On January 19, longtime chapter member and former treasurer, Debi Huff, passed away. She was a wonderful supporter of our chapter and a lover of mysteries and thrillers. Debi contributed Wild Turkey Distillery to our latest anthology, MYSTERY WITH A SPLASH OF BOURBON. She will remain in our hearts and memories.
Meantime, the chapter Debi cared so much about is growing. Fifteen folks attended our February 12 meeting, including guests Sherry Youngquist and Pam Gibbs Hirschler. Both have expressed interest in joining our chapter, and we are delighted to welcome them!
Our Saturday meeting included the announcement that thanks to Elaine Munsch, our wonderful Program Chair, we will have a combined face-to-face/Zoom meeting on May 14 at the Middletown Library. Kathy Stearman, a former FBI agent and author of IT’S NOT ABOUT THE GUN, will be our featured guest speaker. This will be the first time in two years that we will have a face-to-face meeting! I can’t wait.
Meantime, we are managing to have stimulating presentations on Zoom. Miki Reilly-Howe discussed Janet Burroway’s Chapter Three on characterization from her classic craft book, WRITING FICTION, A GUIDE TO NARRATIVE CRAFT, now in its Tenth Edition. Along with her excellent talk, Miki provided us with a fabulous Power Point presentation.
Our guest speaker was the delightful author Erv Klein, the president of the board of Louisville Literary Arts and the 2020 winner of the Imadjinn Award for Best Historical Fiction for his debut novel, SUBTERFUGE. Erv’s second novel, SQUAT, recently came out.
In his talk, Erv stressed the importance of listening and being open to feedback about our works-in-progress. If more than one person identifies a problem area, it’s vital to pay attention. He also recommends reading craft books and taking courses, even if you’re an experienced author. Sometimes, he says, “you have to stop periodically to sharpen your writing blade.” Often, he advises, it’s a matter of trying different approaches and figuring out what works for you as a writer.
Coming up for our March 12 meeting, new chapter member and veteran author Lisa Haneberg, the founder of Lexington’s Writer’s Room, will be our guest speaker. Her presentation is entitled “Are You a Methodical Writer, Mystery Maverick, or Both?”
Prior to Lisa’s talk, Miki Reilly-Howe will discuss Janet Burroway’s Chapter Four from WRITING FICTION on indirect methods of character presentation.
Member News
Lisa Haneberg was Lynn Slaughter’s guest author on her blog. Her hilarious essay, “Attention, Shoppers,” describes a book signing that didn’t go quite as planned:
The Book Signing That Wasn’t: Meet Lisa Haneberg
Beth Henderson reports that WHEN KURT BLUDGEONED RUSTY received another Five Star review. RAVEN’S EDGE and GHOST NOTES have passed their galley okays and will seen be available for pre-sale orders. Beth plans to attend Imaginarium where she hopes to present workshops on paranormal mysteries and romantic suspense.
Jeanette Pope was interviewed on January 25 and discussed her novels, DOUBLE TRIANGLES and DESPERATE ANGLES, on Black Authors Matter.
Carol Preflatish’s fourth Nathan Perry Mystery, WITCH HUNT, comes out on February 21st. Carol will also be a guest on the Star Chamber Show podcast on February 23 at 9 PM EST, talking about her book and her writing:
Lynda Rees will be signing books along with her granddaughter and co-author of two of her books on March 5 from 10-2 PM at the Campbell Ridge Craft Show, 2500 Grandview Road, Alexandria KY 41001.
Lynn Slaughter’s coming-of-age romantic mystery, LEISHA’S SONG, has been nominated for an Agatha Award for best mystery novel in the children’s/YA category. Her unpublished adult mystery novel, MISSED CUE, has been named a finalist in the 2022 Florida West Coast Writers Contest.
All for now. We hope to see many of you at our March 12 chapter meeting!