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December 2015
Feature Tucson Sisters in Crime by C.J. Shane |
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Sisters in Crime is an international organization devoted to supporting and advising writers of the mystery genre, and to give mystery writers an opportunity to network. Most members are writers or aspiring writers, but the organization also includes publishers, librarians, booksellers, and reading fans of mysteries.
The Tucson chapter of Sisters in Crime formed in 2012 and currently has 62 members, according to Mary Ball, incoming president of the local group and a founding member. “We are the little sister to Desert Sleuths in Scottsdale. That chapter has over a hundred members.”
The national Sisters in Crime was founded in 1986 by some heavyweights in the mystery writing genre, chief among them Sara Paretsky. A concern from the beginning was the second-class treatment that many women mystery writers were receiving at that time. In 1986, 40% of all mystery novels were written by women, but these authors received only about 15% of New York Times book reviews. This situation has improved over time, and by 2014, more women were being published and more were being reviewed as well. Although Sisters in Crime was founded to help women who write mysteries, the organization included men in its membership from Day 1. You often see references to Sisters and Brothers in Crime or Sister and Misters to emphasize this open-door policy.
The Tucson chapter of Sisters in Crime formed in 2012 and currently has 62 members, according to Mary Ball, incoming president of the local group and a founding member. “We are the little sister to Desert Sleuths in Scottsdale. That chapter has over a hundred members.”
The national Sisters in Crime was founded in 1986 by some heavyweights in the mystery writing genre, chief among them Sara Paretsky. A concern from the beginning was the second-class treatment that many women mystery writers were receiving at that time. In 1986, 40% of all mystery novels were written by women, but these authors received only about 15% of New York Times book reviews. This situation has improved over time, and by 2014, more women were being published and more were being reviewed as well. Although Sisters in Crime was founded to help women who write mysteries, the organization included men in its membership from Day 1. You often see references to Sisters and Brothers in Crime or Sister and Misters to emphasize this open-door policy.
Tucson SinC President Mary Ball
The group has a monthly meeting that hosts a wide-range of speakers on topics relevant to getting the details right when writing a mystery. For example, Veronica Kearny spoke to the group in September about her work in the Tucson Police Department’s crime lab. Members got an insider’s look at how crime lab personnel gather and process evidence for various biological fluids, the presence of DNA samples, and more of what goes on in a forensic lab. Poisons are another popular topic as is the legal system. Another Tucson SinC speaker was Joe Sweeney who spoke about how suspects interface with the legal system from arrest to trial. This involved "initial appearance, arraignment, arrest charges vs indictment charges, plea agreements, warrants, summons, grand jury vs. preliminary hearings, probation, etc.” Other speakers have talked about the publishing industry, indie publishing options, marketing and promotion of an already-published book, and other topics of interest to writers who want to publish and sell their books.
Tucson’s SinC has received assistance from both Desert Sleuths and the national SinC organization. According to Ball, “The national organization gives tremendous support to local chapters, from sponsoring our booth at Tucson Festival of Books to sponsoring a reception at Left Coast Crime, Thursday evening February 25, 2016, at the Hyatt Regency in Phoenix to be presented by Tucson Sisters in Crime and Desert Sleuths Sisters in Crime. National also helps local chapters create mystery anthologies to assist their members in getting publishing credits. Desert Sleuths just completed So West So Deadly which includes three stories by members of Tucson Sisters in Crime.” Tucson authors in this anthology are Susan Cummins Miller, Kate Steele, and Mary Ball.
Tucson’s SinC has received assistance from both Desert Sleuths and the national SinC organization. According to Ball, “The national organization gives tremendous support to local chapters, from sponsoring our booth at Tucson Festival of Books to sponsoring a reception at Left Coast Crime, Thursday evening February 25, 2016, at the Hyatt Regency in Phoenix to be presented by Tucson Sisters in Crime and Desert Sleuths Sisters in Crime. National also helps local chapters create mystery anthologies to assist their members in getting publishing credits. Desert Sleuths just completed So West So Deadly which includes three stories by members of Tucson Sisters in Crime.” Tucson authors in this anthology are Susan Cummins Miller, Kate Steele, and Mary Ball.
K.McIntosh_Foul Wind_
A request from Sonoran Arts Network to Tucson SinC members asking why membership in the group has been important for each of them brought several responses.
Kathy McIntosh says, “Sisters in Crime keeps us informed about changes in the publishing industry, hosts well-known (and emerging) authors and also hosts a booth at the Tucson Festival of Books where we can talk crime and sell our own books while letting visitors know about our organization. Writing is lonely. Tucson Sisters in Crime is a friendly, welcoming group, a place to make friends while learning about my craft.”
She continues, “I joined to meet other writers and to hear from the people whose professions provide the fodder for my books. It’s amusing to see an audience enthuse about photos of dead bodies or the variety of available lethal poisons… Speakers also share writing advice.” McIntosh likes to include humor in her mysteries. Her recent book is Foul Wind. www.kathymcintosh.com
Kathy McIntosh says, “Sisters in Crime keeps us informed about changes in the publishing industry, hosts well-known (and emerging) authors and also hosts a booth at the Tucson Festival of Books where we can talk crime and sell our own books while letting visitors know about our organization. Writing is lonely. Tucson Sisters in Crime is a friendly, welcoming group, a place to make friends while learning about my craft.”
She continues, “I joined to meet other writers and to hear from the people whose professions provide the fodder for my books. It’s amusing to see an audience enthuse about photos of dead bodies or the variety of available lethal poisons… Speakers also share writing advice.” McIntosh likes to include humor in her mysteries. Her recent book is Foul Wind. www.kathymcintosh.com
S.Baker_Tattered Legacy_
Shannon Baker says: For me, the major benefit of Sisters in Crime is being with people who share the same passion. We love books, and specifically, mysteries. SinC members include not only writers, but readers and other publishing professionals. I joined around 2010, when I lived in Flagstaff and I didn't know a lot of fiction writers. …Through SinC, I've been able to network with other writers, to take advantage of promotional opportunities, but mostly, to learn more about everything writing related. I've learned craft, everything from how to avoid passive language to plotting a book that races along. I've learned about how to get published, finding an agent, which publishers are good. There is a wealth of information about indie publishing and traditional publishing. I honestly don't know how writers navigate the insane and complicated business without a hand up from organizations like SinC. The beauty of SinC is that it's a national organization with tons of resources and chapters all over the country.”
Her latest book is Tattered Legacy set in Moab, Utah. She’s working now on a new series, the Kate Fox Mysteries, due in September 2016 which she says is a “Longmire meets The Good Wife, about a female sheriff in rural Nebraska.” www.Shannon-Baker.com
Her latest book is Tattered Legacy set in Moab, Utah. She’s working now on a new series, the Kate Fox Mysteries, due in September 2016 which she says is a “Longmire meets The Good Wife, about a female sheriff in rural Nebraska.” www.Shannon-Baker.com
S.C.Miller_Chasm_
Susan Cummins Miller says of her membership: “I joined Sisters in Crime when we started a local Southern Arizona Chapter in 2000. Back then, I wanted to network with fellow mystery writers (and avid readers), share information on publishing, marketing, and promotion, and hone my writing skills via workshops on the writing craft. That chapter didn’t attract enough members to sustain it, and I joined the Desert Sleuths Chapter in Scottsdale—a wonderful and active group of sisters and misters."
"In 2012, Tucson colleagues wanted to try again to start a local chapter, and invited me to give the opening workshop. My reasons for joining the new Tucson Sisters in Crime Chapter were the same as those of 2000—meeting monthly with colleagues, both pre-published and published, helps me negotiate the shark-infested waters of crime-fiction publishing."
Miller comes to mystery writing from a background in the sciences. She is a former field geologist as is the protagonist of her Frankie MacFarlane mystery series. See more at
http://www.susancumminsmiller.com/Site/Susan_Cummins_Millers_Bio.html
Also you can a March 2015 SAN interview with Miller here: http://www.sonoranartsnetwork.net/susan-cummins-miller.html
"In 2012, Tucson colleagues wanted to try again to start a local chapter, and invited me to give the opening workshop. My reasons for joining the new Tucson Sisters in Crime Chapter were the same as those of 2000—meeting monthly with colleagues, both pre-published and published, helps me negotiate the shark-infested waters of crime-fiction publishing."
Miller comes to mystery writing from a background in the sciences. She is a former field geologist as is the protagonist of her Frankie MacFarlane mystery series. See more at
http://www.susancumminsmiller.com/Site/Susan_Cummins_Millers_Bio.html
Also you can a March 2015 SAN interview with Miller here: http://www.sonoranartsnetwork.net/susan-cummins-miller.html
R.Dahlke_A Dead Red Miracle_
Rebecca Dahlke, outgoing president of Tucson SinC, wears two hats. She is both a mystery writer and an authority on how to sell books once they are published. She says, “I can highly recommend this chapter in particular to any and all who love to read and/or write mysteries. This organization is without a doubt the most welcoming group for lovers of mystery, and mystery writers--for both men and women. Our Tucson chapter of Sisters in Crime specializes in introducing members and guests to new ideas and concepts through a program of unique speakers. We usually have two speakers a month talking on everything from new crime lab techniques to ghost hunters."
"As a full time Indie mystery writer with a background in sales, I'm a frequent speaker at author seminars, and I speak at our chapter once a year on the subject of book promotion. I have a kindle book on Amazon on promoting: Jump Start Your Book Promotions. “ Dahlke also writes the Dead Red Mystery series. The latest is Dead Red Miracle. http://rpdahlke.com
"As a full time Indie mystery writer with a background in sales, I'm a frequent speaker at author seminars, and I speak at our chapter once a year on the subject of book promotion. I have a kindle book on Amazon on promoting: Jump Start Your Book Promotions. “ Dahlke also writes the Dead Red Mystery series. The latest is Dead Red Miracle. http://rpdahlke.com
J.M.Hayes_The Spirit and the Skull_
J.M. Mike Hayes, one of the Brothers (or Misters) in SinC says, “I joined Sisters In Crime when my second novel was released and I realized they also took brothers. I don't like inequality in any form--no glass ceilings. But the bottom line was that SinC did more for me than any other literary and mystery organization. They still do. SinC helped make me known as a mystery writer, both in southern Arizona and nationally. They helped me sell books. Through them, I meet and discovered all manner of amazing writers."
"In my opinion, SinC is and always has been the most effective group assisting published and wannabe authors.” His latest book is The Spirit and the Skull.
For more information, go to http://www.jmhayes-author.com/
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One of the interesting aspects of the mystery genre is how many sub-genres exist. Tucson SinC’s website has an explanatory glossary of the major sub-genres, among them the cozy mystery, the private eye, the police procedural, and forensic, legal, historical, and medical mysteries.
"In my opinion, SinC is and always has been the most effective group assisting published and wannabe authors.” His latest book is The Spirit and the Skull.
For more information, go to http://www.jmhayes-author.com/
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One of the interesting aspects of the mystery genre is how many sub-genres exist. Tucson SinC’s website has an explanatory glossary of the major sub-genres, among them the cozy mystery, the private eye, the police procedural, and forensic, legal, historical, and medical mysteries.
L.Wallace_Fly By Night_
Laurinda Wallace writes cozy mysteries, specifically the Gracie Anderson mystery series. A cozy is usually set in a small town with a female amateur sleuth. Think Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple. Wallace says: “Sisters in Crime has offered me outstanding enrichment as an author and small businesswoman. Friendships have been formed which are extremely valuable to writers. Writing is a lonely pursuit and the ability to share struggles and successes with others who truly understand is a real encouragement."
"It seems everyone has a fascinating story of how they entered the writing world. We're all in different stages of the writing journey--some pre-published and just beginning to craft a book. Others have several books published. We're a mix of traditionally published and independent authors. Because of this diversity, there is a great deal of expertise within the membership, both in business and writing. I've found that everyone is happy to share their wisdom. Monthly speakers on topics of special interest to mystery writers such as forensic science and court procedures really provide information that helps me get the details right. Opportunities to attend writers’ conferences and be involved with author events are perks as well.” Her latest book is Fly By Night. For more information, go to www.laurindawallace.com
"It seems everyone has a fascinating story of how they entered the writing world. We're all in different stages of the writing journey--some pre-published and just beginning to craft a book. Others have several books published. We're a mix of traditionally published and independent authors. Because of this diversity, there is a great deal of expertise within the membership, both in business and writing. I've found that everyone is happy to share their wisdom. Monthly speakers on topics of special interest to mystery writers such as forensic science and court procedures really provide information that helps me get the details right. Opportunities to attend writers’ conferences and be involved with author events are perks as well.” Her latest book is Fly By Night. For more information, go to www.laurindawallace.com
E.Stone_Shadow of Death_
Elise Stone also writes about the networking aspect of Sisters in Crime. “Writing is a solitary occupation. There are days when the only people a writer talks to are the characters in her head. …. For me, Sisters in Crime is primarily about getting together with other writers once a month, people who share my passion for mysteries. It’s about sharing experiences and information, of being able to talk about books and writing with those who understand. It’s also about education. Each month the chapter has a speaker on writing craft or some aspect of law enforcement or criminology or both. We get to hear the personal stories of professionals working in the field, things you won’t get by reading books or Wikipedia, that enrich the stories we tell. We share information about writing craft books we’ve read and writing courses we’ve taken."
Elise writes the “Community of Faith” series, a sub-genre of Christian-related mysteries. “No one was more surprised than I was when this story came to me. Although I'd been writing mysteries for years, I'd never written a word of Christian fiction in my life. In fact, I almost didn't write it. But something was pushing me to write this book…..While the Community of Faith plays an important part in my stories, and they often read like romantic suspense, the books in the series are still primarily traditional mysteries. There are clues and suspects and, I hope, a challenging yet fair puzzle. Shadow of Death is her most recent book. For more info: http://www.elisemstone.com
Elise writes the “Community of Faith” series, a sub-genre of Christian-related mysteries. “No one was more surprised than I was when this story came to me. Although I'd been writing mysteries for years, I'd never written a word of Christian fiction in my life. In fact, I almost didn't write it. But something was pushing me to write this book…..While the Community of Faith plays an important part in my stories, and they often read like romantic suspense, the books in the series are still primarily traditional mysteries. There are clues and suspects and, I hope, a challenging yet fair puzzle. Shadow of Death is her most recent book. For more info: http://www.elisemstone.com
L.Corriere_Bye Bye Bones_
Lala Corriere writes in yet another sub-genre – romantic suspense. She says, “Membership with Tucson SinC is the most precious writing gift I give myself. People are surprised at the large population of writers and authors here in Southern Arizona. Some members are new to writing while others are accomplished with published books. All of the members are there to support one another along this fabulous journey called writing."
"A huge benefit is SinC’s monthly meetings hosting top-knot presenters that deliver meaningful content. …While the parameters are different within each publishing house, it is fair to say I always have a happy ending, with a few dead bodies here or there along the way.”
Her latest book is Bye Bye Bones. For more information, go to: http://lalacorriere.com/
"A huge benefit is SinC’s monthly meetings hosting top-knot presenters that deliver meaningful content. …While the parameters are different within each publishing house, it is fair to say I always have a happy ending, with a few dead bodies here or there along the way.”
Her latest book is Bye Bye Bones. For more information, go to: http://lalacorriere.com/
S.Sterling_The Well_
Sharon Sterling is a LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) and psychotherapist, and also the incoming Secretary for Tucson SinC.
She was asked recently in an interview for her alma mater Tulane University, “So how do you so how do you write an entertaining mystery/thriller and at the same time educate people and get them to drop some of their preconceptions about people with mental illness?”
Sterling answered, “I discovered that writing is not easy and a person needs support. A lot of my support comes from Sisters in Crime, which is a national organization of women (and a few men) who write crime fiction." Sterling’s first book was The Well. Her next, soon-to-be-released novel is Fatal Refuge. http://sharonsterling.net
E.A.Powers_Don't Call Me Turtle_
Elaine A. Powers is a biologist and reptile expert. Her day job is a research investigator at Sanofi (pharmaceuticals) but in her free time, she writes children’s books about reptiles – lizards and tortoises specifically. Powers explains, “My first children's book was Curtis Curly-tail and the Ship of Sneakers [set in the Caribbean]….. It was surprisingly well received and has now become a series. …. I am writing books more appropriate for the Tucson area. I have a tortoise named Myrtle. People are always calling her a turtle, not knowing the differences between turtles and tortoises. I was motivated to write Don't Call Me Turtle which explains some of the differences between turtles and tortoises.”
“Tucson Sisters in Crime has had a tremendous impact on my writing,” Powers says. I intended to write a murder mystery series where the protagonist ran an iguana rescue in New Jersey. In the first book, reptiles such as Nile monitor lizards would be blamed for the victim's death. ….This was based on a case in Delaware where they couldn't decide if the man had died of natural causes and then his lizards ate him or if the lizards killed the man to eat him. Due the craft writing talks at TSinC, I quickly realized I had made all the beginning writer mistakes and am now re-doing the mysteries. In the meantime, I've been working on some mysteries set here in Tucson.”
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“Tucson Sisters in Crime has had a tremendous impact on my writing,” Powers says. I intended to write a murder mystery series where the protagonist ran an iguana rescue in New Jersey. In the first book, reptiles such as Nile monitor lizards would be blamed for the victim's death. ….This was based on a case in Delaware where they couldn't decide if the man had died of natural causes and then his lizards ate him or if the lizards killed the man to eat him. Due the craft writing talks at TSinC, I quickly realized I had made all the beginning writer mistakes and am now re-doing the mysteries. In the meantime, I've been working on some mysteries set here in Tucson.”
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Incoming president Mary Ball says, “If a story in your mind and soul that is crying to be written down, come to Tucson Sisters in Crime even if it’s not a mystery, writers need the support of other writers. We will help, encourage, and hold your hand when you despair of ever finishing. We will present the facts on how crimes are solved, what happens in court and the science of forensics so you ‘get it right.’ And we will offer great advice on how to get that book down on paper and then how to edit it and then, how to market it.
For more information about Tucson Sisters in Crime, go to: http://www.tucsonsistersincrime.org/
The national Sisters in Crime website is: http://www.sistersincrime.org/
Information about Left Coast Crime is here: http://www.leftcoastcrime.org/
For more information about Tucson Sisters in Crime, go to: http://www.tucsonsistersincrime.org/
The national Sisters in Crime website is: http://www.sistersincrime.org/
Information about Left Coast Crime is here: http://www.leftcoastcrime.org/
