Join us for an inside look at the many paths to publication.

Long Story Short: Efficiency, Economy, Focus Short stories are short—but do less words really mean less effort? Ironically, economy and efficiency are sometimes achieved only by extra focus on craft. Edgar Award-winning short story writer Art Taylor will draw on three very short stories—each less than 1000 words—to explore how writers shift their efforts toward character, plot, [More info]

February 17, 2024 at 11:15 a.m. Eastern On Zoom only. 10:30am Business Meeting (members only) 11:15am Speaker (all welcome) Credit Mark Perlstein Elena Hartwell Taylor, fiction and nonfiction writer, will present a workshop: The Foundations of Plot, about writing a successful mystery plot. Elena Hartwell/Taylor is the author of mysteries and guidebooks on writing. The Eddie [More info]

April 20, 2024 at 11:15 a.m. Eastern 10:30 a.m. Business Meeting (members only) 11:15 a.m. Speaker (all welcome)   Come for creativity and community and write together using optional prompts or working on your own project. Optional opportunities to share your writing and discoveries. Bring your favorite writing implements - electronic or mechanical. Paper and [More info]

Catherine Bruns, Libby Cudmore, Tina deBellegarde, Terrence McCauley, and Kelly Oliver. Join us for an inside look at the many paths to publication. Session Moderator: Tina DeBellegarde Tina deBellegarde writes the Agatha-nominated Batavia-on-Hudson Mystery series. She also writes short stories and flash fiction. Her story “Tokyo Stranger,” nominated for a Derringer Award, appears in the Mystery Writers [More info]

June 15, 2024 at 11:15 a.m. Eastern on Zoom only 10:30am Business Meeting (members only) 11:15am Speaker (all welcome) Jackie Sherbow, editor and author, will provide some history on Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine and Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, and will share tips and information about submitting your short stories. Jackie Sherbow is the senior managing editor of Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine and Alfred Hitchcock’s [More info]

Mavens’ Holiday Party 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM  Bethlehem Public Library, Delmar, NY 12054 In-Person Event Only Choose your holiday to celebrate whether it be seasonal or summer!  Mavens, their spouses, and friends are all invited to attend and bring a dish or beverage for the pot-luck lunch. Guests are welcome! Agenda:  Set-Up: Beginning at [More info]

10:30am Business Meeting (members only) 11:15am Speaker (all welcome) Sat August 17 @ 11:15 – 12:30 PM SinC Upper Hudson Chapter Write-in: Virtual on Zoom In the tradition of SinC National Write-ins, the Mavens are offering a virtual Write-In. Research shows that regular free writing or timed writing sessions increase the quality and quantity of [More info]

Sat September 21 -- No Meeting or Program No Mavens? No problem! You can find us at the Albany Book Festival. Link and information to follow.

On your mark, get set, write! Plotters, pantsers, or those in between (plantsers), will all benefit from Ellen's proven writing strategies, techniques, and resources. Whether you’re looking to write 20,000 words, revise a project, or craft a short story, Ellen has training tips to prepare you to meet your November Marathon goals. There is a [More info]

Jon Anderson, retired county sheriff and police historian, will present Interview & Interrogation 101. The presentation will introduce insights into verbal and non-verbal techniques used in police investigative interviews and interrogation. Lieutenant Jon Anderson retired in 2020 after thirty-five years of service at the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, New York. Areas in which he worked are Patrol / Field [More info]