by Paula Gail
Benson
As writers starting out, we often
seek writing groups in our community to learn, network, and develop additional
contacts. I’ve mentioned in several posts that when I began getting serious
about writing, I traveled with a friend an hour and a half from Columbia, South
Carolina, to go to meetings in Charleston because a group met there that
offered craft workshops. At the time, it was the only opportunity I had to
receive that kind of information and interact with other writers.
Now, thanks to virtual meeting
capabilities, it can be valuable to belong to numerous groups, whether or not
they are based in your geographic location. Joseph S. Walker, an incredibly
talented writer who has won the Bill Crider Award at the Dallas Bouchercon,
twice won the Al Blanchard award, been nominated for an Edgar, and now serves
as President of the Short Mystery Fiction Society, became a member of several
Sisters in Crime chapters in order to submit stories to the anthologies they
sponsored. Not only has his work been published in those books, but also it has
appeared in other periodicals and anthologies as well as several volumes of The
Best Mystery Stories of the Year.
Being part of the online Guppies
chapter of Sisters in Crime introduced me to a community that respects and
encourages short story writers. Through the Guppies’ short story critique
group, I received valuable comments on my own work and met folks I now consider
close friends. This year, I’ve had stories accepted by Kaye George for two
anthologies she edited. Kaye and I also gave a presentation on plotting short
stories at a day-long program given in Decatur, Georgia. Another participant in
that program was Debra H. Goldstein. Kaye and Debra remain touchstones I rely
upon for writing advice. In addition, they are exceptional cheerleaders when
support is needed!
Debra and I belong to the Chesapeake
Chapter of Sisters in Crime. Chesapeake has a solid reputation for its
anthologies as well as an incredibly experienced and talented membership. It
offers monthly programs that give insight into craft and law enforcement
procedure.
A few years ago, I virtually met the
President of the Capitol Crimes Chapter of Sisters in Crime based in
Sacramento, California, Sonja Hazzard-Webster. We first connected through email
and then participated in a virtual meeting held by then Sisters in Crime
President Lori Rader-Day. Sonja’s enthusiasm was contagious. We talked about a
joint program with Capitol Crimes and the Palmetto Chapter, based in Columbia,
S.C. Sadly, Sonja passed away suddenly on June 15, 2020, but the idea of a
joint program lived on through the Capitol Crimes presidencies of Penny Manson
and Sarah Bresniker and the Palmetto Chapter presidency of Carla Damron and became
a reality. Our Killer Workshop, offering both in-person (in California) and
virtual options, with Gregg Hurwitz as the keynote, was held on May 14, 2022.
Since that experience, I’ve
continued to be a member of the Capitol Crimes Chapter and am delighted to have
been elected to its board. For years, we’ve teased about how we only know each
other through our phone and computer screens. But, this year, a few of us
attended Killer Nashville and were able to spend time together in person. I
commend this group for its dedication in offering valuable programs and retreat
opportunities. I’ve also learned a lot from them about mystery writing events
that take place on the west coast. I hope one day I’ll be able to meet with
them in Sacramento.
What writing
organizations do you belong to and why do you recommend being a member?
