Vol. 23, No. 2

Make Characters Memorable with Metaphors by Elizabeth Lyon

n my work with writers over the years, I’ve vanquished. What if these two characters come to believe that mastering plotting is marry each other? far easier than mastering characterization. I Expressing the metaphor Creating depth of character means, for the writer, diving into the mostly uncharted waters Aer you have discovered the metaphor for of the psyche, the soul, and the spirit. your character, the next step is to find the words and concepts that express that Recently, I led one of my three critique groups metaphor. Use your thesaurus or do a com- on a guided tour of these waters. I gave the puter word search, as I did when I entered ‚“art assignment of discovering and developing a terminology.” Is your character a nature-lover, metaphor for the protagonist or other point-of- a descendant of farmers? Your word and view characters. One of my dictionaries defines phrase list might include: broadcasting seeds, metaphor as: “A figure of speech in which a term planting, waiting for the harvest, plowing is transferred from the object it ordinarily des- under‚“for everything there is a season,” roots, ignates to an object it may designate only by fertile, fields, trust and faith, sowing and reap- implicit comparison or analogy.” e dictionary ing. is list becomes your resource for more goes on to give the example, “the evening of my authentic characterization. You can literally life.” We use metaphors in daily speech all of the build a dictionary, a lexicon, for your charac- time. Don’t believe me? Dog days. Buried under ters. Draw from it when you are writing this a mountain of paperwork. character’s point of view, in narration and in Metaphors matter in life dialogue. With knowledge of a character’s pri- mary metaphor and with a word list in hand, My belief is that human beings make decisions you’ll have an easier time with one of a fiction that are consistent with the metaphors or writer’s most difficult tasks: writing an Elizabeth Lyon has been an independent book editor myths they have learned and adopted. Since extended metaphor. since 1988. She is the author of six books for writers fiction seeks to approximate life, but is far more with more than 65,000 sold. Three of those guides selective, it makes sense to limit to one, or two, e careful sculpting of believable characters are dedicated to writing, revising, and selling fiction: the metaphor that represents each character. is so important, that in Manuscript Makeover: A Writer’s Guide to Fiction, Manuscript Makeover, Revision Techniques No Fiction Writer Can and The Sell Your Novel Tool Kit. The December For instance, many characters fit a warrior Afford to Ignore, I devoted 100 pages to what issue of The Writer magazine selected Manuscript metaphor. Fighters, soldiers, law-enforcement can go wrong and how to revise to create Makeoveras one of “10 Great Writing Books in 2008.” personnel, and survivor types may view their authentic and original characters. Elizabeth Lyon lives in Springfield, Oregon. Her web- lives as a battlefield. If the battle or war site is at www.elizabethlyon.com. metaphor fits a character, you can expect this Fun with metaphors character to think, talk, and act consistent with Once you get the lay of the land—the land of that metaphor. metaphor that is—you will have all kinds of fun, working your word lists and phrases into Let’s take characters who see life through the the prose, planting subtle seeds that the reader viewing lens of an artist. e portrait of their Monitoring Project may sense at deep, perhaps right-brain, levels. lives will be far different from that of one on e culmination could be a wonderful harvest: a battlefield. ese artists could consider the The news isn’t great. Don’t miss “Fewer deeper and truer characterization, more shades and gradations of meaning, see life as Reviews for Women” by Nadia Gordon AKA artistry in your writing, and touching the a canvas awaiting the application of color and Julianne Balmain on page 11. reader. Like a cleansing rain or a breath of vision. What would it be like for the artist to Parity in reviews was one of the found- mountain air, your writing will refresh you and find common ground with someone who ing principles of SinC. Every member your reader. Have you guessed that I began life divides the world into the powerful and the must be concerned. on a farm? weak, into friend and foe, conquered and Get a Clue

President’s Message inSinc ...... 3 Editor’s Note the Sisters in Crime Quarterly Molly Weston ...... 3 The mission of Sisters in Crime is to promote the professional development and Chapter Highlights ...... 4 advancement of women crime writers to achieve equality in the industry. Updated Breaking & Entering L.C. Hayden ...... 5 We Love Libraries! ...... 5 Marcia Talley, President Jim Huang, Bookstore Liaison Economy vs. Publishing Cathy Pickens, Vice President/President Elect Mary Boone, Library Liaison Jessica Faust ...... 6 Mary Saums, Secretary , At Large BISG Conference Molly Weston ...... 7 Kathryn Wall, Treasurer/Authors Coalition Liaison Nancy Martin, At Large Malice Domestic ...... 8 Sandra Parshall, Chapter Liaison Julianne Balmain, Monitoring Project Agatha Nominations ...... 9 Ellen Hart, Publicity Judy Clemens, Past President Conferences & Happenings ...... 10 Lorraine Bartlett, Social Networking Guru Peggy Moody, Web Maven Fewer Reviews for Women Laurel Anderson, inSinC Proofreader Molly Weston, inSinC Editor/Layout Nadia Gordan, AKA Julianne Balmain . .11 Law and Fiction Beth Wasson, Executive Secretary, PO Box 442124, Lawrence KS 66044-8933 Leslie Budewitz ...... 12 Phone: 785.842.1325; Fax 785.856.6314; e-mail [email protected] Building Bad Guys Katherine Ramsland ...... 13 SinC into Great Writing Workshop Presidents of Sisters in Crime Judy Clemens ...... 14 1987-88 1995-96 Elaine Raco Chase 2003-04 Kate Grilley SinC Board Minutes 1988-89 1996-97 Annette Meyers 2004-05 Patricia Sprinkle Mary Saums ...... 15 1989-90 1997-98 Sue Henry 2005-06 Libby Hellmann Briefly…from Beth 1990-91 Susan Dunlap 1998-99 Medora Sale 2006-07 Rochelle Krich Beth Wasson ...... 15 1991-92 Carolyn G. Hart 1999-00 Barbara Burnett Smith 2007-08 Roberta Isleib e Docket 1992-93 P.M. Carlson 2000-01 Claire Carmichael McNab 2008-09 Judy Clemens Patricia Gulley ...... 16 1993-94 Linda Grant 2001-02 Eve K. Sandstrom 2009-10 Marcia Talley 1994-95 Barbara D’Amato 2002-03 Kate Flora 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 • Send columns, articles, high-res photos, plan. ree goals emerged from this plan. inSinc articles will be marked with ideas, praise, and story ideas via e-mail to icons to represent the appropriate goal. Molly Weston [email protected] 919.362.1436 Advocacy, monitoring, and reporting, Docket • Members’ publications since this edition will be listed in The Docket. Include Professional education and career development, and publication dates when submitting. • Honors, awards and events of great “pith and moment” should be submitted as Membership growth, networking, and forums for members. short, separate notices without publicity/ promotion of individual members. • Material for e 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 U.S. 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 independently and articles in no way constitute an endorsement of products or services offered. No material may be reprinted without written per- mission from Sisters in Crime. Sisters in Crime©2010 Marcia Speaks

t’s mid-May, and like many mystery writers, Margaret Maron, PJ Parrish, and . I’m finally catching my breath aer running With a hip new cover designed by Kelly Iwhat I’ve come to think of as the Mystery Nichols, half of the mystery-writing sister team Trifecta. Following the Edgars in New York of PJ Parrish, the informative book is a bargain City where Sisters in Crime was the guest of at $11.99 directly from the publisher. Order Mystery Writers of America Executive Vice- yours today www.lulu.com/content/paperback- President Larry Light at the awards banquet, I book/breaking-and-entering/8558738. caught an early morning train to Washington, e Sisters in Crime board met at Malice DC for the annual Malice Domestic Domestic, too—see the minutes (see p. 15) Conference, then, three days later, drove with for details—and had an informative aernoon a carload of Sisters to Oakmont, Pennsylvania brain-storming session with the chapter pres- for the fieenth annual Festival of Mystery idents organized by chapter liaison, Sandy Par- sponsored by this year’s Raven Award winners, shall. e Guppies gathered for lunch, and the Mary Alice Gorman and Richard Goldman of membership—including five goddesses— Mystery Lovers Bookshop. Sisters in Crime came together early Sunday morning for a Sis- that benefit our members, such as “SinC Into seemed to be everywhere over that long week- ters in Crime breakfast where Vice President Great Writing” at in San Francisco end, not just as participants, but as sponsors Cathy Pickens and Treasurer Kathy Wall, ably this October, a booth at the American Library (Chesapeake Chapter helped fund the hospi- fielded questions about the proposed changes Association annual convention in Washington tality suite at Malice Domestic) and volunteers to our By-Laws. (members of Pittsburgh’s Mary Roberts DC at the end of June, and the “We Love Rinehart chapter fetched, toted, and were Jills I’m pleased to report that in a record turnout, Libraries” lottery which has been so popular of All Trade at the Festival of Mystery.) the proposed changes have been overwhelm- that the Board voted to extend the program ingly approved. is decision paves the way for another year. SinC chose the occasion of the Malice Domes- for SinC’s application for tax exempt status as In the meantime, your SinC board is actively tic conference to release the revised, completely a 501 c 6 business league which, if approved updated edition of Breaking and Entering: the exploring other opportunities to forge part- by the IRS, will result in enormous savings to Road to Success. Edited by L.C. Hayden, this the organization. Instead of sending money nerships that will promote the professional trade paper edition contains articles by 27 Sis- to Uncle Sam, we will be able to fund addi- development and advancement of women ters in Crime, including , Lee tional workshops, conferences, and programs who write mysteries. Goldberg, , William Kent Krueger, Marcia Talley A Note from Molly f you looked closely at the masthead, band Bob in their lovely brownstone and we trees you’ll save! It’s simple to print a partic- you’ll see a small change. Because I’ve both attended the conference. What a treat it ular article from the PDF file you’ll receive in Ialways considered a “newsletter” to be is to stay with someone who knows where your inbox—and you can magnify the pages informal and oen non-professional, at the we’re going—especially early in the morning! easily. SinC board meeting at Malice Domestic, we For those of you who still receive inSinC via I’m delighted to welcome Kentucky member talked about a different term for inSinC. We snail mail, I urge you to consider receiving it Laurel Anderson to the inSinC team. Proof- talked about it a lot. online. ere are several excellent reasons reading one’s own work is tedious, and when Finally, as he oen does, Jim Huang made for this. You’ll get it much sooner. Bulk rate I asked Laurel to take on this task, she the suggestion we chose, “quarterly.” I hope mail is what gives “snail mail” its name. Sec- responded with alacrity—and she even you’ll all use that term when referring to ondly, you’re missing the color version. enlisted her husband Harold to help. anks, inSinC—“the Sisters in Crime quarterly.” It Another good reason to go paperless is that Andersons! you’ll save SinC the cost of printing and will certainly make me happy. I’m totally delighted to be working with this postage! I’d no more than unpacked from Malice than great organization. For years I’ve been urging I repacked and took off for New York for the Because inSinC is archived on the SinC web- folks to join SinC. Now, aer meeting so BISG conference “Making Information Pay site, you can always refer to back issues, and many more of you, I’ll be twisting their arms! 2010: Points of No Return” (see p. 7). Triss you don’t have to clutter your office with Stein invited me to stay with her and her hus- extra paper. Speaking of paper, think of the Molly Weston Chapter Highlights

ew chapters are forming in Virginia Chicagoland Chapter and Iowa. Sisters in the www.sincchicago.com Charlottesville-Richmond area, con- N e Chicagoland Chapter is experiencing tact Meredith Cole at mscfi[email protected] increased attendance and interest this year. for information about the Central Virginia Libby Hellmann conducted a workshop, Chapter. Iowa Sisters, contact Marylee Woods “Building Suspense,” and e University of at [email protected]. Chicago's Carol Fisher Saller and SinC member Alaska SinC Diane Piron-Gelman presented “e Scoop on www.aksinc.org Editing Your Manuscript: How to work with a professional editor to get the best results.” e chapter presented “e Mysteries Behind Alaska SinC,” with Dana Stabenow, Kimberley Desert Sleuths Chapter (Arizona) Gray, and Karen Laubenstein for the 50th www.desertsleuthssinc.com annual convention of the Alaska Library Asso- e Desert Sleuths Chapter will launch its sec- ciation in Anchorage. Two high school writing ond anthology, How NOT to Survive a Vacation students are receiving guidance from Sharan at the August Write Now! 2010: CrimeSEEN Newman and Kathleen Ernst in the year-long conference in Scottsdale. eMentorship Program. e Authors to the Bush program sponsored part of author Donna Florida Sisters in Crime Moore’s (Helena in a Handbasket) trip from www.floridasistersincrime.com Chicagoland members at Handguns 101 taught by Scotland April 28–May 9 to visit the Kuspuk a certified handguns instructor. School District. Elaine Viets will conduct a writer's workshop on August 7. She will discuss “Characters and e chapter continues work with partners Catching and Keeping an Agent.” e work- from the Anchorage School District Business shop is free to members of Florida Sisters in Partnership, Polaris K-12 School; the Camp- Crime or $10 for nonmembers. For more infor- bell Creek Science Center in Anchorage; the mation on this or other meetings, please visit Alaska Writer's Guild, the Alaska Center for our website. the Book, Alaska's law enforcement commu- nity, and librarians to keep people informed Chesapeake Chapter Mary Roberts Rinehart Chapter of activities. www.chessiechapter.org (Pittsburgh) www.pghsinc.com New England Chapter: Scarlet More than 50 people attended the April 10 Twelve members of the Mary Roberts Rinehart Letters launch party for Chesapeake Crimes: ey Had It Comin’ fromWildside Press. is is the fourth Chapter of Sisters in Crime gathered at Pad- www.sincne.org in the Chesapeake Crimes series which has dler’s Lane Bed and Breakfast in Confluence, e New England Chapter hosted the national garnered Agatha and Anthony Award nomi- Pennsylvania the weekend of March 12-14 for SinC booth at the American Library Associa- nations and wins. Coordinating editors of the a writers’ retreat. Freelance editor Ramona Long tion's Midwinter meeting in Boston. More than book are Donna Andrews, Barb Goffman, and was the guest presenter. Workshops covered 10,000 library professionals came by to chat, Marcia Talley. e editorial panel is Erin Bush, such topics as “Writing with Zing,” “Polishing get free books signed by our authors, and enter Megan Plyler, and Mary Augusta omas. All Short Stories,” “Character Cards,” and “Writing a raffle for a basket of books by SinC members. authors are donating royalties to SinC’s Chesa- a Pitch.” Chapter vice president Tamara Girardi peake Chapter, which hosted the launch party. presented a workshop on learning to think like Hallie Ephron (right) hosted a discussion dessert a publishing professional. Although flooding before the Scarlet Letters’ “Publishing Today” work- NorCal Chapter of the nearby Youghiogheny River threatened shop. Agent Ann Collette was a featured guest. www.sincnorcal.org to keep the group hostage longer than antici- pated, everyone enjoyed the adventure and Licensed PI and crime reporter for the San learned a few tricks and tips along the way. In Francisco Chronicle, Michael Taylor spoke at the end, the flood waters receded, permitting our March meeting. e informational, funny everyone to head home on schedule. talk ran overtime due to popular demand and questions from the audience. Joe Loya, ex-bank Submit chapter news by July 10 for the September robber turned author, was our April speaker. issue to Molly Weston at [email protected]. Updated Breaking & Entering! by L. C. Hayden

isters in Crime is pleased to announce The writer’s career the release of the revised, updated edi- Say an author meets with success and a major Stion of Breaking and Entering: the Road New York company releases her books. to Success. Edited by L. C. Hayden, the trade • What if the sales are low? paperback edition contains articles by 27 • What if her agent and/or editor decide to Sisters. drop her? Breaking and Entering addresses three major • What are her choices then? concerns. • What about breaking and entering into TV? Pre-Writing e trade paperback edition is available on the SinC website at sistersincrime.org. Log in • How to get organized? and look for publications on the drop-down • What will help the will-be author’s writing menu. Cost is only $11.99 plus shipping. e career? electronic version at $1.99 is available at the Hayden is also a popular speaker. She presents work- • What decisions should be made before writ- bottom of that page. shops, speaks to clubs, and major cruise lines have ing begins? hired her to speak about writing while cruising all Decisions L. C. Hayden is the author of the popular Harry over the world. In 2006–7, Hayden hosted Mystery Bronson series. Her newest release is When Death Writers of America’s only talk show, Murder Must Air. • Do you need an agent? How do you go about Intervenes. Her previous Bronson mystery, Why getting one? Casey Had to Die, was an Agatha Finalist for Best • What are the publication options? Novel, received the Best of the Best Award, and was • How do you get your name out there? a Pennsylvania Top 40 Pick. • What are some things you shouldn’t do?

We Love Libraries!

ntries are pouring in for the We Love Libraries! lottery, but there’s still time to get your favorite library entered. Remember, just go to the Sisters in Crime website at www.sis- Etersincrime.org. e link to the We Love Libraries! lottery is in the first paragraph. Winner of the February drawing was the Kraemer Family Library at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs CO and the winner of the March drawing was the Pineville-Bell County Public Library in Pineville KY.

Librarians at the Kraemer Family Library (left) at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and the Pineville-Bell County Public Library (above) are always glad to recommend that readers “SinC into a Good Mystery!” Economy vs. Publishing by Jessica Faust

here’s no doubt about it—the economy is or experienced author with a new idea, to sell affecting everyone. Publishers are cutting that book you need to wow editors with some- Tback both in the amount of money thing distinctly different, primarily because they’re offering for books and in the numbers readers must be drawn in by some element that of books they are buying. at said, the very helps them find the book best way for an agent to make money is not What’s a hook? It’s the group in a cozy about necessarily by selling a lot of books. Sure, church groups that appeals to fans who advances are great, but as any published author are members of their own church group. It’s the will tell you, the real money is in royalties and unique hero, such as a wild land firefighter, subsidiary rights sales. e authors an agent in a romantic suspense. It’s something that really wants on her list are those who have writ- grabs a reader’s attention besides just writing a ten books that continue to sell and sell and sell great mystery. I’m simply looking for great, marketable, and that earn royalties year aer year—authors saleable books. who are almost guaranteed sales on future Does nonfiction sell better than fiction? If so, books and continue to make money on past would mysteries dealing with specific social ele- Many members of SinC have written successfully books. An advance comes once; real success is ments help them sell better than those with purely for the YA audience. Would they be advised to when royalties come for years. good stories? transfer their mystery-writing skills to that audi- I don’t think so. I have found that in tough times ence by writing mysteries for kids and YA? at same logic holds true for authors. While I oen have better luck selling some nonfiction I don’t really. I think the trend for YA is very it’s certainly amazing to get that first contract, because it’s less subjective. I think it goes back much entrenched in paranormal right now. and any contract that follows, your goal is to to my statement about a hook. Writing a good Either way, I would never recommend anyone become a career novelist, the kind who con- book with a really unique hook that will appeal chase a trend, no matter what your previous tinues to write and publish for years to come to readers takes some of the guesswork out of experience might have been. Write the books and who continues to earn royalties on those publishing for editors and agents. In other you really want to write. Chasing trends never first books. words, it helps make the book an easier sell to does anyone any good. By the time you finish Mystery, thrillers, suspense, in any of the areas readers and, hopefully, removes some of the risk the book the trend will be gone. the members of SinC are writing, lend them- for the rest of us. e most important thing to remember right selves perfectly to long writing careers, primarily Let me use Sheila Connolly, a SinC member, now is to write really good books. at’s always because most of you are writing series. Ask any as my example. Her successful Orchard Series the thing to remember, no matter what the of your fellow writers with a successful series. mysteries feature an investment banker turned economy looks like. I know everyone is talking It’s a great way to build a career. If a series takes orchard owner. ere’s no doubt the series is about these tough economic times, but in the off you’ll not only be earning advances on new well written, but it also has a hook that editors past four months I have sold four brand new contracts, but for years to come you’ll be earning strongly believe will appeal to cozy mystery mystery series, some by new authors. at does royalties on those earlier books. readers. An apple orchard fits with many other not seem like an economic meltdown to me! successful hooks. What if Sheila submitted this One thing I’m sure you’re looking to learn is Jessica Faust is a literary agent and owner of how the economic climate is affecting the book series but le her protagonist working at the BookEnds Literary Agency where she represents you’re writing now. Is it affecting mysteries, Boston bank? I can almost guarantee she award-winning and bestselling authors in mystery, thrillers, suspense, etc? Honestly, I don’t feel that would not have found her audience. Why? romance, women’s fiction, thrillers, fantasy and non- individual genres have seen any real change in Few cozy readers are interested enough in the fiction. She has been a regular columnist with the way they’re selling just because we’ve been workings of investment banking to even give Romantic Times magazine, taught at New York in an economic slowdown. Mystery readers are her series a try. It just isn’t a hook that would University's Continuing Education Program, and was recognized as Agent of the Year by the NYC Romance still reading mysteries and suspense readers are suit her audience. Writers of America chapter. She is asked regularly to still reading suspense. Job loss and other finan- So, yes, specific social elements become hooks speak at writers' conferences throughout the world. cial stresses are not impacting only readers of which sell a lot better than simple good stories. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, specific genres, they’re impacting readers across Mystery Writers of America, and the Association of the board, so any slump is universal. Is there a difference in the way agents and pub- Authors’ Representatives. lishers respond to books written by either gender? The hook How are they different to represent? In addition to her work as an agent, Jessica main- As far as writers are concerned, market is as Agents and publishers just want a good book tains daily blog posts where she regularly dispenses strong as it can be in today’s economic climate they can sell. If they feel the audience might advice on publishing. http://www.bookendslitagency.blogspot.comw for all areas of mystery, as long as you have a relate better by thinking the author is of the ww.bookendslitagency.blogspot.com. strong hook. I don’t think this has changed any other gender they might ask for a pseudonym, in the past few years. Whether one is a debut but when it comes to looking for new projects BISG Conference: Point of No Return by Molly Weston

he point of no return for e-publishing is of what we do, not a replacement,” he said. His ers are in the billions, and mobile readers (usu- past. Nearly every speaker at the 7TH baseline assumption, “e world of publishing ally high-speed phones) are in the many bil- T“Making Informaltion Pay” conference is changing. Get over it,” was soened by reit- lions. Because customers are becoming more sponsored by the Book Industry Group (BISG) erating that change equals opportunity, that varied and demanding, publishing must look echoed this sentiment. Scott Lubeck, BISG exec- change must be controlled—not simply for to new methods. utive director suggested the traditional linear change itself. Everyone must “understand that Lossius embraced the opportunity e-publishing publishing supply chain (linked, transparent, an environment that tolerates failure is critical gives to the industry, “e e-book reader…is navigable, and one dimensional) has become to change and growth.” e old “we tried that an opportunity to sustain revenues by replicat- more like a super, multi-dimensional Rubik’s once and it didn’t work,” must be looked at to ing what we have today. e iPhone/iTouch Cube. Consumer empowerment is key in see why it didn’t work and how it could be and iPad provide opportunities to enrich con- changing the concept, and e-publishing is here better implemented. tent—extensively and inexpensively.” e digital to stay. White talked about the impact of change on [computer] reader and mobile consumers offer e New York conference participants heard several groups, but important to SinC members “an opportunity to increase market and rev- from 13 speakers from several aspects of the is that getting close to the customer is not just enues but rely on creative awareness of con- industry. While many presentations were nice, but imperative. sumption opportunities, understanding your directed toward publishers, much of the infor- content, collecting, grouping and modeling David Guenette of the Gilbane Group pre- mation affects authors and the new concepts your consumers, and the speed of delivery and sented “e Seven Pitfalls of Not Being Ready inherent in digital publishing. Presentation low cost…” for Digital Transformation.” Two of those slides are at www. slideshare.net/event/mak- should influence the way authors think about He talked about the consequences of hesitation ing-information-pay-2010/slideshows. their work to plunge into the online world. Not under- Kelly Gallagher of Bowkerspoke about points standing “who your customers are, what they Planning of no return from a consumer perspective, want, and how they want to buy it means you Publishers (and authors) must surrender the emphasizing three significant impacts: can’t sell your wonderful content.” is holds now outdated “print-centric” planning model true for authors as well as publishers. Proliferation of choice & access to content which doesn’t acknowledge digital products In the new book demand chain, customers are cost or revenue. e aer-the-fact model Phil Madans of Hachette proposed a multi- kings and queens who define their marketplace ignores many opportunities, including digital- purpose theory, “One, and only one, instance of 24-7-365 service. only products. of the content will be stored in a digital format, which can be transformed into any number of Going digital changes everything Hardcover products, physical or digital, at any time—or In 2009, 44% of e-books were bought online, Paperback at the same time. ink outside the page.” His 19% in other shops, 17% via direct mail, and Large print next slide offered three headings under “con- 12% in chain bookstores. Only 4% were bought Mobile tent”: authoring, editing, describing. (It’s obvi- in independents. e remaining 4% was divided Web ous that authors could take an active role in between mass merchandisers and supermarkets. Enhanced eBook offering suggestions for describing.) ??? e e-device market is crowded and changing Matthew Baldacci, VP and Associate Publisher rapidly. New entries have undoubtedly changed Thinking Beyond the Hardcover at St. Martin’s Press offered a definite positive the figures dramatically. (e Apple iPad sold Sales and licensing for authors by saying, “11,000 eBooks sold a million twice as rapidly as the iPhone.) He stressed that these processes are recursive 30,000 hardcovers.” He contrasted best-selling Shifting communication mediums and complex, and that they’re not always inte- Jackie Collins’ marketing efforts. In the past, Online influence has outdistanced traditional grated. He said that oen publishers are simply they included “tour, TV ads, floor dumps, print print/media in every age category, with the not ready for the digital age because they are ads, and discounting.” Her present priorities largest difference in the 30-55 year-old category. still thinking about legacy product models and are “tour, on-line ads, social networking, print e growth of book buyers engaged in social are therefore not agile enough to respond ads, and placement.” Baldacci shared St. Martin’s networks increased from 60% in Quarter 1 of appropriately to new technologies. “e more marketing and sales numbers, “Digital com- 2009 to 69% in Quarter 1 of 2010. In the same digital publishing processes inter-operate, the prises 25% of spending…and some digital sales time period, Facebook buyers climbed from 60- less publishing stays the same.” equal 30% of hardcover sales.” –90%; LinkedIn from 10–14%; and Twitter George Lossius, CEO of Publishing Technol- e consensus of the speakers was obvious: from 8–18%. MySpace declined from 60–30%. ogy offered a look at the e-publishing frame- E-publishing is here to stay. Everyone in the Jabin White of Wolters Kluwer Health talked work. While many people are concerned about industry from authors to publishers to book- about the practical approach to change and its the Kindles, Nooks, and iPads, he showed their store people now need to recognize—even impact on people. “Technology is an ‘enabler’ numbers are merely in the millions, web read- embrace—the technology and use it effectively. If Traditional Mysteries Are Your Cup of Tea… Malice Domestic XXII

isters in Crime members were prominent at the twenty-second Malice Domestic Conference in Arlington VA , April 30–May 2. received the lifetime achievement award, Rhys Bowen was toastmaster, and fieen of the Agatha nominees are members. A Brother Sand a Sister were vendors. Many members served as author hosts at the Saturday night banquet. row in the three meetings on Friday and the Sunday morning SinC breakfast and it’s easy to see why one couldn’t board an elevator without encountering a SinC member.

Hank Phillipi Ryan, Marcia Talley, Stephanie Pintoff, and chatted before the banquet. Vicky Delany and Mary Jane Maffini were part of the Canadian delegation. Always charming, Mary Higgins Clark received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

California authors Diana Orgain and Goddess Barb D’Amato The sign says it all!

Cathy Pickens explained the Bylaws changes—several times!

Louise Penny, Agatha winner for best novel, and Rhys Bowen, toastmaster are joined by Beth Groundwater and Goddess their husbands. Nancy Pickard at SinC Breakfast

All dressed up and to the banquet we go! 2009 Agatha Nominees Winners are in bold. Best Novel Swan for the Money by Donna Andrews* Enid Schanz of the Rue Morgue (St. Martin’s Minotaur) Bookplate Special by Lorna Barrett* (Berkley Prime Where to look first? At Ellen Crime) Hart’s crime scene scarf or her Royal Flush by Rhys Bowen* (Berkley Prime iPad demo? Crime) A Brutal Telling by (Minotaur Books) Air Time by * (MIRA) Best First Novel For Better for Murderby Lisa Bork* (Midnight Ink) e Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by (Delacorte Press) Posed for Murder by Meredith Cole* (St. Martin’s Minotaur) Kaye George smiled e Cold Light of Mourning by Elizabeth Duncan all weekend! (St. Martin’s Press) In the Shadow of Gotham by Stefanie Pintoff* Looking good for the banquet makes the food taste better! (Minotaur Books) Best Non-fiction Duchess of Deathby Richard Hack (Phoenix Books) Talking About Detective Fiction by P. D. James (Knopf) Blood on the Stage by 1925-1950 by Amnon Kabatchnik (Scarecrow Press) Dame Agatha’s Shortsby Elena Santangelo* (Bella Rosa Books) e Talented Miss Highsmith by Joan Schenkar (St. Martin’s Press) Toni L.P. Kelner and Sheila Connolly Best Short Story “Femme Sole” by * in Boston Noir (Akashic Books) Victoria Thompson got “Handbaskets, Drawers and a Killer Cold” by Kaye into her characters! George* in Crooked ezine “e Worst Noel” by Barb Goffman* in e Gi of Murder (Wolfmont Press) “On the House” by Hank Phillippi Ryan* in Quarry (Level Best Books) “Death Will Trim Your Tree” by Elizabeth Zelvin* in e Gi of Murder (Wolfmont Press) Best Children's/Young Adult Goddess e Morgue and Me by John C. Ford (Viking and Dana Cameron Juvenile) e Hanging Hill by Chris Grabenstein* (Random Pat Remick and Liz Zelvin House) e Case of the Poisoned Pig by Lewis B. Montgomery (Kane Press) The Other Side of Blue by Valerie O. Patterson* (Clarion Books) Goddess Eve Sandstrom AKA e Case of the Cryptic Crinolineby Nancy Springer Joanna Carl and RJ Harlick (Philomel)

*SinC Member Conferences & Happenings

Deadly Ink Conference Book Passage Mystery Writers Writers’ Police Academy Parsippany NJ • June 25–27 Conference Jamestown NC • September 24–26 e conference will be held at the castle-like Corte Madera CA • July 22– 26 e “most hands-on, interactive and educa- Parsippany Sheraton Hotel. Guest of honor is e conference will cover everything mystery tional experience writers can find to enhance Gillian Roberts; toastmaster is Cheryl Solimini. writers need—from developing ideas and writ- understanding of law enforcement and foren- Joining several mystery authors will be experts ing skills to finding a publisher. Sponsored by sics” will feature Jeffrey Deaver, NYC Medical on the realities of police work and medical the Book Passage bookstore, this year’s faculty Examiner Jonathan Hayes, and many police forensics. Mystery Writers of America NY will include Michael Connelly, Sheldon Siegel, academy instructors from Guilford Technical Chapter will have a special panel and is a spon- , and many more. Community College and Public Safety sor of a Sunday Brunch. SinC Central Jersey Complete information can be found at the Training Academy. For information and regis- will host a Saturday aernoon tea. More infor- website www.bookpassage.com. tration visit www.writerspoliceacademy.com. mation is at www.deadlyink.com. Mystery Florida Magna cum Murder Chicagoland SinC Morgue Tour Sarasota FL • August 12–14 Muncie IN • October 29– 31 Waukegan IL • July TBA "e conference to die for” offers one day dedi- e “house party for 300 of your closest friends,” will be at the Horizon Convention in e Lake County IL deputy coroner will cated to seminars and panels directed at people downtown Muncie IN. Charles and Caroline give a talk and tour of the Waukegan facility in who write or want to write but can't seem to get Todd will be guests of honor at the 14TH Ball July. e event is free and open to all SinC past the manuscript stage. e second day is State University event. e all-inclusive regis- members. Pre-registration details at www.sinc- devoted to panels by well-known Florida mys- tery writers who will discuss the ins and outs of tration of $215 is due by October 1. See the chicago.com. writing in their genre. e event will be at the website at www.magnacummurder.com. ThrillerFest V Hyatt Regency Sarasota. Conference details and registration information can be found at Bouchercon 2010 New York NY • July 7– 10 www.mysteryflorida.com. San Francisco CA • October 14– 18 e Grand Hyatt will host the “summer camp e Wold Mystery Fan Convention honorees for thriller readers, fans, writers and industry St. Hilda’s will be Lee Child, for distinguished contribu- professionals.” e conference sponsored by Oxford UK • August 13–15 tion to the genre; Denise Mina, international the International riller Writers will feature The St. Hilda’s Crime and Mystery week- guest of honor; Laurie R. King, American guest Ken Follett as thrillermaster. Other special end will be at St. Hilda’s College, Oxford of honor; Eddie Muller, toastmaster; and guests are Harlan Coben, Gayle Lynds, Lisa UK. [email protected] is the Maddy Van Hertbruggen, fan guest of honor. Scottoline, and David Morrell. On-line regis- contact. Telephone 01865 373753. e conference hotel is the Hyatt Regency San tration can be found at www.thrillerwriters. Francisco. Registration is $195. Complete org/thrillerfest. Write Now! 2010: CrimeSEEN details may be found at www.bcon2010.com. Scottsdale AZ • August 14 Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Love Is Murder e stellar lineup includes, among others, James Writing Festival (AKA Harrogate) Chicago IL • February 4–6, 2011 O. Born, Robin Burcell and Sheila Lowe. Reg- Harrogate UK • July 23 –25 Love is Murder NPO, provides an educational istration is open at www.desertsleuths.com. e recently refurbished 300-year-old Crown forum to writers and readers to further their Hotel is home to the self-proclaimed “biggest Killer Nashville knowledge of writing, publishing, and the busi- and best crime fiction Festival in Europe.” ness of book production. Featured authors Nashville TN • August 20–22 Joining Programme Chair Stuart MacBride include Rhys Bowen, Joseph Finder, Carolyn ree days with authors, forensics, contacts, will be Ian Rankin, Christopher Brookmyre, Haines, Joan Johnston, Jon Land, and F. Paul and publishing! Special guest of honor Jeffrey Jeffrey Deaver, Joanne Harris, Jeff Lindsay, and Wilson. Local guest of honor is Michael Allen Deaver. Check out the website at www.killer- Karin Slaughter. Further information is avail- Dymmoch. See www.loveismurder.net or call nashville.com. able at www.harrogate-festival.org.uk/crime. 773.774.3372. Cape Fear Crime Festival Conferences & Workshops Wilmington NC • February 5, 2011 Join your fellow authors to work on better ways Please send all conference and workshop information, including those sponsored by SinC chap- ters, directy to Molly Weston, inSinC editor at [email protected]. Include conference name, to create the perfect crime, the perfect market- date, location, brief description, contact information, and website. Please include “Conference” or ing strategy and a "knock 'em dead" approach “Workshop” in the subject line. Deadline for October is August 15. for contacting publishers and agents. Author events are free to readers. Details are at www.capefearcrimefestival2.com. Fewer Reviews for Women by Nadia Gordon, AKA Julianne Balmain

or more than twenty years, Sisters in and Romantic Times, coming in at 78% (down Review Percentages 2009 Crime has tracked reviews of mystery from 82% in 2008). Fnovels in magazines and newspapers In 2008, 53% of reviews in the Seattle Times & Publication Men Women across the US. is year, our team of nearly 40 Annapolis Capital 33 67 Post Intelligencercovered books by women, but Arkansas Democrat-Gazette 79 21 volunteer monitors diligently tallied the in 2009, it fell to a mere six percent of the year’s number of reviews in their respective publica- Baltimore Sun 65 35 16 reviews. Meanwhile, the “Read-It-First” pro- Booklist 63 37 tions, noting how many mystery novels gram from St. Martin’s Press featured new mys- Boston Globe 64 36 (loosely defined) written by men and how tery novels by women 65% of the time. Contra Costa Times 36 64 many written by women were reviewed. Council Bluffs Nonpareil 67 33 ough the final numbers for 2009 appear in Publications heavily weighted toward mystery Crimespree 69 31 the accompanying table, it’s worth calling out novels written by men included Ellery Queen Daily Press, Newport VA 76 24 several notable entries as well as a few addi- at 76% male authors, NPR Radio at 76%, Powell’s Dallas Morning News 79 21 tional statistics. Daily Reviews at 72%, the St. Louis Post-Dis- Deadly Pleasures* 62 38 patch at 75%, and the Washington Post at 79%. Detroit Free Press 100 0 Overall, among the 42 publications for which Of the dozen mysteries reviewed by the Detroit Ellery Queen 76 24 we have complete data (not including St. Mar- Free Press last year, all were by men. In all, 16 Entertainment Weekly 72 28 tin’s Press “Read-It-First” program), the per- outlets devoted 75% or more of their reviews Hartford Courant 54 46 Houston Chronicle 66 34 centage split was approximately 67% male writ- to books written by men. At the Los Angeles ers versus 33% female, a four-point shi from Indianapolis Star 76 24 Times, reviews of mystery novels covered books Kansas City Star 71 29 2008’s 63% male and 37% female. Based on by men 82% of the time. the annual book-length fiction submissions for Kirkus Reviews 53 47 Knoxville Sentinel 67 33 the 2010 Mystery Writers of America’s Edgar Several publications—particularly industry publications covering many books—achieved Library Journal 55 45 Awards, the overall split in mystery novels pub- Los Angeles Times 82 18 lished by men and women in 2009 was nearly near parity. ese included Mystery Scene and Missoulian 79 21 equal, with approximately 51% of published Kirkus Reviews at 53% male authors each, Mystery News* 54 46 mystery novels written by men. (e split goes Library Journal at 55%, and Publishers Weekly Mystery Scene 53 47 up to about 56% male authors if you include at 59%. New Orleans Times-Picayune* 65 35 new hardcovers only, down from 59% in 2008.) New York Times Book Review 66 34 Project purpose New Yorker 75 25 Of the 46 publications tracked, only three e purpose of the monitoring project is to NPR Radio 75 25 reviewed more books by women than by men observe and quantify review coverage of the Omaha World-Herald* 54 46 (down from six in 2008), namely the San Fran- mystery genre in order to make a more Orlando Sentinel 65 35 cisco Bay Area’s Contra Costa Times at 66% informed assessment of the progress of profes- People 52 48 (down from 73% in 2008), the Annapolis Cap- sional women writers in the field, and to share Powell's Daily Reviews 72 28 ital, which reviewed only three mysteries total, our findings with our membership and the Publishers Weekly 59 41 Romantic Times 22 78 media. I sincerely thank our team of monitors San Antonio Express-News 79 21 for their valuable time, resourcefulness, and San Francisco Chronicle 75 25 good cheer. If you would like to become a San Jose Mercury News 82 18 monitor, suggest a new publication to track, or Seattle Times/Post Intelligencer 94 6 share your comments, please visit the Sisters in St. Louis Post-Dispatch 74 26 Crime website and click on Monitoring Project St. Martin’s Press “Read-It-First” 35 65 in the News & Press Room to send an email. Star Tribune, Minn. MN 67 33 In 2010, we hope to add several online publi- Strand 63 37 cations to the roster. Please join us; we need Sunday Oregonian 66 34 Toronto Globe & Mail 67 33 your help! Washington Post 79 21 Julianne Balmain has built a diverse career as a Winston-Salem Journal 74 26 writer of everything from fiction to humor to books about love and relationships and even marketing *Included are four publications for which one communications for leading companies. Nadia quarter of data was still missing at press time. Gordon, on the other hand, cares only about food, Percentages for the New Yorker and the San wine, and the goings on of wine country. One Francisco Chroniclereflect just four reviews each woman. Two writers. Go figure. for the year. Law & Fiction Getting Facts Straight By Leslie Budewitz

ho can represent defendants in the defendant’s ability to understand the charges death penalty cases? A writer and help with his own defense—and mental Wreminds me that a subplot in the illness. A high percentage of capital defendants movie My Cousin Vinnie involves the qualifi- suffer from some degree of mental illness. cations of an out-of-state lawyer hired to rep- Lawyers on both sides—and judges—must resent the defendant in a death penalty case. evaluate whether mental illness is a defense in So, she asks, what are those qualifications? the case, a factor in sentencing, both, or neither. Federal courts and most states with the death e enormous responsibilities of defending penalty require that when a defendant is capital cases place huge pressures on counsel— charged with a crime eligible for the death emotional and psychological pressure, as well penalty, at least one member of the defense as the need to organize their time, case files, team must meet certain standards. Although and staff efficiently. prosecutors are not required to declare whether • Experience and skill working with expert wit- they will seek the death penalty when they file Finding the skills nesses, especially on issues such as forensics, Such highly specialized skills can be hard to DNA charges, the American Bar Association’s (ABA) , ballistics, and psychiatry; 2003 Guidelines recommend that qualified find. In a recent Montana case, prosecutors • Skill in research, analysis, and draing docu- counsel be appointed as soon aer arrest as considered seeking the death penalty against ments, and in oral advocacy; possible—even before the defendant has been two suspects in a triple murder in a small town • Skill in investigating, preparing, and present- formally charged or found eligible for a public near Missoula. But our low population means ing evidence on mental status; death penalty cases are uncommon, and suffi- defense. As far back as 1932, the US Supreme • Experience managing complex cases, includ- Court acknowledged that a person facing crim- cient experience is hard to find. So, both defen- ing staff (other lawyers, investigators, and inal charges “requires the guiding hand of dants were appointed an out-of-state lawyer clerical personnel), physical evidence, and counsel at every step in the proceedings against with death penalty experience to work with an documentation; him.” experienced Montana criminal lawyer. • Experience investigating and presenting miti- gating factors, i.e., aspects of the case and the Why? What of a defendant who chooses to represent himself? I’ve written about pro se defendants defendant’s life that warrant a sentence less Because the stakes are never higher. e pri- before (see the Questions of the Month on my than death; mary goals, of course, are to make sure that the website), but the death penalty complicates the • Ability to work and communicate with a process is fair, that convictions are reliable, and issue. e defendant’s mental status and com- client who may be mentally impaired or that the sentence imposed is appropriate. A petence to represent himself is crucial—and socially dysfunctional; and, great deal of recent publicity has underscored for that reason, pro se capital cases are rare. • A limited workload. the too-frequent inequities and outright errors Backup or standby counsel will be appointed I would add empathy, unquestionable ethics, in capital—that is, death penalty—cases. ose to assist and advise the defendant, and to take and a passion for justice. cases involve many of the same decisions and over if necessary. issues as other criminal cases—issues of witness e ABA Guidelines for the Appointment and credibility, forensics, aggravating and mitigating So what is required to be a capital defense Performance of Counsel in Death Penalty Cases factors in sentencing. But in capital cases, those lawyer? e federal courts have adopted a spe- (rev. 2003) can be found at issues may be more critical and controversial. cific procedure for certification, as have many http://www.abanet.org/deathpenalty/resources Other frequent issues: Should the defendant states, following the ABA Guidelines. I can’t /docs/2003Guidelines.pdf. undergo a psychiatric examination? How begin to summarize the various rules, but at Leslie Budewitz is a practicing lawyer and a should potential jurors be questioned about the minimum, they involve the following con- fiction writer. For more columns and help on get- their attitudes toward capital punishment? siderations: ting the law right in your stories, visit her website, Should the method of execution be challenged? • Experience preparing, negotiating, and trying www.LawandFiction.com. complex criminal cases, preferably including As the law evolves—and it always does—keep- other capital cases; ing up gets harder. Capital cases oen involve • Knowledge of the applicable law, both sub- psychiatric issues not present in other cases. stantive and procedural; Prosecutors and defense counsel need a work- ing knowledge of both mental competence— Building Bad Guys by Katherine Ramsland, PHD

erial killer Ted Bundy once said, “I • Psychopaths hide their dark sides until they have known people who radiate vul- get their target person deeply involved. Too Snerability. eir facial expression says, much flattery, feigned kindness, and inconsis- ‘I am afraid of you.’ ese people invite tent stories should provide clues and put you abuse… By expecting to be hurt, do they on guard. subtly encourage it?” • Predators will try to make you feel obligated by performing an uninvited kindness or con- Most of us know that easy marks give off fiding a “secret.” signals, but rarely do we consider the signals • Psychopaths tend to like control, so if the that predators display. It’s true that they suc- social rules you express are unclear or weak, ceed by studying us, but we can be watchful, they’ll spot the loopholes and take advantage. too. Knowing their behaviors can save your life, but in fiction it can also help you add Traits and behaviors dimension and credibility to your villains. Givens offers the most sustained and diverse Applying a few subtle gestures or manner- traits and behaviors as he depicts liars, isms can show profoundly who they are and swindlers, double-dealers, pedophiles, and what they’re up to. Subliminal hints can killers. Like Hare, he describes how predators closer. When matched with calculated body convey a lot. can be overly friendly, flamboyant, and quick language, voice tones are doubly effective. Red alerts to engage in inappropriate intimacy. eir hand gestures may have a rehearsed quality or A behavioral chain may occur just before an ere are many guides about “reading be absent altogether, and their eyes may lack explosive assault: e face may change color people” and some provide lists of red alert the emotion that they’re expressing. (Bundy, (sudden pallor or rapid reddening) or develop behaviors. Among the best references are for example, tried to persuade people to a moist sheen, and arteries may bulge. e Robert Hare’s Without Conscience, David believe that he, too, was a victim, but his eyes cheek may tighten and lips slightly part. Givens’ Crime Signals, and Gavin de Becker’s radiated manipulation.) When feeling threatened, the eyes narrow, e Gi of Fear. “Charm,” says de Becker, “is but during anger or excitement they widen, almost always a directed instrument, ere may be subtle self-stimulation with and blinking increases. All of this coupled which…has motive. To charm is to compel hands and fingers (especially touching the with sudden silence is the cue to get out of by allure or attraction.” mouth), or lightly touching of the potential there—fast! victim (“preemptive tactile contact”) during When Hare published Without Conscience, a request. “A touch adds feeling,” Givens says, Rapist, terrorists, serial killers, sexual preda- he knew there were few support groups for “to make the matter more personal.” Touch- tors, or violent partners oen wear their intent victims of psychopaths and he thought we ing another conveys fondness, which oen on their sleeve, so to speak. Our bodies are should all learn what to look for; thus, he disarms, but self-touching signals deception. programmed for expression, and while pol- wrote it in a book. Among his suggestions In addition, the rhythmic repetition of ges- ished predators can erase some of this from are the following: tures adds a hypnotic quality; this captures their repertoire, they can’t remove it all. Even • Try not to be influenced by “props”—the our attention and deflects us from the preda- as they’re watching their prey, their prey can winning smile, the promises, the fast talk, tor’s intent. be watching them. and the gis meant to deflect you from the manipulation and exploitation that may be Voice tones are a subtle but powerful part of Katherine Ramsland is a writer, professor of occurring. “Any of these characteristics,” he the arsenal. ey can be dominating, intimate, forensic psychology and former therapist. Among her 37 books are The Human Predator writes, “can have enormous sleight-of-hand and inviting all at once, gradually entrancing and The Forensic Psychology of Criminal value, serving to distract you from the indi- the target. An accent can have this effect, as Minds. She has also published 16 short stories vidual’s real message.” can a deep voice. A quiet voice tone draws you and more than 900 articles. SinC into Great Writing Workshop: Manuscript Makeover from Rough Draft to Ready by Judy Clemens

n October of last year 110 enthusiastic Sisters and Brothers in crime met the day before the Indianapolis Bouchercon for SinC’s first annual SinC into Great Writing workshop. We spent Ian inspirational (and exhausting!) day toiling on manuscripts and learning how to “put the fire in our fiction.” Many people expressed their heartfelt desire to attend such a workshop again. We heard your wishes, and we have good news! is year SinC is sponsoring its second annual SinC into Great Writing workshop on October 13, the day preceding the San Francisco Bouchercon. “Manuscript Makeover: From Rough Dra to Ready” will be led and taught by the very talented and experienced Elizabeth Lyons. Elizabeth is the best-selling author of six books on writing fiction, nonfiction, revision, and marketing: Manuscript Makeover, A Writer’s Guide to Fiction, e Sell Your Novel Tool Kit, Non- fiction Book Proposals Anybody Can Write, e Writer’s Guide to Nonfiction, and National Direc- tory of Editors & Writers. e December issue of e Writer magazine selected Manuscript Makeover as one of “10 Great Writing Books in 2008” and “perhaps the most comprehensive book on revising fiction.” Lyon has worked as a freelance book editor since 1988. Her editing clients have published more than 60 books—nonfiction and novels. We are so pleased to welcome Elizabeth as our teacher for the day. We will be just as pleased to see you there. Come ready to work and to go away burning with determination and excitement. Let’s all SinC into Great Writing!

Judy Clemens is the author of the Agatha- and-Anthony nominated Stella Crown series, Lost Sons, and Embrace the Grim Reaper. She is the Registration Online Only past president of Sisters in Crime. Judy writes about Harley-Davidson Sisters in Crime members have a great Check in will begin at 12:30 PM in front opportunity to attend a first-rate work- riders in the Stella Crown series because, of the workshop room. An e-mail will be “I am weary of bikers always being por- shop at a discounted price! Sisters in sent to you with the room name at a later trayed as villains…They are simply nice Crime has reduced the workshop, “Man- date. Special dietary requests will be hon- folks who love the feel of the wind in uscript Makeover: From Rough Draft to ored. Please e-mail Beth at sistersin- their hair and the rumble of their bikes Ready,” for its members. The event will [email protected] with your request. in their ears.” begin at 1:00 pm and last until 8:00 pm. SinC Into Great Writing 2010! is spon- The cost for the entire workshop, includ- sored by Sisters in Crime. Sisters in Crime ing dinner and a coffee break, is $50.00 will not be able to issue refunds. for SinC members. The charge for non- members is $150.00, so urge writing Registration for Bouchercon is not friends to join Sisters in Crime and save required to attend this one-day work- money! shop. Registration for this event does not include Bouchercon registration. To make To register, visit www.sistersincrime.org reservations for Bouchercon by the Bay, and click on “SinC Into Great Writing visit www.bcon2010.com/welcome.php. 2010!” on the home page. Registration You will be able to receive the conference for SinC into Great Writing 2010! must rate for your hotel room if you need to be done online. come in a day early. All arrangements Deadline for registration is October 1, need to be made with the Hyatt Regency 2010. Registration is limited to 120— sanfranciscoregency.hyatt.com/hyatt/ho and spots fill up fast. tels/index.jsp. SinC Board Minutes by Mary Saums

Malice Domestic statistician, or other person. He will look into April 30, 2010 • 9:00 AM writing such a grant and report to the board. Briefly…from Beth Voting members in attendance—Marcia Talley, Nancy proposed that the board re-examine Cathy Pickens, Ellen Hart, Sandra Parshall, our policy on reimbursing board members' Julianne Balmain, Jim Huang, Nancy Martin, travel expenses to board meetings. Aer dis- American Library Association Mary Boone, Mary Saums cussion, she moved that board members SinC author members living near or visiting Board members not in attendance—Charlaine should receive transportation and two nights’ the DC area this summer are invited to par- ticipate in the SinC booth at the ALA Annual Harris, Judy Clemens hotel costs for one board meeting per year. Kathy Wall seconded, and the motion carried Conference, Friday June 25–Monday June Non-voting members in attendance—Lorraine unanimously. 28. Authors who wish to give away and sign Bartlett, Molly Weston, Kathy Wall, Triss Stein, books while in the booth are responsible for Beth Wasson Triss Stein spoke to us about the work she has getting the books to the conference (1 box been doing to find the company best suited of books is more than generous!). Lorraine Bartlett talked about her work online for our proposed marketing research survey. To schedule a time in the booth, interested with our website blog, Facebook, and MySpace. We agreed that Bowker would fit our purposes SinC authors should contact Mary Boone at She pointed out that though the demographics best, and a committee was formed to work [email protected]. For members who of MySpace have changed, it remains a good with Triss. Cathy Pickens moved that we cannot come to the conference but wish to tool for our members in reaching libraries and approve Bowker, dependant on the committee's be represented, promotional materials book buyers. go-ahead, Mary Boone seconded, and the (50–75 copies of one item, e.g. bookmarks motion carried unanimously. or business cards) can be sent to Mary in Treasurer Kathy Wall reported that SinC care of the conference. Anyone interested remains in very good shape financially despite Molly Weston spoke to us about her new job in doing this should email Mary for the the large tax payments for 2009. Discussions as newsletter editor. We discussed changes she details. Note: Mary’s email address is new. included Author Coalition funds, future invest- suggested, including ways to improve print- ment possibilities, the use of Author Coalition to-mail time. funds at conferences and at the chapter level, Due to time constraints, we agreed to continue Annual SinC Bouchercon and hiring a PR person. Nancy Martin moved that we increase the advertising budget to cover aer the Chapter Presidents’ meeting and the Gathering/Business Meeting Communicating with Chapters’ meeting. PR costs. e motion was seconded by Cathy Stay tuned! SinC will have a social gathering Pickens, and the motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 12:10 PM. and a business meeting during Bouchercon by the Bay. The plans are not firm yet. We Julianne Balmain reported on the monitoring At 3:30 PM, aer the Communicating with will send an e-mail to all members when we project. e board discussed ideas she would Chapters’ meeting, we resumed discussion of know the details. like to implement and decided that we need to newsletter issues. Marcia and Beth will work hire someone to help with updates and organ- on possibilities for a quicker turnaround with ization under Julianne's direction. Jim Huang our print newsletters. Publisher Alley moved that we fund a grant for $1,000 for this Ellen Hart gave a presentation on new ways to work, Nancy Martin seconded, and the motion Publisher Alley, an online tool for in-depth raise awareness of SinC. She showed videos carried unanimously. Julianne will write an RFP analysis of book sales, is available to mem- that could be used for publicity on Facebook, for interested candidates. bers for the discounted rate of $29 annu- our website, and other venues. We discussed ally. Go to wwww.sistersincrime.org. On We discussed the possibility of a comprehen- promoting SinC through conference program the left toolbar, under “Members Only,” sive search of archive material so previous book ads. We also talked about the website choose “Publisher Alley.” records could be easily accessed and enable us ideas discussed in the Communicating With to report on trends from SinC's inception. Jim Chapters meeting and how they might be suggested the possibility of funding a grant for implemented. Need user name or password? this work and analysis by a graduate student, Meeting adjourned at 4:45 PM. The new SinC website issued user names and passwords on September 1, 2009. Mary Saums Many benefits of your SinC membership are Secretary posted to the “Members Only” section of www.sistersincrime.org. Please contact me at [email protected] if you need your user name and password. You may also request it on the web site. Mary Saums and Jim Huang at the SinC Board meeting. PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Sisters in Crime BLACKSBURG, VA P.O. Box 442124 PERMIT NO. 158 Lawrence, KS 66040 [email protected]

Change Service Requested

The Docket by Patricia Gulley Books Avery Aames (Daryl Wood Gerber), The Long Kris Neri, Revenge for Old Times’ Sake, Cherokee Clea Simon, “Lady In Waiting,” Cambridge Voices, Quiche Goodbye, Berkley Prime Crime, July McGhee Publishing, March November 2009 Sheri Gaia Chapin, Dark Mercy, Create Space, Susan Oleksiw, Under the Eye of Kali, Five Star, May Jeanne C. Stein, “Elizabeth and Anna’s Big February Sandra Parshall, Broken Places, Poisoned Pen Adventure,” A Girl’s Guide to Guns and Monsters, Carola Dunn, A Colourful Death, St. Martin’s Press, February DAW, February Minotaur, June John Russo, Discoll’s Eye, Nightbird Publishing, Elaine Viets, “The Bedroom Door,” MWA Presents Lynda Fitzgerald, Live Ringer, Crystal April, The Legacy, Casperian Books, June Crimes by Moonlight, Ace, April Dreams/MMP, April Deborah Sharp, Mama Gets Hitched, Midnight Bente Gallagher, A Cutthroat Business, Ink, July Awards/Miscellaneous PublishingWorks, June , AKA Jennie Bentley, Clea Simon, Grey Matters, Severn House, March Glynn Marsh Alam’s Moon Water Madness won Plaster and Poison, Berkley Prime Crime, March Denise Swanson, Murder of a Wedding Belle, the 2009 Gold Medal for Popular Fiction in the Florida Book Awards. Patricia Gulley, Downsized to Death, Wings ePress, NAL/Obsidian, April April Elaine Viets, Half-Price Homicide, Obsidian Books, Kathleen George’s The Odds was nominated for an Lorie Ham, The Final Note, Createspace May Edgar. Barb Goffman’s “The Worst Noel,” in The Gift of Publishing, April Anne White, Cold Winter Nights, Hilliard and Murder, was nominated for an Agatha. Carolyn Hart, Laughed 'Till He Died, Wm. Harris, December 2009 Charlotte Hinger’s Deadly Descent won the Morrow, April Short Stories/Anthologies Arizona Book Publishers Award for Best Julie Hyzy, Grace Under Pressure, Berkley Prime Mystery. Crime, June Warren Bull, “Peacemaker,” Strange Mysteries 2, Whortleberry Press, March Debbi Mack’s Identity Crisis won Best Novel of Mary Kennedy, Reel Murder, Penguin, June Barb Goffman, “Volunteer of the Year,” 2009 in the Predators and Editors Readers poll. Julie Kramer, Silencing Sam, Atria (Simon & Chesapeake Crimes: They Had It Comin’, Kris Neri’s High Crimes on the Magical Plane was a Schuster), June Wildside Press, March finalist for Left Coast Crime’s Lefty Award. Jeanne Matthews, Bones of Contention, Poisoned Patricia Gulley, “Age vs. Youth,” 6SV3,” Stephanie Pintoff’s In the Shadow of Gotham won Pen Press, June CreateSpace, May the Mystery Writers of America’s Edgar Award Frances McNamara, Death at the Fair and Death at Victoria Houston, “Death by Honey Hole,” Hook, for Best First Mystery. Hull House, Allium Press, December 2009 Line and Sinister, The Countryman Press/ Norton, April