Making Meaningful Writing Associations

 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?

 

Killin’ It During a Killer Weekend

 

by Paula Gail Benson

 Following are the words of Penny Manson, Past President, Capitol Crimes Chapter of Sisters in Crime:

Once upon a time there were two Sisters in Crime (SinC) Board members. They lived on opposite sides of the United States, in different SinC Chapters even in different time zones. One lived in Sacramento, California, (The Capitol Crimes Chapter) the other in Columbia, South Carolina (The Palmetto Chapter).

Sonja Hazzard-Webster 

The Sacramento Chapter had lost their President and they were very sad. The Board member from South Carolina had been friends with their President and she was sad too. She helped out the new President and they became friends.

It happened that a great pandemic had taken over the land and many SinC Chapters were undergoing changes. Some lost many members and even their chapters as the period of the great Zoom came over the land. As time passed the two SinC Board members began to see how the differences in each of their individual chapters could add up to strengths when combined together.

It’s been a real privilege for me to get to work with Penny (she’s the Capitol Crimes member and I’m the Palmetto Chapter member) on the in-person and virtual Killer Workshop that took place this past Saturday, May 14, 2022. In addition, the village that made this project a reality included: (1) the members of the Capitol Crimes board, Sarah Bresniker (President), Jennifer Morita (Vice President), Karen Phillips (Secretary), James L’Etoile (Treasurer), and members-at-large Richard Meredith and Terry Shepherd; (2) the members of the Palmetto board, Carla Damron (President), Yasmin Angoe (Secretary), and Cathy Blake (Treasurer); and (3) the workshop committee, Jessica Cline, Chris Dreith, Rae Franklin James, James L’Etoile, Jennifer Morita, Karen Phillips, and Marie Sutro.

Gregg Hurwitz and Dana Kaye

Previously, I’ve written about this endeavor in the Stiletto Gang and Writers Who Kill. This event had two different venues (one in Sacramento and the other online) and two different schedules. In Sacramento, participants could chose between two programs for part of the day. Online, we had three wonderful panels expertly moderated and facilitated by Dana Kaye.

Our one shared segment was the keynote interview with New York Times #1 internationally best selling author Gregg Hurwitz.

And, here is why an effort like this requires a village and some flexible planning. Originally, Gregg planned to be in-person at the Sacramento venue, but on Monday prior to the event we learned that he had contracted Covid. With Gregg’s willingness, Dana Kaye’s assistance, and Charles (our in-person audio-visual coordinator) Gregg’s interview was conducted through the online Crowdcast format and simultaneously made available to all the registrants.

On the bright side, Gregg answered Dana’s and registrants’ questions from a desk where he had a “floating” aloe vera plant given to him in recognition of the consecutive aloe vera plants named Vera that his character Evan Smoak, Orphan X, has in his office.

When asked about his writing practice, Gregg indicated he began each day tackling the first draft. About his writing style, he said, “I need to keep the possibility of discovery on every page.”

Dana and Sarah -- Opening the Event

The in-person program featured authors Dr. Ellen Kirschman, Cara Black, Simon Woods, Eileen Rendahl, Claire Booth, Kris Calvin, James L’Etoile, and Quan Huynh. Rick Nickel, a crime scene professional; publishing industry expert Karen Phillips; and special guest District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert, who spoke about resolving the Golden State Killer case using genetic genealogy, also appeared live.

D.A. Anne  Marie Schubert
Photo by Lynda Pearson Markham

Penny Manson described some of the highlights from the in-person program:

The speakers had insights for the readers of their books and for writers who aspired to create their own work. Kris Calvin, another victim of COVID, was not well enough to attend but provided attendees with a downloadable copy of her presentation, “Your First Novel: How to Finish Writing it & Sell it When You Do!” as well as a copy of her first book which she referenced in the presentation.

What struck me the most listening to the speakers was how knowledgeable, willing to share, and generous they were with tips, insights, and suggestions. Everyone found items of interest. Most of all, I laughed, a lot, but it wasn’t all fun and games. I don’t see how anyone could not have been moved when DA Anne Marie Schubert talked about the human toll of a violent offender like the Golden State Killer and what drove her to use this new tool to not only punish the criminal but free those wrongfully accused. Ryan Nickel from the Sacramento Crime lab followed her on the schedule and was simply put, fascinating to hear talk further about the science and technology they use now and will develop in the future. (Don’t even get started talking about what cell phones can tell us about tracking bad actors, finding dead bodies, and lost children.)

Ryan Nickel
Photo by Lynda Pearson Markham

Finally, an informal panel of all the speakers (except Cara Black who had to leave early) took questions from the audience and spoke frankly about their experiences concerning “What interesting things are currently on your browser?” and “Where do you get ideas for characters?” and “How do you conduct the business of writing” and “Are you making any money?”

All in all, it was an incredible day with a fabulous lunch from Panera’s and our own little Book Store thanks to Face in a Book.

Face in a Book, located in El Dorado Hills, California, also provided a book store for the virtual audience.

In the virtual program, a panel of lawyer mystery writers, Debra H. Goldstein, Roger Johns, and Wanda Morris, spoke about how legal training and writing taught practitioners about the value of effective storytelling. Debra mentioned that lawyers “like to play with words.” Roger talked about being like a crow “picking up items for the nest.” Wanda said that lawyers were good explainers and she had to learn how to give the bits and pieces without explaining so much.

Wanda Morris, Debra H. Goldstein, and Roger Johns 

The second virtual panel of Yasmin Angoe, E.A. Aymar (Ed), and Carla Damron dealt with the difficult topic of how to portray sex trafficking in fiction. They all said they were inspired to write about the topic after hearing victims speak and demonstrate true bravery. Audience member Sue Husman wrote in the chat room that she needed to hurry home to warn her nieces about what she had learned.

Finally, a panel of authors who co-write with other authors spoke about their experiences being part of a team and the balance that must be achieved. Specifically, Robin Burcell collaborated with Clive Cussler on his Fargo novels; Terrie Farley Moran worked with Laura Childs on her scrapbooking cozies and now writes the Jessica Fletcher, Murder She Wrote novels; and Charles Todd, with his mother Caroline, penned the Ian Rutledge and Bess Crawford series.

Carla Damron, Yasmin Angoe, and E.A. Aymar

This is how Penny Manson concluded her explanation of our joint endeavor:

And that is how the Killer Workshop came to be. One, both Virtual and In Person, event with great speakers appealing to both reader and writer alike. Just like a true family of siblings, greater than the sum of their individual parts they came up with a way for SinC Chapters of all sizes to carry out joint projects and be better together than they are apart.

Not “The End”

“Hopefully A Beginning”

Thank you, Penny and all the folks at Capitol Crimes and Palmetto for encouraging this project. It’s been a learning process and worthwhile achievement. I think Sonja Hazzard-Webster, the President of Capitol Crimes who brought us together would be proud. I certainly consider it a part of her legacy.

Charles Todd, Robin Burcell, and Terrie Farley Moran

James L’Etoile, and Quan Huynh
Photo by Lynda Pearson Markham

Dana Kaye and Carla Damron

A Tale of Two Chapters: Planning an In-Person and Virtual Workshop, Part Two

 by Paula Gail Benson

Yesterday, in my post on The Stiletto Gang, I described meeting Sonja Hazzard-Webster and later Penny Manson, who have served as Presidents of the Capitol Crimes Chapter of Sisters in Crime (based in Sacramento, California). In particular, Penny Manson and I began discussions about how the Capitol Crimes Chapter could collaborate with my local chapter, Palmetto (based in Columbia, S.C.), to present a workshop. We thought it would be a great way of celebrating Sisters in Crime’s 35^th anniversary.

Capitol Crimes had experience in presenting its Killer Workshop in-person prior to the pandemic.

Palmetto Chapter had presented its Mystery in the Midlands Conference in-person until the pandemic, when we were forced to convert to a virtual format.

Due to my association with Sonja Hazzard-Webster (see yesterday’s Stiletto Gang post), I decided to join Capitol Crimes. This year, I found myself in the lovely, yet daunting position of serving on the boards of both Capitol Crimes and Palmetto Chapters. I’m delighted that Penny Manson continues to serve the Capitol Crimes Chapter as its President Emeritus.

Penny Manson

So, how do two chapters on opposite sides of the country collaborate to create a workshop? Very carefully.

First, I want to express my gratitude to the two chapter boards, whose members were supportive of the concept and brought good questions to the table about how to accomplish it. The Capitol Crimes board includes: Sarah Bresniker (President), Jennifer Morita (Vice President), Karen Phillips (Secretary), James L’Etoile (Treasurer), and members-at-large Richard Meredith and Terry Shepherd. The Palmetto board includes: Carla Damron (President), Yasmin Angoe (Secretary), and Cathy Blake (Treasurer).

Sarah Bresniker

Second, I thank Penny Manson, our fearless workshop committee leader, and our workshop committee members who include: Jessica Cline, Chris Dreith, Rae Franklin James, James L’Etoile, Jennifer Morita, Karen Phillips, and Marie Sutro. All these folks have worked tirelessly to bring together the necessary elements to make this double event possible.

How is it a double event, you may ask? It is part in-person and part virtual.

If you are in the Sacramento area, you can attend a day-long program at Rancho Cordovo City Hall. The presenters will include: authors Dr. Ellen Kirschman, Cara Black, Simon Woods, Eileen Rendahl, Claire Booth, Kris Calvin, James L’Etoile, and Quan Huynh; Rick Nickel, a crime scene professional; publishing industry experts Karen Phillips and Terry Shepherd; and special guest District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert, who will speak about resolving the Golden State Killer case using genetic genealogy.

Carla Damron

For those not close enough to attend in-person, there is a great virtual option featuring three panels of distinguished and entertaining authors. Attorneys Debra H. Goldstein, Roger Johns, and Wanda Morris will share their experiences as mystery authors. Yasmin Angoe, E.A. Aymar, and Carla Damron will discuss how they wrote about sex trafficking in fiction. Robin Burcell, Terrie Farley Moran, and Charles Todd, all having been co-authors, will talk about writing with a partner.

The two events will share a fabulous keynote: the New York Times #1 internationally bestselling author of 23 thrillers, including the ORPHAN X series, Gregg Hurwitz. With experience writing screenplays, poetry, and articles, as well as novels, Gregg’s insight and observations will inspire both writers and readers.

Planning an event like this has hundreds of elements to be checked and coordinated. From the in-person aspects of arranging rooms and providing lunch to the long distance concerns of making certain that video and audio connections work, it’s a major production. The terrific added benefit is that two chapters, one large and the other small, learn from each other and get to introduce their members to wider audiences.

Gregg Hurwitz

And, we hope many of you will join us!

Early bird registration rates are available for the Killer Workshop through March 31, 2022. For the in-person event, members pay $65 and nonmembers $80. After March 31, members pay $75 and nonmembers $90.

For the virtual event, the early bird rate is $25. After March 31, the virtual event rate is $35. (NOTE: the virtual event is available for viewing until July 31, 2022.)

Here’s a link to register for the Killer Workshop (in-person or virtual): https://capitolcrimes.wildapricot.org/Workshop

By checking out the information about the Killer Workshop, you can sign up for a dream editing giveaway at: https://capitolcrimes.wildapricot.org/Dream-Editing-Giveaway (If you register for the workshop, you are automatically entered in the giveaway!)

So, what are you doing on Saturday, May 14, 2022? Why not consider registering for the Killer Workshop?