InSinC The Sisters in Crime Newsletter Volume XX • Number 3 September 2007 SinC Slate for 2007–2008 By Libby Hellmann My last official act for SinC happens to be the mysteries have been nominated for both Agatha Kathryn Wall — Treasurer. Kathy will most satisfying one — introducing next year’s and Anthony awards. Having partially recovered continue her stellar performance in the appoint- slate of national officers. We have an especially from her golf obsession, Roberta saw the debut ed position of SinC strong slate this year with both seasoned veter- of a new series in March 2007, beginning with Treasurer. Kathy is ans and “young Turks,” and I’m confident the Deadly Advice, featuring psychologist/advice well qualified, having organization will be in good hands. I hope you’ll columnist Dr. Rebecca Butterman. Roberta lives been an accountant agree by electing them as your leaders. in Madison, CT. for many years before Roberta Isleib, current Vice President, is the Judy Clemens — Vice President. Formerly taking early retirement nominee for President. Judy Clemens is running a professional stage manager, Judy is the author to write full-time. She for Vice President. Marcia Talley will continue as of a series featuring self-published her first Secretary, and Kathy Wall will continue as Trea- dairy farmer and Har- Bay Tanner mystery, In surer, an appointed and non-voting position. In ley-enthusiast Stella for a Penny, in 2001. addition Jim Huang, our Bookstore Liaison, and Crown. Her Anthony The series was subse- Donna Andrews, Chapter Liaison will be with and Agatha award quently picked up by us once again. nominated first book, St. Martin’s Press and However, several board members will be Till the Cows Come the sixth book in that stepping down. After five years of incredibly Home, was published series, Bishop’s Reach, appeared in May. Kathy wise and wonderful service, Doris Ann Norris in 2004. The second has done an outstanding job as publicity director and S.J. Rozan have earned a good rest and will book, Three Can keep of the board for the past few years. She lives in be retiring. (Although I hope they don’t stray a Secret came out in Hilton Head, SC. too far.) Victoria Houston will be resigning as 2005 and the third Donna Andrews — Chapter Liaison. This Publicity Chair. And immediate Past President book, To Thine Own will be Donna’s fourth year as Chapter Liaison, Rochelle Krich will remain on the board but as Self Be True, was re- a crucial job because a nonvoting member. leased in 2006. Her fourth book will be out it entails keeping in To fill those positions, and then some (the this year. Judy has served as coordinator of the touch with and solving board voted to add a position so it will have ten Review Monitoring Project for two years. She problems for all our members in 2007-2008 instead of nine), I am is also president of SinC’s Ohio Chapter. She chapters throughout delighted to introduce the new nominees: lives with her husband, two children and three the year. Donna is a Mary Boone: Library Liaison housecats in a turn of the century farmhouse in past president of the Margaret Coel: At Large rural Ohio. Chesapeake Chapter Nancy Martin: At Large Marcia Talley — Secretary. Marcia is the of SinC and has been Mary Saums: Monitoring Liaison Agatha and Anthony award-winning author an active member for Joanna Slan: Publicity of the Hannah Ives many years. Formerly Elections will take place at Bouchercon in mystery series, includ- employed in the world Anchorage, but if you’re not planning to attend, ing This Enemy Town of computers and a please vote by mail, using the ballot on page 15 and the forthcoming self-avowed “nerd,” Donna has published more in this issue of InSinC. Through the Darkness. than ten mysteries in two series. Her first Meg And now, a drum roll for our magnificent She is author/editor of Langslow mystery, Murder with Peacocks, won slate. two star-studded col- the 1998 St. Martins/Malice Domestic Best Roberta Isleib — President. Roberta served laborative serial nov- Traditional First Mystery contest and both an as Vice President of els, Naked Came the Agatha and an Anthony for best first novel. The Sisters under Rochelle Phoenix and I’d Kill seventh in that series, No Nest for the Wicket, was Krich and prior to that for That and her prize- released in August. You’ve Got Murder, the first coordinated our 20th winning short stories book in her second series, which features Tur- Anniversary celebra- appear in more than ing Hopper, who may well be the only Artificial tion. She joined Sisters a dozen collections. Intelligence detective (read “computer as sleuth”) in Crime in 2001. A An active member of Sisters in Crime for more in America, also won an Agatha. Donna lives in clinical psychologist, than a decade, she has been the president of the Reston, VA. Roberta took up writ- Chesapeake Chapter of Sisters in Crime, and Mary Callahan Boone — Library Liaison. ing mysteries in order has served on the board of the Mid-Atlantic Mary stumbled into library work while finish- to justify time spent Chapter of Mystery Writers of America. She lives ing a graduate degree in Theatre Studies and on the links. Her golf in Annapolis, MD. Continued on page 5 Get a Clue Sisters in Crime Newsletter Purpose: The purpose of Sisters in Crime shall be to: combat dis- crimination against women in the mystery field, educate publishers 2007–2008 Slate… ...... 1 and the general public as to the inequities in the treatment of female authors, raise the level of awareness of their contributions to the President’s Message . . . . . 3 field, and promote the professional advancement of women who write mysteries. Breakfast at Bouchercon ...... 3 Rochelle Krich, President S.J. Rozan, At Large Roberta Isleib, Vice President Donna Andrews, Chapter Liaison Get Your Newsletter Via E-mail . . 3 Marcia Talley, Secretary Judy Clemens, Review Monitoring Project Kathryn R. Wall, Treasurer Victoria K. Huston, Publicity Crossword Puzzle ...... 4 Doris Ann Norris, Library Liaison Jim Huang, Bookstore Liaison Vicki Cameron, Books in Print Editor Bonnie J. Cardone, InSinC Editor Sisters on the Case ...... 5 Peggy Moody, Web Maven Gavin Faulkner, Newsletter Graphic Designer Beth Wasson, Executive Secretary; P.O. Box 442124; Lawrence KS 66044-8933; Workshopping a Mystery ...... 6 Phone: (785) 842-1325; Fax: (785) 856-6314; E-mail: Bookstore Beat ...... 6 Presidents of Sisters in Crime 1987–88 Sara Paretsky; 1988 –89 Nancy Pickard; 1989–90 Margaret Maron; 1990–91 Susan Dunlap; 1991–92 Carolyn G. Hart; 1992–93 P.M. Carlson; 1993–94 Linda Grant; Chapter News ...... 6 1994–95 Barbara D’Amato; 1995–96 Elaine Raco Chase; 1996–97 Annette Meyers; 1997–98 Sue Henry; 1998–99 Medora Sale; 1999–2000 Barbara Burnett Smith; Submissions Accepted ...... 6 2000–2001 Claire Carmichael McNab; 2001–2002 Eve K. Sandstrom; 2002–2003 Kate Flora; 2003–2004 Kate Grilley; 2004–2005 Patricia Sprinkle; 2005–2006 Libby Hellmann; BIP Deadline ...... 7 2006–2007 Rochelle Krich. BIP ...... 7 DEADLINES AND GUIDELINES Correct Your ISBN ...... 7 The next InSinC Newsletter will be out in De- Send columns, articles, ideas and praise via e- cember. The deadline for all submissions is October mail. 15. Please send mailing address, phone number, and Sisters on the Case Signings . . . . 7 Members’ publications since the last edition of e-mail with submissions. If you have an idea for a the newsletter will be listed in The Docket. Please story, please query the editor: Review Monitoring Project . . . . . 8 include publication dates when submitting. Docket material will be due October 10 and should be sent Bonnie J. Cardone Book Club Database Update . . . . 8 to: 805/938-1156 E-mail: Patricia Gulley Library Research Tips ...... 9 1743 N. Jantzen Avenue Portland, OR 97217-7849 Conferences ...... 10 E-mail: Moving? 2006 Financial Summary . . . 11 Other honors, awards, and events of great “pith Change of address (postal & e-mail) and moment” should be written up as short, sepa- notifications should be sent toboth Beth 50 Ways to Catch a Killer . . . 11 rate notices. These can be as short as a paragraph. Wasson, SinC Executive Secretary, P.O. No publicity/promotion of individual members, Box 442124, Lawrence, KS 66044-8933, please. The Docket ...... 12 We particularly welcome reprints from SinC and to Rowan Mountain, Inc., P.O. Box chapter newsletters. 10111, Blacksburg, VA 24062-0111. SinC BEA Booth ...... 13 In Memoriam ...... 13 Crossword Solution . . . . . 13 Visit Sisters in Crime online at: Minutes of the Malice Board Meeting . . . . . 14

Car 54 Where are You? . . . . 15 Promotional materials available to SinC members — Have your bookmarks or postcards designed in color or black-and-white. SinC’s publicity mailing list of 5,000 bookstores, libraries, reviewers, etc. 2007-2008 Ballot ...... 15 is available via direct addressing through Rowan Mountain, Inc., P.O. Box 10111, Blacksburg, VA 24062-0111. For more information, write Gavin Faulkner. E-mail: . Web: . Phone: 540-449-6178.

JUST THE FACTS: • InSinC Newsletter is the official publication of Sisters in Crime International and is published four times a year. • Dues and other Sisters in Crime cor- respondence (membership, orders for booklets, changes of address, etc.) may be sent to: M. Beth Wasson, SinC Executive Secretary; P.O. Box 442124, Lawrence, KS 66044- 8933; Phone: 785-842-1325; FAX: 785-856-6314; E-mail: • Information in the Newsletter 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. • Other information on Sisters in Crime is available from the President, who is the only person who may speak for the organization officially. Send queries and requests to: Rochelle Krich, 459 N. La Jolla Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90048-2232; E-mail: • No material may be reprinted without written permission from Sisters in Crime. Sisters in Crime © 2007 September 2007 – 

Full Disclosure Bouchercon By Rochelle Krich Two years ago, when Libby Hellmann approached me about being SinC’s vice president, she Breakfast assured me the role wouldn’t take much time. She said the same about being president. Have Breakfast with SinC at Boucher- She lied. Twice. con on Sunday, September 30, at 7:30 am. I’m glad she did. The room will be posted at Bouchercon. Yes, being president has brought with it responsibilities and challenges and To reserve a spot, send a check for $20 to has filled my AOL in-box with multiple daily messages, most of which need Beth Wasson, P.O. Box 442124, Lawrence, my immediate attention. Yes, as president I’ve had to write a few uncomfort- KS 66044-8933. The check must arrive by able letters to protect our organization’s philosophy and mission, and our September 14. Include your e-mail address finances, and, one time, our trademarked name. And yes, it’s possible that and Beth will let you know when your the hours I’ve spent on SinC business kept me from making much progress check arrives. on my work-in-progress. But I kind of knew what I’d be getting into to, you know? And I was fine with it. Over the years I’ve benefited in many ways from SinC, and I was eager to give back. Get Your Newsletter And in the interests of full disclosure: As far as all those e-mails, anyone who knows me will tell you that I thrive on them. I’d ad- Via E-mail dicted to internet communication and would probably benefit from a program that would tame Tired of waiting for this newsletter to be de- my addiction — but I’d probably look for one online. livered by the post office? Many of your Sisters And it’s not as though I operated in a vacuum. Far from it. I have been blessed with vice get the news when it’s fresh. They receive their president Roberta Isleib and board members who are all hard-working and bright and savvy and newsletter via e-mail, on the day it’s mailed. have never displayed an iota of self-interest or ego; and with the wise and gentle Beth Wasson, Another big plus is that the e-mail version comes SinC’s administrative secretary, who is our historian and so much more. in wonderful, glorious color. And about my work-in-progress? It’s just as possible that my lack of significant progress is the The e-mail version is a PDF (Portable Docu- result of procrastination. Shocking, I know. Or maybe on some level I knew that I wasn’t ready ment File), which you’ll need Acrobat Reader to to write the book, that I needed to let my thoughts gestate. view. Most computers come with this software And to be honest, in spite of the challenges and the uncomfortable letters, I had a lot of already installed, but free versions are available fun. for nearly every operating system — no matter I’m eager, now, to focus on my novel. I’m ready to pass the gavel to your next president. I’ll how old — at . Downloading Acrobat this year. Reader is easy. Just follow the directions at the I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished in these past 11 months, and excited about the board’s link. Since Acrobat Reader is necessary for view- plans for the organization and for you, its members. ing other documents you’ll come across on the We had a memorable 20th Anniversary, celebrating with hundreds of independent bookstores internet, it’s a useful addition to your software. and close to 2,000 libraries and receiving the Dove Award for our contributions to the field of When you get the PDF, you’ll have several women crime writers. As our anniversary year comes to a close in Alaska at Bouchercon this choices: save it on your computer to read or print month, we will cap the celebration with the release of Sisters on the Case, an anthology conceived out at your leisure, or read it on the screen. A of and edited by our founder, Sara Paretsky, with stories contributed by past SinC presidents. huge benefit of the latter is that you can zoom (You can read the details on page 5.) in and make the text bigger — and thus easier If you receive our e-bulletins (if you don’t, do yourself a favor and start now), you know that to read. Once read, store the PDF in a folder on VP Roberta Isleib, Bookstore Liaison Jim Huang, At Large S.J. Rozan, and I have just returned your computer or burn it onto a CD or DVD from meeting with book industry leaders where we presented ideas — many of them submitted by for future reference. you — to promote women crime writers. Look for a report in the December issue of InSinC. Saving the PDF to your computer usually Our Book Club Database is thriving and evolving. Our MySpace friends are growing in takes only seconds. The time it takes to print out number. We held a hugely successful conference in November 2006 in Los Angeles — SinC depends on the speed of your printer. Goes to the Movies: Selling your Book to Hollywood — and we’re looking forward to seeing Of course, there are two big advantages to many of you at Forensic University in St. Louis this November. Sisters in Crime in sending your newsletter via You may have heard that we’ve discontinued our Clipping Service, primarily because the e-mail — neither postage nor paper is needed. internet now makes reviews readily available to our members. On behalf of the board, I want to That saves a lot of money for other projects. thank Verna Suit and her dedicated assistants for their much appreciated efforts. To sign up for electronic newsletter deliv- Unfortunately, I won’t be attending Bouchercon in Alaska, so I won’t be able to hand the ery, e-mail and gavel — and the SinC “seal” of approval — to our new president, or introduce your board for . 2007–2008. If I were there, I would express my thanks to my board and tell them what a privilege and delight it was to work with them. I would say good-bye to our outgoing board members — to Victoria Houston, who served as Did you know there are our PR person this year; and to our five-year veterans, Doris Ann Norris, Library Liaison, and S.J. Rozan, At Large. I would tell them that I, and SinC, value their contributions and insight 50 Ways to Catch and will miss them. I would wish the incoming board members great success in what I know will be an exciting a Killer? and productive year. Attend SinC’s Forensic U I would urge all of you to become actively involved with this wonderfully unique organization that is open to all who support women crime writers. in St. Louis and learn all of Finally, I would assure our new president that her role won’t take up much of her time. them in just one weekend. She’ll know that I’m lying. Register at And she’ll be fine with that. , Rochelle Krich can be reached at . click on Forensic U

September 2007 –  “Buried in Quilts”* © 2007 Verna Suit * by Sara Hoskinson Frommer

Across 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

1 Confessed 13 14 15 16 5 “__ ever so humble...” 17 18 19 9 Dandies or swells

13 “Broken __”, mystery by 20 21 22 Lisbie Brown featuring quilt shop owner (1999) 23 24 14 Word form for “fire” 25 26 27 28 29 15 Black and white cookies

17 Indian princess 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 18 Thug 37 38 39 19 Grimace with pain 20 Popular baby quilt pattern and 40 41 42 2007 mystery by 9D 23 Reagan attorney general Ed 43 44 45

24 Magritte and Descartes 46 47 48 49 50 25 __ one’s gun: commit suicide 51 52 53 54 28 __ King Cole

29 Golfer’s goal 55 56 57 58 30 __ship quilt: memento with signatures 59 60 61 32 What murder victims do 62 63 64 33 Bay Area cop force 37 Marisa of “My Cousin Vinny” 60 “__ homo” 12 Punches in the nose 39 Draconian 38 Quilting party 61 Metal-bearing minerals 16 His, in French 41 Mediocre 39 Jean __, author of quilt-titled mystery “Death On The 62 Brain scans (abbr.) 21 __ Harper, 9D’s protagonist 42 Flinched, maybe, or opened fire Drunkard’s Path” (1996) 63 Storage building 22 Scottish hillside 43 Lawn detailers 40 Old dagger 64 __ patch, common quilt block 25 Young newts format 44 Swindle 41 Applique or baste 26 Elvis’s middle name 46 Lunar valley 42 Impulsively 27 “Stitches In __”, quilt mystery 43 Long time Down by Barbara Michaels (1995) 47 Have a craving for __ night snack 44 Not agin 1 Ukr., once 29 “Shoofly __ To Die”, mystery by Barbara Workinger 48 Luggage attachment 45 “No __, ands or buts!” 2 Rat-__: drum sound featuring Amish quiltmaker 49 Intimidate 46 Police busts 3 Half of Mork’s greeting (2005) 31 Wide shoe size 50 Annette __, author of mystery 49 Suffix with proto or ecto 4 The Brothers __: fairy tale series centered on a quilting tellers 51 Popular quilt pattern and 1st 32 Morning moisture circle book in new quilt mystery 5 What a detective is glad to get 33 Swedish airline 51 FDR program that provided series by Terri Thayer (2008) jobs to unemployed 6 Murderer, often 34 E-J connectors 55 Dresden __, traditional quilt 7 “Seven __ Blow” 52 Change for a five pattern 35 Filthy lucre 8 High ringing sound 53 Garment for 17A 56 No to Natasha 36 Prohibitionists 9 Earlene __, author of mystery 54 Paradise 57 “__ but known...” 38 Jerry’s ice cream making series with quilt pattern titles partner 58 British verb ending 59 “Steps To The __”, quilt 10 Constellation with a belt pattern and 2002 mystery by 9D 11 English pound parts The solution is on page 13

September 2007 – 

SinC Slate for 2007–2008 so valuable that they decided to make Bookstore on FarmAid. She’s a former television talk show Continued from page 1 Liaison a permanent board position. Jim brings host and corporate speechwriter. Joanna taught has never looked back. She has worked at the a variety of wisdom and expertise to the board. public relations at Illinois State University. In Wood County District Public Library in Bowl- With his wife, Jim owns The Mystery Company, the fall of 2008, Midnight Ink will debut Over ing Green, Ohio since an independent bookshop that they opened in Exposed, the first in her mystery series. Joanna, 1997. Her time at the Carmel, IN, in 2003. The store is currently her poker-playing husband, and teenage son library is split between hosting Indiana’s Sisters in Crime chapter. Jim’s live in St. Louis. working at the Refer- career in bookselling began in 1987 at Spenser’s ence Desk and serv- Mystery Bookshop in Boston. He served as Di- ing as the library’s PR rector of the Independent Mystery Booksellers Sisters on the coordinator. The very Association for four and a half years. For 20 years best part of her job is he published The Drood Review of Mystery and Case in 1989, he founded a publishing company, bringing writers — es- Help Us Celebrate 20 Years of Sisters in Crum Creek Press. He lives in Carmel with his pecially mystery writ- Crime wife and two daughters. ers — to the library. At Bouchercon in 1986, Sara Paretsky con- Nancy Martin — At Large. Nancy is the “There’s absolutely vened a meeting that sowed the seeds for Sisters author of 48 pop fiction novels in the mystery, nothing better than in Crime. She had already revolutionized the suspense, historical when a library patron mystery novel by introducing V.I. Warshowski, and romance genres. tells me they’ve been reading a mystery author a female P.I. who uses Currently, she writes because they met her at the library and can’t her wits as well as her the Blackbird Sisters wait for her next book to come out!” A life-long fists. Prior to Indem- Mystery Series, includ- reader of mysteries, Mary is only a little anxious nity Only, the female ing How to Murder about trying to follow in Doris Ann Norris’ (aka, characters in mysteries a Milloniare, which The 2,000 Year Old Librarian) footsteps. Ok, were traditionally ei- was nominated for the make that a lot anxious. She is a transplanted ther vamps or victims. Agatha Award for Best Southerner and lives in Bowling Green, OH At Bouchercon in First Mystery of 2002; with her husband, three cats, and two dogs. October 2006, SinC won the Romantic Margaret Coel — At Large. Margaret is began a year-long cel- Times award for Best the New York Times best-selling author of ebration of its 20th First Mystery; and the acclaimed Wind Anniversary, which was a finalist for the River mystery series ends this October with Daphne DuMaurier Award. She is the former set among the Arapa- the release of Sisters on president of the Mary Roberts Rinehart chapter hos in Wyoming and the Case, an anthology of Sisters in Crime, a member of MWA, RWA featuring Jesuit priest edited by Paretsky and featuring 20 stories, most and is a founding member of Pennwriters. She Father John O’Malley of them by SinC past presidents. blogs at the popular and trend-setting www. and Arapaho attorney The stories are a mix of originals and classics: thelipstickchronicles.typepad.com. Vicky Holden. The P.M. Carlson, “Frighted Out of Fear; or, Mary Saums — Monitoring Liaison. Mary 13th in the series, The The Bombs Bursting in Air” was a voice major in college but decided she was Girl with Braided Hair, Barbara D’Amato, “Steak Tartare” too short to become an will be published this Dorothy Salisbury Davis, “Dies Irae” opera star. She changed month. She is a na- Susan Dunlap, “Hearing Her Name” her major to Commer- tive Coloradan who Kate Flora, “Ninjettes” cial Music and later hails from a pioneer Linda Grant, “Never Too Old” worked as a recording Colorado family. The West — the mountains, Kate Grilley, “Maubi and the Jumbies” engineer in Muscle plains, and vast spaces — are in her bones, she Carolyn Hart, “Murder for Lunch” Shoals on albums by says. Along with the Wind River mystery series, Libby Hellmann, “The Whole World is Bob Dylan, Roy Or- Margaret has authored numerous short stories Watching” bison, Jimmy Buffett, for anthologies and articles for such publications Sue Henry, “Sister Death” John Prine and many as American Heritage and The New York Times. Rochelle Krich, “Guardian Angel” other fine artists. Her She has also written four non-fiction books, Charlotte MacLeod, “Lady Patterly’s Lover” music business experi- including the award-winning Chief Left Hand, Margaret Maron, “You May Already Be a ence helped in creating a biography of an Arapaho chief and history of Winner” Midnight Hour, the the Arapahos in Colorado. Her articles on the Claire Carmichael McNab, “Animal Act” first of three novels featuring singer Willi Taft. West have appeared in the New York Times, the Annette Meyers, “Not Just the Facts” Mary also writes poetry and short stories. Her Christian Science Monitor, American Heritage Sara Paretsky, “A Family Sunday in the Park” fourth novel, Thistle & Twigg, is the first in a of Invention & Technology, Creativity! and Nancy Pickard, “I Killed” new series from St. Martin’s Minotaur. She lives many other publications. She has been a member Medora Sale, “Estelle is Dead” in Nashville. of Sisters in Crime for more than 10 years. Eve Sandstrom, “The People’s Way” Joanna Campbell Slan — Publicity. Vice Jim Huang — Bookstore Liaison. Jim’s Patricia Sprinkle, “For the Common Good” President of the Greater St. Louis Chapter, Jo- presence on the Board signaled a new era for the Sisters on the Case is one of the first titles in anna is co-founder of SinC board. He is the New American Library’s new mystery imprint, Sisters in Crime’s Fo- first brother to serve Obsidian. rensic University of St. nationally and is the Get on the Case and help us shine. Pick up Louis. She’s author of first to occupy the po- a copy — or two — at Bouchercon 2007, or ten non-fiction books, sition of Bookstore Li- at other signings (see page 7). For updates and including a textbook aison. For years, Mary details, check our website . tired) represented the In 1986 Joanna re- interests and concerns ceived Public Relations of bookstores in board Society of America’s Don’t forget to vote! meetings. The board Silver Anvil for be- The ballot is on page 15. found that perspective hind-the-scenes work September 2007 –  Workshopping Your Murder Chapter News Submit news of your chapter’s activities (photos, too) to . The deadline Mystery for the next issue (December) is October 15. By M. A. Mogus and opened its doors on the first floor and the Central Coast Chapter, CA Barbara Miller victim’s hand flopped out), the choice of the The Central Coast Chapter sponsored a Fifteen readers and writers gathered in the detective team was clever and original: an out- writing workshop in the San Luis Obispo, CA, Greensburg-Hempfield Library in Greens- of-luck programmer, a chain-smoking casino Main Library on June 23, 2007, with Thomas burg, PA, to plot a murder or two. Part of waitress and a bratty 11 year old computer B. Sawyer as the featured speaker. Head writer/ an ongoing series, the brainchild of authors wizard. It was a detective team any mystery producer-showrunner of “Murder, She Wrote,” Barbara Miller and Mary Ann Mogus, Mys- author would envy and the group used it to Sawyer authored 24 episodes of the show. He tery Saturday is a free, hands-on murder interject humor in the story. For example, the also has published two novels and a nonfiction mystery workshop offered twice a year by the chain-smoking waitress stole the victim’s ciga- book, Fiction Writing Demystified, and is co- library in conjunction with the Greensburg rettes not realizing they were needed to solve creator of the Storybase software. Writers’ Group (an affiliate of the Ligonier the crime. After all, they were isolated in a The workshop was organized by CCC chapter Valley Writers). snowstorm and there was no way to get more president, Victoria Heckman, with the help of Barb and Mary Ann collaborate on the sce- cigarettes. The story draft was completed, Sue McGinty, Karen and Jim Kavanagh, Zach narios before each workshop and the scenarios but each participant had a slightly different Heckman, Mary Moses, Candii Vedrin and are unique for every session. Each participant version. This was encouraged. Bonnie J. Cardone. receives a detective’s notebook to record The workshop offers a way to teach mys- A bounteous feast of fruit, soft drinks, cof- information. A timeline of events is built in tery writing that is non-threatening and lots fee and breakfast goodies was enjoyed by all to aid members in plotting of fun. Previous workshops as they watched the collection of movie and the mystery. Barb and Mary have resulted in members TV clips that illustrated Sawyer’s fascinating Ann set the stage with brief writing and submitting presentation. descriptions of the location short stories, not necessar- of the murder (accompa- ily accepted, but at least nied by diagrams) and a members went through the list of characters with mini- process. And they returned mal character history. Barb willing to try again. By presents an introduction to hands-on interaction in International writing a murder mystery, a group, ideas are gener- what is needed, and a bit ated and many offer fertile Mystery Writers’ on dispensing clues and red grounds for additional herrings and other assorted stories. Participants learn Festival Accepting necessities. Mary Ann of- how necessary mood and fers some forensic help. background are to a story, Submissions The group then goes to work brainstorming how to weave it into the murder, and how the murder. By voting, members choose the to deal with your choice of victim and be “Discovering New Mysteries” will be accept- victim(s), how he or she will be murdered and willing to change your mind if something ing submissions of original plays, screenplays and where, the motives and the person or persons does not work. Watching the interaction as teleplays until November 30, 2007. A panel of who will solve the crime. Using the character facilitators, you can see what all authors learn; professional readers will review the scripts and list, group members discuss possible relation- how characters and a story take on a life of narrow the field to the Final 15, who will be ships and interactions among the characters their own. notified in February 2008. and develop any backstory needed. With Each mystery turns out differently because The Annual International Mystery Writers’ Barb and Mary Ann’s gentle prodding, they of the unique mix of participants, who all Festival awards are named for Oscar, Tony and place clues and red herrings. Finally, a story leave vowing to run home and start that book. Emmy Award winning star Angela Lansbury, comes together. The workshops are also valuable to the facili- who has been asked to co-host the Awards Cere- The February 2007 mystery, Murder in tators. The mixture of ideas and enthusiasm mony and Festival Gala. The “Angie Awards” will the Chalet, had the characters isolated dur- from the participants often gives Barb and be presented in the following key categories: ing a snowstorm in a chalet in the Rocky Mary Ann insights into their own work so Best New Work, $10,000 prize Mountains. Although the arrival of the victim that both also rush home, vowing to finish Most Promising New Writer, $5,000 prize was a bit dramatic and clichéd (the elevator that latest mystery novel. Outstanding Full-Length Screenplay or Tele- play, $2,500 prize Best Short Mystery Play (1 Act), $1,000 • Crime On Store, London, England prize Bookstore Beat • It’s a Mystery Book Shop, Saratoga Springs, Best Short Screenplay (60 minutes or less), By Kate Derie NY $1,000 prize Closed • Malice, the Mystery Bookstore, Bend, Best Work for Young Adults (ages 12–18), $1,000 prize OR • Murder Ink Best Work for Children (ages 11 and under), It’s hard to believe, but the world’s oldest mys- • Random Sample, Ayden, NC $1,000 prize tery bookstore, formerly at 2486 Broadway, New • Science Fiction & Mystery Bookshop, There is no entry fee. Send full script sub- York, NY, closed December 31, 2006. Opened Atlanta, GA missions and synopses to: “Discovering New by Dilys Winn in 1972, it was owned by Jay If you have any information about these book- Mysteries” at RiverPark, Attn: Kimberly John- Pearsall when it closed. To contact former staff, stores, or others opening, closing or moving, please son, Festival Coordinator, 101 Daviess Street, e-mail . e-mail or write to Kate Owensboro, KY 42302. Derie, 6702 N. Casas Adobes Drive, Tucson, For more information about The Annual In- Unable to Locate AZ 85704-6124. For up-to-the-minute changes, ternational Mystery Writers’ Festival, to be held Websites for these stores have disappeared and consult the Deadly Directory Online at: . go to: . September 2007 – 

Books in Print BIP Has a Brand New Bicycle By Vicki Cameron in July, I don’t have an answer for this prob- Deadline We here at BIP headquarters are proud to lem other than to delete these entries entirely. announce we have a new bicycle. It’s called Possibly by the time you read this, we’ll have Extended to Books in Print and it lives on our website at figured it out. Or not. We are depending on www.sistersincrime.org. Peggy to come up with some more brilliant We’ve been busy learning to ride it this programming. October 15 summer. Some authors leaped on and rode A huge round of applause should be given to Peggy, who is a wizard with computers and Would you like to have your mystery books off with a wave and a smile. Others suffered writes her own software to handle our needs. listed on the Sisters in Crime website and printed scraped knees. I supplied training wheels and Every day, when you sit down at your desk in a catalog with 10,000 copies distributed each webmaven Peggy held the handlebars for and open Online, raise your coffee mug year? If so, don’t forget to go to and click on Books in Print. There Peggy and I have who can do things is an add/change page on the site where you will been tinkering with with computers that be able to change your listing or add a new one. BIP Online as authors most of us don’t even Remember, you must be a current member of came along, adjusting ISBN, ISBN, ISBN know exist. SinC and only your mystery publications are the seat and polishing If you updated your ISBN on Thanks are also permitted on the site. the bell. We know our website by simply adding due to the authors After October 15, 2007, changes and addi- it needs new tires, 978 to the front end, please go who spotted small tions will be made to the website but not to the but we can get along back and fix it. This number is problems in our sys- paper version of Books in Print. The paper ver- this summer with the wrong. Go to the website, click tem and spoke up, sion will be mailed to all Sisters in Crime mem- wonky ones and we allowing Peggy to bers and to 4,000 bookstores and libraries. The hope to fix it over the on Books in Print and follow make the necessary paper version is also distributed to book events winter. the instructions on the Modify adjustments. throughout the year: Book Expo, American Li- The “new tires” are page. Thanks to all of brary Association Conference, Malice Domestic book order and short you for hanging in and Bouchercon. stories in anthologies. If you are affected by there. For some, it these, please give us some time to work on it. was easy. For others it was two hours and 57 We are so busy making small changes as they entries to list four books. That’s a lot of angst. crop up that we can’t step back to address the It’s hard to ride a new bicycle up a hill. Sisters on the bigger picture. We’ve come a long way in a hurry. We’ve Book order: Authors with a long list like saved SinC thousands of dollars by sending Case Signings to have the most recent book at the top. This reminder notices via e-mail instead of snail Get on the Case Sunday, October 7, when is how the print version of BIP is organized. mail. We’ve handed control to authors, who 11 SinC past presidents will sign Sisters on the However, for the website, we have had to put can update their own entries whenever a new Case around the country: the books alphabetically by title. Changing book arrives or an old one is remaindered. this requires some programming by Peggy and The only people who are entirely unhappy Barbara D’Amato, Libby Hellmann, she’s been busy holding the handlebars and about our change to web entries are the Sara Parestsky getting some authors on the road. Kathryn Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind. They Women and Children First Bookstore, Wall came up with the idea of adding the collect stamps and every year I’ve kept the Chicago book order number to the end of her titles. If stamps from the BIP envelopes and donated you need this addressed, check out Kathryn’s them to the cause. This year, no mail entries. Pat Carlson, Annette Meyers But never mind; they’re dogs. They’ll only Partners & Crime, New York entry and do the same for your own. Short Stories in Anthologies: This issue sulk for a few minutes and then they’ll come Sue Dunlap, Linda Grant requires some deep thought. Previously, if an bounding out, tails wagging, ready for the Book Passage, Corte Madera, CA author had a short story in an anthology and next adventure. As are we, bounding out with our new bicycle, trying to see how fast it will Carolyn Hart, Eve Sandstrom she was not the editor, the book was listed in go, uphill and down, until we get to that long Full Circle, Oklahoma City a BIP section called Anthologies Containing Stories by SinC Members. This section will flat smooth strip of road we know is waiting Rochelle Krich, Claire McNab vanish this fall. Affected authors have been just around the next bend. SinC L.A. chapter, South Pasadena; submitting these books under their own Mystery Bookstore, Westwood names. That is, if Jane Doe has a story called Webmaven Peggy Moody’s website door Margaret Maron “The Bounder” in an anthology titled Tales of is always open for your BIP entry: . Vicki Cameron’s e-door is as Tales of Evil Deeds by Jane Doe. If six other always open for your questions and concerns: Patricia Sprinkle members also mentioned this book, then the . But you have to go Tall Tale Books, Atlanta book got seven listings. As I write this article to Peggy’s door to enter your work into BIP. Additional anthology signings: September 23 — Toronto October 21 November 9–11 — New England Crime Medora Sale Nancy Pickard Bake Toronto chapter 15th anniversary celebration I Love a Mystery, Kansas City Kate Flora and anthology launch October 31 — Concord Author Festival Dedham Hilton September 28–30 — SIBA (Atlanta) Kate Flora Patricia Sprinkle Annual Mystery Night, Concord Public Library September 27–30 — Bouchercon, Anchorage November 1–4 — Forensic U For more details on the signings, please see Sue Henry, Claire McNab, Kate Grilley, Rochelle Krich, Libby Hellmann the website: . September 2007 –  A Spark of Hope: Second Book Club Database Update Quarter Report for the Review By Lorraine Bartlett As this article sees print, the SinC Book Club Monitoring Project Database (spreadsheet) will have been available to members for six months and been distributed By Judy Clemens there are still some (misguided) folks who to more than 100 SinC authors in PDF and Project Coordinator ask the question: “Why does Sisters in Crime Excel spreadsheet form. During that time the electronic form on the Second quarter numbers are almost still exist since women are on equal footing all in. With a few publications left to go, with men now?” Lest we all despair, let me SinC national website has undergone quite a we’re at 58% books say that a good amount of people know this bit of change. These changes were based on by men, 42% books isn’t true, including this well-known reviewer, input from authors, book club moderators, and by women. Not as who wishes to remain anonymous to keep the SinC Board, giving the users more choices good as last year, but a low profile. (Her percentage, incidentally, in order to better clarify what groups are look- marginally better than leans toward women authors, at 61%). Here’s ing for in a mystery (including book format, first quarter. what she wrote: subgenre, author participation and the need for In the last issue of “I’ve been reviewing mysteries for nearly study guides). InSinC I reported that 12 years since I wondered (aloud) why my We’ve also had feedback on how this informa- as a way of commu- then-employer ran so many reviews by male tion has been used by SinC authors. Lori L. Lake nicating with editors authors. Since then, I’ve heard a fair amount is both an author and a book club moderator and I sent out letters to of idiocy on the subject. At one point, I was has put together guidelines for enticing a group all of our monitored introduced to a group as ‘a woman who re- to read your book: publications, letting them know about the views cozies.’ ‘No,’ I said, ‘I review mysteries. 1. Good business etiquette demands a per- Project and where their magazine or newspa- Some are domestic dramas and some feature sonal greeting to the book club facilitator. per falls in the percentage list. I sent out more law enforcement professionals.’ (Not sure 2. Add a pleasant-sounding statement that than 60 letters. I heard back from – count how this holds up ... right now I’m reading a indicates you received their address from the ‘em – four publications. As percentages go, book in which the crime is solved by a bunch SinC Book Club Database. that’s not good. But as communication goes, of sheep.) 3. Give details about the book: ISBN, book all four responses were positive ones. Here’s “There’s still a lot of unwitting sexism. For type, pages and price — perhaps even the dis- what I got: some readers, body counts are more important tributor if it’s unusual (something other than “Thanks for making us aware that the than plot; for me, an engaging story is crucial. Ingram and Baker and Taylor). Strand reviews only 30% of female writers. I’ve spent 30 years in newspaper offices, and 4. Immediate classification of the book. Is it I can assure you that this is just a chance although things have changed, and there are a cozy? A hard-hitting police procedural? An occurrence. Most of our staff is female! I more opportunities for women, by and large, historical amateur detective? A laugh-a-minute am forwarding a copy of this e-mail to Steve most of the power positions are still held by traditional style (caper) mystery? A noir-style Steinbock, our book review editor. We will men. So their tastes are going to be seen as book? A cross-genre mystery? aim hard to reach 50%.” Andrew Gulli, Man- ‘normal,’ and other tastes as ‘other.’” 5. Summary of the book (think flap copy), aging Editor, The Strand Magazine While the response to the letters I sent preferably with some reviewer comments (and “Thanks so much for sending us the results wasn’t overwhelming, I was very glad to few of them) inserted as part of it. of the SinC Review Monitoring Project. We’re hear from these four publications. It gives 6. Include ONE item of interest: a link to a me hope that at least a few people involved very happy to see our percentage is so good. trailer, a link to a reader’s group guide, a cover in reviewing and editing are concerned and [54% books by women.] We definitely make image, a picture of the author, etc. Avoid sending willing to do what needs to be done to help an effort but so many factors go into review the request in newsletter form, including infor- women receive parity. And who knows how decisions it can be quite hard to maintain mation about pets, children, and vacations. many others saw the information but chose gender parity. Thanks for all your work on 7. Make the request in an easily readable form. this project. Editors really do pay attention to not to respond? We’ll do it again next year and see what happens. Nothing will change The font should be at least 12 point and any this kind of hard data.” Kate Stine, Editor-in bolding, capitalizing, italicizing or color changes Chief, Mystery Scene if we don’t persevere! should make sense and be attractive. Romantic Times, The fourth publication to A huge thanks, again, to all of the Project 8. Include a pleasant sign-off wishing the respond to my letter, was so excited by their volunteers. If you are interested in knowing remarkable 86% that they sent out a press more about the Review Monitoring Project, facilitator and group well. release to tell the world. or would like to be a part of it, write to me at 9. Include a signature line with pertinent facts I also mentioned in my last article that . such as author website, awards won, other books published, and other links. Also, it’s a good idea not to send out book club suggestions until the book can actually be ordered! Lori added, “Think of your contact letter as a Don’t Miss Out query letter. Short and sweet, punchy and perti- nent are the keys. Anything else is either overkill or irritating. Pay attention to the details listed. On members-only discussions about mysteries, Don’t send solicitations for a hardback or trade PB if the group only reads MMPB. Don’t solicit publishing, writing, and more — for a hard-boiled work if the group only reads join the SinC Listserv: cozies. Be selective and to the point.” Spread the word: The Book Club Database form is available on the Sisters in Crime website: . September 2007 – 

Research Tips: Finding Your Way in the Library By Barbara Fister resources for mystery writers. If there is a college research says about your villain’s psychotic be- When I started to write fiction, I was surprised or university library in your area, you are usually havior? How your hero’s PTSD might interfere at how much research was necessary. I mean, welcome to use it. Urban academic libraries are with his love life? Go nuts with the database it’s fiction, right? Why not make it up as you go more security-conscious than rural ones, but formerly known as Psychological Abstracts. along? But it doesn’t work that way. Even a single librarians, as a rule, like to share. You can usually PubMed. Free to the entire world courtesy of incorrect fact can throw readers out of the story. find out from a library’s website what to expect the National Library of Medicine, this amazing As Danuta Reah told me when I interviewed as an unaffiliated researcher. A list can be found database offers abstracts to millions of medical readers and writers about research, “It needs to at research articles. Go for whole articles by click- be right. If it isn’t right, the book isn’t right, and Find Books ing on the “limits” tab and selecting “free full the whole fictional world collapses.” Keyword searches can be a useful place to text.” Or choose your poison using TOXNET Research also can spark ideas. According to start, but when you locate a book in the catalog . Michelle Spring, “Research stirs you up. It gets that looks on-target, scan the subject headings. And of Course, the Internet your imagination going.” In her former life as If you speak to the computer in cataloger’s lan- The good thing about the internet is that a sociologist, she studied relationships between guage, you’ll find more. There’s a list of subject it’s vast. That’s also the bad thing. The sheer men and women, the uses and abuses of power, headings at . abundance of possibilities can be overwhelming and how privilege or lack of it shapes people’s Be prepared to broaden your search. The and many of them turn out to be stale, silly or lives. In her fiction, she does the same thing, information you need may be in a ten-page sec- just plain wrong. There are things you can do exploring difficult social issues in order to under- tion of a book. Think in terms of what kind of to cope. stand them. She told me the genre allows her “to book might include the information you need Add a Google toolbar to your browser. This explore contentious and controversial subjects and look for that book. can save you time if you do a lot of impulsive without having to take sides.” Browse. The catalog will identify specific Finally, research is important to readers searching. Then again, all that goofing around books, but the classification system used to may be a symptom that you’re in denial about a because they learn from fiction. They enjoy shelve books offers a different approach to finding out about different professions, cultures, looming deadline. subjects. It’s often easier to find what you need Keep track of news sites and blogs that you historical periods, and social issues. Whether or when you can put your hands on the books not they realize it, their brains don’t shelve fic- want to follow with an RSS aggregator such as themselves. Bloglines . tion separately from non-fiction. Psychologist For very specific topics, search the full text of Richard Gerrig has conducted experiments that Store your favorite sites where you can get to books through Amazon or Google Book Search them from any computer using a social book- suggest readers don’t distinguish information en- , then see if you can countered in fiction from that found elsewhere. marking tool such as Del.icio.us . The less readers know about the subject matter, It isn’t in your library? Try WorldCat to see if the more likely they are to accept material in Here is a sampling of sites I find particularly it’s in a library nearby or useful: fiction as factual. ask about Interlibrary Loan. On one hand, it’s gratifying for writers to Selected Internet Links. Sites selected by the know that their research makes such a difference Take a Shortcut: incredibly knowledgeable librarians at the Sealy to readers. On the other, it’s a little daunting. The Reference Collection Library, John Jay College of Criminal Justice Since I help students learn how to use the library Specialized encyclopedias can save you hours . For a more and the internet to do research, I thought I’d of digging. Typically, the editor of a specialized general directory of quality websites, try the share some tips with my fellow mystery writ- encyclopedia will find out who is a leading expert Librarian’s Internet Index . ers in a website, Blood at the Source. Here’s a on a topic and ask him or her to write an article Bureau of Justice Statistics. Lots of data on sampling of those tips. on it, with references to the most important crime, victims, offenders, law enforcement, Talk to the Experts research. Here are some examples to whet your and topics such as homicide trends . not alone. Don’t be intimidated; ask for help. Encyclopedia of Crime and Justice, 4 volumes. Flickr. This popular photo-sharing resource is Here are some tips for taming wild librarians: (New York: Macmillan Reference, 2002) Covers great for checking your memories of a particular Tell the reference librarian what you need. issues in law, criminology, and sociology. place . Be up front about what you’re looking for, how Encyclopedia of Criminology and Deviant Be- Google Street View. Once we got blasé about much time you’re willing to invest, whether you havior, 4 volumes. (Philadelphia: Brunner-Rout- Google Maps this want a small amount of material or as much as ledge, 2001) Covers theoretical concepts, crime site arrived to knock our socks off. It offers you can get, whether you want technical or lay and juvenile delinquency, sexual deviance, and street-level pictures of selected cities with enough information, and what you’ve tried already. your garden-variety self-destructive behavior. detail to see your neighbor picking his nose. Is Sometimes you don’t have a definite ques- This is a good place to find out what the experts your city not among the chosen? There may be tion. It’s perfectly okay to simply say, “Can you are saying about people behaving badly. street-level views through the county assessor’s tell me what resources you have on ——?” Or Encyclopedia of Psychology. 8 volumes. website or a city GIS department . some pointers?” Association, 2000) Want a quick rundown on Popular Baby Names. Stumped for a char- Be prepared for an interrogation. A good ref- just about any aspect of quirky human behav- acter’s name? This site lists popular names by erence librarian wants to be sure she understands ior, but don’t have time to read 100 articles? decade, by year (1880 to present) and, for what you need. Analyze this. regional flavor, by state . their websites. Make a librarian your IM Libraries have amazing electronic resources, National Criminal Justice Reference Service. buddy. and usually you can search them from home. The research arm of the Department of Justice, If you have a bad experience with a librarian, Typically you will have at your fingertips a gen- chock full of information . try another one. Don’t write the entire species eral database of magazine and journal articles, For more research tips, visit . — particularly if it was Mrs. Robotham in the some cases, historical archives back to the 19th third grade. She’s dead already. century), and some specialized databases such Barbara Fister is the author of On Edge (2002) Academic libraries — particularly at schools as these: and In the Wind (2008). She is a librarian at that have a criminal justice program - have great PsycInfo. Want to find out what the latest Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN. September 2007 –  (three miles from downtown Pittsburgh). The cost is $65, which includes lunch and refresh- Coming up: Conferences ments. Edgar-nominated author Victoria Thompson will cover the Rules of Fair Play and how they ap- ply; creating a believable sleuth; knowing when & Happenings you have enough suspects; creating suspense; the proper use of red herrings; and how to create a BOUCHERCON 2007 All sisters are welcome to come and sign books durable and successful mystery series. ANCHORAGE, AK for giveaways and help us promote SinC. Our Registrations must be received by October 1, Bouchercon 2007, “Bearly Alive,” will be held exhibit space is popular because we have choco- 2007. Seats are limited. For more information, September 27 to 30 in Anchorage, AK. The lates! Signing slots are first-come, first-served. see the website: ; for a reg- American guest of honor will be Thomas Perry; For more information, contact Judy Copek at: istration form e-mail Kristine at . yahoo.com>. the fan guest of honor, Barbara Peters. James Sal- lis will receive the Lifetime Achievement award. The host hotel is the Anchorage Hilton, which is NCIBA NEW ENGLAND CRIME BAKE offering a conference rate of $120 per night. OAKLAND, CA DEDHAM, MA For more information and to register, see the Promote your books at the Northern Cali- Co-sponsored by the New England chapters website: . fornia Independent Booksellers Association of Sisters in Crime and MWA, New England (NCIBA) Trade Show at the Oakland Conven- Crime Bake will be held from November 9 to 11, tion Center, Oakland, CA, on October 6 to 7, 2007, at the Dedham Hilton in MA. The guest GLBA 2007. Authors who can bring a box of books to of honor will be Lee Child. Along with forensic CHICAGO, IL sign and give away at the booth are especially experts and dozens of New England writers The Great Lakes Booksellers Association’s an- welcome. We also need a few dependable volun- discussing the “Tools of the Trade” of crime and nual trade show will be held at the Renaissance teers to staff the SinC table. To volunteer, con- fiction, there will be master classes, panels, agent Schaumburg Hotel in Chicago from September tact Carol Fairweather at . pitches, author critiques and more. 28 to 30, 2007. SinC will have a booth on Sat- net with NCIBA in the subject line. Pre-registration is required. For all the details urday, September 29. If you can’t attend, you can send promotional see the website: . This trade show is open to all SinC members, handouts (50 to 100 copies) to Carol at 920 whether or not they live in the Midwest. Walnut Street, Alameda, CA 94501. All hand- In addition to introducing SinC to new outs must arrive no later than September 21. HIGH DESERT BOOK FAIR audiences, attending authors will have the op- SIERRA VISTA, AZ portunity to meet and greet booksellers and GREAT MANHATTAN The Cochise County Chapter of Sisters in librarians, hand out promotional materials and Crime will hold its fourth annual High Desert sign books. MYSTERY CONCLAVE Book Fair (was High Desert Crimes Book Fair) Those who wish to participate in the official MANHATTAN, KS on Saturday, March 29, 2008, in Sierra Vista, autographing sessions on Friday and Sunday The fourth Great Manhattan Mystery Con- AZ. The fair is open to all genres, including non- must first complete the Call for Authors/Pre- fiction. A decision on the exact location will be senters form on the GLBA website. Authors clave will convene September 28 to 30, 2007, in Manhattan, KS. Diane Mott Davidson will be made soon. Periodic updates will be placed on who sign must have on hand a minimum of our website at . We 100 books or galleys to give away. The sessions the keynote speaker. There will be three seminars on the Craft of Writing. Honora Finkelstein and hope to have author sign ups available through will take place on Friday from 5:00 to 5:40 the site in fall 2007. For additional information, pm and Sunday from 12:40 to 2:00 pm. The Susan Smily will speak on “Metaphysics, Magic, and Things That Go Bump in Books: Getting contact chapter president, Denise A. Agnew, at publisher/author is responsible for shipping . the books to the hotel. Shipping deadlines and Them Right in Your Writing.” Pat Carr’s topic addresses, as well as the forms, can be found at will be “The Lure — and Advantages — of Set- . ting Stories in the Past,” and Chris Roerden will MALICE DOMESTIC XX Sandy Tooley will be coordinating the event discuss how to avoid the common pitfalls new but volunteers are needed to help set up the writers encounter. All of these authors will ap- ARLINGTON, VA booth on Friday, September 28, from 10:00 am pear on panels during regular programming. Malice Domestic XX will take place April 25 to 5:00 pm, and staff it on September 29 from Basic registration is $145, each of the special- to 27, 2008, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. You do not need to be a ist seminars is $30 extra, but you don’t have to be in Arlington, VA. The international guest of published author to work the booth but you registered for the conclave to attend. Also open honor will be Lindsey Davis, the guest of honor, do need to be a member of Sisters in Crime to the public is the Saturday evening “Dining Charlaine Harris, and the toastmaster, Daniel national. With Diane” (a menu drawn from recipes fea- Stashower. Peter Lovesey will receive the lifetime Authors who cannot attend but would like to tured in her books), which also costs $30. achievement award. send promotional material (no more than 100 For more information see the website, , or contact Marolyn the Agatha Banquet) is $250 until December 31, . She will need these Caldwell at . 2007, $275 afterward. For more information see materials no later than September 22. the website at . PLOTTING THE MODERN NEIBA MYSTERY WORKSHOP Have breakfast with us at PROVIDENCE, RI GREENTREE, PA You are invited to help the New England Sponsored by The Mary Roberts Rinehart Bouchercon Chapter promote SinC at the New England Pittsburgh Chapter of Sisters in Crime, the Independent Booksellers Association (NEIBA) Clues and Red Herrings: Plotting the Modern on September 30, 2007. from September 28 to 29, 2007, at the Rhode Mystery workshop will be held Saturday, Octo- Island Convention Center, Providence, RI. ber 20, 2007 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the See page 3 for details. Hours are 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Best Western Parkway Center Inn in Greentree September 2007 – 10

SinC 2006 Financial Report 12/31/2006 Balance Sheet 50 Ways to Assets: Cash ...... 38,176) Catch a Killer Equipment ...... 10,043) Depreciation ...... (8,766) The Sisters in Crime sponsored “Fo- rensic University of St. Louis: 50 Ways to Investments ...... 125,529) Catch a Killer,” will be held November Other Assets...... 992) 1 to 4, 2007, at the St. Louis Airport Total Assets ...... 166,974 Hilton, St. Louis, MO. Liabilities: Topics for the two and a half days of Payroll Taxes. .Payable ...... 716) classes include: an overview of forensic Total Liabilities ...... 716) science and police procedure; how to Net Worth: make forensic science work in your book; crime scene basics; overview of Additional .Paid-in .Capital ...... 56,599) crime labs; death investigation basics; Retained .Earnings ...... 138,595) autopsies; psychology of crime; poisons Net .Income, .2006 ...... (29,936) and their detection; understanding DNA Total Net Worth ...... 165,258) evidence; fingerprints; firearms evidence; Total Liabilities & Net Worth ...... 166,974 the role of photography and videography in forensic work; interpretation of blood spatter; trace evidence; forgery; the role Profit and Loss Statement 2006 of jurisdiction in forensic procedures; Income: entomology; science and the courtroom; Author’s .Coalition ...... 57,380 and using warrants and searches. Clipping .Service ...... 604 Key faculty will include Dr. D.P. Lyle, Dividends .from .Investments ...... 8,864 author of Murder and Mayhem: A Doctor Events ...... 3,392 Answers Medical and Forensic Questions Interest .Income ...... 1,307 for Mystery Writers; Jan Burke, author of Membership .Dues ...... 114,234 the Irene Kelly series; Eileen Dreyer, best- Merchandise .Sales ...... 1,979 selling author of more than eight medico- Miscellaneous .Income ...... 1,481 legal mysteries; Lee Lofland, detective Total Income ...... 189,240 (retired), author of Police Procedure & Investigation: A Guide for Writers; and Ann Burgess, the first forensic nurse, who Expenses: collaborated on the seminal work, Serial Accounting ...... 2,185 Homicide: Patterns and Motives, which Advertising ...... 7,483 led to the founding of the Behavioral Amortization ...... 173 Sciences Unit at the FBI and the practice Archive .Maintenance ...... 2,000 of profiling. Bank .Service .Charges ...... 48 Keynote speaker Jan Burke is the Board .of .Directors .Expense ...... 2,272 founder of the Crime Lab Project (CLP). Clipping .Service .Expense ...... 221 For $35, conference participants can at- Contract .Labor ...... 9,141 tend the optional A Muddy Brew-Ha-Ha Depreciation .Expense ...... 39 Party and Auction to raise money for the Events ...... 42,463 CLP, a non-profit organization working Grants ...... 9,527 to increase awareness of problems facing Insurance ...... 2,502 public forensic science agencies. Michelle A. Becker and Joanna Camp- Legal ...... 3,541 bell Slan, president and vice president re- Miscellaneous .Expense ...... 184 spectively of the Greater St. Louis Chap- Office .Supplies ...... 2,023 ter of SinC, are co-chairs and founders of PayPal .Charges ...... 931 Forensic University of St. Louis. Pension .Expense ...... 2,000 Until September 15, conference regis- Postage .& .Freight ...... 6,052 tration is $250 for SinC members; $290 Printing .- .Other ...... 3,496 for non-members. The cost includes a Publications ...... 51,601 welcome reception; all classes; a hand- Refunds .& .Returns ...... 266 book with resource material; two box Salaries ...... 42,055 lunches and a continental breakfast. After Taxes ...... 5,501 September 15, SinC members will pay Telephone ...... 661 $300 and nonmembers, $340. The host hotel, Hilton St. Louis Travel ...... 8,309 Airport, is offering rooms starting at Twentieth Anniversary...... 49,283 $88 a night, not including local taxes Total Ordinary Expenses ...... (254,207) or parking. Net Ordinary Income (Loss) ...... (64,967) For more information or to register, go Deferred Income - Prior Years ...... 42,319) to . Estimated Federal Income Tax ...... (7,288) Attendance is limited 200; no one under 18 will be admitted. Net Income/(Loss) After Taxes ...... (29,936)

September 2007 – 11 THE DOCKET THE DOCKET THE DOCKET THE DOCKET THE DOCKET THE DOCKET THE DOCKET THE DOCKET CANDY CANE MURDER, Kensington, N L Williams (Nancy Williams), A MATTER By Patricia Gulley October 2007 OF DESTINY, Exposure Publishing, April Announcements for new books (please, no re- Dorothy Francis, COLD-CASE KILLER, Five 2007 prints), short stories, articles Star, April 2007 J L Wilson, BROWNIES, BODIES, AND and plays (all relating to mys- Barbara Graham, MURDER BY SERPENTS: BREAKING THE CODE, The Wild Rose teries), also nominations and Press; YOUR SAVING GRACE, June 2007 awards, may be sent to Patricia The Mystery Quilt, Five Star, November Gulley via snail mail to: 1743 2007 Karen Wilson, COYOTE KILL, iUniverse, N. Jantzen Avenue, Portland, Suzanne Hurley, CHANGEABLE FACADES, August 2007 OR 97217-7849 or e-mail Wings ePress, September 2007 Magdalena Zschokke, DELAYED PARADISE to: [email protected]. Ellen Jensen-Dean, VENGEANCE KNOWS and MAYBE TOMORROW, Windstorm Please be sure to put Sisters in NO LIMITS, Xlibris, March 2007 Creative, August 2007 Crime, The Docket or InSinC Liz Jasper, UNDERDEAD, Cerridwen Press, Short Stories/Anthologies in the subject line — otherwise your e-mail won’t May 2007 Laura Benedict, WITCHES ALL, Surreal South be opened. Jess Lourey, JUNE BUG, March 2007; KNEE Anthology, (also editor) Press 53, October The deadline for the next The Docket is October HIGH BY THE FOURTH OF JULY, Sep- 2007; THE ERSTWHILE GROOM, Ellery 10, 2007. tember 2007, both Midnight Ink Queen Mystery Magazine, Sept./Oct. 2007 Books Molly MacRae, WILDER RUMORS, Five Star, Tony Burton, KNIFE IN THE DEVIL’S Suzanne Adair (Suzanne Williams), THE May 2007 HAND, Great Mystery and Suspense Maga- BLACKSMITH’S DAUGHTER, Whittler’s Marilyn Meredith, JUDGMENT FIRE, Mun- zine, Spring 2007; CHEATERS NEVER Bench Press, September 2007 dania Press, August 2007 WIN, Crime and Suspense Anthology I, May 2007; AS CLEAN AS DEATH, Crime and J. Alexander, TERROR BY DESIGN, Book- Shirley Rousseau Murphy, CAT DECK THE Suspense ezine, June 2007 surge, July 2007 HALLS, Morrow Avon, November 2007 Lillian Stewart Carl, THE MUSE AND OTH- Susanne Alleyn, A TREASURY OF REGRETS, Peary Perry, MANUEL MULDOON, Pub- ER STORIES OF HISTORY, MYSTERY St Martin’s Minotaur, April 2007 lishAmerica, May 2007 Deb Baker GOODBYE, DOLLY, Berkley Prime AND MYTH, Delphi Books, August 2007 Crime, September 2007 How to Send Us Your Entry Jan Christensen, QUACK, Nefarious, March 2007 Cynthia Baxter, RIGHT FROM THE GECKO, The format is simple: April 2007, WHO’S KITTEN WHO? Sep- Name of author, TITLE OF BOOK, Patricia Gulley, TALENTS, Flashshot, Septem- tember 2007, both Bantam Books Name of Publisher, Month to be released. ber 2007 Laura Benedict, ISABELLA MOON, Ballantine Name of Author, TITLE OF STORY, Gay Toltl Kinman, BODY AND BLOOD, Books, September 2007 Name of magazine or anthology, Month Never Safe, Seven Sisters Press, 2006; MA- Anthony Bidulka, STAIN OF THE BERRY, to be released. JESTIC 12, Mysterical-E, Winter 2006-7; 8 Insomniac Press, May 2007 Awards and nominations should be in LBS, Apollo’s Lyre, January 2007; LOCKED sentences. CAR, Burst, Winter 2007 Prudy Taylor Board, A GRAVE INJUSTICE, Always put The Docket in the subject Archebooks, August 2007 Jess Lourey, THE LOCKED FISH-CLEAN- line of your e-mail. Anything else may be ING-HOUSE MYSTERY, Resort to Murder, Luisa Buehler, THE LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER: deleted. October 2007 A BECKONING DEATH, Echelon Press, Don’t send ISBNs, character names, October 2007 Judith R. O’Sullivan, DEATH AND THE series names or places to buy the books. JERSEY DEVIL, Deadly Ink 2007 Anthol- Lillian Stewart Carl, THE BURNING GLASS, Don’t send newsletters, publicity sheets ogy, June 2007 Five Star, September 2007 or website addressess. Don’t send in colors other than black Linda S. Reilly, DEAD GIVEAWAY, Futures Mys- Alan Cook, HONEYMOON FOR THREE, tery Anthology Magazine, Jan./Feb. 2007 AuthorHouse, June 2007 and white. Editors of anthologies will not be listed L.A. Starks, ROBERT AND THERESE GUIL- Troy Cook, THE ONE MINUTE ASSASSIN, LARD: CHOICES, Amazon Shorts, May Capital Crime Press, September 2007 unless they have a story in the anthology. If you are using a pen name, we can 2007 Caroline Cousins, WAY DOWN DEAD IN add your real name after it in parentheses. p.m. terrell, THE STORM, Great Mystery and DIXIE, John F. Blair, June 2007 You must tell me if you do not want this Suspense Magazine, Summer 2007 Lonnie Cruse, MALICE IN METROPOLIS, done. Sandra Tooley, SOLVING LIFE’S RIDDLE, NaDaC Publishing, April 2007 Amazon Shorts, May 2007 B. Ella Donna, EVERY WITCH WAY BUT Patricia Scott, DEMIZE OF A DOLLY BIRD, Mary V. Welk, CODE BLUE, Chicago Blues DEAD, Samhain Publishing, September March 2007; THREE LITTLE MAIDS, Anthology, October 2007 2007 August 2007, Wings e Press Alana White, ST. STEPHEN’S DAY, Futures Mys- Carola Dunn, THE BLOODY TOWER, St Patricia Smiley, SHORT CHANGE, NAL/Pen- tery Anthology Magazine, Jan./Feb. 2007 Martin’s Minotaur, September 2007; GUN- guin, July 2007 POWDER PLOT, Kensington, October Jeanne C. Stein, BLOOD DRIVE, Ace Books, Non Fiction/Articles 2007 June 2007 Tony Burton, WRITING VISUAL DIALECT Kaitlyn Dunnett (Kathy Lynn Emerson), KILT Fran Stewart, BLUE AS BLUE JEANS, Doggie IN FICTION, Writers’ Journal, July/August DEAD, Kensington, August 2007 in the Window Publications, May 2007 2007 Kathy Lynn Emerson, FACE DOWN O’ER p.m. terrell, SONGBIRDS ARE FREE, Drake Gay Toltl Kinman, six book reviews in THE BORDER, Perseverance Press, Sep- Valley Press, September 2007 Crimespree, January — April 2007; nine book reviews in Mysterious Women, 2007-1 tember 2007 Camilla Trinchieri, THE PRICE OF SILENCE, Diane Fanning, BITE THE MOON, Five Star, SOHO Press, June 2007 D. P. Lyle, FORENSICS AND FICTION: CLEV- July 2007 ER, INTRIGUING, AND DOWNRIGHT Eugenia Lovett West, WITHOUT WARNING, ODD, QUESTIONS FROM CRIME WRIT- Elaine Flinn, DEADLY VINTAGE, Persever- St. Martins Press, December 2007 ERS, Thomas Dunne Books, August 2007 ance Press, September 2007 Sharon Wildwind, SOLDIER ON THE Joanne Fluke, Laura Levine, Leslie Meier, PORCH, Five Star, October 2007 Continued on page 14 September 2007 – 12

while flyers and bookmarks are good for display SinC BEA Booth Generates purposes, they are not effective marketing tools in an arena such as BEA. All in all, New York/Tri-State chapter mem- Tremendous Interest bers who volunteered to work at the booth found BEA a rewarding experience. One of the By Cynthia Baxter Overall, the amount of interest in the organi- highlights of the weekend was the Saturday night In early June, the New York/Tri-State Chapter zation, especially from librarians, was a pleasant dinner at East of Eighth, an end-of-the-year had the pleasure of hosting the Sisters in Crime surprise. “The librarians were the best,” observed event for the New York/Tri-state chapter and booth at BEA (Book Expo America), a high- chapter secretary Catherine Maiorisi. “Several visiting members. profile industry event held at the Javits Conven- said they had received great material from na- “BEA is a great chance to get an inside look tion Center in Manhattan. Exhibitors included tional for their libraries. Others mentioned at the publishing industry, including where the publishers and book-related businesses, with that they had had speakers from SinC and that mystery novel — and fiction in general — fits appearances the programs in,” Peggy Ehrhart concluded. “It never hurts by writers were really to be aware that publishing is a business and and celebrity good.” the people who work in publishing need to authors from Peggy Eh- make money. Ian McEwan rhart agreed. “I enjoyed the carnival atmosphere — and the and Alice Se- “The booth extremes,” she added, “from the scholarly vibe bold to Ste- got a great of the booths representing the university presses phen Colbert deal of traffic to the man in a parrot costume handing out free and Jon Bon from librar- copies of a book about birds. I definitely plan Jovi. i a n s , ” s h e to sign at BEA when my book comes out. It’s a At the Sis- commented. great way to meet potential readers.” ters in Crime “They were Gammy Singer added, “All in all, I think our booth, 26 very inter- booth and our Sisters did well. Everyone was m e m b e r s ested in us. entirely giving. All of us helped make the success autographed Many knew we enjoyed.” books over about SinC t h e t h r e e and said mys- Cynthia Baxter is a past president of the New days. While teries are very York/Tri-State Chapter. She is the author of the most came Amy Patricia Meade and Shelley Freydont sign popular at Reigning Cats & Dogs Mystery Series, which from New their librar- includes Dead Canaries Don’t Sing and Right York, New books while volunteers Elaine Sparber and i e s . Ma n y From the Gecko. Jersey, and Rachel Luna chat in the BEA booth. were happy Connecticut, to take away we also had authors from California and even a copy of Books in Print and to learn that it is Canada. Fourteen chapter members volunteered now online and updated frequently.” to work at the booth, and more than 12 were Volunteers also noted the degree of interest involved in planning the event. in young adult and children’s mysteries. “Maybe In Memoriam Despite our booth’s out-of-the-way location, national could target a program to children’s Jan McKay Mickle Holloway died after a it was rewarding to see how much interest there librarians,” suggested Catherine Maiorisi. short illness on June 30, 2007, in Kerrville, was. “The booth got an incredible amount of Interest in Sisters in Crime wasn’t limited to TX, the day before her 61st birthday. The traffic,” noted chap- librarians, however. author of a psychological suspense novel, ter treasurer Peggy Bookstore people, she also wrote numerous short stories. Sur- Ehrhart, “There was many already familiar vivors include her husband, Bob, daughter, always at least one per- with SinC, stopped in Leata, two siblings, four nieces and neph- son waiting to have a to visit. And represen- ews, and her mother, Joan Mickle. book signed or talk- tatives for three differ- ing to whoever was ent book fairs asked signing at that time. how to get members People seemed to have involved. Many other really studied the sign- visitors to the booth Crossword Puzzle Solution ing schedule. Every expressed interest in hour on the hour, there becoming members. S A N G B E I T F O P S would be a burst of The volunteers’ ex- S T A R I G N I O R E O S perience at BEA gave activity as a new batch Peggy Ehrhart, Valerie Wolzien, R A N I G O O N W I N C E of people showed up to rise to several ideas. Triss Stein and Triss’s husband, T U M B L I N G B L O C K S have books signed.” “ Fro m m y s m a l l Gammy Singer, an- Bob, had dinner at East of Eighth. sample, the current M E E S E R E N E S other chapter member, outreach to librarians E A T N A T P A R agreed. “In comparison with many other exhibi- seems to be a big hit,” Catherine Maiorisi said, F R I E N D D I E S F P D tors, the Sisters in Crime Booth drew a goodly “and I would continue it and expand it if pos- T O M E I B E E H A G E R amount of people. I collected 30 business cards sible. And if there isn’t already an outreach pro- S N E E S E W R A S H L Y from librarians, 7 from ‘others,’ and 6 or 7 from gram to children’s librarians, I think there should E O N F E R I F S bookstore owners.” be one to publicize members who write for this R A I D S P L A S M Not everyone was familiar with Sisters in market.” She also suggested doing some outreach W I L D G O O S E C H A S E Crime, however. “Some people didn’t know we to the regional book fairs, since they seem very P L A T E N Y E T H A D I are an organization of writers,” Peggy Ehrhart interested in bringing in a variety of authors, as A L T A R E C C E O R E S said. “Some people thought we were a publishing well as providing handouts for booth visitors E E G S S H E D N I N E company. We were able to explain our mission with paragraphs about the books of authors and send people away with a SinC brochure.” scheduled to sign. Gammy Singer observed that Verna Suit ©2007 September 2007 – 13 Minutes of the SinC Board of Directors Meeting May 4, 2007, Arlington, VA Voting members in attendance: Rochelle mum amounts are reserved for local/regional/na- Ann will explore how SinC can get involved with Krich, Roberta Isleib, Marcia Talley, S.J. Ro- tional trade shows like BEA and ALA, with lesser YA literacy efforts, reaching out to them through zan, Doris Ann Norris, Donna Andrews, Jim amounts being decided on a case-by-case basis. such channels as MySpace, for instance. Beth Huang and Judy Clemens. Victoria Houston The following schedule was proposed: will identify SinC member YA authors and get was excused. $250 local, 25–30 attendees ideas from them. Nonvoting members in attendance; Libby $500 regional, 100+ attendees Donna is working on an “Etiquette Book” to Hellmann, Kathy Wall, Bonnie Cardone and $1,000 regional/national tradeshows with include do’s and don’ts for new authors, possibly Beth Wasson. multiple authors available on the web. She will work with Kate Rochelle called the meeting to order at 12:15 pm. $2,000 ALA and BEA Flora and Robin Burcell and send what they Kathy delivered the Treasurer’s Report. “The The grant schedule could be posted on the come up with to the board for comments. Jim state of the organization is good. Our balance is web. We could reevaluate after a year. Donna suggested we think about having a “Newbie robust, and we have few liabilities.” added that new chapters that haven’t had time Boot Camp.” Re the Vanguard Funds. What appears on to build up their treasuries might require seed Jim elaborated on his Mystery Matters report. the books is the amount of money we invested, money if they were to sponsor an event. The quarterly will include ads and go to as many not its current value, which can fluctuate with For information on publicity for the SinC as 1,200 bookstores, which could add their own the market. To date, we have $10,000 more anthology, see Victoria’s written report. Shall we imprint, as well as libraries and book clubs. Jim than is stated. launch on the same day in different cities? Judy will report on the various options by our Sep- Financial information is up on QuickBooks, Bobalik has been hired to administer the anthol- tember meeting. but is not yet available online. When it is, double ogy, which will come out in October. To aid Rochelle adjourned the meeting at 3:00 pm. entry will no longer be required and information in the promotional efforts, we should find out Respectfully submitted, will be posted quarterly. which contributors come from which cities. Marcia Talley, Secretary In our planning, we do not count on Authors Our MySpace blog was set up by Lorraine Coalition monies. We will continue to use that Bartlett and has been very successful — SinC The Docket money for extra, “big” projects, generally in has more than 400 “friends” to date. Bloggers Continued from page 12 the year following receipt. All members should are needed, and a schedule will be set up. Blogs be reminded through their chapter presidents should be from 500–1,000 words. Beth will blog Serita Stevens, THE MUDDY WATERS OF that filling out the Authors Coalition form is about the Malice Domestic conference. DROWNING INVESTIGATION, Technol- crucial. March 3 is the date that SinC reports We will be sending regular e-blasts. An- ogy Magazine, September 2007 to the coalition. nouncements should be sent to Roberta with a Nancy Tesler, EENEY, MEENEY, MINEY, In order to be more proactive in dealing with copy to Beth. MO: CAN STEPHANIE HAVE HER Agents/Editors/Booksellers, Rochelle proposes Victoria and Kathy wanted to discuss whether CAKE AND EAT IT TOO? Perfectly Plum, we arrange annual summits in New York to we should have a new ad concept after the BenBella Books, June 2007 explain why our writers are important, and 20th Anniversary is over. A discussion ensued Awards/Miscellaneous what SinC can bring to them (e.g. book clubs, on whether we should keep “the door” logo Suzanne Adair’s (Suzanne Williams) first novel, bookstore and library grants, etc.). Before the or design a new one, and whether we should PAPER WOMAN, is the 2007 recipient of meetings, members can send in their questions hire someone to design it, or ask members to the Patrick D. Smith Literature Award from and concerns; afterward, the team will report to volunteer. All present liked “SinC Into a Good the Florida Historical Society. members on what they’ve learned. After much Mystery” as a slogan, and want to design a new discussion, Roberta, Jim, S.J. and Rochelle were logo to go with it. Suzanne Arruda’s MARK OF THE LION, selected to be on the team. They plan to meet S.J. reported on Forensic U, our second (NAL, 2006) was awarded first place, best with a different segment of the industry each annual “major event” this coming November. fiction at the 2007 Missouri Writer’s Guild year. Marketing will be the first. We have the faculty, and Jan Burke suggested Conference. The revised bylaws were approved. They via e-mail that we should let the membership Sunny Frazier’s FOOLS RUSH IN won the Pub- should be ratified by the membership at Sunday’s know that if they had to pay for this expertise, lic Safety Writers Association award for Best breakfast meeting. they couldn’t afford it. Jan will blog about the Novel. Her short story, HANGNAIL, won Beth brought up the Membership Directory. conference and post to EMWA, DorothyL and first place, and ARMED AND IRRITATED The paper edition is expensive; therefore we other lists. Joanna said that 60 people have won second place at the conference. plan to make the directory available online via already registered. Rochelle asked us to think Gay Toltl Kinman’s, short story, THE AUDI- a centralized database, with password protec- about ideas for next year. Something “legal” TION, was produced as a play by the Lizard tion. If a member does not have ready access to seemed to be favored. Theater of Alhambra, CA, in April 2007. the internet, a paper copy can be requested. A Beth suggested that we develop a bookmark Beverle Graves Myers’ short story, HAVEN straw vote will be taken of the membership at for libraries that requested anniversary packets CITY, was named a Notable Story of 2006 Sunday’s breakfast. and have it on the website for libraries to down- by the Million Writers Award. Roberta reported for the Nominating Com- load and print using their own funds. Barry B. Longyear has won the 2007 Analog mittee, reminding the board that we need to Roberta reported that Left Coast Crime in Science Fiction and Fact Anlab Award for his follow the bylaws and have a three-person Denver may feature multi-tracking and panels novella THE GOOD KILL. committee that includes the President, the Past by organization. We will ask members for sug- President and a member of the board. Rochelle, gested topics. Elaine Menge won first place in the Murder By Libby, and Jim are this year’s committee, passed A question was raised about whether to have The Book 2007 Short Story Contest for her unanimously. a SinC Endowment, from which a percentage of story, SMART PIGS AND SOUR GAS at Doris Ann (our library liaison) and S.J. (our the interest could be used to help needy members the MWA’s Hardboiled Heroes and Cozy Cats “at large” member) are stepping down. We’ll on a case-by-case basis. Perhaps members could convention in Dallas in June. need to replace them. Suggestions from the indicate their intention to contribute to the fund Catherine Paul, (Evelyn Cirincione) was a final- board are welcome. by using a check-off box on their membership ist for the 2007 Association of Educational Kathy reports that no decision has been made renewal form. It was moved and seconded that Publishing – Distinguished Achievement regarding a tiered grant schedule for chapters. Beth and Kathy explore the pros and cons. Award for her book KATERI CAEL AND The current range is $250 – $1,000. The maxi- In an effort to “recruit future readers,” Doris THE HAUNTED ACADEMY. September 2007 – 14

to her car, start it, and maneuver through traf- Car 54 Where Are You? fic at a high rate of speed. She has to do all this By Lee Lofland by gunfire, and the robber was killed. The entire and still travel the distance to the crime scene, Cho Seung-Hui, the killer in the Virginia event lasted less than one minute, but it seemed which is sometimes many, many miles, especially Tech massacre, fired more than 150 rounds like hours before our back-up arrived. in rural areas. (bullets) during his deadly shooting spree. The Police officers respond to crimes as soon as Even in the best of situations — no traffic act of discharging 150 bullets — three full boxes they’re reported. Their response time varies, jams or accidents — it sometimes takes quite a — sounds like a feat that could last for hours. In depending upon where they are when they while for an officer to reach the scene of a crime. reality, that amount of ammunition could have receive the call. It would be wonderful if police All too often, by the time he/she does arrive, the been discharged in a matter of mere seconds. officers had Star Trek technology and were able crime has already been committed and the sus- Sadly, the police could not have prevented this to instantly beam themselves to the scene of an pect has fled. This doesn’t mean the officer took tragedy if they’d been two blocks away when the in-progress crime. Unfortunately, it takes time her time getting there; it just means that she’s shooting started. not faster than a speeding bullet. Modern semi-automatic pis- Sometimes it’s best to use common tols like the two used by Cho sense and go to a safe area, if possible, Seung-Hui are capable of firing until the police arrive. Even then, it’s best one round after another as fast as to make sure the person you’re speaking the shooter can pull the trigger, with is truly a police officer. Ask to see her stopping only when the weapon is identification. A legitimate police officer out of bullets or when the shooter always carries her badge and identification stops firing. Semi-automatics are and doesn’t mind showing it to you. designed to receive a magazine Be smart, be safe, and support your (sometimes incorrectly called a local law-enforcement. They work hard clip) that holds multiple rounds of ammunition. to mobilize a police officer. to protect you. Some magazines, although illegal to possess, are The report first has to be received by a dis- Until next time, I’m 10-7. Out of service. capable of holding 100 rounds. patcher. The dispatcher then has to transfer I was once in a shootout where 68 rounds of that information to the next available officer, Retired detective Lee Lofland is the author of 9 mm ammunition were exchanged between who must then react to the information and Book of Police Procedure and Investigation: A a bank robber and the police. During the gun stop what she’s doing, such as writing a traffic Guide for Writers. He is on the faculty for SinC’s battle, a police car was nearly destroyed by bul- summons, arresting an offender, or testifying in upcoming Forensic University, to be held November lets, several tires on other vehicles were flattened court. Once she receives the call, she has to run 1 to 4, 2007, in St. Louis.

2007 – 2008 Ballot Deadline for Receipt of Ballot: September 22, 2007 Please check the boxes to vote for each candidate. You must vote for all offices, including the At Large positions. Mail your ballot to Beth Wasson, P.O. Box 442124, Lawrence, KS 66044- 8933. You may also vote at the business meeting/breakfast at Bouchercon on September 30 at 7:30 am.

2007 – 2008 Board of Directors q President: Roberta Isleib q At Large: Margaret Coel q Vice President: Judy Clemens q Bookstore Liaison: Jim Huang q Secretary: Marcia Talley q At Large: Nancy Martin q Chapter Liaison: Donna Andrews q Monitoring Liaison: Mary Saums q Library Liaison: Mary Boone q Publicity: Joanna Slan

Member’s Signature: ______

Print Name:______

September 2007 – 15 DEADLINES

✔SEPTEMBER 14, 2007 — Deadline for reservations for September 30, 2007, Bouchercon Breakfast. Send check made out to SinC for $20 to Beth Wasson, Executive Secretary, P.O. Box 442124, Lawrence, KS 66044-8933. ✔SEPTEMBER 15, 2007 — Deadline for discounted registration for Forensic University St. Louis. See the website for details and register online. ✔SEPTEMBER 22, 2007 — Deadline for receipt of election ballot. See page 15. ✔OCTOBER 10, 2007 — Deadline for submission of items for December Docket. Send to Patricia Gulley, 1743 N. Jantzen Avenue, Portland, OR 97217-7849 or e-mail . ✔OCTOBER 15, 2007 — Deadline for Books in Print website entries. Go to . ✔OCTOBER 15, 2007 — Deadline for December InSinC newsletter. Contact Bonnie J. Cardone, 3116 Trisha Court, Santa Maria, CA 93455-7137; phone: (805) 938-1156; or e-mail: . Other newsletter deadlines are January 15, April 15 and July 15.

Typeset and Mailed by: PRSRT STD Rowan Mountain, Inc. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PO Box 10111 BLACKSBURG, VA Blacksburg VA 24062-0111 PERMIT NO. 158 Change Service Requested