Hosted by The Upper Hudson Chapter of Sisters in Crime,
The Mavens of Mayhem
Guests of Honor:
Catriona McPherson and Hank Phillippi Ryan
NOTE: REGISTRATION CLOSED THURSDAY MARCH 3 AT 11:59PM.
LINKS TO EVENTS HAVE BEEN EMAILED TO ALL THOSE ALREADY REGISTERED. IF BY FRIDAY MORNING YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED YOUR LINK (CHECK YOUR SPAM FOLDER!), EMAIL KIMKEELINE@YAHOO.COM and Tinadebellegarde@gmail.com or CPouliot13@gmail.com
SCHEDULE (All Times in Eastern – All Panels are Live, Not Pre-Recorded)
All events are online only.
Friday March 4, 2022
12:30 Opening Remarks
1:00 – 2:00 Pitch Workshop with Edwin Hill (link to books)
2:15 – 3:45 Master Class #1 Settings with Catriona McPherson (SOLD OUT)
Once Upon a Time, a Place, and a Point of View: making your settings sing
Using examples from books in the genre, this class first looks at the elements of setting in time, place and beyond, then digs into the pros and cons of using real and invented locales (or a blend of both). Next, we’ll focus on doing it well: using all five senses to conjure up authenticity; avoiding the dreaded info-dump and the should-be-more-dreaded-if-you-ask-me Wiki-whiff . . . We’ll end with a look at doing it badly. Because nothing else cheers you up quite like a bit of horrific writing, right?
4:00 – 5:00 Master Class #2 Great Beginnings with Hank Phillippi Ryan (SOLD OUT)
Great Beginnings
You know the great opening lines: Ishmael, Manderley, the last camel. Why do those work? And how can you create one for your own novel? And then–what about that crucial first paragraph? And a first page that will entice editors and enchant readers? How can you set the proper expectations for the story to come—and make every word work? Does your first line entice readers to read your second line? Or does it cause them to close the book?
In this class, suitable for any genre, USA Today bestselling author Hank Phillippi Ryan will show you how to dissect and analyze acclaimed first lines and opening paragraphs, and reveal the writing secrets these brilliant examples offer. If you are brave enough–Please bring your own first line! Hank and the class will offer advice and guidance—to set you and your book off in the right direction.
6:00 – 7:30 Speed dating
Speed Dating for Authors gives readers a chance to find their next favorite story by hearing about new books directly from the authors who wrote them. Our participating Murderous March 2022 panelists will have 90 seconds to introduce themselves and their books to the audience of readers attending this year’s virtual conference.
Saturday March 5, 2022
10:00 Welcoming Remarks
10:30 – 11:30 Reluctant Detectives: Amateur Sleuths on the Case (Link to books)
Moderator: Hank Phillippi Ryan
11:45 – 12:45 Just My Cup of Tea: American Authors Writing British Mysteries (Link to books)
Moderator: Carol Pouliot
1:00 – 2:00 Conversation with our Guests of Honor (Link to books)
Catriona McPherson and Hank Phillippi Ryan
2:15 – 3:15 The Art of Detection: The Game is Afoot (Link to books)
Moderator: Frankie Bailey
3:30 – 4:30 1920s. ‘30s, ‘40s: Crime Never Goes out of Fashion (Link to books)
Moderator: Catriona McPherson
4:45 – 5:45 Villains: People We Love to Hate (Link to books)
Moderator: Eleanor Kuhns
5:45 Closing Remarks
Pitch Sessions to be arranged separately at registration. If you are interested in arranging for a pitch session and did not do so at registration, please contact us at Tinadebellegarde@gmail.com or CPouliot13@gmail.com
Agents accepting pitches:Nikki Terpilowski of Holloway LiteraryNikki Terpilowski founded Holloway Literary in 2011. Based in North Carolina, her full-service boutique agency represents bestselling and critically acclaimed authors.
Nikki is currently looking for small town contemporary romance, women’s fiction, book club fiction and southern fiction.In the mystery and thriller genres, Nikki is specifically looking for fresh takes on domestic suspense, traditional, historical and locked room mysteries and military and political thrillers by former law enforcement officers and veterans, as well as mysteries and thrillers with a speculative bent.Cindy Bullard of Birch LiteraryCindy is a traditionally-published author and began writing about 12 years ago. She opened Birch Literary 1/1/21 and has sold ten projects since that time.In adult fiction, she is presently seeking sweet romance (with happy endings), traditional mysteries (standard PI, classic detective, or cozy), crime, police procedural, thriller, and suspense. She prefers stories with low levels of sensuality and is not looking for horror.In children’s fiction, she would like to see middle grade and YA (sweet, quirky, mystery, cozy).
Friday Master Classes: $40 each (if you register for one of the Master Classes, Saturday panels are free along with Friday’s Speed Dating and Pitch Workshop)
Registration to Master Classes restricted to 30 participants each
Saturday Program: $20 (includes Friday’s Pitch Workshop and Speed Dating)
Please contact us for any payment questions: eleanor.kuhns@gmail.com
Please support our authors by purchasing books through our shop set up by our partner, Mysteries on Main St.
See info on previous MM Events
Murderous March 2021 Events
Can Be Seen On Our YouTube Channel
Any Questions? Email UpperHudsonSinC@gmail.com
