Hi, everyone! Some of you may know me but in case you don’t, here’s a little background. I’m a SinC Guppy…a member of Sisters In Crime that has not yet been published. All that may change in October, as I am (not so patiently) waiting to hear a yay or nay on my submission to a new culinary mystery anthology (edited by our own Rhonda Gilliland and Michael Allan Mallory). It’s titled ‘Cooked To Death’ and scheduled for publication in 2016. Fingers and toes are crossed!
I’m currently the Vice President of Twin Cities Sisters In Crime (TCSinC) and at this time of year, with my ‘second in command’ reign coming to a close, I should be resting on my laurels, but that is not the case. I’m busily making contacts for guest speakers and researching events for next year to inspire and enlighten our siblings in crime. Here’s what’s on tap for 2016:
Under the category of ‘what makes our characters tick,’ we’ve reached out to experts in the fields of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) and Domestic Abuse.
We are always open to learning the facts about these painful issues, how families are impacted, how law enforcement professionals are educated, and why the media doesn’t always get their portrayals correct.
The search is also on for local speakers on the topics of Arson Investigation, Weapons and Ballistics, and Computer Forensics. I see a police procedural panel in our future!
Some of our siblings (myself included) are participating in an 11-week Citizen’s Academy sponsored by the Saint Paul Police Department. The young detective who interviewed me as part of their very thorough background check (we’re talking fingerprints, FBI, social media access, etc) has already agreed to speak on the perspectives of a ‘real’ police investigator. You find your guest speakers whenever and wherever you can!
Our four legged friends will not be left out. I am in contact with Minnesota Search and Rescue Dogs in hopes they will be able to share their stories and educate us about these brave animals, how they are trained, and the valuable work they do. Look at that beautiful face!
On the topic of the Business of Writing, our panel presentation of Indie Bookstore owners and managers is coming together nicely. Our very own Jessie Chandler will moderate what is sure to be a lively discussion. Jessie will also be reprising her popular ‘mock panel’ event in the coming year.
Social Media for Authors is a hot button issue that raises more questions and discussion than almost any other topic. The lovely Linda White has graciously agreed to speak on the subject. She’s also presenting a workshop on Social Media at this November’s North Shore Readers and Writers Festival. Grand Marais in November….brrrrr!
In the past year, Seal Dwyer and author Doug Dorow each gave very well received presentations on the Business of Writing. We hope to bring them back for a command performance. There never seems to be enough time for the myriad of questions raised but these two have all the answers from establishing your tax status to what you need to know about self-publishing versus traditional publishing.
It’s not all business at TCSinC. The coming year will find us exploring the archives of the Science Museum of Minnesota in a behind the scenes tour designed specifically for TCSinC by Collection Services Director, Jackie Hoff. Our tour will focus on various weapons, poisons, skulls, bones…hmmm, maybe we should save that one for next Halloween!
Another exciting event we are working on is a group outing on the popular Wabasha Street Caves Gangster Tour. John Dillinger (Public Enemy Number 1) spent some time in our fair city as did a number of gangsters and bootleggers. There are any number of stories to be explored in their haunts and hangouts!
TCSinC welcomes both readers and writers. Our meetings and events are meant to inspire, to educate, and to celebrate the writers we are or hope to become. If you are ever in the Twin Cities, we invite you to attend one of our monthly meetings. They are held the first Tuesday of every month (except December…and January is a business meeting so that might be a little dull and dry for a first timer!). Check our website for more information. http://www.twincitysinc.org/ Have a great day!
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