Short Story Month and a Diabolical Treat

by Paula Gail Benson

In World News ERA, Ashleigh Durden wrote an article “Why is May Short Story Month?” that delves into the history and practices to celebrate short fiction. She traces declaring May short story month to Dan Wickett, the founder and editor of the Emerging Writers Network (EWN), who on April 7, 2007, posted an article suggesting a short story month, just as April had been designated National Poetry Month. That following May, Wickett read and reviewed a short story a day. Due to reader enthusiasm, the next year it increased to two stories a day and in the third year to three stories a day.

Meanwhile, writers were urged to set a goal of the number of stories they would write during the month. StoryADay.org continues this tradition with suggestions for short stories to read and prompts and advice about writing short stories.  

Earlier this month, on May 9, Malice Domestic released its latest anthology, Mystery Most Diabolical, published by Wildside Press and edited by Verna Rose, Rita Simmons and Shawn Reilly Simmons.

Art Taylor featured three of the stories in his The First Two Pages: “All in the Planning” by Marco Carocari, “There Comes a Time” by Cynthia Kuhn, and “Fly Me to the Moon” by Lisa Q. Mathews.

In addition, Barb Goffman, winner of the Agatha Award twice as well as the Macavity, Silver Falchion, and 2020 Readers Award given by Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, described her story, “Go Big or Go Home,” in her Sleuthsayers post “Everything is Fodder”, where she explains how almost any irritation can lead to a mystery short story.

Contributors to the anthology include editor, Edgar nominee, and Derringer award winner Michael Bracken; Agatha and Thriller award winner Alan Orloff; Agatha nominees Alexia Gordon, Cynthia Kuhn, and Keenan Powell; Al Blanchard award winner Mary Dutta; and Margaret Lucke who wrote an excellent craft book, Schaum's Quick Guide to Writing Great Short Stories.  

I’m proud and humbled to have my story included with those of many accomplished and distinguished writers. Here’s a complete list:

Leah Bailey · “A Killer in the Family”

Paula Gail Benson · “Reputation or Soul”

M. A. Blum · “Little White Lies”

Michael Bracken · “Locked Mesa”

Susan Breen · “The Demon Valentine”

Marco Carocari · “All in the Planning”

Mary Dutta · “Devil’s Advocate”

Christine Eskilson · “The Reunion”

Nancy Gardner · “Death’s Door”

Barb Goffman · “Go Big or Go Home”

Alexia Gordon · “Happy Birthday”

B. J. Graf · “Servant of the Place of Truth”

Maurissa Guibord · “Into the Devil’s Den”

Victoria Hamilton · “Reunion with the Devil”

Kerry Hammond · “Strangers at a Table”

Peter W. J. Hayes · “The Ice House”

Smita Harish Jain · “Keeping Up with the Jainses”

Cynthia Kuhn · “There Comes a Time”

Margaret Lucke · “The Devil’s-Work Ball”

Sharon Lynn · “The Professor’s Lesson”

Tim Maleeny · “A Cure For Madness”

Lisa Q. Mathews · “Fly Me to the Morgue”

Adam Meyer · “Crime Rate”

Alan Orloff · “There Once Was a Man Named Larue”

Keenan Powell · “Miss Millie Munz”

Graham Powell · “A Rough Idea”

Lori Robbins · “Accidents Happen”

Cynthia Sabelhaus · “Exegesis”

Nancy Cole Silverman · “The Case of the Sourdough Starter”

Shawn Reilly Simmons · “The Devil’s in the Details”

C. J. Verburg · “A Terrible Tragedy”

Andrea Wells · “Taking Umbrage”

Here’s a little about the background for my story, “Reputation or Soul.” When I saw the call for Mystery Most Diabolical, I looked up “diabolical” in the online Merriam-Webster Dictionary. It had a note about the origins of the term, from the Greek “diabolos” that means “slanderer.” Usually, “diabolical” is associated with the devil. I began thinking about a trade off: if given a choice, which might a person be willing to live with--losing a soul or having a maligned reputation?

I started with an image of a jilted bride, sitting in a turret room in the church, knowing with certainty that her groom had skipped the ceremony as well as stealing a substantial sum of money. I was certain the bride remained calm about this occurrence and equally certain that her younger brother, the narrator of the story, was completely puzzled about her response.

Together, they went to visit their abusive father, now confined in a nursing home. The father berated them, but the sister spoke kindly to him without telling him about the runaway groom. Then, the sister asked her brother to go with her on her honeymoon trip, to a location where she expected the groom might resurface.

Whose action will hurt most? In a scenario where almost everyone has a reason to seek revenge, will it occur and what will be the consequence?

There are still a few more days left in the short story month of May 2022. Why not check out the stories in Mystery Most Diabolical? 

First Signing at Malice Domestic

by Paula Gail Benson

For many of us, a return to an in-person Malice Domestic this year was truly a reason for celebration. Having the opportunity to greet and spend time with folks who have become like family was completely joyous (even though an outbreak of Covid marred the occasion at the end).

Elizabeth Crowens, Kaye George, Marilyn Levinson, Leslie Karst, me, and Kathryn O’Sullivan

Alan Orloff, Art Taylor, and Janet Laubgross

I’ll remember this Malice for many terrific experiences: (1) a blurring genres panel with a group of terrific authors (marvelous moderator Elizabeth Crowens, and fellow panelists Kaye George, Leslie Karst, Marilyn Levinson, and Kathryn O’Sullivan); (2) being at the Agatha banquet table with wonderful authors and dear friends Alan Orloff, who won for Best Young Adult Novel for his I Play One on TV, his wife Janet Laubgross, Art Taylor and Tara Laskowski, John Copenhaver, Julie Hastrup, and Marco Carocari; (3) enjoying a few quick meals with excellent cozy authors Dorothy McFalls and Victoria Gilbert; (4) having a group photo with my super blogging partners for Writers Who Kill; (5) spending some time with Art and Tara’s talented son Dash; and (6) getting to tour Washington with a delightful guide, Aziz Rakla, and the charming Michael Bracken and lovely Temple Walker (who would leave the next day to celebrate the Edgar best short story nomination for “Blindsided” written by Michael and James A. Hearn).

Tara Laskowski and John Copenhaver

Even with all of those and many other memorable moments (like hugs from Edith Maxwell and Dru Ann Love and great conversations with Charlaine Harris, Toni Kelner, Terrie Farley Moran, and Jeanne Dams), this Malice will always stand out in my mind as the one when my short story “Reputation or Soul” was published in Malice Domestic’s 16^th anthology Mystery Most Diabolical and, for the first time, I participated in a Malice signing. Following the live charity auction, from 9:30 until 10:30 pm on Friday, April 22, 2022, the contributors from both Malice Domestic 15: Mystery Most Theatrical and Malice Domestic 16: Mystery Most Diabolical who were at the conference gathered at tables in the hallway outside the ballrooms and became part of a conveyor style signing process.

 

I’m proud not only to be in a Malice Domestic anthology, but also to have my story with the works of other authors I greatly admire. For the signing itself, I got to meet Lori Robbins who shared a table with me. And, I’m very grateful that a kind soul offered to take my copy of the anthology around to get signatures while I participated in the signing.

At signing with Lori Robbins

Thank you to all the Malice planners. You always make the event a wonderful occasion. And, particular thanks for my signing experience, a dream come true.

 

Celebrating the 2022 Agatha Nominated Authors for Best First Novel and Best Short Story

by Paula Gail Benson

 

Next weekend, after a two year absence, a group of devoted readers and writers will gather in Bethesda, Maryland, to celebrate the traditional mystery at Malice Domestic. Each year, it’s been a great privilege for me to interview the Agatha nominees for Best First Novel and Best Short Story. Through this message, please enjoy meeting or reacquainting yourself with these wonderful authors, and don’t forget to click on the links to read the nominated short stories!

 

Congratulations to all the nominees and thank you for spending time with us at The Stiletto Gang!

 

Best First Novel
The Turncoat’s Widow by Mally Becker (Level Best Books)
A Dead Man’s Eyes by Lori Duffy Foster (Level Best Books)
Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala (Berkley)
Murder in the Master by Judy L. Murray (Level Best Books)
Mango, Mambo, and Murder by Raquel V. Reyes (Crooked Lane Books)

 

What has been your most unexpected experience with the publication of your first novel?

 

Mally Becker

Mally:

The nomination of The Turncoat’s Widow for an Agatha Award in the “best debut” category is one of the most unexpected and humbling experiences of my life. I am honored beyond belief, and the nomination still doesn’t feel real.

Beyond that, I am gobsmacked by how much kindness has come my way in the wake of writing and publishing this book. There were historians and curators who gave their time gratis, authors (you know who you are) who shared their wisdom and support freely, and family, friends, librarians, and strangers who took the time to reach out and send good wishes.

Each act of kindness feels like a moment of grace, reminding me that, even in this time of discord, there is a tremendous amount of goodness in the world. That revelation has been the most unexpected, welcome surprise of all.

Lori:

Book promotion has been much more time-consuming than I had expected, but what has surprised me most is the level of support I have experienced from my local community. There are huge advantages to living in a rural area. We are spread-out, but we are also tight knit. Everybody really does know everybody even if they are separated by ten or fifteen miles. I expected some support, but not like this. Everywhere I go, people ask when the next novel is releasing. I feel like they are honestly happy for me. I am truly fortunate.

 

Mia P. Manansala

Mia:

I wrote this book after the previous novel I’d written failed on submission–Arsenic and Adobo was meant to be a book for me and my mom, who’d introduced me to the world of cozy mysteries in the first place. So the fact that something I wrote for mostly personal reasons has managed to connect with so many people is amazing and completely unexpected.

Judy:

Gaining an Agatha Award nomination for Best First Novel is an absolute, unpredicted thrill. I’m so, so honored to be a part of this legacy of talented writers. I discovered an amazing community of people open to helping each other grow. I need to do the same in return.

I recently held a two-hour book talk and the joy and fun of discovering how much Murder in the Master readers were totally engaged in my characters’ lives was fantastic. They laughed and questioned and probed.

Raquel V. Reyes

I’d add that for Murder in the Master, launching the storyline with a murder in the first paragraph was a big leap. Pure instinct. Thank goodness so many readers love that opening! I also deliberated, with a whole lot of angst, about the concept of creating my squad of favorite, famous sleuths to help my protagonist investigate the crime. Readers love it. They enjoy seeing these favorites bring their crime solving talents and uniqueness into a current day mystery. They’ve also told me Helen’s personality has struck a chord. She’s quick-witted and likes to verbally spar, especially with her possible love interest, and readers are cheering her along. Overall, I’d like to encourage other writers to get their creativity down on paper. Don’t allow, like I did, life’s practicalities to delay their writing.

Raquel:

In my wildest dreams, I never would have imagined that Mango, Mambo, and Murder would get a NYT Book Review.

 

Best Short Story
“A Family Matter” by Barb Goffman (Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine Jan/Feb 2021)
“A Tale of Two Sisters” by Barb Goffman in Murder on the Beach (Destination Murders)
“Doc’s at Midnight” by Richie Narvaez in Midnight Hour (Crooked Lane Books)
“The Locked Room Library” by Gigi Pandian (Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine July/Aug 2021)
“Bay of Reckoning” by Shawn Reilly Simmons in Murder on the Beach (Destination Murders)

 

How do you create realistic antagonists in short stories?

 

Barb Goffman

Barb:

The process for creating a realistic antagonist is the same as the process for creating a realistic protagonist and other characters. Think about their feelings, their motivations, and their emotional needs, because it’s these things that prompt each character’s actions.

One good way to do this is to put yourself in the characters’ shoes, which will allow you to see the situation in question from their perspectives. With this insight, you should be able to have each character act and react as real people would and also act differently from one another.

In “A Tale of Two Sisters,” Robin is strong while her sister, the bride, is anxious. Robin is determined to ensure the night goes well for Emma. It’s that motivation that prompts her actions throughout the story. If Robin were anxious too, the story would have unfolded quite differently.

Similarly, in “A Family Matter,” Doris reacts negatively to the family that moves in next door, not because she’s a mean person but because she believes it’s vital that this family not bring the neighborhood down. If Doris were more low-key, like another neighbor, Audrey, she would have reacted differently to things the new neighbors did. As a result, she wouldn’t have discovered a certain secret, and the story would have had a very different ending.

So, given that characters could act differently in any situation, it’s imperative for the author to understand who each character is, what motivates him or her, and think about how those motivations come into play with every action. This applies whether the character is the protagonist, antagonist, or even a sidekick.

 

Richie:

The same as you would a protagonist: Make them as tangible as possible. Does he have a favorite flavor of ice cream, a certain way of speaking, a pet cockatoo? Little details help the reader see them as more than just cartoony two-dimensional people. And we should know their motivations. Most of us are happy to pay rent and vacation once in a while, but what makes this person want to kidnap, murder, lie, steal, take over the world?

 

“Doc’s at Midnight” is fairly short, so we don’t get to hang out with the antagonists for very long, but when we do we get their motivation, and we see how it is anchored in a decades-old pain that echoes the struggle that the two main characters are going through, attempting to review and recover from the past.

 

Gigi Pandian

Gigi:

Such an interesting question! For me, in a short story it’s the puzzle itself that’s the antagonist, more than any particular person. The motive of the person behind the crime needs to be realistic, but I’m far more interested in creating a satisfying locked-room puzzle that makes the reader smile at the end of the story because the solution is both surprising and believable.

 

Shawn:

To me finding conflict between characters is one of the easier parts of writing. We’re all wired differently, all based on how we were raised and our life experiences since. The potential for conflict to arise is, unfortunately, all around us on a daily basis. My process is to think about how that character feels about a certain situation, and why they may have an issue, based on their beliefs or a perceived slight or outright injustice they feel has happened to them. It’s fun for me to think how a character might think, and have them react in a way that might be surprising in the face of conflict. 

 

Now, a question for all the nominees:

What shoes would your protagonist (or another character in your book or story) wear to the Agatha Banquet?

 

Mally:

Becca will wear the kitten-heeled satin slippers that Martha Washington gave her just the other day. The shoes are cobalt blue, shot through with shimmering metallic threads and topped with silver buckles. Lady Washington, as she was known, loves shoes and occasionally gifts them to special friends. After all the unpleasantness last winter–the less said about that, the better–Becca certainly qualifies as one of those special friends.

 

Lori Duffy Foster

Lori:

Boots, of course! Lisa would want to look good, but she would also want to be super comfortable. To settle her nerves, you know? So she would choose a pair of leather cowboy boots, probably light brown with a simple design, with about a one-inch heel. It be a pair she has worn often enough to break in, but not so often that they are scuffed or worn-looking. Lisa loves boots. She lives in them.

 

Mia:

This is tough because my protagonist is way, WAY more fashionable than me. She favors dark color palettes and stacked heels, so I’m picturing glittery or velvety black wedges that lace up and have fun, sexy cut-outs. Her mom taught her about couture and famous designers when she was younger, but she cares less about brand names and more about the style and vibe of a design.

 

Judy:

No question, Helen would wear four-inch heels, maybe red. She’d be taking her fashion direction from Nora Charles and Agatha Raisin, who both know how to sashay across a room. Unfortunately, for me personally, those heels have been shoved to the back of my closet. Too many years of heels for work have turned my feet into pretzels. I can hear Jane Marple tsk- tsking in my ears.

 

Judy L. Murray

Raquel:

My protagonist, Miriam Quiñones, a Cuban-American food anthropologist turned cooking show star, is on the practical side—so, probably a simple, classic pump. But if her BFF, Alma, had anything to do with it, Miriam would wear a stylish and strappy shoe with some tasteful bling to it. 

 

Barb:

Robin in “A Tale of Two Sisters” would wear flats. At her last fancy affair, she had to wear heels and they made her evening even more difficult. It’s hard to chase a dog when you’re in heels. So, she wouldn’t make that mistake again. After all, who knows if a dog will crash the Agatha banquet too?

Doris from “A Family Matter” would wear shoes with a narrow, pointy toe and a tall heel. They were the stylish choice for women in the spring of 1962, and Doris is all about projecting the right image, which means she must wear the right thing.

Richie:

Great question! Well, the protagonist of “Doc’s at Midnight,” is actually a character from the 1961 movie West Side Story, Chino, but he’s older now and not flush with cash. So I think he would wear something that harkens back to his past, but not expensive—so, Capezio lace-up dance shoes in faux leather featuring one-inch heels with suede-covered bottoms for shock absorption. In black. Used, but buffed to a shine.

Richie Narvaez

Gigi:

Sanjay would be wearing his signature tuxedo and bowler hat, which he wears when he performs on stage as The Hindi Houdini.

 

Shawn:

Sabrina Westfall, the protagonist in my story, is a former beauty queen, so she would wear heels, but she’s also very sensible and practical, so they would be modest and elegant, much like her. She’d also have an updo and be wearing a lovely gown, chin up and toe turned out for photos (she’s media trained!). 

 

Shawn Reilly Simmons

BIOS:

Mally Becker combines her love of history and crime fiction in mysteries that feature strong, independent heroines. In addition to being nominated for a 2022 Agatha Award, The Turncoat’s Widow has also been named a Mystery & Mayhem finalist in the Chanticleer International Book Awards. The next book in her series will be published in June 2022 by Level Best Books.

https://www.mallybecker.com/

 

Lori Duffy Foster

Lori Duffy Foster is a former crime reporter who writes fiction and nonfiction from the hills of Northern Pennsylvania, where she lives with her husband and four children. She was born and raised in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State, where a part of her heart remains.

https://loriduffyfoster.com/

 

​Mia P. Manansala is a writer and book coach from Chicago who loves books, baking, and bad-ass women. She uses humor (and murder) to explore aspects of the Filipino diaspora, queerness, and her millennial love for pop culture.

https://www.miapmanansala.com/

Judy L. Murray is a real estate broker with a not-so-secret passion for deals, divas, and danger. Her passion for mysteries began with smart girls like Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden, grew deeper with not-to-be-ignored women like Miss Marple and Nora Charles, and finally evolved into her own gutsy heroine - Helen Morrisey. https://www.judymurraymysteries.com/

Raquel V. Reyes writes stories with Latina characters. Her Cuban-American heritage, Miami, and the Caribbean feature prominently in her work. Raquel is a co-chair for SleuthFest. https://rvreyes.com/

Barb Goffman, a short story author and a freelance crime-fiction editor, has won the Agatha Award twice and has also taken home the Macavity, Silver Falchion, and 2020 Readers Award given by Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine. She’s been a finalist for major crime-writing awards thirty-five times for her stories, including sixteen Agatha Award nominations (a category record), and multiple nominations for the Anthony, Macavity, and Derringer awards. www.barbgoffman.com.

Richie Narvaez is the award-winning author of the collection Roachkiller and Other Stories, the gentrification thriller Hipster Death Rattle, and the historical YA mystery Holly Hernandez and the Death of Disco. His latest book is the collection Noiryorican. https://www.richienarvaez.com/

Gigi Pandian is a USA Today bestselling mystery author, breast cancer survivor, and locked-room mystery enthusiast. Gigi is a co-founder of Crime Writers of Color, and she writes the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt mysteries, Accidental Alchemist mysteries, and Secret Staircase Mysteries, beginning with Under Lock & Skeleton Key—which came out in March 2022. https://www.gigipandian.com/

​Shawn Reilly Simmons is the author of seven novels in the Red Carpet Catering mystery series featuring Penelope Sutherland, chef-owner of a movie set catering company. She’s also written short stories which have been published in various anthologies. Shawn serves on the Board of Malice Domestic and is co-owner/publisher/editor at Level Best Books.  https://www.shawnreillysimmons.com/ 

Killer Workshop Features Short Story Authors and Dream Editing Giveaway

by Paula Gail Benson

If you’re looking for an online conference featuring talented and experienced short story authors (not to mention the opportunity to sign up for a dream editing giveaway), check out the Killer Workshop Virtual Event, taking place on Saturday, May 14, 2022, and jointly sponsored by the Palmetto Chapter and Capitol Crimes Chapter of Sisters in Crime.

The participants include:

E.A. Aymar

E.A. Aymar writes fast-paced thrillers as well as a monthly column, “Decisions and Revisions,” that appears in the Washington Independent Review of Books. He also runs the Noir at the Bar series for Washington, D.C., and has featured many short story writers in its virtual format.

Carla Damron

Carla Damron, author of The Stone Necklace, winner of the 2017 Women’s Fiction Writers Association’s Star Award, and the Caleb Knowles mystery series, also is an accomplished short story writer, whose work has appeared in Fall Lines, Offbeat Literary Magazine, Jasper, In Posse Literary Review, Six Minute Magazine, Melusine, and Jenny Magazine.

 

Debra H. Goldstein

Debra H. Goldstein’s short stories, which have been named Agatha, Anthony, and Derringer finalists, have appeared in numerous periodicals and anthologies including Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, Black Cat Mystery Magazine, Mystery Weekly, Malice Domestic Murder Most Edible, Masthead, and Jukes & Tonks. 

The Keynote Speaker, New York Times #1 internationally bestselling author of 23 thrillers, including the ORPHAN X series, is Gregg Hurwitz. His short stories are in the following anthologies: First Thrills, Hint Fiction, Uncage Me, Meeting Across the River, Thriller: Stories to Keep You Up All Night, and Show Business is Murder.

Roger Johns

Roger John’s short fiction has been published by Saturday Evening Post, Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, Mystery Weekly Magazine, Dark City Crime & Mystery Magazine, Yellow Mama, and Viral Literature: Alone Together in Georgia.

 

Terrie Farley Moran

Terrie Farley Moran’s short mystery fiction has appeared in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, and various anthologies. She has been short-listed twice for the annual Best American Mystery Stories. And her story, “A Killing at the Beausoleil” was nominated for an Agatha Award for Best Short Story.

Charles Todd

In addition to over thirty titles including two stand-alone novels, Charles Todd has published an anthology of short stories and over twenty short stories appearing in mystery magazines’ and anthologies worldwide.

To register for the virtual Killer Workshop, the early bird rate is $25. After March 31, the virtual event rate is $35. (NOTE: the virtual event is available for viewing until July 31, 2022.)

Here’s a link to register: https://capitolcrimes.wildapricot.org/Workshop

By checking out the information about the Killer Workshop, you can sign up for a dream editing giveaway at: https://capitolcrimes.wildapricot.org/Dream-Editing-Giveaway (If you register for the workshop, you are automatically entered in the giveaway!)

The editors contributing their services for the giveaways are Terri Bischoff and Barb Goffman.

Terri Bischoff

Terri Bischoff is the current Senior Editor for Crooked Lane Books. Terri’s previous experience includes 10 years spent as acquiring editor at Midnight Ink, publishing 36-40 books a year during her time there.

 

Barb Goffman

Barb Goffman is a short story author and a freelance crime-fiction editor. She’s won the Agatha Award twice and has also taken home the Macavity, Silver Falchion, and 2020 Readers Award given by Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine. She’s been a finalist for major crime-writing awards thirty-five times for her stories, including sixteen Agatha Award nominations (a category record), and multiple nominations for the Anthony, Macavity, and Derringer awards.

A Tale of Two Chapters: Sisters in Crime Across the Country, Part One

by Paula Gail Benson

During 2020, the year of the pandemic, when so many meetings went from being in-person to virtual, I had the good fortune to meet Sonja Hazzard-Webster online. Sonja was the President of the Capitol Crimes Chapter of Sisters in Crime (based in Sacramento, California) and I was the President of the Palmetto Chapter of Sisters in Crime (based in Columbia, South Carolina). When Palmetto Chapter had to convert its annual Mystery in the Midlands program to an online format, we sent the information out on the Sisters in Crime Presidents’ List Serv. We were lucky. With Charlaine Harris as our keynote and people anxious to attend writing conferences, we had over 900 people to register.

What meant a great deal to me in 2020 was that Sonja reached out to me with encouragement. She had links to South Carolina and registered to support us. Our friendship was online only, but very genuine. I remember “meeting” her in person at a virtual cocktail hour hosted by then SinC President Lori Rader-Day. I witnessed Sonja’s vivacious charm, which captured everyone’s heart.

Sonja Hazzard-Webster

Sonja passed away suddenly on June 15, 2020, but her happy spirit continues to guide the Capitol Crimes Chapter. Because Sonja’s kindness meant so much to me, I decided to join the Capitol Crimes Chapter. Penny Manson, who succeeded Sonja as President, became another friend. As Presidents of two chapters, Penny and I began talking about a joint program, sponsored by both Capitol Crimes and Palmetto, to celebrate the 35^th anniversary of Sisters in Crime.

This year, with Sarah Bresniker as President of the Capitol Crimes Chapter and Carla Damron as President of the Palmetto Chapter, the two chapters are working together on a Killer Workshop to be presented on Saturday, May 14, 2022. This unique program combines two events in one: (1) if you are in or near Sacramento, you can attend a day-long in-person workshop featuring authors, forensic and publishing professionals, and an exciting keynote, and (2) if you can’t get to Sacramento, you can join us virtually for three panels of authors and an exciting keynote.

Both the in-person and virtual events will share the exciting keynote, who is Gregg Hurwitz, the New York Times #1 internationally bestselling author of 23 thrillers, including the ORPHAN X series. His novels have won numerous awards and been published in 33 languages.

Gregg Hurwitz

The ORPHAN X novels are part of what got me through the pandemic. Hurwitz’ protagonist, Evan Smoak, is the rumored “Nowhere Man,” a person who can rescue anyone from the most dire of circumstances. Evan was trained as a government assassin, but left the program to use his skills for individuals whose troubles seem unresolvable. DARK HORSE, the seventh novel in the series, has just been released. In addition to the ORPHAN X novels, Hurwitz has written screenplays, comics, poetry, and articles.

Early bird registration rates are available for the Killer Workshop through March 31, 2022. For the in-person event, members pay $65 and nonmembers $80. After March 31, members pay $75 and nonmembers $90.

For the virtual event, the early bird rate is $25. After March 31, the virtual event rate is $35.

Here’s a link to register for the Killer Workshop (in-person or virtual): https://capitolcrimes.wildapricot.org/Workshop

By checking out the information about the Killer Workshop, you can sign up for a dream editing giveaway at: https://capitolcrimes.wildapricot.org/Dream-Editing-Giveaway (Those who register for the Killer Workshop are automatically eligible for the giveaway!)

During our planning for this in-person/virtual joint chapter event, I’ve felt Sonja Hazzard-Webster’s continuing enthusiastic influence. She would have loved the opportunity to bring writers together.

Please consider joining us. Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 14, 2022. If you can’t attend during the event, the virtual program will remain available to registrants until July 31, 2022.

And, please check out tomorrow’s post on Writers Who Kill for more information about how our two chapters planned the Killer Workshop and selected its participants!

A Founding Mother

 https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/betsy-ross

by Paula Gail Benson

On this President’s Day, as we remember George Washington and Abraham Lincoln and their contributions to the United States, I’ve been reading about Betsy Ross. I knew she had been asked by George Washington to sew the first U.S. flag, but I was not aware of her personal history.

Elizabeth Griscom was born in New Jersey, the eighth of seventeen children in a Quaker family. They moved to Philadelphia when she was three.

Betsy was an enterprising young woman. Following her formal education, she apprenticed to an upholsterer, where she met her first husband, a fellow apprentice and Anglican named John Ross. They eloped when her family did not approve and set up their own business on Chestnut Street, where they were employed to make curtains for George Washington when he served in the Continental Congress.

In 1774, two years after their marriage, John passed away, leaving Betsy a twenty-four year old widow without children. She had to fend for herself and continued her business. From their past dealings, Washington knew he could trust her and approached her to make a flag he designed.

From: Flagline.com

George Washington’s battlefield standard featured thirteen six-pointed stars on a blue background. His original design for the U.S. flag also had six-pointed stars, but according to an account by Betsy’s grandson, William Canby, she convinced him to agree to five-pointed stars by folding a paper into triangles and creating a five-pointed star with a snip of her scissors.      

From: Wikipedia Commons

Following her first husband’s death, Betsy married Joseph Ashburn, a seamen whose vessel, The Lion, was captured. After being charged with treason, he died in the Old Mill Prison in Plymouth, England. He and Betsy had two daughters, only one of whom lived to be an adult. A fellow prisoner, John Claypoole, brought Betsy the news of Joseph’s death. John and Betsy married and became members of the Society of Free Quakers, which supported the colonists’ fight against Great Britain. The Claypooles had five daughters, one dying while young.

As she grew older, Betsy Ross took in many family members and offered them a home, including nieces, Betsy’s widowed daughter Clarissa, and Clarissa’s five children. With Clarissa’s help, Betsy continued to work as an upholsterer and flag-maker until she retired at the age of seventy-six and went to live with her daughter Susanna outside Philadelphia. Despite losing her vision, Betsy made the weekly carriage ride into Philadelphia to attend services at the Free Quaker Meeting House. Three years before her death, Betsy was completely blind. She spent the last years of her life with her daughter Jane in Philadelphia.

From: Mommie Nearest

Philadelphia maintains 239 Arch Street as the building where between 1776 and 1779 Betsy Ross resided, conducted her business, and created the first U.S. flag. In 1876, her descendants identified the building as the place where she lived and worked. Today, it continues to house a collection of Ross memorabilia as well as being a place where history is interpreted and presented and where events (private or public) may take place.

As we celebrate the founding and continuing of our country, why not check out the Betsy Ross House?