Sharing the Writing Experience

by Paula Gail Benson

Earlier this year, I wrote about two Sisters in Crime Chapters (Capitol Crimes and Palmetto) planning and executing a virtual program. Last month, I mentioned a cooperative effort between the Palmetto Chapter of Sisters in Crime and the Southeast Chapter of Mystery Writers of America (SEMWA), Mystery in the Midlands, which began as an in-person event, then has been virtual the last three years because of Covid. Needless to say, I’ve spent a lot of this year working with authors I did not know, as well as  trying to figure out the most meaningful and economical ways of sharing information that both writers and readers could appreciate.

Planning these events takes a lot of work. It really helps to have dedicated, supportive folks pulling together.

Both times, we had that. I’ve been particularly grateful to get to know the members in the Capitol Crimes Chapter (which is across the country from me) and to learn more about the SEMWA board members who don’t live near me. While our energies were directed toward the projects, we still had time to talk with each other about our own writing. It always amazes me to hear the types of work and methods of approach that other authors have. Not only does it give me ideas about how to improve my craft, it also gives me a larger “to be read” list!

Clockwise from top left: Shawn, Dana, Joseph, and Alan

During this past weekend, that happened with the third virtual Mystery in the Midlands. We had three panels and a keynote interview. Our ten participating authors were all superstars. Dana Kaye, our moderator and facilitator, made  her work look effortless and took care of all the technical concerns as well as asking wonderful questions.

The first panel featured short story authors and editors. Alan Orloff, whose Young Adult novel I Play One on TV, won this year’s Agatha and is nominated for the Anthony, spoke about the need to leave gaps so that readers can make leaps. Shawn Reilly Simmons, an Agatha and Anthony winner and editor at Level Best Books, gave an example of finding a name for a character from a wine bottle. Amazingly, Shawn writes her own stories while editing other authors’. Joseph S. Walker, who has written more than fifty stories while working full-time as a college professor, emphasized the importance of  well-chosen details for developing a sense of place in a short story. All three recommended reading stories written by Edgar, Derringer, Agatha, and Anthony award winning author Art Taylor.

Hank and David

For the keynote, marvelous David Heska Wanbli Weiden, whose debut novel Winter Counts was a multiple award winner, was interviewed by the incredible Hank Phillippi Ryan. This segment exemplified what happens when two fabulous authors speak craft and career. David revealed that his protagonist in Winter Counts originally died in a short story, but David could not let him go, so he returned in the novel. At first, David thought he was writing about tribal justice, but after eighteen revisions, he realized the theme of the work was identity. He was very pleased that the novel had been read by Congressional aides who have contacted him about possible revisions in federal law.

Raquel, Daryl, and Abby

The cozies panel was delightful with authors Daryl Wood Gerber (Agatha winning author of three series), Raquel V. Reyes (Lefty winning author whose debut novel has just been optioned for the screen), and Abby L. Vandiver (who writes under three names and who as an anthology editor has been nominated for an Anthony). Abby said in her writing and in advice to students she suggested to always have characters eat, spend money, and pee (the three connectors in the human condition). She mentioned that food and pets were definitely relatable. Raquel mentioned that while some people made the recipes in the books, many just liked to read how dishes were put together. Daryl said while ingredients may be the same, the differences in recipe descriptions made them unique and added to the elements in the story.

Hallie, Hank, and John

In the final panel, Hallie Ephron (New York Times bestseller, Edgar Award finalist, and five-time finalist for the Mary Higgins Clark Award), Hank Phillippi Ryan (USA Today bestselling author and five-time Agatha Award-winning author of 13 thrillers and winner of 37 Emmys for investigative reporting in Boston), and John Hart (author of six New York Times bestsellers and the only author in history to win the best novel Edgar Award for consecutive novels) spoke eloquently about setting and suspense. Hank mentioned that setting could be weather or clothing and different in perspective if an adult or child. She showed a sticky note she kept on her computer with the words “Be There.” John said if the writer wasn’t there, the reader wouldn’t be. He encouraged engaging the senses, especially smell, and talked about creating the internal, emotional landscape. Hallie’s novels often take place within a house. She takes into consideration family, relationships, and how a character feels stepping into a place. She emphasized developing an intersection between character and setting.

Dana, Hank holding Winter Counts, and David

Thank you to all those participating in the program, those viewing it, and those who put it all together. Saturday was a great day for learning and sharing.

 

What meetings and conferences (virtual or in-person) have you found helpful this year?