The Hero’s Journey for Mysteries workshop

Members only meeting at 10:30 am Eastern. Program (free and open to all) at 11:15 am – 12:15 pm  Eastern.
Both meetings will be held on Zoom ONLY. There is ONE LINK for both. Register below to receive the link.

Melissa Bourbon Ramirez

Workshop: The Hero’s Journey for Mysteries

You’ve probably heard about the Hero’s Journey, or the Monomyth, by Joseph Campbell (The Hero with a Thousand Faces). This fundamental story structure became the foundation for Christopher Vogler’s The Writer’s Journey, which outlines an incredibly intuitive story structure, and it is the Go To for Hollywood screenwriters.

If you’ve ever thought, “Yeah, cool, but how does it work for a mystery?”, you’ve come to the right place! I’ve taken this structure and applied it to the mystery novel, and now I’m sharing it with you. Join me as I show you how to craft your mystery using the Hero’s Journey.

Melissa Bourbon is the national bestselling author of more than twenty-eight mystery books, including the Book Magic mysteries, A Magical Dressmaking Mystery series, and the Bread Shop Mysteries, written as Winnie Archer. A former secondary English/Language Arts teacher and Creative Writing teacher with Southern Methodist University’s CAPE program and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institution with North Carolina State University, she has applied her love of teaching to the creation of WriterSpark Academy, an online school for aspiring and new writers seeking to hone their craft. Learn more about Melissa at  www.melissabourbon.com,

and learn about WriterSpark at www.writersparkacademy.com.

Zoom ONLY: February 18, 2023
10:30am Business Meeting (members only)
11:15am Speaker (all welcome)Register in advance for this meeting:
https://sistersincrime-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwrf-6qrTovG904vypb0XFaPaICOcBFKzrPAfter registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

 

Author Jeri Westerson

Hybrid: Library & Zoom
Bethlehem Library,  451 Delaware Ave, Delmar, NY 12054
Zoom Link Below

10:30am Business Meeting (members only)

11:15am Speaker (all welcome)

Los Angeles native JERI WESTERSON is the author of fifteen Crispin Guest Medieval Noir Mysteries, a series nominated for thirteen awards from the Agatha to the Shamus. Jeri currently writes a Tudor series called the King’s Fool Mysteries, and a Sherlockian series called The Irregular Detective Mysteries. She also authored several paranormal series and standalone historical novels. She has served as president of the SoCal Chapter of Mystery Writers of America, president and vice president for two local chapters of SinC, and is also a founding member of the SoCal chapter of the Historical Novel Society. See JeriWesterson.com
DATE: April 15, 2023

TIME: 11:15 am – 12:15 pm Eastern

LOCATION: This meeting will take place on Zoom and in-person in  the Boardroom at the Bethlehem Library,  451 Delaware Ave, Delmar, NY 12054

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://sistersincrime-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJArcuGhpzgjH9faUZHXobCk_vEYe2Pwf2t6

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Luci Zahray, The Poison Lady

A program not to be missed!

Hybrid: Library & Zoom
Bethlehem Library,  451 Delaware Ave, Delmar, NY 12054
Zoom Link Below

10:30am Business Meeting (members only)

11:15am Speaker (all welcome)

The Mavens of Mayhem are thrilled to host Luci Zahray aka The Poison Lady. Luci  will talk about…poisons.

Luci Zahray is a retired pharmacist with a master’s degree in toxicology from Texas A&M. She has two great passions in life: poisons and mysteries, though she’s never poisoned anyone or tried to write a mystery.

She was born and raised in Texas, becoming a hospital pharmacist in 1982 after graduating from the University of Houston. But in 1990, she moved to Michigan. Away from family, “totally traumatized,” and unaccustomed to the climate, she threw herself into reading mysteries, which had been a singular hobby for her since her grandmother gave her a Sherlock Holmes book for her 11th birthday.  (Taken from The Daily Beast)

Over the years, mystery writers throughout North America have sought help from Luci on poisoning their fictional characters. She has generously given her time and expertise. Thank you, Luci!!

We hope you can join us in person at the library.  If you cannot, catch the program on Zoom.
10:30am Business Meeting (members only)
11:15am Speaker (all welcome)

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://sistersincrime-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUvcOqtrDsiGtWSuuGPP2zgEtDgvAE6cQiR

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Writing Multiple Series Panel

Business meeting for members only at 10:30 am Eastern

Panel at 11:15 am Eastern.

Hybrid: Library & Zoom
Bethlehem Library,  451 Delaware Ave, Delmar, NY 12054
Zoom Link Below

Join us for an informative discussion on “Writing Multiple Series.”

Panelists Catherine Bruns, Marni Graff, and Amy Patricia Meade will chat about their works and offer tips on writing more than one series.  Moderated by Lori Duffy Foster.

Lori Duffy Foster is a former crime reporter and the award-nominated author of the Lisa Jamison Mystery Series. Her debut thriller, NEVER LET GO, released in December from Level Best Books. NO TIME TO BREATHE, book three in her series, releases April 11.

USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bruns has written over 25 novels, including the Maple Syrup, Cookies & Chance, Italian Chef, and Cindy York mysteries. She has a B.A. in English and is a former newspaper reporter. Her book, For Sale by Killer, won the 2019 Daphne du Maurier award for Mainstream Mystery/Suspense.

Marni Graff is the award-winning author of The Nora Tierney English Mysteries and The Trudy Genova Manhattan Mysteries. Her short story “Quiche Alain” is in the Anthony Award-winning Malice Domestic Anthology, Murder Most Edible. She is also Managing Editor of Bridle Path Press, and a crime book reviewer.

Author of the critically acclaimed Marjorie McClelland Mysteries, Vermont Country Living Mysteries, and Tish Tarragon Mysteries, Amy Patricia Meade is a native of Long Island, NY. After five years living in Bristol, England, Amy recently moved back to her home state, settling in upstate New York. When not writing, Amy spends her time working for her musician husband, watching classic films, testing new recipes, bellydancing, and cleaning cat hair from her lap.

Bethlehem Library,  451 Delaware Ave, Delmar, NY 12054

When: May 20, 2023 10:30 AM Business Meeting (members only)
11:15 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) for Program (all welcome)Register in advance for this meeting:
https://sistersincrime-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJErc-6tqj8tH9VmKxZ1gs5Xm0J8qACu82HFAfter registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

May 20: Writing Multiple Series Panel

Business meeting for members only at 10.30 am Eastern

Program speaker Nancy Allen at 11.00 am Eastern.

Hybrid: Library & Zoom

Join us for an informative discussion on “Writing Multiple Series.”

Panelists Catherine Bruns, Marni Graff, and Amy Patricia Meade will chat about their works and offer tips on writing more than one series.  Moderated by Lori Duffy Foster.

Lori Duffy Foster is a former crime reporter and the award-nominated author of the Lisa Jamison Mystery Series. Her debut thriller, NEVER LET GO, released in December from Level Best Books. NO TIME TO BREATHE, book three in her series, releases April 11.

USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bruns has written over 25 novels, including the Maple Syrup, Cookies & Chance, Italian Chef, and Cindy York mysteries. She has a B.A. in English and is a former newspaper reporter. Her book, For Sale by Killer, won the 2019 Daphne du Maurier award for Mainstream Mystery/Suspense.

Marni Graff is the award-winning author of The Nora Tierney English Mysteries and The Trudy Genova Manhattan Mysteries. Her short story “Quiche Alain” is in the Anthony Award-winning Malice Domestic Anthology, Murder Most Edible. She is also Managing Editor of Bridle Path Press, and a crime book reviewer.

Author of the critically acclaimed Marjorie McClelland Mysteries, Vermont Country Living Mysteries, and Tish Tarragon Mysteries, Amy Patricia Meade is a native of Long Island, NY. After five years living in Bristol, England, Amy recently moved back to her home state, settling in upstate New York. When not writing, Amy spends her time working for her musician husband, watching classic films, testing new recipes, bellydancing, and cleaning cat hair from her lap. 

Jessika Hazelton (Troy Book Makers) and Self Publishing

Jessika Hazelton (manager/author liaison/graphic designer) has been described as “only peaceful when she reads.” A lifelong lover of books and reading (and cats, though that’s not strictly pertinent), she received her BFA in writing and publishing from Emerson College. She hoped to someday find a job at least sort of book related; instead, she hit the jackpot: The Troy Book Makers—who are kind enough to allow her to fulfill her dreams.

The Troy Book Makers was founded over 15 years ago by two independent bookstore owners. Our aim is to produce well-designed & well-made books affordably for authors looking to self-publish. From cover to cover, The Troy Book Makers can transform a manuscript into a skillfully designed and bound book. Our services are totally a la carte, so while we love to design books, we are also happy to take someone’s already prepared files from screen to print. Whether printing a little or a lot, for friends only or a national audience, The Troy Book Makers is here to help authors let their inner book out.

The Talk: An overview of the self-publishing process including how to find an editor, pros and cons of self-publishing, and general timeline of steps an author will take along the way going from rough manuscript to polished book. Includes time for Q&A.

NOTE: MEETING AND PROGRAM ARE ON ZOOM ONLY.

You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
11:15 am Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Chapter members may join at 10:30am for business meeting, all others at 11:15am

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://sistersincrime-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMsceygqzguGdWtmSjowI0yK1yoN2O_ni3y

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

November 19 mtg: Jane Murphy on Book Reviews

Everyone needs them even though it is often an angst ridden process and the wait for someone to pass judgment on your work can be agonizing. Your family and friends loved it, right? They all said you write like J. K. Rowling.

They are a necessary evil.

So, first, how do you get your book reviewed?

What is a reviewer looking for when they read a book, and what are librarians looking for when they read the review media?  Does print media matter anymore?

How much does your book blurb and press release matter? What should you include, and what should you leave out?

Lots of questions to be asked and answered, hopefully with much sharing from participants who have been through the process.

Jane Murphy currently reviews crime fiction for Booklist, a journal of reviews and publishing info from the American Librarian Association and has been a mystery fan since discovering Nancy Drew in the fourth grade. She held a variety of positions over her forty year career as a librarian.

She is retired and lives in Glens Falls, NY.

This meeting will take place on Zoom and in-person in  the Boardroom at the Bethlehem Library,  451 Delaware Ave, Delmar, NY 12054

 

You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Nov 19, 2022 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://sistersincrime-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJApdeysrTgpGdTlXEfzURBa70ZWRwGXEVmt

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Oct 15: Terry Shames

Terry Shames grew up in Texas and has abiding affection for the small town where her grandparents lived, the model for the fictional town of Jarrett Creek. A resident of Los Angeles, California, Terry lives with her husband and a bossy Norwich Terrier. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and on the board of Mystery Writers of America. Murder at the Jubilee Rally, The ninth book in her Samuel Craddock series comes out October 4, from Severn House Publishing. Find out more about Terry and her books at www.Terryshames.com.

 

 

This meeting will take place on Zoom and in-person in  the Boardroom at the Bethlehem Library,  451 Delaware Ave, Delmar, NY 12054

You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Oct 15, 2022

10:30am for members only business meeting

Speaker (everyone invited): 11:00 am Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://sistersincrime-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUrcemqrzMsG9AR_jEijvH7072vNRSpCkkf

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Sep 17: Albany Book Festival

Due to the Albany Book Festival the September meeting has been canceled. We hope you will visit us at the University of Albany and meet our members on Saturday, September 17, 2022. Many of us will be there selling and signing our mysteries.

The previously scheduled speaker has been moved to January