ininSinCSinC The Sisters in Crime Quarterly December 2015 Get a Clue inSinC Editor’s Note The Sisters in Crime Quarterly December 2015 Molly Weston ...... 3 Leslie’s Letter Leslie Budewitz ...... 4 Mission Statement Chapters ...... 5 Promote the ongoing advancement, recognition and professional development of women crime writers. Lights, Camera, Action: Sisters Leslie Budewitz, President in Crime in Hollywood Diane Vallere, Vice President Secretary Laura DiSilverio & Hank Susan C. Shea, Lori Roy, Treasurer Phillippi Ryan ...... 11 Carolyn Dubiel, Library Liaison Ask a Cop Debra Goldstein, Monitoring Chair G. M. Malliet, Bookstore Liaison RJ Beam ...... 12 Karen Pullen, Chapter Liaison Writing Software: The Latest and Greatest Gigi Pandian, Publicity Liaison Laura Brennan ...... 14 Julie Hennrikus, Authors Coalition Liaison Catriona McPherson, Immediate Vice President RIP Joyce Lavene ...... 16 Molly Weston, inSinC Editor Eleanor Taylor Bland Winner ...... 17 Laurel Anderson, inSinC Proofreader Gavin Faulkner, inSinC Proofreader SinC Listserv Moderators Rock . . . . .17 Marisa Young, inSinC Proofreader Beth’s Bits ...... 18 Sarah Glass, Web Maven/Social Media Writing Our Differences— Beth Wasson, Executive Director Doing Diversity Right ...... 19 PO Box 442124 Deepen Your Character with Lawrence, KS 66044-2124 a Clinical Interview [email protected] 785.842.1325 (P) • 785.856.6314 (F) Katherine Ramsland, PhD . . . . . 20 ©2015 Sisters in Crime International We Love Libraries! Angela Smith ...... 22 American Library Association Alert ...... 23 Mystery Writers One-Day Getaway (SinC Speakers Bureau Roadshow Irma Baker ...... 24 inSinc is the official publication of Sisters in Crime International and is published four Awards & Nominations times a year. • One-year dues are $50 for professional US and Canada writers and Gay Toltl Kinman ...... 25 $40 for non-professionals. Two-year dues are $100 and $80; lifetime, $500 and $400. Address and all other changes can be made by members at www.sistersincrime.org. Events & Happenings ...... 26 If you do not use a computer or need a user name, please contact Beth Wasson at the address above. Information in inSinC is submitted or reprinted from sources listed in Seen at ...... 27 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 Raven Award ...... 28 an endorsement of products or services offered. No material may be reprinted without Holiday Greetings ...... 28 written permission from Sisters in Crime.

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¡ ¡ Editor’s Note from by Molly Weston Molly Sisters in Crime Past Presidents 1987-88 1988-89 1989-90 Susan Dunlap 1990-91 lanche DuBois and I have a lot in Carolyn G. Hart 1991-92 P. M. Carlson 1992-93 common—we both depend on the Linda Grant 1993-94 kindness of strangers. You know Barbara D’Amato 1994-95 Elaine Raco Chase 1995-96 Blanche’s story; mine is a bit differ- Annette Meyers 1996-97 ent. As my hair becomes grayer and Sue Henry 1997-98 grayer, I find people are more willing to offer Medora Sale 1998-99 B Barbara Burnett Smith 1999-00 help! Within Sisters in Crime, however, these Claire Carmichael McNab 2000-01 strangers are becoming treasured friends. Eve K. Sandstrom 2001-02 Kate Flora 2002-03 Kate Grilley 2003-04 When I first became editor of inSinC, Leslie Budewitz and Patricia Sprinkle 2004-05 Katherine Ramsland emailed and asked if I’d like them to continue Libby Hellmann 2005-06 writing their columns. Well, of course I would! Chapter presidents Rochelle Krich 2006-07 Roberta Isleib 2007-08 sent news—usually without prompting. With every membership Judy Clemens 2008-09 benefit, someone was tasked with sending a column. At every 2009-10 Cathy Pickens 2010-11 conference I’ve attended since, I’ve found someone else willing to Frankie Bailey 2011-12 write for inSinC! I didn’t attend this year’s Writers Police Academy, 2012-13 but Catriona McPherson asked RJ Beam to write “Ask a Cop,” a Laura DiSilverio 2013–14 Catriona McPherson 2014–15 Q&A column—and he cheerfully obliged. The instances above are but a few that nearly every member of our organization can cite about the wonderful relationships, friend- ships, and family feelings we find in Sisters in Crime. Nearly every Deadline & Submissions time I suggest to a reader that s/he might enjoy being a member, Deadline for articles for the I’m told, “But I’m not an author!” That reply always encourages me March issue of inSinC is to mount my soapbox to explain how much I’ve gained from my January 15. Include name, email, mailing address, and phone twenty-plus year membership—also as a reader. number with submissions. Send col- I hope you’ll find time to read this issue carefully. There’s so much umns, articles, high-res photos, to offer each of you—and, in general, the articles are not bound ideas, praise, and story ideas via email to by a timeframe. Do let me hear from you, even if you wish I’d do Molly Weston something differently! [email protected] Happy holidays, happy writing, and happy reading! 919.362.1436

Molly

P. S. Our cover was chosen by folks who stopped by the SinC table at Bouchercon. We offered several choices, but this was the overwhelming winner. Thanks!

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¡ ¡ ll my life, I’ve wanted At Bouchercon, we announced talks a sister. with the Girl Scouts to develop joint programming. Our YA committee is Now, thanks to Sisters also looking at other ways to expand in Crime, I’ve got nearly outreach to young readers and writ- 3,600 of you, some of ers, including book clubs sponsored whomA are brothers. by chapters, YA participation in Weston. Four new conferences, and more. Who’s hosting Christmas? I am? members joined That’s what I figured. And you’re all In April, you’re invited to the us in October: welcome. Because the point of Sisters Hollywood conference, three days of Vice President is and always will be to set more pitch training and opportunities, and Diane Vallere, places at the table. We have leaves, presentations providing information who brings more and we know how to use them. and advice from screenwriters, pro- enthusiasm than And the miracle is, there will always be ducers, development execs, story ana- a class of third room. There will always be enough— lysts, and agents. Members will learn graders with free chocolate milk shakes; Gigi Pandian, enough books to read, enough educa- about adaptation, breaking in, actors’ our smart, creative publicity chair; tional and promotional opportunities, and producers’ perspectives, and Karen Pullen, chapter liaison, who even enough publishing and sales more. Registration is free for members. hit the ground running in Raleigh; channels—if we work together. I’m looking forward to continuing and Debra Goldstein, taking on the In the last year, under the guidance these programs, and finding more monitoring project, which goes to of president Catriona McPherson ways to serve you, our members. our very core as an organization with the helping hands of past We’ve begun planning a short story whose mission is to “promote the presidents Laura DiSilverio and initiative—more on that in the ongoing advancement, recognition, Hank Phillippi Ryan, we’ve launched coming months—and more chapter and professional development of several new programs that illustrate services. We’ll staff a booth at this women crime writers.” that point. The Speakers’ Bureau summer’s ALA conference, as usual; Our executive director, Beth Wasson, sends successful, experienced mem- provide discounted registration for and web maven, Sarah Glass, make bers—national bestselling or major the Writers Police Academy; and offer the rest of us look good. Heaven award-winning authors, professional a terrific workshop the day before knows, that’s not easy, but you won’t editors and agents, and experienced Bouchercon in New Orleans. hear it from them. teachers—to chapters, at National’s I also want to acknowledge the other expense, for a day of programming. If you’ve got ideas to bring more fabulous board members and our The first event, sponsored by the writers and readers, booksellers, amazing staff. Cari Dubiel, in her Northeast Ohio chapter, brought librarians, and industry pros to the fourth year on the board, is our members from four chapters in three table, let me know. Be warned—just library liaison. Julie Hennrikus is states together for a tremendous like at Christmas dinner, if you want our Authors Coalition liaison—AC presentation by Nancy Pickard. a particular dish, you may need funds are hugely important to our to put on an apron and pick up a We’ve also made on-going the programming, and I’ll be telling you spoon. But you’ll never have to be in Eleanor Taylor Bland Crime Fiction more about them. As immediate past the kitchen alone. Writers of Color Award, supporting president, Catriona McPherson is the recipient’s education, research, mentor and Big Sister to us all. GM And I guarantee you an ear, and a and career development. This year, “Gin” Malliett is our bookstore rep- welcome. “We Love Bookstores” joined “We resentative, and Lori Roy the trea- Because even this writer, with just Love Libraries,” offering grants to aid surer who makes it all add up. Susan the one brother, knows what Sisters our partners in crime in spreading Shea, our secretary, herds the cats can do. the word—and promoting the words And we couldn’t tell all of you any between pages. of this without inSinC editor Molly Leslie 4 inSinC December 2015

¡ ¡ Triangle Chapter www.TriangleSinC.com embers of Sisters in Crime of the Triangle, News the Raleigh NC chapter, E1Fr te p

dipped our toes into the a h

Mwide waters of book festivals on Sat- 2C 3 urday, September 12. Bookmarks, in downtown Winston-Salem, the 2 3 largest one-day book festival in the Carolinas, was attended by thou- o4p sands including six TriSinC mem- bers. J D Allen, Antoinette Brown, Britni Patterson, Noelle Granger, Karen Pullen, and Nora Gaskin Esthimer hung our “MYSTERIES” banner, arranged our books on the table, and spent the next seven hours schmoozing with walkers-by, talking about SinC, signing and selling our Lowcountry Chapter LowCountrySistersInCrime.blogspot.com books. embers of the Low SinC-National supported our par- County Sisters in Crime ticipation by providing an event Chapter enjoyed a busy grant that covered the booth regis- autumn. We opened our tration. It was a great opportunity Mfall meeting schedule with an infor- for our members! mative visit from former DEA agent 2 Gordon Rayner who—with his wife Ella Mae Rayner—co-authored For- eign Service Family Style. Gordon gave a hands-on presentation, “Firearms 101,” explaining terms, structure, and usage of firearms and including some personal anecdotes. Several members attended Bouchercon 2015, Murder Under the Oaks, in Raleigh NC includ- ing the four high school students whose book club our chapter sponsors. Three of them served on the panel, “The Importance of YA Book Clubs,” along with SinC member and author Bonnie K. Stevens, whose first YA mystery,Fighting Chance, debuted in October. 2

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¡ ¡ Desert Sleuths www.desertsleuths.com His humorous, self-deprecating shared information on the state he Desert Sleuths Chap- style coupled with his creativity of the publishing industry. ter in Scottsdale, Ari- provided many new approaches Jenny Milchman and Michael zona, hosted their tenth to the difficult task of promoting Koryta joined in a panel discus- annual summer confer- and selling our work. sion to close the day. Taking part Tence in August. The fun-filled, Hilary Davidson provided us were Hilary Davidson, Christina information-packed, day-and-a- with insights on plotting and the Cox, Deborah J. Ledford, Simon half event began with a Friday importance of getting the set- Wood and Terri Bischoff, night gala and launch of Desert ting right. Then she directed our with Roni Olson moderating. Sleuths’ sixth anthology, So West attention to the differences in Questions from the floor were So Deadly. We’ve all been waiting techniques between non-fiction entertained and answered with for the collection of short sto- and fiction. elements of humor and usable ries by twenty-two of our award- information we couldn’t have winning and first-time authors. During the lunch break, Isabella acquired elsewhere. Congratulations to them all! introduced the newly established Youth Writing Program and the Isabella closed the Write Now Many of our conference faculty teens who made the long trek 2015 Conference after announc- members attended the gala, from Verde River. ing the results of our very suc- including our very own Sara cessful silent auction. It was an Christina Cox and Deborah J. Paretsky who mingled and shared amazing day—and it will be one Ledford held everyone’s attention as stories of her adventures within we talk about for a long time, at they shared a conversation regard- the writing world. Members were least until we do it again next ing dialogue and characterization. thrilled for the opportunity to summer! We hope to see you They provided insight to writing an meet and visit with this very spe- then. cial lady. original screenplay as well as con- 2 verting books to screenplays. On Saturday morning, President Isabella Maldonado opened the Terri Bischoff from Midnight Ink conference and the silent auc- spoke about the elements and tion. She then introduced our requirements for submitting to keynote speaker, Sara Paretsky, a publisher and what publishers who kicked off the day in style, want to see within our submis- presenting her message, “Aim sions. Her light-hearted style had High,” within the context of an everyone smiling. She covered interview conducted by Simon the important elevator pitch and Wood. Their relaxing question and answer conversation was a great way to establish the tone for the day. Simon, an ace marketer, then spoke about building an arsenal of the ways and means to pro- mote one’s writing and oneself.

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¡ ¡ SinC Orange County www.ocsistersincrime.org “Forensics Fest.” A gath- ering of women who Intrigue, held in October at a two-meeting “Forensics Fest.” The work in law enforce- Huntington Beach hotel, that first gave members a chance to ment. An all-day liter- drew the biggest crowd. Nearly meet four-legged investigators, Aary event celebrating local and 100 people attended the tick- via the Southwest Search Dogs, a internationally-known female eted event, which included K-9 search and rescue group that authors. These were among the morning coffee and muffins and works with Southern California 2015 highlights for Sisters in a luncheon. law enforcement. Featured key- Crime Orange County. At the second meeting, note speaker- Dave Putnam discussed The Southern California-based authors were how his thirty-plus years chapter also offered up a spate of Catriona as a cop led to his writ- guest authors whose works strad- McPherson, ing career, and his latest dle the mystery sub-genres. From president book about former cop fashion and designer-themed of SinC Bruno Johnson, The cozies to gritty cop dramas, SinC National, and Replacements. Also on OC members also heard about Carol Higgins the program was Richard internationally-set mysteries, Clark. Rodriguez, chief training romantic suspense, and paranor- (McPherson officer with the Coroner mal mysteries. Further, they were subsequently Division of the Orange treated to an impromptu work- won both the County Sheriff-Coroner shop on how to apply screenwrit- Anthony and Department, who gave ing tactics to the genre. the Macavity a PowerPoint presentation that awards.) “I couldn’t have been happier underscored the sobering and with our year’s meetings, filled On the program was a trio of very real outcome of crime. panels examining “The Lighter with so many fascinating authors Jumping ahead to summer: the Side of Mystery,” “Dark and and experts,” said president chapter and So Cal Mystery Deadly,” and “Growing Up Gayle Carline. Writers of American held its Dangerous,” with the latter spot- It was the group’s Ladies of annual joint meeting, which lighting Young Adult authors. boasted a panel of five women This was the second time the who fight crime for a living. chapter has sponsored Ladies of Intrigue. “So many people told me what a wonderful time they had at the event,” noted Carline. “It was all thanks to our fabulous committee, and our great authors.” The SinCOC year kicked off memorably with a

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¡ ¡ In fall, a Halloween-themed themed series (the latest, the meeting conjured up guest Costume Shop mystery series, speaker Jeff Michaels, an author, will debut with A Disguise to Die channel, spiritual advisor, moti- For, in February 2016), had her vational speaker and instructor audience scribbling away as of metaphysics. He discussed she dispensed advice, such as: how he utilizes his intuitive gifts, writers must be able come up and fielded questions about with a good 100-word blurb for depictions of psychics, and other their book. “It’s a snapshot. It special folks, in mysteries. could be your book’s back cover Various authors spoke during the copy,” said Vallere. year. Los Angeles SinC president Anne Cleeland, author of Diane Vallere (vice president, the New Scotland Yard series National) discussed her status featuring Chief Inspector Acton as a hybrid author. (“I’m pro- and first year detective Kathleen Publishing. On the same pro- publishing, whatever the right Doyle, discussed the hows and gram was Beth Yarnall, who pens path is,” said Vallere, about her whys of writing a British-set mys- romantic suspense. self-published titles and her tery, and Murder in Hindsight, the Alexandra Sokoloff, the author of ongoing relationship with both a third book in her series. major publisher and a boutique eleven supernatural and crime house.) The prolific Vallere, who Colin Cotterill, who lives with thrillers, shared how-to informa- writes four fashion and décor- his family on the Gulf of Siam, tion from her book Screenwriting was visiting So Cal on a book Tips for Authors, which she utilizes tour when he spoke to SinCOC in special workshops. A former about Six and a Half Deadly Sins, screenwriter, Sokoloff talked the ninth and latest title in his about three-act, eight-sequence Dr. Siri Paiboun series (about structure, the index card method the retired coroner of Laos, circa of outlining a book, and more. 1970s) and his Jimm Juree crime novels set in southern Thailand. After all, she said, there’s no down playing Hollywood’s influ- Lisa Kessler, an Amazon best- ence in the world of publishing, selling author of dark paranormal so why not use Tinseltown tac- fiction, discussed her paranormal tics? They could lead to a happy and romantic suspense titles, ending—at least for the writer. including the Night Series and 2 the Moon Series for Entangled

If your chapter has an activity you’d like to feature in an article for inSinC, please email Molly Weston at [email protected]. We’re always interested in innovations, ideas, and community interactions. Remember to title your story with your chapter name and include your URL. Photos should be clear and at least 1 mb.

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¡ ¡ Speed City Indiana www.speedcitysistersincrime.org utumn has been a busy season for the Speed Tech Community City Chapter. Our lat- College. Murder est anthology, Decades on the Bucket Aof Dirt: Murder, Mystery, and May- List, authored hem from the Crossroads of Crime, by Tony Perona edited by members MB Dabney (as part of the and Barbara Swander Miller, writing team launched in August. Since then Elizabeth we’ve promoted the book at Perona), has local events and libraries and a been released by booth at a farmers market shared Midnight Ink. ter members manned a booth to with Bookmamas, our chapter’s Members Brenda Stewart, Tony answer questions about SinC and favorite independent bookstore. Perona, Diana Catt, Cheryl to recruit members. We’ve also been to libraries in Shore, Elaine Orr, M. E. May, Judy downtown Indianapolis, Johnson Because 2016 is Indiana’s bicenten- Broderick and Tia Catalina par- County, and Allen County. nial year, Diana Catt has submitted ticipated on panels at Magna cum an application for Legacy Status We are beginning to collect Murder, Indiana’s annual celebra- on behalf of Speed City Chapter. stories for our next anthology. tion of mystery sponsored by Ball Tentatively titled The Fine Art of State University, over Halloween We have a slate of speakers booked Murder, each story will related weekend. throughout 2016 that will link our to one of the fine arts. We hope was the guest of honor. National state’s history to crime and mystery. to publish this volume in 2016. Sisters in Crime sponsored the The programs will be free and open Brenda Stewart and Diana Catt luncheon, and Speed City chap- to the public. 2 are the editors. Members have been busy sub- SinC Colorado mitting to publishers, agents, www. SistersInCrimeColorado.org and magazines. Diana Catt has new chapter of Sisters in Crime, Inc. has been formed in Colo- recently published her collec- rado. At our first quarterly event in October, we welcomed Dr. tion of short stories Below the Laurie Sperry who led a lively and interactive discussion on Line. Crystal V. Rhodes who how to co-writes the “Grandmothers, Arecognize/write Incorporated” cozy series with her the typologies writing partner and fellow Speed of stalking. City member, L. Barnett Evans, We have more was recently named as playwright- exciting events in-residence at the Connor Prairie Interactive History Park planned for in Indianapolis. Norm Campbell’s 2016! If you live crime drama, East 300 North, was in Colorado, read by the Odeon Society on please consider the Indianapolis campus of Ivy joining us. 2 9 inSinC December 2015

¡ ¡ Heart of Texas North Dallas sinc-heartoftexas.com www.sistersincrimenorthdallas.com

ur two Texas chapters teamed up Octo- range of genres, from cozies to thrillers, historical ber 17–18 in a booth at the Texas Book to near-future. The variety in itself was appealing Festival (TBF) on the State Capitol to passersby. Everyone sold some books and we got Grounds in Austin. Melissa Lenhardt to talk to readers about our books, which is a fun representedO the North Dallas chapter. Seven learning experience in itself. authors from the Heart of Texas (Austin) chapter TBF is not a major selling venue but mainly an participated: Tracie Andrighetti, Alexandra Burt, event about books and authors, with lots of speak- Martha Carr, Anna Castle, N.M. (Noreen) Cedeño, ers and fun activities for children. Our sales were Janet Christian, and Helen Currie Foster. good by TBF standards, but that is not the main We dropped off books and banners and other criterion for success at this event. We raised the booth supplies on Friday evening, braving the banner for Sisters in Crime, both figuratively and downtown traffic. Noreen and Melissa set up the literally, attracting lots of positive interest in our books and banners on Saturday morning in time books and the whole organization. People enjoyed for the festival opening at 10:00 am. The weather learning about Sisters in Crime! We gave away lots was gorgeous and lots of people turned out. We of brochures and bookmarks and made connec- took turns staffing the booth, with two authors tions with librarians, book clubs, and book blog- for each two-hour shift and Anna as rover in gers as well. Elizabethan garb. (Attention-getting. Useful!) This event was made possible by a Sisters in Crime All of our books were on sale all of the time, mak- national grant of $500, which paid for the booth ing a very handsome display indeed. We had nice and the banners. We are grateful for the program for inspiring as well as supporting our efforts. We all feel the event was a big success and are looking forward to doing it again next year. Hopefully more sisters will be able to participate next time. We would love to see more chap- ters forming in Texas. SinC Heart of Texas meets every second Sunday at 2:00 pm and SinC North Dallas meets on fourth Sundays at 2:00 pm. Both chapters gladly welcome new members and visitors! 2

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¡ ¡ Lights, Camera, Action! Sisters in Crime in Hollywood

e are always looking for ways to edy (“In Living Color”) to drama (“The District”) educate and support our sisters to police procedural (“CSI: NY”). Attendees who and misters, whether they’re signed up for pitches will meet with development learning how to craft an effec- execs, producers and agents to pitch their projects. tive scene, searching for an We’re hoping to follow that with a cocktail recep- agent, or celebrating the publication of their twen- tion for all attendees and panelists. tieth novel. If you’ve published a book and are hop- On Saturday and Sunday, Hollywood insiders will ing to see it on the big screen (or the one in your W discuss the adaptation process from a screenwrit- living room), have we got a conference for you! er’s point of view, give tips on how to get past the We hope you’ve already heard about our upcom- gatekeepers, talk about what actors and producers ing Hollywood conference, April 1–3, 2016, where are looking for, and offer advice from deal-makers. you can learn the ins and outs of writing a novel We’re anticipating a dynamic and useful talk from that will attract Hollywood actors and develop- keynote speaker Megan Abbott. She is the Edgar ment execs, plus learn how to pitch it and what to award-winning author who is currently developing expect from the deal. Did we mention that confer- The Fever as an MTV series for Sarah Jessica Parker’s ence attendance is FREE for SinC members? We’re production company. She also scripted the adap- even covering your breakfasts and lunches. If you’re tation of Dare Me for HBO. The conference will not already signed up, zip over to the SinC website conclude at noon on Sunday with a Q&A session, right now and get registered because space is lim- possibly with an actor and producer. ited. We’ll wait. We hope that many of you will take advantage Okay, now that you’re back, let us fill you in on a of this opportunity and that you will agree with few more details. As the schedule firms up, we will us that this is a phenomenal member benefit. If post it on the website, so check back. Keep in mind you get a chance, say thanks to Mae Woods, Lisa that some of this is subject to change as panelists Seidman (longtime SinC members and Hollywood may have to drop out for one reason or another. insiders) and their committee (Georgia Jeffries, If so, they will be replaced with presenters with Ellen Byron, Wendall Thomas, Diane Vallere, Susan equivalent experience. Here’s what we have so far. Beery, and Rochelle Staab) for the many hours of work they have (and will continue to) put into this. The Clapboard On Friday, Pam Veasey, the executive producer See you in Hollywood! of “CSI: Cyber,” will teach a workshop on how to Laura DiSilverio & Hank Phillippi Ryan pitch your novel. She’s worked in TV for 25 years as Education Committee Co-Chairs a writer and producer on shows ranging from com-

11 inSinC December 2015

¡ ¡ ASK A COP by RJ Beam

For years, Leslie Budewitz wrote a “Law and Order” column for inSinC. She asked to be relieved of this duty when she became president of Sisters in Crime. Outdoing president Catriona McPherson met RJ Beam at the Writers Police Academy and asked (begged?) him to write a question and answer column from a cop’s perspec- tive. Fortunately for inSinC, the popular WPA instructor was besieged with questions, one of which is answered in this first column.

My protagonist (MC) is a detective who Unfortunately busting someone back to patrol makes a mistake and needs a demotion is a tad clichéd. The heroes in countless movies and/or punishment but realistically still and book series have this happen at some point. has to be able to have the ability to In addition, someone demoted would likely end investigate the crime central to my plot up on a night shift, meaning if they are going to Q when on-duty. continue an investigation on-duty all the people involved need to be night owls. There are a number of roles at a police depart- ment someone could be assigned to as a punish- One other issue with patrol would be calls for ment. The big issue will be the size of the depart- service. A demoted officer would likely get all the ment. A second issue would be rank structure calls cops hate dealing with (barking dog com- and classification of various roles. plaints, noisy neighbors, and welfare checks). A crafty writer, however, might find a way to have a Demotion late night barking dog call be the key to solving My first thought would be to have the officer the mystery. demoted to patrol. Many police officers spend their whole career working in a patrol car. Desk Job Working patrol is a great job. I have multiple My next thought would be some kind of desk friends who spend a full career only ever working investigator. Again the size of a department will in patrol. A good number of cops crave special dictate if there even is a role like this at a city. assignments such as investigations. Promotional This role is typically given to officers with an processes injury or pregnancy—someone who is able to do can be com- work, yet the reality of short-term physical limita- petitive, so tions prevents them from being out on the street. losing a spe- A desk investigator takes phone calls for minor cial assign- issues—stuff that can be handled over the phone ment can without needing to see a police officer in person. be a major For example, a person hits a raccoon with their career car, causing a major dent. The auto body shop crusher. and the insurance want a police report number

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¡ ¡ before fixing the damage. The desk investigator can do all the paperwork over the phone. This role presents issues for a cop to still be working a case due to this job’s requirement for being at the department all day answering the phone. Also, since this is often a spot for persons with medical needs, it rarely is used for punitive means. Meter Reading Parking enforcement would be a good possibil- ity. Many cities use a team of civilians for parking enforcement. Every city is different, so parking much of the bureaucratic paperwork that hap- enforcement could be part of the police depart- pens after the CSI process. It also involves hand ment, the street department or even a stand-alone transporting some evidence to the crime lab. department of parking. This would be a drastic This job would be good for two reasons. The MC demotion for an officer. Think about it—parking would still be able to get outside the department officers are typically called “meter maids.” A good while on duty to investigate and still have full author could likely find a joke or two in having access to investigation databases. someone call their MC a meter maid. Evidence clerks are alone in the evidence room A big positive about parking enforcing would be all day, so no one would notice if they slip out that the now demoted officer still works for the to work the case. Plus, they deliver evidence to city. The MC would also be out on the streets the lab and they return evidence that’s no lon- and could still find time on-duty to work the ger needed to crime victims. As such, they can case. make little side trips to keep the investigation going forward. Property I hope one of these options works out for the My last thought person who asked. If you have questions about would be turn- police procedures or operations drop me an email [email protected]. ing the MC into 2 an evidence clerk (AKA property RJ Beam has a public safety career covering both police room clerk, AKA and fire fighting. Currently, RJ works in Law Enforcement in Wisconsin. His first fiction novel Fire Cop was just pub- property & evi- lished in October. RJ maintains a blog titled RescueHumor dence manager). and is also a contributor columnist for the website Uniform This is a job that Stories. some people aspire to as a promotion. At the same time, it is one that can be given to officers who mess up as a way to get them off the street. The job is essentially doing

13 inSinC December 2015

¡ ¡ Writing Software The Latest and Greatest by Laura Brennan

ord processing was the game changer. While this may peg me as ancient, I still remember pounding away on my mother’s typewriter. It wasn’t until sophomore year of college that my roommate got a desktop computer and the writing of papers and Wessays—and stories—was transformed in a blink. Nothing has ever made my life as a writer easier than that seismic shift. But that doesn’t mean they don’t try. Dozens of apps promise to improve our writing lives, usually by helping us manage time, organize information, convert files, or some combination of all three. Travis Richardson, two-time Macavity Award nominee for his short stories, makes full use of half a dozen different programs: “I mainly use Scrivener to track characters, locations and notes. Since I write from multiple comput- ers, including a Mac desktop and laptop at home, a PC desktop at work, and a PC netbook, I write in Word on all of them. I use Dropbox to keep the manuscripts updated.” Richardson also uses Google Drive Sheets to track submissions and Google Docs to record story ideas—in fact, if you want to follow in his footsteps, he made an Excel version available for download for free on his website at www.tsrichardson.com/2015/01/05/2015-writing-spreadsheet/. Think you might want to add some technical prowess to your writing pro- cess? Here are some of the most popular products and how they work. Scrivener LiteratureAndLatte.com However. Scrivener is also known for its steep learning curve. An entire cottage industry has grown up around Scrivener tutorials, and while you can find some solid guidance for free, many of the in-depth resources and ongoing support forums cost more than the software itself. Evernote Evernote.com Evernote is the modern equivalent of a writer’s notebook. You can write, scan, save or otherwise capture almost any information, from articles on

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¡ ¡ the web to business cards to your grocery can start with a brain dump, listing—if you list. What makes it vastly superior to pen and want—sixteen pages worth of tasks, but you paper, however, is 1) everything you put into can then label tasks by project and assign it becomes searchable, and 2) it syncs across them due dates based on what needs to be all your devices. There done in what order and by when. Todoist will are both free and list only the tasks you need to do that day, premium versions although it will give you a glimpse of what’s available. to come, as well as a reminder of anything overdue. The free version of Todoist is blissfully simple to use, if a little bare-bones. It sends you a daily e-mail and has a nice check-off feature that makes tasks fade away. Didn’t finish Pinterest something? You can move it to the next day, Pinterest.com next week, or another specified date in the Kim Fay, an Edgar Award finalist for her future. Paid upgrades are also available. first novel, The Map of Lost Memories,prefers a more visual way to keep track of her Google Spreadsheets research. “I love Pinterest,” said Fay. “I use it docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/ as a holding bin for my research. It’s won- Susanna Calkins, author of the Lucy Campion derful when I’m digging around for informa- mystery series, will have her fourth novel, A tion and come across five or six articles that Death Along the River Fleet, released in April I don’t have time to read right away. I’ll pin 2016. She uses Google them to their relevant boards and return to Spreadsheets to keep track them later.” of all her PR activities. “Everything is categorized Pinterest is the modern bulletin board. It and color-coded—from allows you not just to organize information, when I need to create photos, and links by subject, it allows you to new bookmarks to all my share your boards with others and to search event information, to when their boards by topic. In addition, the visual I need to write a blog post, etc. I include format lets you see quickly whether or not things my publicist sets up for me and any you want to dig deeper. As writers, we may be commitments I might have as well.” This gifted with words, but our lizard brains still helps her keep track of what she needs to do respond instantly to pictures. both for the current book and the one that’s Todoist launching next. Todoist.com My personal “To Do” list is sixteen Dropbox Dropbox.com pages long. It’s paralyzing, and my solu- Think of Dropbox as your high school locker tion had been to glance at it in terror in the Cloud. You upload documents from every couple of weeks before quickly one device and then access them from any closing the file. With Todoist, you other, or share them with colleagues whether

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¡ ¡ or not they have a Dropbox account them- money (they have several packages, starting selves. I was an early adopter of Dropbox, at under $100 and rising substantially) and and while I don’t use it on a daily basis, it time to train the program to recognize your is invaluable for files that are too large to voice, it can be a lifesaver if you suffer from e-mail, such as video footage for your book stress injuries that limit your typing. A new trailer. The free plan comes with 2GB of mobile app will let you take your Dragon with space; monthly paid plans offer from 1TB to you anywhere you go. unlimited storage. Vivino FreeConferenceCall.com Vivino.com Freeconferencecall.com Finally, there’s Vivino. It’s not, strictly speaking, Need to interview experts and want to record a writing app. “I use it,”said Calkins, “to keep the conversation? The best solution I’ve track of the wines I like to sip while writing.” found is FreeConferenceCall.com—and, as That’s a great use of modern technology! its name implies, it’s free 2 to sign up and use. Laura Brennan’s eclectic writing career includes theater, Each caller dials into a television, news, and short stories. Her film, “Most Likely to Die,”is in post-production with Mar Vista entertain- main number and enters ment, and she has just written the “The End”on her first your account access novel. She uses modern technology whenever possible, code; up to 1,000 peo- but frankly would prefer to have minions. ple can call in, so you can truly run a confer- ence on it. But you can also use it to inter- RIP Joyce Lavene view sources and record the information. The mystery world has lost a kind and gentle soul. You need to enter a second PIN to activate Joyce Lavene died on October 20, 2015 at age 61. the record function (having once forgot- Joyce started writing with her husband Jim in 1996 ten this step, I now do it as soon as I’m on and they have published more than 70 novels and the call). The audio files have always come numerous works of nonfiction. Joyce and Jim could through clear and are easy to download. My see a story line in everything around them; NASCAR, only beef has been that if you talk for more food trucks, firefighters, gardening or a bakery. She than 45 minutes, the file size becomes too big enjoyed researching locations and details for each of to e-mail (Dropbox has been a good work- the many series they have produced over the years. around for me). Joyce reached out to their readers through social As with the other free resources, there are media, and many fans have commented that they felt extra bells and whistles you can pay for, a real friendship with her whether or not they’d ever including screen sharing and landing pages. met in person. She also reached out to other authors with advice and support. We will fondly remember Dragon Joyce and her loving spirit every time we wear purple, Nuance.com/dragon eat at a food truck, visit the Renaissance Festival or Want to talk your book instead of write it? buy a Halloween pumpkin. Dragon is the leading voice recognition soft- ware program. While it takes an investment of M’Lou Greene

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¡ ¡ he winner of the Elea- Her entry for the Eleanor nor Taylor Bland Crime Taylor Bland Award features an Fiction Writers of Color unlikely and somewhat surly, Award 2015 is Vera H-C female, Chinese-American TChan. Chan has worked in the “private investigator” who is world of newspapers, magazines tasked—thanks to her restaura- and the Web, including nearly teur father—to look into cases nine years as a senior editor and of seemingly wayward Asian- Web trends analyst at Yahoo! She currently serves as chief American children. journalist/content strategist for In addition to the Brenna Hom Bing News. series, Vera—a black belt in a While her byline has appeared Korean martial art—is currently in hundreds of news, features shopping a full-length humor and entertainment stories novel based on a quiet and hap- in print and online, Vera has less tech writer who enters the labored on side literary proj- world of martial arts, full of mis- ects. A lifelong lover of myster- chief, mayhem and machismo. ies, she’s a fan of old-school She lives in the San Francisco authors such as Edgar Allan Poe, Bay Area with her husband and , Dorothy Sayers, his long-lived parrot Hemingway, G.K. Chesterton, and Dashiell who tolerates her presence. Hammett. 2

SinC Listserv Moderators Rock!

One of SinC’s long-time membership benefits is our friendly, informative listserv. Have a question? Post it on the listserv. Got a tip? Need a reference? Ask the listserv. Want to express to the folks who keep the listserv operating? Leslie Budewitz invites you to join her! She recently posted, “Thank you, thank you, a thousand thank yous, to the seven moderators who keep this list running smoothly. They review every message posted, making sure it follows the guidelines and keeps a civil conversation going. They solve tech problems when a member is wrestling with the Yahoodlums, having trouble posting, trying to change from digest to individual messages, not getting messages, getting duplicates, and so on. They are largely invisible, but they contribute mightily to making SinC a true commu- nity.” These wonderful moderators are Anna Adams, Judy Alter, C. Hope Clark, Lisa Manuel, Dawn Mooradian, Doris Ann Norris, and Jan Neuenschwander. If you’re not taking advantage of this priceless resource, sign up today. Just look under “Resources” on the SinC homepage. 2

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¡ ¡ Beth’s Bits by Beth Wasson

Renewal Time at Sisters in Crime! Do you want to avoid annoying e-mail remind- ers from SinC? Log into www.sistersincrime.org and renew your membership now. Upgrade your membership to a two-year membership or go for the lifetime membership. If you pick the lifetime membership you will receive the official lifetime membership pin. Give yourself a holiday gift. Renewal notices will be sent to you in the first week of December. SinC Up! You may use Visa or MC to pay online or you As a Sisters in Crime author, you have the oppor- may pick Bill Me. Once you pick Bill Me you may tunity to print out the invoice and send a check to Submit your book cover to stream on the -  Sisters in Crime Sisters in Crime home page. PO Box 442124 Appear in the interactive map on the Sisters Lawrence, KS 66044 - in Crime home page. A fan, librarian or book I will send you a receipt. For members who don’t use buyer can click on the interactive map and e-mail you will receive a renewal invoice by USPS. find you with a link to your web site where they can read about you and purchase your Dues for 2015–2016 are books. They can also find you in the SinC $50 – Professional One-Year Membership author listing on the web site. $100 – Professional Two-Year Membership $500 – Professional Lifetime Membership. First, log into www.sistersincrime.org. This will bring up your membership profile. Check And for our wonderful members who are not in to make sure your most recent title, web site the writing profession, we offer the following: and twitter handle are listed in your profile. $40 – Active One Year Membership $80 – Active Two Year Membership Once your membership is updated visit $400 – Active Lifetime Membership the Members Only section and click on Promoting Yourself. There you will find direc- Save the Date! tions to upload your book cover. You will Sisters in Crime will hold its Annual SinC receive an e-mail when your book cover is in into Great Writing! on Wednesday, September the stream. Not all book covers stream at the 14, 2016, the day before Bouchercon in New same time. Orleans. After you register for Bouchercon make your hotel reservations to come a day early and Sisters in Crime & Malice Domestic 2016 spend Wednesday afternoon with Sisters in Join Sisters in Crime for its annual breakfast on Crime. Exciting details to come. [More on p. 19.] Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 7:30 am in the con-

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¡ ¡ ference hotel. The cost is $20 for a full break- Chapters fast. Get your ticket now by logging into www. Holiday events coming up? Order your free sistersincrime.org and clicking on the Malice Sisters in Crime packet. Breakfast rotating banner. Checks may be sent to The standard packet contains ten SinC lapel Sisters in Crime pins, twenty new membership brochures, forty PO Box 442124 bookmarks, and ten business cards. Lawrence, KS 66044 The SinC podium banner is still available. Just Mail in registration deadline is April 22, 2016 email me at [email protected]. Please in Lawrence, KS. Include your e-mail address allow 30 days for delivery. and I will send you a receipt. 2

SinC into Great Writing 2016 Writing Our Differences— Doing Diversity Right ark your calendar and make your Bouchercon hotel reservation a day early! SinC into Great Writing 2016 will commence on September 14. This workshop brings together many voices: mystery writers from among the African American, Latino, Asian, Native, LGBTQ, and disability communities (as well as a token straight white TAB*) to talk about capturing our diverse world in our fiction. It’s for everyone—whether you’re writing your life, struggling to escape clichés or avoiding The MIssue altogether in case you offend . . . let’s talk. If you have answers, questions, insights, outrage… let’s talk. The workshop runs from 1–6 pm with a 20-minute break. (Refreshments provided.) There are ses- sions on character development, pitfalls in plotting, the role of settings, and the lurking problems of dialogue. The afternoon rounds off with a Q&A panel where our presenters and other experts will answer any questions you still have. 2 *TAB—Temporarily Able Bodied The insightful term some in the disability community use for those outside it.

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¡ ¡ Deepen Your Character with a Clinical Interview by Katherine Ramsland, PhD was recently at the Writers’ Police Academy in Wisconsin. As organizer Lee Lofland set a date for next year, I wondered what I might teach in the future that would be practical for writers. I have decided on a Ihands-on exercise that would demonstrate what happens in the early stages when a psychologist clinically evaluates a defendant. Psychiatric resident Theo Caulder arrives to do When hired for this purpose, the first task is to an evaluation for competency to stand trial. examine a defendant in order to determine what information will be necessary for building a file. Caulder sits face-to-face with Powell in an ugly This will depend on the hiring party’s purpose classroom across a bare table. He turns on a (e.g., competency, mental state at the time of recorder (not always used because attorneys the offense). Fortunately, clinicians have the worry about what may get into court), and attorney’s resources at their disposal, so they offers paper and a pencil, but must follow the provide a list of what they need, such as school prison rules about how it can be used. He asks and hospital records, work appraisals, military some basic questions, watching Powell’s body records, crime scene photos, autopsy reports, language for something that might provoke him and witness statements. to speak.

The first step after being hired by an attorney is The film demonstrates the tension that can to meet the person in question. To demonstrate accompany such assessments—especially if this to my students in forensic psychology, I use the subject has a defiant agenda. It also shows a scene from Gerald DiPego’s screenplay, Instinct, the less-than-ideal conditions that clinicians based on a novel called Ishmael by Daniel Quinn. can face if they must conduct the interview in The tale features a primatologist named Ethan a prison. Powell, who has lived with gorillas in Rwanda for two years. He killed two game wardens, so he was A case might involve the following: A man com- arrested. In the U.S. facility where he’s detained, mits a serious crime and claims he did it, but he remains mute. could not stop himself. He heard commands to

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¡ ¡ do it. He behaves erratically in police custody, A quick assessment device (five to ten minutes), but it is several months before attorneys can get the Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE), makes a him assessed. By this time, he might be on medi- superficial but efficient determination of the cation. The initial clinical interview involves subject’s current mental state for an interview trying to determine for the attorney if the man (easily Googled). It consists of puzzles, instruc- was delusional at the time of the offense and/or tions and questions, with a scoring scale to rank acted on an irresistible impulse (depending on the level of focus and clarity, as well as potential the mental heal defense in a particular state). impairments (and leads for assessment follow- up). Among the items are: The type of information to be gathered would Where are we right now? include: - 

Information about the subject’s pre- and post- What month and year is it? - -  offense behavior, including responses during Can you name these items (select two from -  police questioning; the room)? Information about the subject’s behavior -  Count backward by sevens. while detained; -  Make up a complete sentence about anything. The subject’s physical state during the inter- -  -  view, including attire, posture, unusual move- Once this assessment is complete, arrangements ments, and grooming; can be made for a longer interview and specific standardized testing. (A full battery involving Subject’s mood or affect shifts during ques- -  several different kinds of assessments is typical.) tioning; The interview situation provides writers with Evidence of memory impairment; the chance to show dimensions of character, in -  terms of body language, attitude, inconsisten- Thought content and belief system; -  cies, deception, manipulation, false charm, and Overt or covert threats to self or others; any number of other traits. It’s a good scenario -  for showing rather than telling, and can even Kinesics (body language); provide the set-up for plot twists later on. -  2 Quality of speech (volume, pace, distinct pat- -  Dr. Katherine Ramsland, a professor of forensic psychology terns); and and director of a master of arts in criminal justice program, has published 58 books and more than 1,000 articles. She Personal history (vocational, religious, mili- writes a blog, “Shadow Boxing,” for Psychology Today. She -  provides an overview of forensic psychology for writers in tary, academic, psychiatric, family support her bestselling ebook, The Criminal Mind. systems).

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¡ ¡ We Love Libraries! by Andrea Smith

n a balmy evening, Buoyed by a great turnout, a group of excited library staff also got a spe- book lovers gath- cial boost as Carolyn Melvin, ered at the Licking treasurer of Sisters in Crime County Library in Columbus Ohio, attended to ONewark, Ohio. They were attend- share information about SinC ing Book Buzz, a special program and present them with the We the library was offering and just Love Libraries! $1,000 grant one example of the ways Sisters for July. Carolyn is a founding in Crime’s library partners con- member of the chapter and past the grant. “We plan to use the nect readers to our work. president of SICCO. grant to help build up our adult fiction collection. This includes In recognition of this invalu- “As writers, we want to touch as filling in gaps for some of our able partnership, SinC contin- many people as possible, and mystery series.” ues to provide our library allies libraries are a crucial compo- assistance through its We Love nent of that goal,” Carolyn said. Florida Winner Libraries! grants. During the “Many people do all their reading Wendy Dingwall, a member of second quarter, libraries from through their local libraries. It’s the Florida SinC chapter, offers the heartland to the west coast critical SinC support our library high praise for libraries such as received such recognition. partners’ ability to acquire books.” our August winner, the Bonita Springs Library in her home Through its program, Book Buzz, And as many libraries have faced state. The library was founded by the Licking Libraries teamed up budget challenges, they value with Penguin Random House to volunteers and is now part of the this support. offer a free program where book Lee County library system serving lovers previewed soon-to-be “There were quite a few excited the community through author released titles and went home emails floating from department luncheons and literacy programs. with free books. The popular to department,” Catie Polack, Wendy, who’s in the process of program even garnered interest Licking’s adult services librarian, launching a second SinC chapter, of local media. said of the reaction to winning Gulf Coast Florida, explained why SinC’s partnership with libraries is important. “Libraries are on the front lines of the reading communities, able to recommend good reads. They are known for community fellow- ship and offering programs that interest book lovers,” she said.

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¡ ¡ “As champions of the written Anaheim Libraries, they receive writers,” Gayle said. “The mys- word, they work diligently to be one drawing ticket for a chance tery genre is a flooded field, and of service to writers, offering help to win a Samsung Nook Tablet. library workshops and programs with research and quiet places to Library representatives Wendy give writers visibility in the com- write, or meeting rooms for small Townsend and Yesenia Baltierra munity.” critique groups so writers can hone their craft.” accepted the grant at an Orange We Love Libraries! enters its fifth County Sisters in Crime board year in 2016. Let library partners Wendy adds she is proud of meeting. Gayle Carline, chapter in your cities know about this the We Love Libraries! program president and a member of the grant opportunity that can help because SinC is committed to library’s board said chapter mem- them serve the book lovers in helping libraries keep their doors bers will also be presenting two their community. The registra- open and expand services. writers workshops for the com- tion form may be downloaded California Winner munity at Placentia Library. from the SinC website. Just look Our September grant winner, the “Libraries support authors in under the “News & Press Room” Placentia Library in Placentia, two essential ways: free access to drop-down tab on the home California, has been serving its books and programs to introduce page. community since 1920 when it 2 opened as a reading room. Since then, the library has offered pro- grams such as literacy services and a monthly book club. It also sponsors a reading challenge where adults read as many books as possible during a two-month period. For each book or audio- book a patron checks out or downloads from the Placentia or

American Library Association Alert

isters in Crime will have a booth at the American Library Association (ALA) con- ference again in 2016. This year, the conference takes place in Orlando. Library Liaison Cari Dubiel is currently putting together a Florida team to help with the conference. Authors can sign up for one-hour signing slots, meet librarians, and give away copies of their books. If you’re not local, but would like to send books Sfor donation in the booth, watch the SinC website and your email for more information in March of 2016. For more information, please contact Cari at librarian@sistersincrime. org—keeping in mind that she is expecting a baby due December 14, so you may not get answers right away! 2

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¡ ¡ Mystery Writers One-Day Getaway by Irma Baker

n Saturday, September 12, Northeast along with literary agent Victoria Selvaggio on Ohio Sisters in Crime (NEOSinC) had “Composing the Query Letter” and forensic psychi- the privilege and pleasure of being atrist Dr. Megan Testa on “Crime and the Mind.” the first chapter to participate in The presentations were interspersed with “Ask Me SinC’s Speakers Bureau Roadshow. Anything” sessions hosted by NEOSinC member Talk about being in the right place at the right authors Shelley Costa, Casey Daniels/Kylie Logan time! We were actively looking for a keynote and /Isabella Alan, with additional O input from NEOSinC authors Sam Thomas and speaker for our Mystery Writers One-Day Getaway, scheduled for September, when the e-mail arrived Gloria Alden. Authors’ books were available for sale announcing the launch of SinC’s Speakers Bureau on site from The Learned Owl Bookstore, which was the recipient of the monthly SinC “We Love Roadshow. When? In September! We jumped right Bookstores” award. on it, crossed our fingers, and were thrilled when we heard we’d been selected and that the wonder- The success of the day was built on the hard work ful Nancy Pickard would be our speaker. of the NEOSinC board and all the members who pitched in on everything from contributions for The sold-out swag bags and door prizes to helping with refresh- event, held at the ments and food service—including mystery- Twinsburg Ohio themed cookies—and with great assistance from Public Library, the library staff and the Friends of the Library. brought together As a road test for SinC’s Speakers Bureau mystery writers Roadshow, we have to say it passed with flying and aspiring mys- colors. It added a national flavor to our event and tery writers from allowed us to keep our registration fee at a very northeast Ohio and affordable level. Hats off to SinC and to all the from SinC chap- chapters that will enjoy Roadshow speakers going ters in Pittsburgh, forward! 2 Columbus and Indianapolis. What a great opportunity to meet some of our regional siblings! The jam-packed day included Nancy’s keynote presentation, “Mystery Writing: A Most Mysterious Occupation,” and her one-hour writing workshop, “First Sentence, First Paragraph, First Page,”

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¡ ¡ Awards 1 Nominations by Gay Toltl Kinman

Kristi Belcamino’s Blessed Are The King, Laurie R. and Leslie S. Lori Rader-Day’s The Black Hour Dead was a Macavity Award Klinger, In the Company of was nominated for an Anthony nominee for Best First Mystery. Sherlock Holmes won the Award for Best First Novel and Anthony Award for Best was nominated for a Macavity Anthology or Collection. Award. Rhys Bowen’s Queen of Hearts was a nominee for the Sue Feder Memorial Award for Best Robert K. Lewis’ Critical Damage Travis Richardson’s “The Proxy” Historical Mystery. won the Shamus Award for Best was for for a Macavity Award Original Paperback PI Novel. Best Mystery Short Story. Craig Faustus Buck’s “Honeymoon Sweet” won the Macavity Award Elizabeth Little’s Dear Daughter Hank Phillippi Ryan’s Writes of for Best Short Story. was a Macavity Award nominee Passage won both the Macavity for Best First Mystery Novel. and for Best Mystery-Related Nonfiction. Barb Goffman’s “The Shadow Her Truth Be Told won the Silver Knows” was nominated for a Paul Marks’ “Howling at the Fanchion Award and was nomi- Macavity Award for Best Short Moon” was nominated for a nated for the Anthony Award Story. Macavity Award for Best Short for Best Novel. Story.

Parnell Terry Shames’ The Last Death of Hall won Catriona McPherson’s The Day Jack Harbin was nominated for a the Pri- She Died was nominated for Macavity Award for Best vate Eye a Macavity Award and won Mystery Novel. Writers of the Anthony Award for Best America’s Novel. Her A Deadly Measure of Lifetime Brimstone won the Sue Feder ’s “The Odds Are Against Achieve- Historical Mystery Award. Us” won the Anthony Award for ment Best Short Story and was nomi- Award. nated for the Macavity. ’s The Long Way Home was nominated for a Macavity Libby Fischer Hellmann’s Award for Best Novel. Nobody’s Child was nominated Nominated or Won? for a Shamus Award for Best Although Gay receives Edgar, Indie PI Novel. Adam Plantinga’s 400 Things Cops Agatha, and Macavity Award Know was a Macavity Award info, she may not get news of nominee for Best Mystery- others. Please let her know if Barry Lancet’s Tokoyo Kill was Related Nonfiction. you are honored with another. nominated for a Shamus Award Send your information directly for Best Hardcover PI Novel. to gaykinman@gaykinman. com.

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¡ ¡ 2016 Love Is Murder Writers Police Academy Chicago Appleton WI • Aug. 11–14 All conferences are cancelled. Details are coming soon! Murder in the Magic City www.WritersPoliceAcademy.com Birmingham AL • Feb. 6 Bouchercon Join GoH Gregg Hurwitz and New Orleans LA • Sep. 15–18 EVENTS at the “Blood on the Bayou—Down HAPPENINGS Homewood Library’s all-subgenre in New Orleans.” GoH Harlan 2 018 mystery fan conference. Coben, Intl. GoH Mo Hayder, www.mmcmysteryconference.com Local Legend Julie Smith, Fan Bouchercon St. Petersburg FL • Sep. 13–16 Left Coast Crime GoH Jon and Ruth Jordan, Toastmaster , The conference will feature Karin Phoenix AZ • Feb. 25–28 Lifetime Achievement David Slaughter, Sean Chercover, Sara “The Great Cactus Caper” Blaedel, Mark Billingham, Lisa will feature Gregg Hurwitz as Morrell www.Bouchercon2016.com Unger, Tim Dorsey, Ian Rankin, American GoH, Ann Cleeves (Int’l Judy Bobalik, Ayo Onatade, GoH), and Catriona McPherson 2017 and, as Ghost of Honor, John D. as toastmaster. MacDonald. www.LeftCoastCrime2016.com Left Coast Crime www.Bouchercon2018.com SleuthFest 2016 Honolulu HI • Mar. 16–19 Deerfield Beach FL • “Honolulu Havoc” will feature 2019 Faye and Jonathan Kellerman Feb. 25–28 for lifetime achievement, Dana Bouchercon “Open Season for Murder” will Stabenow as GoH, and Laurie R. Dallas TX • Oct. 31–Nov. 3 feature GoH CJ Box, Florida GoH King as toastmaster. “Denim, Diamonds, and Death.” PJ Parrish, and Forensic GoH www.LeftCoastCrime.org/2017 Dist. Contribution to Genre, Valerie Plame will highlight the James Patterson; Lifetime Florida Chapter of MWA’s annual Historical Novel Society Achievement, ; conference for mystery, suspense, Portland OR • June 22–24 American GoH, Hank Phillippi and thriller writers. Agents, editors, authors, and Ryan; Local GoH, Deborah www.SleuthFest.com seminar leaders Crombie; Fan GoH, McKenna Authors Combat Academy Website to come. Jordan; Toastmaster, Harry Nashville TN • April 8–10 Bouchercon Hunsicker. www.Bouchercon2019.com An annual conference of authors Toronto ON • Oct. 12–15 and experts so that writers can “Passport to Murder” Canadian 2020 learn from the best how to write GoH Louise Penny, American amazing fight scenes. GoH Megan Abbott, Intl GoH Bouchercon www.AuthorsCombatAcademy.com Christopher Brookmyre, B’Con Sacramento CA • Oct. 15–18 4Kids , “Where Murder Is a Capitol Fan GoH Margaret Cannon, Crime.” Exemplary Body of Work, Toastmasters Twist Phelan and Walter Mosely; Distinguished Gary Phillips To list an event email Molly GoH, ; Local GoH, www.Bouchercon2017.com Cara Black; Fan GoH, Janet Weston at mysteryheel@ Rudolph; Toastmistress, Catriona mac.com. McPherson. Website to come.

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¡ ¡ Seen at Bouchercon

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¡ ¡