Thanks to the Literary Helpers

by Paula Gail Benson

My two young friends, Drew and Mary Alton Fiffick, have placed a sign outside their home. It says, “Thanks to the helpers.” It recalls the advice Mr. Fred Rogers received from his mother: when facing scary news, “Look for the helpers.”

These days we have so many who are helping to make our situation better: workers in medical facilities, pharmacies, grocery stores, food services, sanitation, government, and so many more areas. Certainly, we’ve learned the importance of being able to navigate a virtual world and owe a debt to our teachers and religious leaders for finding means to help us remain connected while social distancing is the norm.

I’d also like to thank and commend those in the mystery community that have reached out to authors and readers and helped us remain connected through virtual “meetings.” If you haven’t yet discovered these resources and are hungry for book news, here are a few groups you may want to check out.

Hannah Mary McKinnon began “First Chapter Fun” in mid-March, reading a chapter a day from new releases. Initially, she planned to end the series on May 9, but Hank Philippi Ryan partnered with her and they now read on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:30 am ET. There are 55 readings so far. More than 500 members have joined the group, and readings are already booked through late September. Check out the reading on Facebook or on Instagram at @FirstChapterFun.

On March 25, author, editor, and instructor Beth Terrell organized a private Facebook group called “Spirit of Ink” to encourage writers and keep them connected. Originally intended to be short term with Beth directing the activities and members making comments, it has continued to provide information about the craft, business, and joy of writing. Beth’s live chats convey many gems of wisdom and her writing prompts and meditations are inspirational. Members may post helpful information, but not self-promotion. To join, friend Beth and ask her for an invite.

Several Virtual Noir at the Bar events have begun and continue. Many are organized through Crowdcast or Zoom. Once you’ve signed up for a session, you can watch the replay if you are not able to join at the time it is held.

Ed Aymar hosts DC Noir at the Bar. In addition to the readers, he now features Chantal Tseng, a mixologist (who prepares a special cocktail for each presentation), and Sara Jones, a marvelous vocalist. Check out his Facebook page for details.

Edwin Hill and Daniel Ford began Noir at the Bar-Boston, which has transformed to Noir at the Bar-New England, in order to take advantage of the vast group of talented authors in that area. For information, friend Edwin Hill or write to him at edwinhill@yahoo.com.

Alex Segura hosts a Noir at the Bar from NYC and surrounding boroughs. Check his Facebook page for dates and readers.

For an international flavor, you might like to investigate Noir at the Bar Edinburgh. You can find it through Facebook.

Early in May, James D. F. Hannah hosted a Virtual Noir at the Bar, Country-Fried Style. Although it had some technical difficulties, it offered delightful dark stories being read by authors with distinctive Southern accents. I hope James will present another program.

If you are looking for craft, the Capitol Crimes Chapter of Sisters in Crime is having a Summer Series: Virtual Workshops for Mystery Writers & Readers. June 20, Lori Rader-Day will discuss “Writing and Publishing Mystery Short Stories”; July 18, Terry Shames will talk about “Using Inspiration to Build Characters and Drive Plots”; August 15, Gigi Pandian will describe the “Art and History of Locked-Room Mysteries”; and September 19, Hallie Ephron will present a program to be determined. For information or to register, check here.

Finally, please let me put in a plug for Mystery in the Midlands, a mid-summer conference sponsored by the Southeast Chapter of Mystery Writers of America and the Palmetto Chapter of Sisters in Crime. Normally held in Columbia, South Carolina, this year, it will be a FREE virtual conference through Crowdcast on Saturday, July 25, featuring Charlaine Harris as the guest of honor and moderated by Dana Kaye. Panelists will include John Floyd, Tara Laskowski, and Art Taylor (short stories), Alexia Gordon, Toni L.P. Kelner, and Gigi Pandian (paranormals), and Charlaine Harris, Dana Cameron, and Jeffrey Deaver (novels to screenplays). To register, click here. 

I want to say a special thank you to all the literary helpers who are making this uncertain time more bearable by organizing and participating in these virtual meetings. They are invaluable resources.

What are your virtual summer mystery reading and writing plans?