of 1 month to enjoy the peace and blessings of discount on Gotham Writers’ Workshop the following in my stocking: the season. Then take a few aspirin for your on-line courses and the Writers’ Police hangover and get back to the keyboard on A gift certificate for a writing class to Academy. Don’t wait to hear reindeer New Year’s Day. Here’s wishing you and 1 help me improve my craft. hooves on the roof—sign up now. yours joy-filled holidays and a productive and fulfilling 2014. The opportunity to learn more about Our 50+ chapters are doing amazing, 1 1 how the police operate so I can get it amazing things and offer opportunities for — Laura DiSilverio right when I do scenes about crime scene networking and learning throughout the

4 inSinC December 2013 ¡ Ç SinC-LA www.SistersInCrimeLA.com he Los Angeles Chap- launched on July 20 at Mysterious ter, in partnership with Galaxy in Redondo Beach. the Southern California Approximately 60 book buyers and Chapter of Mystery 13 anthology contributors attended. Writers of America, A second signing was held on July hosted the sold-out 27 at Mystery & Imagination in California Crime Writers Confer- Glendale and attended by 50 guests Tence on June 22–23 in Pasadena, and 15 authors and editors. The E1FNews California, co-chaired by Patricia theme of the 16 stories is Angelenos’ r te p

Smiley, Jeri Westerson and Darrell love-hate relationship with cars. a h

James. The keynote speakers were Editors Darrell James, Tammy 2C 3 Sue Grafton and Elizabeth George. Kaehler and Linda O. Johnston Sixty-seven top-notch faculty mem- selected from blind submissions 2 3 bers presented four tracks of work- open to any member of L.A., shops and panels to 200 attendees. Orange County and Hawaii chap- o4p This biennial conference began in ters. 2009 as a spinoff of the L.A. chapter’s successful one-day conference The July meeting drew a large group to hear ghostwriters talk about what No Crime Unpublished, which Triad Chapter NC debuted in January 1995. it’s like to pen somebody else’s story. The panelists included Jill Amadio, www.murderwewrite.com Last Exit to Murder, the chapter’s Craig Faustus Buck, Gary Phillips hapter members sixth short story anthology, was and moderator Michael Mallory. were able to ask Lisa Brackmann read from Hour questions and learn of the Rat. In August atf Special from Private Investi- Agent Christian Hoffman spoke gator Sandy Russell about undercover techniques and at their September Rochelle Staab read from Hex on meeting. Russell has been in the law Cenforcement and security fields for the Ex. In September Paul Duryea, retired Captain of the Glendale more than 30 years. She described Police Department spoke about the various techniques pis use to fol- Hillside Strangler and Night Stalker low people, including a camouflage investigations and Darrell James read costume to blend in with shrubbery. from Purgatory Keys. Russell also described some of her cases, and the hazards of her job. On September 29, 22 SinC authors Triad (Murder We Write) Chapter signed at our booth at the 12th meets the third Sunday of the month Annual West Hollywood Book Fair. at the High Point Library. For more More great programs are planned for information, contact President Joyce Sue Grafton, Hank Philippi Ryan, Patricia Smiley the remainder of the year, including Lavene at joyce@joyceandjim- & Elizabeth George at the California Crime the December 15 Holiday Party. lavene.com. Writers Conference. Photo by Robin Templeton. 2 2

5 inSinC December 2013 ¡ Ç SinC New York/TriState www.nysinc.org ur 2013–14 season got off to a SinC-Central Virginia good start September 18 at our new www.telltaleheartofvirginiasinc.org venue, the Jefferson Market branch he SinC Chapter of of the New York Public Library. An Central Virginia has e-publishing panel consisting of three had a busy few months. chapter members and two guests talked We hosted writer about their experiences. Deborah Coonts via O Skype in August, Chapter member Tanya Goodwin created her own pub- sponsored an author panel focused lishing company and put her projects up on Amazon’s Ton blending genres in September, Kindle, as well as in other e-book formats. Rosemary and sponsored a field trip to the Harris, on the other hand, hired an e-publishing com- Richmond fbi forensics lab. In pany to handle the technical details of her new e-book November we held a seminar on self- project, The Bitches of Brooklyn. Rosemary’s Dirty publishing. Business series appeared in print format; thus, she is a “hybrid author,” meaning she publishes in both print We are also very excited about and digital format. Lois Karlin offered more details on the release of our first anthology, the technical aspects of e-publishing. Her company, Virginia is for Mysteries. Our launch Winged Books, provides guidance, design, and conver- party for the anthology is scheduled sion services for self-publishing authors. for January 9, 2014 at the Library of Virginia. Guests Judi Culbertson and Kate Gallison added further 2 perspectives on the world of e-publishing. Judi’s new book, the second in a series that started with A Novel Death, is published by Harper/Collins in a new imprint that first releases a book in digital form and then follows with a print version. Kate described re-releasing most of her print backlist, for which she owns the rights, in Rosemary Harris, Tanya Goodwin, Lois Karlin, Kate Gallison, and Judi e-book format, as well as self-publishing her ya suspense Culbertson discussed the aspects of e-publishing at the SinC New York/ novel, Monkeystorm, in both e-book and print-on- TriState meeting in September. demand format. On Sunday, September 22, our chapter participated in the Brooklyn Book Festival, an annual event held at Brooklyn Borough Hall and Plaza that brings together writers from the greater New York City area and beyond for panels, readings, and discussions. More than 200 publishers, organizations, and individual authors rented booths where they displayed their wares to festival attendees. Ten members of the New York/TriState chapter took turns at the SinC New York/TriState booth, selling and signing their books and the chapter’s most recent anthology, Fresh Slices, while recruiting new members for the chapter. 2

6 inSinC December 2013 ¡ Ç Mary Roberts Rinehart www.pghsinc.com

t is a tradition for the Pittsburgh- two SinC Guppy anthologies) to provide her They learned how to work with a profes- based Mary Roberts Rinehart chapter editorial expertise. Karen Phillips, another sional graphic designer to generate a perfect to do one big project every year. Sib, was picked to design the fabulous cover. visual expression of the book through cover Sometimes, it’s planning a writing design – something that, again, is very much retreat. Other times, it’s hosting a The editorial phase of the project went a back-and-forth process. They are also workshop guest speaker like Hallie extremely well. After two rounds of editorial learning key social networking, marketing, Ephron. In 2012, we decided to go big, comments and revisions, the stories were and promotion skills that are needed when Ireally big: We decided to publish a short sto- pronounced ready for publication. This was ry anthology. E-publishing has made what the first time that some of the authors had bringing a book to market, whether you once seemed like an impossibility something worked with a professional editor, and the publish independently, with a small press, or that was, cautiously, an achievable goal. feedback they received was extremely ben- a “big” publishing house. And, they learned Not only would it result in publication, it eficial, not only in learning how to accept a bit about the legal language of publishing would teach participants practical craft skills and deal with revisions, but also in how to through use of the author agreement. that are invaluable whatever the means of improve their writing. publication, such as working with a profes- The end result? Not only will the Mary sional editor.The first step was to decide on Production and promotion Roberts Rinehart chapter have a quality a theme for the anthology. “Lucky Charms” Although initially conceived as an product to bring to market but participat- was chosen and participants were given the e-publishing endeavor only, we decided to ing authors will have gained insights into following guidelines: produce a print version of the anthology. the world of publishing – new skills that The author must be a member of Sisters in The Publishing will benefit their future writing careers. 1 Crime, Inc. as well as a member of the Mary Committee The Publishing Committee plans to use Roberts Rinehart Pittsburgh chapter. is finalizing the experience to create a “best practices” the market- document to be uploaded to the national The the story must involve a crime. 1 ing, pricing, SinC website for use as a template for other and promo- The the story must involve the concept of chapters going forward. From the begin- 1 tional plans. a “lucky charm.” ning, the Publishing Committee vowed to An official work together as a team to produce Lucky The the story must be between 4,000 and launch party 1 Charms as a shared educational experi- is scheduled at 6,000 words. ence for everyone who participated – from Mystery Lovers contributing authors to chapter members Submissions were sent to a panel of three Bookshop in in the spirit of SinC’s mission statement: independent, unaffiliated judges. Stories that Oakmont pa “To promote the ongoing advancement, received two “yes” votes were accepted for on December 2. Promotion may include a recognition and professional development inclusion. In September of 2012, twelve stories “road show” to nearby SinC Ohio chapters of women crime writers.” We took that mis- in a variety of crime fiction sub-genres (police who have expressed interest in supporting sion statement to heart. procedural, cozy, suspense, etc.) were chosen. the project. A title was selected: Lucky Charms: 12 Crime But the biggest thing learned? Producing Tales from the Pittsburgh Chapter of Sisters in Aside from the fun of writing, the anthology a quality product takes time. From initial Crime, Inc. An author agreement was emailed project has been a huge educational experi- conception to print release, the publication to each contributing author clearly outlining ence for everyone involved. Writers were of Lucky Charms will have taken more than the conditions for publication. required to write on spec (topic) and keep to a deadline and specific word count. They 18 months. Independently publishing an After all that, the real work began. The learned about the give-and-take process of anthology is absolutely possible, but requires Publishing Committee set a publication editing, and how the goal of an editor is patience, a lot of planning, teamwork, and schedule and hired independent editor and to produce the best story possible, not just plenty of hard work. But the lessons learned, Sibling Ramona DeFelice Long (editor of pick apart the writing to suit his/her whims. and the results of that work, are golden. 2

7 inSinC December 2013 ¡ Ç Pitching Can Be Fun (Honestly!) by Lauren Brennan

or many writers, pitching a novel ranks story. Often, it’s something quite right up there with facing the Zombie prosaic, like the famous pitch for the Apocalypse. Which is too bad, because movie Speed: “It’s Die Hard—on a pitching doesn’t have to be stressful; some- bus!” It sounds goofy, but if you think times, it can even be fun. about it, that darn bus was critical. And the movie example is a good I can sense the eye-rolling, but hear me out. one to remember because what you’re doing with the The pitch itself isn’t the issue; the problem is that we put F logline, (the information they need, not to understand too much pressure on it— and on ourselves. We don’t your novel, but to picture it) is creating an image in your need to seal a three-book deal in 26 words or less. All we listener’s mind—a framework for understanding the rest have to do is start an engaging conversation, and you’ve of what you’ll say. probably been doing that your whole life. So, Murder on the Orient Express is a traditional mystery Want your spouse to try a new restaurant with you? That set on a luxury train that’s been stranded in the snow. conversation is a pitch. Just see a great movie and want The Maltese Falcon is about a hard-boiled private eye your friend to check it out? Pitch. Even when you’re determined to find out who murdered his partner. My trying to get your kids to eat broccoli, you’re pitching its own novel-in-progress, The End of All Things,is an his- virtues. You pitch all the time without being the least bit torical mystery about a serial killer targeting debutantes nervous or intimidated. So relax when it comes to pitching your novel; you are already good at this. in Victorian London. In none of these cases is the logline the whole story, or even the best bits. It’s just a way to The Pitch launch the conversation.

A pitch opens with the obvious: title and genre. It’s Timing Is Everything important to let people know what it is they’re going to hear. By telling them the genre and title, you give After the logline, it’s important to pause. This is hard. We them the tools they need to listen well. Don’t try to be want to blurt out everything and be done, especially if we clever or coy; it’s a cozy or a legal thriller or a procedural. are, after all, a bit nervous. But you have to give the other “[Title] is a [genre] about…” At this point, it really is person a chance to catch up—and to indicate whether fill-in-the-blanks. or not they’d like to hear more. Sometimes, they won’t. Whether this is at a writers conference or a family reunion, And then you say what your book is about. it’s good to have a gracious transition: “I understand. This is where writers start to lose their way—and the It needs to be a good fit. What are you looking for?” or devil is very much in the details. The truth is, you only “What do you enjoy reading?” Listen well, learn what they need one detail: You need to tell them the single most like, and above all, don’t take their “no” personally. important thing about your story. And that’s all. Most of the time, however, your listener will want to This can be tricky, because the most important informa- hear more. This is the body of the pitch and it needs to tion is not usually the thing you most love about your be longer—but not much longer. You want to name the See “Pitching,” p. 9 8 inSinC December 2013 ¡ Ç Writing Contests

Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America (mwa) First Crime Novel December 16 Pitching - cont’d from p.8 Contest rules and guidelines are posted. tinyurl.com/qyvt7e protagonist, give a little bit about his or her connection pwa Best First Private Eye to the mystery, and convey the tone of the piece. In addi- Novel Competition tion, you might want to end on a particularly nice plot December 16 twist. What you’re going for is the “Ooooh!” factor. You Sponsored by the Private Eye Writers of America and St. Martin’s want to say just enough to give a complete picture, and Press, the competition is open to any unpublished author of a pri- then end on a strong moment—a surprise, an epiphany, vate eye novel. tinyurl.com/dxd3pn4 an unexpected consequence. You can end a pitch on a Killer Nashville Silver Falchion cliffhanger, but if so, be prepared to tell all if pressed. January 15 Any book-length fiction or nonfiction work published for the first To recap, your pitch is a Logline, followed by a Pause; time in 2013 in which a crime drives the storyline may be entered. if the listener wants to hear more, you launch into the tinyurl.com/qb3zowz Body of the Pitch. Ideally, you say all this in a way that captures the tone of your novel, be it comedic or “just Emerging Writers Getaway Contest the facts, ma’am,” or downright noir. At this point, one February 15–May 23 of three things will happen: Either they will ask to see Sponsored by the Whidbey Writers Workshop mfa Alumni Association, the competition is open to any unpublished author of the completed manuscript (yay!) or they will start asking a crime novel. www.whidbeymfaalumni.org questions (also, yay!—it means they’re investing in the story) or they will let you know it’s not right for them Killer Nashville Claymore (see gracious transition words, above). April 30 For first 50 pages of an unpublished crime fiction manuscript www.claymoreaward.com Practice Makes Perfect Black Orchid Novella Award Practice your pitch on friends. Watch closely to see where May 31 their eyes glaze over; when that happens, you are either The Wolfe Pack contest rules and guidelines are posted. going too fast or telling too much. Either way, their brain www.NeroWolfe.org can’t process the information. Slow down, cut out the extra words, throw in a bit of humor if at all possible. William F. Deeck-Malice Domestic Grants The more you pitch, the more comfortable you’ll get. Program for Unpublished Writers Usually mid-November You might even start to have fun! 2 Grants to two unpublished writers in the malice domestic genre. www.malicedomestic.org/grants Laura Brennan is a writer, producer and pitch consultant—as well as the Goddess of Structure. She lives and works in Golden Donut Los Angeles. Check out Laura’s free worksheets for devel- tba oping your logline at www.PitchingPerfectly.com Short story contest sponsored by the Writers’ Police Academy. tinyurl.com/9wbc2av

9 inSinC December 2013 ¡ Ç We Love Libraries! by Debra H. Goldstein

very month, Sisters in Crime Executive Director Beth library, Frankie made the check presenta- Wasson randomly picks a “We Love Libraries” $1000 tion and gave a talk about crafting the winner from the applications she receives. The entry mystery novel to a crowd that overflowed requirements are simple: Fill out a one-page applica- the room. Frankie also spoke about The tion and submit a picture depicting at least three Red Queen Dies, the first book in her new books by active SinC authors. Once Beth selects the near-future police procedural series set in winner, she sends three e-mails. The first goes to the designated in Albany, New York featuring Detective Elibrary contact congratulating the library on winning $1000 to be Hannah McCabe. used to add to the library’s collection. The second e-mail goes to Sarah Glass for website and social media purposes. I receive the In Alaska third e-mail and that is the moment my stomach ties in a knot. It seemed like it was going to be a mystery as to how SinC would My job is to encourage and help the lucky library arrange an event make a presentation to the Seldovia Public Library in Seldovia, at which the check can be presented. This isn’t a problem when Alaska, but the Arctic Cliffhangers (formerly Alaska Sisters in there is a nearby SinC chapter, but it becomes more challenging Crime), led by President Elisa Hitchcock, thought outside the box. when the nearest SinC authors are hours away from the library‚ They invited the library to send a representative to their October 19 and yet, in the almost two years that I have been the “We Love Forensic Foray in Anchorage. The representative not only received the Libraries” coordinator, we’ve found a way to have an event because check but was able to participate in the Forensic Foray. of the willingness of our members to physically or creatively go the extra mile(s). Sisters in Crime members truly made the impossible possible during the past few months. In Minnesota The Twin Cities Chapter of Sisters in Crime, graciously represented In New York the “We Love Libraries” project for the second time in four months. Chapter members Ellen Hart (Taken By the Wind—Jane Lawless Former SinC national president, Frankie Bailey, went almost the series), Debbie Lampi (Shadowplay), Susan Koefod (Burnt Out—Avro same distance as her Alaskan counterparts to present the $1000 Thorson series), Christine Husom (A Death in Lionel’s Woods— check to the Watkins Winnebago County Mystery Series), and Barbara Deese (Spirited Glen Public Library Away—Spirit Falls mystery series) participated in a panel discussion on October 9. Not moderated by chapter President Rhonda Gilland at the Penn Lake only did she have Library. The event was co-sponsored by the Twin Cities Chapter of to travel more than Sisters in Crime and the Friends of the Penn Lake Library. four hours to the upper New York state library, but when she In Pennsylvania got there she found Elena Santangelo (The Twins Mystery series and The Possessed that the city had Mysteries series), Jack Hillman (The Giants War Trilogy), and Sandra blocked the streets Carey Cody (Jennie Connors/Riverview Manor series) presented for repaving. Even the award check to Nazareth Library Director Josh Berk in August though everyone had during a program in which the three answered questions about writ- to walk three blocks ing, editing and publishing processes. In accepting the award, Berk to cross over to the explained that his Pennsylvania library always needs help paying for other side of the new releases, school reading lists and patron requests, but that the street to reach the most popular genre at the borough library is mystery. 2 10 inSinC December 2013 ¡ Ç Having a wonderful time, wish you were here!by Molly Weston A Roundup of Recent Conferences

ust in case anyone asks you: I love my job! I’ve been of Magna cum Murder] contacted me years ago—and I’ve been going to mystery conferences for nearly 20 years as a going ever since. Bob Randisi told me to go to Bouchercon.” Asked fan, but now, when I go, I often get to represent Sisters about Thrillerfest, he said, “It’s in my city!” in Crime. This summer and fall, I’ve been to Killer Nashville, Writers’ Police Academy, Bouchercon, and For Patricia Rockwell, living in the Chicago area offers many con- Magna cum Murder. I’ve met so many Sisters and Mis- ferences within driving distance. “I just choose not to fly anymore, ters—what a treat! As I was thinking about how many conferences so if I can’t drive there within a reasonable time, I don’t go.” I caught there are (and in how many places!) I decided to ask SinC authors up with her at Magna cum Murder in Indianapolis. how they decided which to choose. “The Poison Lady,” Pharmacist Luci Zahray was frank about how Sandra Balzo answered for herself and Jeremiah Healy. “We’ve she makes conference choices: “I go where I’m invited to talk.” been going to conferences so long, we now choose those where we’re [She’s been invited to an inSinC interview. We hope to see stories of mostJ likely to find friends. Of course, proximity also plays a part in her forays into buying poison in a future issue.] our choices. Now for the ones I attended! “I always go to Malice [Domestic] because that’s where I got my iller Nashville was a behive of activity from the moment I start,” said Michael Dymoch. “I choose other conferences based arrived at the Hutton Hotel. Area SinC members hosted the on where they’re located—places I’ve never been, places I want to registrationK booth and kept folks going in the right direction all revisit—and on who’s running them, conference chairs who’ve done weekend. Jaden Terrell, executive director, had reserved a great table such a good job I know I’ll like their next one.” for SinC right beside an event room, so every conference attendee passed by at some time. I was amazed at how many SinC members Because she continues with a full-time job outside writing, Molly presentered or served on panels. D. P. Lyle was a guest of honor with MacRae’s conference choices are determined largely by time—time Anne Perry. SinC hosted a great party for all attendees on Friday of book releases, amount of vacation time available—and proximity night. The food was delicious, conversation spritely—and everyone to her home. stayed around for the door-prize drawings.

Former SinC Board member Eleanor Sullivan believes in direct marketing. “I go to conferences where I’m likely to find readers of historical mysteries.”

First-time Magna cum Murder attendee Reavis Wortham credited SinC’s his mentor and fan John Gilstrap with introducing him to the con- party ference. “John told me I had to go to Magna—and here I am.” at Killer Nashville Parnell Hall depends on personal contacts. “Margaret Maron asked was an me to go to Malice. Bob Crais asked me to be on a panel he was unqualified putting together for Left Coast Crime. Kathryn [Kennison, the face success!

11 inSinC December 2013 ¡ Ç agna cum Murder moved from Muncie to the Columbia Club in Indianapolis this year— to raves from folks who missed being at the historic MRoberts Hotel near the Ball State Campus. This was my first time at mcm in several years and it was great catching up with many Midwesterners. The Speed City Indiana SinC sponsored a reception on Friday evening in the Club’s beautiful Crystal Terrace. Hank Phillippi Ryan was the banquet speaker on Saturday evening. Brendon and Jamie are proof positive that crime fiction is reaching younger readers. Brendon joined a reviewers panel and Jamie introduced Hank at the banquet.

riters Police Academy in Jamestown nc was absolutely amazing! I wandered around from class to class, camera poised at the ready. Like most Wfirst-timers, my jaw was slack and my eyes wide with wonder. Even those who had attended before had new opportunities for different sessions. Instructors were patient and encouraged questions. Students at the Guilford County Community College posed cheerfully as suspects, victims and authorities. SinC members one and all voiced appreciation for the opportunity afforded by membership.

WPA spectators jumped from the way when a gunshot victim wrecked her car!

ouchercon 2013 in Albany ny will long be remembered for its unique meeting site, the “Egg,” part of the Empire State Plaza. I’ve been to many Bouchercons over the years, but this year was the first time I was invitedB to the Shamus Awards dinner and awards ceremony. SinC was well represented in the nominee listing at the Friday night party—which was held at the Linda, a former bank. The Anthony and Macavity Awards at the Egg also featured SinC nominees and winners. [Nominees were announced in the September inSinC; winners, on page 13.] The Egg, site of Bouchercon 2013

12 inSinC December 2013 ¡ Ç n the Wednesday before Bouchercon, SinC into Great Writing featuring Cathy Pickens and Robert Dugoni was dynamic, inspiring, and incred- ibly useful. The Upper Hudson Valley Chapter (Mavens of Mayhem) chap- Oter hosted a wine and cheese reception at the Book House. Friday’s SinC breakfast at the 74 State Hotel offered time for catching up with siblings, introducing new board nominees, and passing the SinC seal to new president, Laura DiSilverio. 2

Barbara Goffman and Art Taylor smiled for photographer Robin Incoming President Laura DiSilverio Templeton after the accepts “Celine,” the SinC seal from Past Bouchercon Awards President Hank Phillippi Ryan. Ceremony.

Awards 1 Nominations by Gay Kinman

Susan Boyer won the Cape Fear Crime Festival’s first Gunny C.J. Lyons won the Thriller Award for Best E-Book Original Award for Lowcountry Boil. Novel—the first ever given—for Blind Faith.

Laura Brennan’s novel-in-progress, “The End of All Things,” Paul Marks won the Shamus for Best Indie P.I. Novel—the was a finalist for Killer Nashville’s Claymore Award. first time the award has been given—for White Heat.

Dana Cameron’s “Mischief in Mesopotamia” in Ellery Queen Mary Saums won the Southeast Mystery Writers of Mystery Magazine won an Anthony Award for Best Short Story. America 2013 Magnolia Award in appreciation for dedica- Joelle Charbonneau’s Murder for Choir was nominated for an tion and service. Anthony Award for Best Paperback Original. Nancy Sweetland won the Golden Donut Award for her short Jane Cleland’s Dolled Up For Murder was nominated for the story “The Echo.” David Award. The award is in memory of David G. Sasher, Sr. Art Taylor won a Derringer Award for Short Stories for the Barbara Goffman won the Macavity Award for her short story Best Long Story “When Duty Calls” in Chesapeake Crimes: “The Lord Is My Shamus” in Chesapeake Crimes: This Job Is This Job is Murder,Donna Andrews, Barb Goffman and Murder, Donna Andrews, Barb Goffman and Marcia Talley, eds. Marcia Talley, eds. 13 inSinC December 2013 ¡ Ç Murder Goes South Thrillerfest Smyrna ga • Jan. 25 New York ny • Jul. 8–12 This festival of Southern mystery sponsored Thrillerfest is the premiere conference for by the Friends of Smyrna Library will fea- thriller enthusiastists. Spotlight guests ture special guest Tamar Myers. include Scott Turow as Thrillermaster and www.murdergoessouth.com Brenda Novak, 2014 Silver Bullet recipient. Cape Fear Crime Festival www.thrillerfest.com Wilmington nc • Feb. 1 EVENTS Killer Nashville Sponsored and hosted by the New Hanover HAPPENINGS Nashville tn • Aug. 21–24 Library, the festival brings together writers, A leading advocate for writers and readers of readers, and librarians. all genres, Killer Nashville is the most writ- www.capefearcrimefestival2.com Book Passage Mystery Writers Conference ten about conference on the web. Guests Murder in the Magic City Corte Madera ca • Jul. 24–27 of Honor Lisa Jackson and William Kent Birmingham al • Feb. 8 Panels and classes offer mystery writers what Krueger. www.KillerNashville.com This conference fans of all sub-genres of they need to know to get published. mystery novels will feature guests of honor bookpassage.com/mystery-writers- Writers’ Police Academy conference Jamestown nc • Sept. 4–7 Robert Dugoni and Julia Spencer-Fleming. www.murderinthemagiccity2014.com SleuthFest 2014 SinC co-sponsors this event. Details tba. www.writerspoliceacademy.com Love Is Murder Orlando fl • Feb. 27–Mar. 2 The Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers Chicago il • Feb. 7–9 Bouchercon of America conference features Laura Long Beach ca • Nov. 13–16 Featured authors are Jamie Freveletti, Lippman, Ace Atkins, and Hank Phillippi Heather Graham, Peter Kornbluh, Marcus Ryan. Special spotlight speaker is Chris Honorees include Jeffrey Deaver, Edward Sakey, and Shane Gericke. Grabenstein. Keynote speaker is Charlaine Marston, J.A. Jance as American guest of www.LoveIsMurder.net Harris. Sunday’s breakfast will feature a honor, Simon Wood as toastmaster, and Al conversation with Jeffrey Deaver, Charlaine Abramson as fan guest of honor. Book ’Em North Carolina Harris, and Chris Grabenstein interviewed www.Bouchercon2014.com Lumberton nc • Feb. 22 by Oline H. Cogdill. tinyurl.com/lupltrb The writers conference and book fair brings Malice Domestic 2015 together authors, publishers, literarary Bethesda md • May 2–4 agents, and readers. Lifetime Achievement Awards will go to Bloody Words IV www.bookemnc.org Dorothy Cannell, Joan Hess, and Margaret Halifax ns • June 4–7 Left Coast Crime Maron. Kathy Lynn Emerson will be guest Planning is underway for Stormy Weather! of honor; Earlene Fowler will be toast- Monterey ca • Mar. 20–23 International Guest of Honour Dr. D. P. master; Audrey Reith will be fan guest of Lyle. “Calamari Crime” will feature Marcia honor, Tom Schantz will receive the Poirot www.BloodyWords.com/2015 Muller and Bill Pronzini, Cara Black, Award, and Reginald Hill will be the Malice Louise Penny, Sue Grafton, Brad Parks, Sue Remembers author. Trowbridge, and Collin Wilcox as ghost of www.malicedomestic.org Bouchercon honor. www.LeftCoastCrime.org/2014 Crimefest Raleigh nc • Oct. 8–11 High Country Festival Bristol uk • May 15–18 “Murder Under the Oaks” will feature of the Book The festival “where the pen is mightier than Margaret Maron, Kathy Reichs, Tom the sword” includes featured author Mark Boone nc • June 27–28 Franklin, Zoe Sharp, S. Allan Guthrie, Sean Billingham and highlighted guest authors This third annual event will include authors Ben Aaronovitch, Jasper Fforder, Nicci Doolittle, Lori Armstrong, Sarah Shaber, for readers of all ages and interests. French, and Lars Kepler. and Ron Rash. Bouchercon2015.org & www.highcountryfestivalofthebook.com www.crimefest.com @Bcon2015

14 inSinC December 2013 ¡ Ç Sisters in Crime at PLA! by Cari Dubiel

As a debut author, I love being able to interact with librarians isters in Crime will have a booth at the and other readers. ala and SinC Public Library Association Conference in gave me a wonderful opportunity to learn more Indianapolis in this spring. The SinC booth about how libraries select books and what authors will be in the conference exhibits which can do to support their local libraries. run from Wednesday, March 12 to Friday, March 14. We’re looking forward to another Susanna Calkins, author of successful run of giving away books, spreading the word A Murder at Rosamund’s Gate Sabout our unique programs to librarians, and generally having fun. SinC will also have a panel at the convention called “Doing Time with Sisters in Crime.” Meeting librarians and uplifting women writers with the ladies of Sisters in Crime at the ala This year, I will collect interest forms via a webform on Convention in Chicago reminded me just how the SinC site at tinyurl.com/l7pxoov. You can complete fun and exciting writers, books, and bookworms the form to express your interest in volunteering at the are—and I got a signed copy of Sara Paretsky’s lat- booth or donating books for the raffle giveaways, or est novel, after I heard her read from it. What more both. Schedules and more information will be e-mailed can you ask for on a Sunday? in February 2014 (which is also when the interest form will close). I hope this form will streamline the process Kalisha Buckhanon, author of and make it easier for everyone, but if you have ques- Upstate and Conception tions that aren’t answered by the form, you can e-mail me at [email protected]. If you’d like to give away electronic copies of your books, I can help you ala was such a great opportunity to get to know make that happen as well. librarians! I’d never been to ala before, but I Can’t make it to Indianapolis? We will have a booth at think every author should go at least once, to get huge the American Library Association (ala) conference in a sense of how dynamic and just the library Las Vegas in June. The process for signing up will be system within this country is. What could be better similar. More information about the conference is avail- than spending time with men and women whose able at www.placonference.org. lives revolve around books? Want to know how exhibiting at a library conference Laura diSilverio, SinC President can help you? Read the testimonials from ala 2013 in and author of Die Buying Chicago. 2 15 inSinC December 2013 ¡ Ç Hunting v

Hemingway in by Diane Gilbert Madsen Cuba hat’s one What typewriter, I wondered, had he the lost manu- of the used to type those works he would scripts. His first worst never again see? My research found novel, the one that crimes that it was a Corona # 3 portable made him famous that could given to him for his 22nd birthday —The Sun Also happen by Hadley, his then fiancée. It was Rises —was typed to a writer? Having all your work in one of the few portable typewriters on the Corona Wprogress stolen. on the market and cost about $50. It #3. To Hemingway, his Corona was had a unique folding carriage and a more than just a typewriter—it had This really did happen to Ernest carrying case, and Corona advertised a personality all its own and was Hemingway. In December 1922, it as “The Personal Writing Machine.” very special to him. He wrote a love his first wife, Hadley Richardson, Lightweight, compact and durable, it poem to it and took it everywhere, traveled from Paris to meet him in was perfect for Hemingway the writer he even used it while lying in bed. Switzerland. At the train station, and for Hemingway the foreign cor- When Ava Gardner asked if he’d ever a valise containing several years of respondent to take everywhere on had an analyst, he told her, “Sure I Hemingway’s earliest unpublished assignment. have. Portable Corona number three. manuscripts was stolen from her com- That’s been my analyst.” Personally, partment. Everyone using a computer Hemingway had many typewriters I like the idea of the world’s most knows how it feels when it crashes and during his career, but this Corona famous man’s man of the day— you lose what you’ve written. For an #3 was particularly important. It was war hero, renowned hunter and author like Hemingway, who spent the machine that started it all—the fisherman, bullfighter, boxer, and so much time creating the perfect typewriter he used to get the words drinker—appreciating his little six- sentence, it was as bad as it gets. right as he began his writing career. pound portable Corona so much. Because of it, Hemingway was able These manuscripts, missing nearly to become an international corre- So where was his Corona #3 now, 90 90 years, would now have incalcu- spondent for the Toronto Star and years later? This mystery intrigued lable literary and monetary value. was paid by the word plus expenses me, but initially I could find no clues The incident struck me as a perfect while he lived as to whether it still existed. Nothing topic for my Literati in Paris. He was on the Internet about it except Mystery series, and also used it the blogs I myself had written. A. E. I wrote Hunting for for correspon- Hotchner told me that Ernest liked Hemingway, which dence and to keep everything, so I had hopes posed the ques- typed many that he would not have discarded tion—what would of his early his old friend, even though he had happen if Ernest stories and written about its being damaged and Hemingway’s long poems on repaired at least twice early on when lost manuscripts it—including he was in Europe. were found today?

16 inSinC December 2013 ¡ Ç The Search display in the Tower near the Finca #3 was changed throughout its production run, and these changes can contacted many organizations and built in 1949 by Mary Hemingway. be used to help determine age and individuals hoping for some clue, I The director provided the Corona’s confirm its serial numbers, indicators but although many offered assis- serial number and manufac- that can help verify lineage. tance, none had any information ture markings. The serial num- nor any records of its existence. One ber—111336—indicates a manu- After I wrote an article on the interesting point did arise. In this facture date of 1917, reflecting the Corona #3 for The Hemingway computer age, most people have no correct vintage and predating its Review (Spring 2013), I was invited idea what a Corona #3 looks like. purchase by Hadley. Unfortunately, to speak at the International Typewriters are now as mysterious a representative from the Smith Hemingway Colloquium in Cuba. as horseshoes, and many people Corona archives informed me that There I had the unique opportunity mistook one of Hemingway’s Royal purchase records from the early years to see the typewriter for myself. The or Underwood machines for the no longer exist. director gave me a personal tour of Corona. Also, the various models the home Hemingway left for good have special distinguishing character- Could it be? when he returned to the States in istics. I finally located and purchased 1960. The beautiful Finca is in very fter locating a Corona #3 at a working Corona #3 portable to use good condition, and it seemed to be the Finca, I needed to clear up as a point of reference. A waiting quietly for Hemingway to confusion as to whether this may return from a visit to his favorite bar, The search for the Corona began have been the typewriter given to La Floridita. to heat up when I was looking at a Hemingway by A. E. Hotchner. Vanity Fair article about the Finca Hemingway had asked Hotchner What’s next? Vigia, Hemingway’s home in Cuba, to bring a Smith Corona Portable now a museum. The article con- with pica type on a visit to Cuba in he jfk Hemingway Collection is tained a photo of a Corona 3. When September 1949. Hotchner told me Tkindly furnishing copies of vari- I tracked down the photographer, that the typewriter he brought to ous letters I have identified as having he said he had not taken that photo Cuba was a much later model than been typed on the Corona #3 so that and knew nothing about the type- a Corona #3, which by 1949 would the typewriter forensics expert and I writer. But, this focused my atten- have been nearly 30 years old. So can continue to try to authenticate tion on Cuba. now, like any good detective in our the machine and publish our find- mystery novels, I had reason to sus- ings from this exciting adventure. I then located a photo online of a pect the Corona #3 in Cuba might Hemingway and his portable Corona Corona #3 and contacted its pho- well be the one from Hadley. tographer who had visited the Finca #3 had remarkable careers. Although in mid-2012 and said the Corona To help confirm my suspicion, I he used many typewriters through the years, he never forgot this one. was in the Tower room. consulted an expert in And some day, if those legendary However, he knew noth- typewriter forensics who lost manuscripts are discovered, the ing about the typewriter explained that since each Corona #3 can be instrumental in itself. I then contacted typewriter is unique their authentication. the director of the Finca with certain individually 1 Vigia who confirmed distinctive characteristics, that the Corona had pages typed on it could be Diane Gilbert Madsen is the award- been in storage in the matched to the typewriter winning author of Hunting for Hemingway. The third book in her Museum warehouse that produced them. I also learned that the Corona DD McGil Literati mystery series, The of the Finca Vigia in Conan Doyle Notes: The Secret of Jack Cuba, but is currently on The Tower Room at Finca Vigia the Ripper is coming soon. 17 inSinC December 2013 ¡ Ç SinC Board of Directors Meeting Thursday, September 19, 2013 Bouchercon 2013 – Albany, NY

Voting Board Members in atten- a project with SinC to distribute and SinC needs dance—Hank Phillippi Ryan, Laura members’ books to libraries. Debra to plan accord- DiSilverio, Martha Reed, Barbara Goldstein, We Love Libraries coor- ingly in the long Fister, Cathy Pickens, Robert dinator, wrote a proposal for Laurie term. Also, the Dugoni, Cari Dubiel, and Frankie and Zoe. The board decided to put ac will require Bailey this idea to a committee, which will a statement of be chaired by Barbara Fister and Incoming Board Members use from each member organization in include Mary Boone, Cari Dubiel, that Beth and Lori will complete. attendance—Julie Hennrikus and Zoe Elkiam, Laurie King, and Debra Robert agreed to consult, as needed, Catriona McPherson Goldstein. concerning ac funds. Cathy will send Special Forces—Molly Weston, 3. Treasurer’s Report him the operating agreement and Mary Boone, and Beth Wasson New treasurer Lori Roy will prepare other information. Lori and Barbara Voting Board Members not in a 3rd Quarter Report for the board will be our representatives and they attendance—Sally Brewster, Val at the end of September. She will will ask for help when needed. McDermid, and Stefanie Pintoff also prepare a budget for 2014. The budget should be in place for the 6. Authors Guild Non-Voting Board Member not in board to review a few days prior Cathy reported on an Authors attendance—Lori Roy to the Sunday, January 12, 2014 Guild proposal for Sisters in Crime 2014 Board of Directors Meetings Conference Call Board meeting. which was shared at the ac meeting. will be held Sunday, January 12, 4. Beth’s Report Authors Guild is establishing Book 2014 at 5:00 pm Eastern and Beth reported on the Affiniscape/ Talk Nation, which will provide Sunday, April 27, 2014 at 5:00 pm Your Membership Migration/plat- authors with a virtual book discus- Eastern. form change, which will take place sion that they may use in different situations. Laura agreed to chair a President Hank Phillippi Ryan con- starting in January 2014. There will vened the meeting at 9:00 a.m. edt. be no increase in costs other than committee, including Hank and added features to the website. Beth Catriona, to look into this for SinC. 1. Welcome and Sarah will present a budget for Hank introduced the incoming this at the January 2014 Conference 7. Ballantyne Retreat board members and thanked Cathy Call Board Meeting. Cathy reported that the first Writers Pickens who will be leaving the Retreat is scheduled for January 5. Authors Coalition board. Cathy will continue as chair 20–26, 2014, at the Ballantyne Cathy attended the Authors of the educational committee. Resort in Charlotte, nc. Authors Coalition of America (ac) meeting Coalition money has been allocated 2. Zoe Elkiam and in New York on September 11. She Laurie King Proposal reported that, due to the increas- and will be used for this retreat. Spots Zoe, representing Laurie King, ing ability to track the author, ac are limited, but more retreats and joined the board meeting to propose money will not be available forever workshops are in the planning stages.

18 inSinC December 2013 ¡ Ç 8. SinC Into Great Writing 2014! 10. Writers’ Police Academy 12. Listserv Bouchercon, Long Beach ca Molly reported the success of August Julie will take over Sandra Parshall’s role Nov. 13–16, 2014 2013 Writers’ Police Academy in as listserv moderator and oversee the Jan Burke has agreed to offer a one- Greensboro nc. The Board unani- National Listserv. Sandy was thanked day workshop on forensics in Long mously decided to budget $35,000 for her seven years of hard work and Beach ca prior to Bouchercon on to fund wpa for 2014. Decisions on recognized at the SinC Breakfast. Wednesday, November 12, 2014 The future wpa funding will be made on 13. Title budget for SinC Into Great Writing a year-by-year basis. 2014 will be higher than 2013, and The Board determined that new Beth will report on this budget at the Molly recommended that SinC member Julie’s official title will be January 2014 Conference Call Board purchase a credit card processing Communications. Julie’s duties Meeting. Ingrid Willis has agreed to device in order to accept credit cards will include: National Listserv help with the bus to transport attend- at workshops and conferences. Beth Moderator, Publicity, and working ees to the Crime Lab and back, and will research the options and submit with Beth and Sarah on all other Beth will handle all arrangements. pricing for the board to approve. forms of communication. Beth and Julie will work together on branding 9. Strategic Plan 11. Expansion of workshops Laura reported that the Strategic Plan the organization. Beth reported that Killer Nashville, draft will be sent to Gina Harrison, represented by Beth Terrell, has 14. Research Grant Proposal who will provide a design for the requested that SinC offer a full-day Barbara submitted a research grant web site. The design will be proofed or half-day workshop the Thursday proposal and the Board decided to by the Board and then sent to the form a committee to explore this membership. We will launch the new before Killer Nashville 2014. The possibility. Barbara volunteered to mission statement and tag line after Board discussed possible topics as be on this committee and to contact January 1, 2014. well as timing. A committee, chaired Patricia Gouthro, the Nova Scotia The new state- by Laura and including Hank and social scientist who did a ten-year ment and tag line Martha, will determine the topic and study on Sisters in Crime. are being used need for this workshop. already in promo 12. ala 2013, pla 2014 (Doing 15. Red Book materials, ban- Time With Sisters in Crime) Hank reported that she is working ners, and inSinC. Cari reported on pla coming up in with editor Elaine Sparber and all is Also, the board voted to budget March 2014 and ala in Las Vegas, going well. They are asking for con- tributions from members on “every- $1,500 to mystrategicplan.com to June 2014. SinC has a panel at pla thing you wish you knew before you cover one year of service to set up titled “Doing Time With Sisters in wrote, sold, and promoted a book.” an online dashboard to track the Crime.” Cari will encourage authors Hank will report to the Board by progress of all SinC programs and to attend by reaching out to them projects. The board will revisit the April 2014. individually and sending E-blasts to ongoing cost next year. Beth will set all members. Cari will also contact The meeting adjourned at 12:00 up software and send reminders to regional chapters. New bookmarks board members about their projects. p.m. edt. will be developed by Mary and Cari All board members will be able to for librarians with a qr code direct log in and see the progress or check —Stefanie Pintoff, Secretary deadlines on their own. to We Love Libraries and the map.

19 inSinC December 2013 ¡ Ç Mystery Writers vs. “Literary” Writers by Margaret Maron

few years ago, overall, despite the finite number of know that Harper’s Magazine publishers, reviewers and readers, we there are ran an article by continue to welcome new writers and many oth- Francine Prose to help our struggling fellows. We ers who do titled “Scent of share publicity strategies, introduce the same. a Woman’s Ink.” them to our agents, blurb their books, I had only That article prompted two-and-a-half let them bounce plot ideas off us. one (abortively published) book to pages of letters in a subsequent issue. my name when I timidly attended There’s a whole cadre of West Coast my first mwa dinner. The late (and As a mystery writer, two things imme- writer, male and female, who feel much missed) Ed Hoch immediately Adiately raised my own hackles: her they wouldn’t even have a career took me under his wing and that casual dismissal of “Commercial fic- except for Bill Pronzini’s generous night, he introduced me to writ- tion—those that traffic in clichés, in help and editorial suggestions when ers who became lifelong friends. titillation, in reassuring conventions, they were starting out. Sara Paretsky, Larry Block has given solid writing in suspense, gore, consumer and Barbara Mertz, and Carolyn Hart advice to dozens of younger writers, romantic fantasies—[which] have, as have all given behind-the-scenes as have Nancy Pickard and Gillian it were, an autonomous existence, a career pushes to one- or two-book Roberts. trajectory with almost no relation to newbies by recommending them to the more cerebral book review pages just the right agent or editor and I Why are we so nice to each other? and the literary prizes;” and a reader’s letter, “Although certainly there are Is it because we live in a literary notable friendships among women ghetto? Or is it because we do indeed MYSTERY possess an “autonomous existence” writers . . . I can think of no analo- Y that doesn’t depend on research gously supportive group of women LITERAR writers, in any generation.” grants, PhDs, and “cerebral book review pages”? Maybe we’re more Well, of course, none of them would grounded in reality. Or maybe we have heard of Sisters in Crime, which write about so many bad guys doing was founded and still exists as a dirty rotten things that we get all the mutual support system. venom out of our systems and, like the Devil on holiday, are refreshed by After watching all the mean-spirited performing random acts of kindness. infighting on the “literary” level, I have to wonder why we find such col- Any theories? 2 legiality in the mystery genre. Yes, we Margaret Maron lives and writes in have a few sour dogs in the manger her native North Carolina. One of the who feel that a nice word about you founders of SinC, she’s a former presi- or me will mean less for them, yet dent and, most recently, an mwa Grand Master. www.MargaretMaron.com.

20 inSinC December 2013 ¡ Ç Getting the Facts Straight: Hearsay by Leslie Budewitz

V lawyers frequently object “Recorded recollections.” Memos or 1 to “hearsay,” but some- notes made at a time when the wit- times the evidence they ness had a better memory of events object to is allowed and than now, usually used to refresh sometimes it isn’t. How do his memory, or by the opponent, to I know whether hearsay impeach his testimony. evidence will be admitted or not? T “Public records and reports.” A nota- in another case may be used against 1 Hearsay is second-hand testimony— ble exception: Reports of law enforce- him in a later trial. based not on personal knowledge but on ment investigations are inadmissible Can I use ancient documents such as something the witness heard from some- because they routinely contain not letters or the family Bible to prove my one else. Of course, ordinary people rely only the investigating officer’s per- on hearsay every day—we make deci- character is descended from a particular sonal observations, but also conclu- sions, form opinions, and discipline our person? sions based on statements of others children based on what other people tell and his own inferences. Yes. Your character will need to establish us. However, with so much at stake in a that the letters or Bible are genuine, e.g., trial, especially in a criminal case, hear- “Records of religious organizations,” 1 that she inherited the Bible from her say is not considered sufficiently reliable. such as births, marriages, divorces, grandmother, who kept it on a lace-cov- deaths, or ancestry. The hearsay exclusion is riddled with ered bedroom table and often recounted exceptions, most both practical and “Family records,” such as Bibles, receiving it from her own mother. If 1 obvious. For example: genealogies, even engravings on rings, your character also remembers seeing portraits, or tombstones. her grandmother receive the letters or “Excited utterance.” A witness may 1 record births, deaths, and marriages testify to what someone else said while Statements made “under belief of 1 inside the Bible, admissibility is almost an event was occurring or immedi- impending death,” also called “dying certain. ately after. A pedestrian hit by a car declarations.” Courts presume that the can testify that the first thing the dying are generally truthful—–even if Excerpted from Books, Crooks & driver said was, “I was texting and I they later recover. Counselors: How to Write Accurately never saw you.” About Criminal Law and Courtroom “Statements against interest.” Because Procedure, by Leslie Budewitz, win- “Statements made for medical diag- 1 1 most of us don’t blame ourselves ner of the 2011 Agatha for Best nosis or treatment.” A doctor charts a unnecessarily, the driver who admit- Nonfiction. Look for Leslie’s first mystery, Death al Dente, first in The Food patient’s description of an accident. If ted not seeing the pedestrian is pre- the patient describes it differently at Lovers’ Village Mysteries (Berkley sumed to have been telling the truth. Prime Crime, August 2013.) For more trial, the doctor’s chart may be used for help getting the law right in your sto- impeachment—–that is, to challenge the “Prior inconsistent statements.” A 1 ries, visit www.lawandfiction.com witness’s credibility. witness’s testimony on the same point and www.lawandfiction.com/blog. 21 inSinC December 2013 ¡ Ç Are You an innie or an OUTIE? Forensic by Katherine Ramsland, PhD Psychology

or the past three years, I’ve made However, since your OQ score correlates presentations at the Writers’ with an ability to notice details of your Police Academy organized by environment that can help set scenes and former homicide detective Lee create characters, Outies have the advantage. Lofland. I’ve found it to be a Innies will need to work harder, but know- unique event for writers, because ing this can trigger motivation. they get not only two days of lectures by ex- So, on to the test. You have three options ____15. attuned to scene details in a novel. Fperienced professionals but also ride-alongs for each item: with officers, a jail visit, a self-defense class, ____16. able to quickly estimate the num- and demonstrations of the latest equip- 0 = not true of me, 1 = sometimes or sort of ber of people in a room. ment. They might see a K-9 team at work, true, 2 = that’s me. storm an empty apartment, listen to a bomb ____17. uninterested in keeping a dream squad, learn to operate alternative light I am: journal. sources, hear the details of DNA analysis, ____1. alert to the environment around me. ____18. alert to what people are wearing. and even see a dive team for underwater crime scene investigations. ____2. aware of my preferences for furnish- ____19. aware of my thoughts most often ing a room. when I’m stuck. It’s difficult to sit by your computer and try to think through such details. Even looking ____3. good at following directions to ____20. alert to subtle sounds around me, through reference books with photos won’t specific places. even when working on a project. offer the nitty-gritty. This conference goes a ____4. generally not curious about the Add up your score and compare it to the long way to supplement imagination. It also contents of a sealed envelope. chart below: helps us to get our facts right. ____5. only basically skilled at assessing 30-40: You’re an Outie, so you have good As many of you know, Sisters in Crime another person’s moods. observational skills sponsors a reception and pays part of the tuition for many attendees. There’s no better ____6. quite perceptive about subtle 15-30: You’re a mix, with some good skills, way to get questions answered about your changes in a room or property. so you can improve your OQ quickly plot point or character than to cozy up to ____7. only vaguely attuned to how I feel. Below 15: You’re an Innie. You’re more one of the teachers or speakers and ask. You internally attuned, so to raise your OQ can’t beat having Sirchie instructors there, ____8. attentive to the significance of items because this company has been supplying in someone else’s home. you’ll have to work harder against your products to law enforcement for more than natural inclinations and habits. ____9. aware of where the exits are in any 75 years. room I enter. Try this with your friends and then talk Last year, I gave a talk called “How to Think about your differences. You’ll learn a lot ____10. easily distracted during a long about how differently people process their Like Sherlock Holmes.” In it, I mentioned project. a quick self-assessment to assist writers with worlds. You’ll also learn about yourself as improving their “OQ,” i.e., their obser- ____11. observant of the color of the walls a writer. vational intelligence. I gave some basic when I enter an unfamiliar room. guidelines, and since then, I’ve turned this Dr. Katherine Ramsland is a professor ____12. confident of arriving at unfamiliar idea into a more formal assessment device. I of forensic psychology, has published destinations. thought it might be a nice exercise for you. 47 books and more than 1,000 articles, ____13. able to draw quick inferences from and writes a blog for Psychology Today. The point of this test is to learn if you’re appearances. Her latest books are The Sex Beast externally oriented (an Outie) or inter- (e-book) and Snap! Seizing Your Aha! nally oriented (an Innie). Both types have ____14. unable to quickly adopt another’s Moments. advantages and disadvantages for writing. perspective.

22 inSinC December 2013 ¡ Ç July Jennifer Lewis Williams, Highland Games D.V. Berkom, Yucatan Dead (A Kate Jones Murder, Williams Ink Publishing, P,E Thriller), Smashwords, P,E u!vy Margit Liesche, Triptych, Poisoned Pen Rebecca Jean Downey, The Middle Eye,Tate Docket Press, P Publishing, P, E w$x G.M. Malliet, Pagan Spring, St. Martin’s/ Janice Law, “The Hot Stove League” in Minotaur, P,E,A Sherlock Holmes Mystery Magazine, P Michael Nethercott The Séance Society, St. Molly MacRae, Dyeing Wishes, NAL/ Barb Goffman, “Dead and Buried Treasure” Martin’s/ Minotaur, P Obsidian (Penguin Random House), P,E,A in All Hallows’ Evil, Mystery and Horror, Brenda Robertson Stewart, “Redemption” in Paul D. Marks, “Dead Man’s Curve” in Last LLC, P,E Exit to Murder, Darrell James, Linda O. Hoosier Hoops and Hijinks, Brenda Stewart Libby Fischer Hellmann, Havana Lost, The and Tony Perona, eds., Cardinal Publishers Johnston, & Tammy Kaehler, eds., Down & Red Herrings Press, P,E,A Out Books, P,E Group, P Laurie R King, The Bones of Paris,Bantam November M. E. May, Inconspicuous, M&B Literary Books, P Creations, P,E Debra H. Goldstein, “A Political Janice Law, “Connected” in Ellery Queen Cornucopia” in Bethlehem Writers Tony Piazza, A Murder Amongst Angels, P Mystery Magazine, P and “A Political Issue” Roundtable, E Laurie Stevens, Deep into Dusk, Follow Your in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, P Beth Groundwater, A Basket of Trouble, Dreams Publishing, P Steve Liskow, Blood on The Tracks, Create Midnight Ink, P,E August Space, P,E M. E. May, Ensconced, M&B Literary Kaye George, “A Fine Kettle of Fish,” Gail Lukasik, Peak Season for Murder, Gale/ Untreed Reads, E Creations, P,E Five Star Mysteries, P E. Janice Law, “The Imperfect Detective,” Bailey Cates, Charms and Chocolate Chips, Christopher J. Lynch, Russian Roulette, Kwik Krimes, P Penguin/NAL, P,E Create Space, P Janis Susan May, The Fair Amazon, Safkhet B. B. Oak, Thoreau at Devil’s Perch: A Henry Shotgun Moon, Books, E K.C. McRae, Midnight Ink, David Thoreau Mystery, Kensington, P,E P, E Sam Cabot, Blood of the Lamb, Penguin December Blue Rider, P Janis Susan May, Family of Strangers, Safkhet Krista Davis, Murder, She Barked, Berkley Books, E Prime Crime, P Jeanne C. Stein, Blood Bond, Ace Books/ Deborah Sharp, Mama Gets Trashed, usa, P,E,A Carola Dunn, Heirs of the Body, Minotaur, Midnight Ink, P Erika Chase, Cover Story, Berkley Prime P, E Jeffrey Siger, Mykonos After Midnight, Crime, P Jonnie Jacobs, Lying with Strangers, Five Star Poisoned Pen Press, P September Publishing, P Marcia Talley, Dark Passage, Severn House, Leslie Budewitz, “Law & Ardor: 10 G.M. Malliet, “Home for the Holidays” Common Mistakes to Avoid in Legal P in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine P and Fiction” in The Writer Magazine, P October “Yuletide” in The Strand Magazine, P Warren Bull, “The Trouble With Harry” in Sally Carpenter, “Faster Than a Speeding Kate Parker, The Vanishing Thief, Berkley The Killer Wore Cranberry: Room for Thirds, Bullet” in Plan B Vol. 2, Darusha Wehm, J. Alan Hartman, ed., Untreed Reads, E and ed., Smashwords, E Prime Crime, P,E “Worthless” in Strange Lucky Halloween, Gwen Florio, Montana, The Permanent March 2014 Jean Goldstrom, ed., Whortleberry Press, P Press, P Cathy Ace The Corpse with the Emerald Janice Cantore, Critical Pursuit, Tyndale Thumb, TouchWood Editions, P Barb Goffman, “Operation Knock Her House, P Down a Peg” in The Killer Wore Cranberry: Molly MacRae, Spinning in Her Grave, Dianne Dixon, The Book of Someday, Room for Thirds, J. Alan Hartman, ed., NAL/Obsidian (Penguin Random House), Sourcebooks, P Untreed Reads Publishing, E P, E

23 inSinC December 2013 ¡ Ç PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PO Box 442124 PAID Lawrence KS 66044 BLACKSBURG, VA PERMIT NO. 158 www.SistersInCrime.org

Change Service Requested

Beth’s Bits by Beth Wasson

o you have your Sisters Malice Friendly Reminders in Crime lapel pin? Breakfast 2014 Book Covers and Author Web Sites Send an e-mail to me Are you a Sisters in Crime Author? Would at SistersInCrime@ Plan ahead for the Sisters in Crime Malice you like your most recent book cover and juno.com. They are free Breakfast on Saturday, May 3, 2014 @ the author web site to be posted to our home to each member. Write Hyatt Hotel in Bethesda, MD, the Malice page streaming extravaganza? Please send “Lapel Pin” in the subject line of your e-mail Conference Hotel. The cost will be $20 and the information (a jpg of your cover and Dand add your full snail mailing address. I do we will have a spot on the web site for you to the url of your author website) to me at know where you live but it saves me time if pay by credit card or you may send a check. [email protected]. The book cov- you put it in the e-mail. ers stream in groups. We will send you an Bouchercon e-mail when your book cover is up. 2014 Membership Renewal Long Beach Membership Profile Update Bouchercon 2014, November 13-16, SinC will send renewal notices to all of you Have you listed your most recent title, 2014 in Long Beach ca will be a blast. in the first week of December. For members publisher, web site, blog and Twitter handle Visit Bouchercon2014.com and sign up. who use e-mail we will send the notice to in your Sisters in Crime membership pro- Make your hotel reservations to include your inbox; for those who use don’t use file? All of these entries are crucial to your Wednesday, November 12 so you can attend e-mail we will send you a paper renewal successful book promotion. Once you have SinC Into Great Writing! Next, wait for notice. All members may renew online or entered all or any of these items in your Sisters in Crime to announce a forensics by sending a check for $35/$40 to Sisters in Crime membership profile, they workshop on Wednesday, November 12, will show up on SinC’s Interactive Map, List Sisters in Crime 2014 at one of the conference hotels. We of SinC Author’s and in the online member- PO Box 442124 will send you an e-bast with all the informa- ship directory. Fans, librarians and booksell- Lawrence KS 66044 tion as soon as we can. ers use these tools to buy books! Log into PS—We plan to charge only $50 for SinC www.SistersInCrime.org and open your members. Don’t forget to make your hotel profile and make the additions. Don’t forget to hit save! reservations a day early so you can join the 2 gang in Southern California.

24 inSinC December 2013 ¡ Ç