Libraries, bookstores, schools and community groups can all discover the rewards of offering Author Panel programs from the Twin Cities Sisters in Crime. Wherever an audience may gather, a Sisters in Crime mystery writing panel can speak about the ups and downs, the joys and trials of plying the mystery game.
Typically, a panel of three to five authors address a topic chosen by the sponsoring organization. Some favorite topics are listed below. Individual speakers, pairs of speakers or panels are available. All speakers are members of Twin Cities Sisters in Crime.
For currently scheduled Author Panel events, check the calendar in the column at right.
Suggested Panel Discussion Topics
We’re nothing if not flexible! If you don’t see what you want here, feel free to contact us.
- Writing Beyond Belief: Capturing the Paranormal in Modern Crime Fiction: Paranormal fiction is more popular today than ever before. Our authors present an intriguing exploration of paranormal elements and their influence on today’s modern crime fiction.
- Minnesota Not So Nice: When Minnesota Nice flies out the window, Bad Behavior takes center stage. The Twin Cities Chapter of Sisters in Crime will explore what defines our legendary Minnesota Nice and why Bad Behavior sometimes has its own rewards. Panelists include authors and editors of their latest chapter anthology: “Minnesota Not So Nice: Eighteen Tales of Bad Behavior”.
- On The Road To Publication: Every writer has asked “How do I get published?” There are more publishing options available than ever before and each writer has to decide for themselves how to publish. Our authors will discuss traditional publishing, self-publishing, and vanity presses. We will break down the steps it takes to get published and share our experiences on the road to publication.
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Where History Meets Mystery: Our authors discuss how historical events have inspired their writing, the challenges of researching our past, and how we walk a fine line between mystery and history when writing ‘Mystorical Minnesota.’ Panelists include authors and editors of the anthology “Dark Side of the Loon.”
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In Celebration of the Amateur Sleuth: From Agatha Christie to Nancy Drew and JB Fletcher, the Amateur Sleuth is more popular than ever. Why do we love them, why do we read them, and why do we write them???
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True Crime and the Mystery Writer: The lines blur between reality and fiction when true crime fiction is written. A fascinating journey to the darker side of the genre.
- It’s a Mystery to Me: Authors describe the writing process—getting that first idea, creating characters, doing the research, and the daily writing schedule that gets it done.
- She’s All That, and A Detective to Boot: Single mothers, cops, attorneys, journalists—today’s heroines balance relationships and careers, leap over sexist obstacles, and rescue themselves from danger. Women authors are redefining the genre. Find out how they create strong women characters.
- Visiting the Morgue, or Ideas and Where We Get Them: You don’t need to be a covert operative to write a page-turning thriller. How to put a new twist on an old plot, search newspapers, visit courtrooms, and learn how to discover plots right in your own neighborhood.
- Creating Unforgettable Characters: Hear how writers discover their characters, how they conjure up heroes, heroines, and villains, and how fictional characters differ from real-life bad guys.
- We Can’t Even Make This Up: Ever wonder how real life events inspire fiction? Hear how mystery writers give their plots that ripped-from-the-headlines veracity.
Details
- Contact: For more information or to book an event contact us at tcsistersincrime@gmail.com.
- Fees: If your library or organization normally offers honoraria, our writers appreciate them.
- Books: We also appreciate the opportunity to sign books, provided either by the speakers themselves or by a local bookstore or library Friends organization. Let us know what works best for you.
- Hints and tips: Click here for Planning for a Successful Library Event, a helpful and informative article by Sisters in Crime past president Kate Flora.
