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Member News – April 2023

Lynn Slaughter

Excited to share that DEADLY SETUP has been named an Imadjinn finalist for best young adult novel, and my work-in-progress, MISSING MOM, won third place in  the “Thriller First Pages” contest sponsored by the Institute for Writers.
In other news, I was interviewed by TeenGen Talks back in December, and the podcast has finally gone live:

The Teen G.E.N.  team wants to thank you once again for being our guest on the show. We hope you enjoyed being a part of it as much as we loved having you on!

The interview is now live! You can watch it here:

You can also listen to it on Spotify & Apple or anywhere you get your podcasts from here:  https://anchor.fm/glendalelac

Elaine Munsch and Susan Bell

Jeffersonville Library Talk and Book Signing

Haunting Front CoverOn April 1, the Jeffersonville Library hosted a talk/book signing for members Elaine and Susan.

Susan gave a brief presentation on our chapter and explained the genesis and publication of the chapter’s bourbon anthology, Mystery With a Splash of Bourbon.

We had a nice turnout, and appreciate fellow Scoundrels Carol and Leanne coming by in support!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barnes and Noble Book Signing

On April 15, Elaine and Susan did a signing at the new Barnes and Noble at The Paddocks. We got to meet up with former member Bev Myers, and fellow Scoundrels Lynn and Leanne came by to say hello.

Linda Rees

News from Linda Rees:

1)FLIP OR FLOP, MURDER HOUSE is NOW available on preorder, official launch 4/1/23. Links:

AMZ eBook: amzn.to/3FLkOpS  Print https://amzn.to/40wntM2

B&N EBOOK: http://bit.ly/3lLm31s Print   http://bit.ly/3lQAPDV

KOBO/WALMART:    Flip or Flop, Murder House eBook by Lynda Rees – EPUB | Rakuten Kobo United States

2) The second anthology written by members of Bluegrass Writers Coalition is now published and available for purchase. Twenty-six of our members contributed stories, articles, memoirs, poetry and photographs to this book, and every single one is beautiful. Contributions by:

Lynda Rees, Chris Helvey, Ginny Patrick, Stephen Vest, Paul Stansbury, Debra Ison, Vicki Easterly, Doris Settles, Shannon McRoberts

My short story memoir Down Home is included in this wonderful book. It’s available in ebook and print. Order at: https://amzn.to/3JUUdcs

3) I received the most fabulous reviews from a group of authors I met from New England. This is what they said about:

HART’S GIRLS, REGGIE CHRONICLES 1

REVIEWS:

♥ “This story was fantastic. I loved the characters, the setting, the ending, and the writing!”

♥ “First book I’ve read from this author; I will definitely put her on my list of favorites.”

♥ “I immediately went and bought the previous book in the series.”

♥ “Your book pulled me out of my reading slump. Thank you!”

♥ “From the beginning to the end, I couldn’t put this book down. I am off to get more of your books.”

♥ “Outstanding! I could not put this one down.”

Available at:

AMZ: https://amzn.to/3NqasgX

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w?ean=2940186749875

KOBO/RAKUTEN: https://bit.ly/3NtzoUy

APPLE: http://books.apple.com/us/book/id644294888

4) I hosted an online Zoom class for the Contemporary Romance Writers on Organization and Productivity for Authors. The class can be accessed at this link or by clicking the logo below. https://contemporaryromance.org/workshop/organization-and-productivity/

5) I’m teaching an on-line class for the Womens Fiction Writer’s Association 4/20-4/30/23. Join us. it’s available at https://www.womensfictionwriters.org

Here’s what one author said about it. “I have to tell you – I absolutely love your lessons. They are professional and thorough! Great job! This is a fabulous workshop! Tara Baisden, Books that explore the emotional journey of a protagonist.” 

6) Saturday 4/29 9-4, I will join a fabulous group of authors at the Bluegrass Writers’ Coalition Conference at the Frankfort Country Club in Frankfort, KY. Join us. Book signing opportunity!

7) May 27, 10-3:00, I’ll be signing books with a great group of authors in Jefferson, Ohio at the Ohio Author Fair at the Jefferson Mall. Come join us.

8)  I’m teaching along with other great speakers and authors at the Washington Romance Writers ‘2023 In the Company of Writers Retreat and Conference’ at the Hilton Garden June 2-4, 2023. Inn Shirlington, Washington, D.C. Workshops include:

“How to Write Sweet, Hallmark Style Romance” with USA Today            Best-Selling Author Teri Wilson

     “The Business of Publishing” with Golden Heart Award Winning            and Rita Finalist Author Linda Rees

     “Better Faster Academy Workshop” with Writing Coach Becca              Symes

… and more to come!

REGISTRATION by clicking: WRW RETREAT 2023

The premier writing conference and retreat experience in the Washington D.C. area.

9) Pre-launch of

Available NOW! 

Hard launch 6/1/23.

FRESH STARTS, DIRTY MONEY

B&N:    bit.ly/42CmziQ

With a fresh MBA and fabulous job, Bree leaves her cheating husband and backwoods home for the big city. Snarky Police Chief Rex takes his tragic morning out on her when Bree’s vehicle blocks rush hour traffic. A theft brings the two together, but their budding romance is interrupted when Bree is suspected in a brutal slaying, and her sleuthing makes her a target.

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Tony Acree Talks About Screenwriting

Tony Acree – Award-Winning Publisher, Novelist, and Screenwriter

Tony Acree is an award-winning publisher, novelist, and screenwriter. He lives near Louisville, Kentucky with his wife, twin daughters, two female dogs, two female cats, and says the way the goldfish looks at him, he’s sure she’s female, too. Tony recently spoke to our chapter about screenwriting.

Dark Harbor Pictures will be producing two streaming shows, one based on his Victor McCain thrillers, and the other on his Samantha Tyler thrillers. In addition, his screenplay, Songs of Bloody Harlan has been optioned for the silver screen by Jamezz Hampton and 1209 Productions. His publishing house, Hydra Publications, won the Jason Sizemore Award for best small press, and Publisher of the Year by the AOF Megafest and Conquering Disabilities w/Film International Film Festival.

His screenplay, The Hand of God, co-written by Sarah Gardiner, won Best Horror Screenplay at The LA Film Awards.

His first solo screenplay, Songs of Bloody Harlan, took Best Long Format Screen Play at the Imadjinn Film Festival.

Tony is currently the Creative Writer in Residence at the Oldham County Schools Art Center.

Tony is also on the board of Louisville Literary Arts.

Follow Tony on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTonyAcree
, on Twitter @TonyAcree, or on his website, Tonyacree.com. You can email him at Tonyacree@Gmail.com.

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Tony Acree – So You Want to Write a Screenplay

We are delighted to welcome local author/publisher Tony Acree, who will speak to our chapter about how to write a screenplay. We are devoting most of our chapter meeting time to this, and hope you can join us, either in person or via our hybrid zoom meeting.

Date: April 8, 2023

Time:  11:00AM (after a brief business meeting)

Where:  Middletown library + via Zoom

Zoom: please click link to register for zoom 

https://sistersincrime-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEqf-GqqTksHdU3KlnJ5kjf3cXGTAwYQhaT

Tony Acree is an award-winning publisher, novelist, and screenwriter. He lives near Louisville, Kentucky with his wife, twin daughters, two female dogs, two female cats, and says the way the goldfish looks at him, he’s sure she’s female, too.

Dark Harbor Pictures will be producing two streaming shows, one based on his Victor McCain thrillers, and the other on his Samantha Tyler thrillers. In addition, his screenplay, Songs of Bloody Harlan has been optioned for the silver screen by Jamezz Hampton and 1209 Productions. His publishing house, Hydra Publications, won the Jason Sizemore Award for best small press, and Publisher of the Year by the AOF Megafest and Conquering Disabilities w/Film International Film Festival.

His screenplay, The Hand of God, co-written by Sarah Gardiner, won Best Horror Screenplay at The LA Film Awards.

His first solo screenplay, Songs of Bloody Harlan, took Best Long Format Screen Play at the Imadjinn Film Festival.

Tony is currently the Creative Writer in Residence at the Oldham County Schools Art Center.

Tony is also on the board of Louisville Literary Arts.

Follow Tony on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTonyAcree, on Twitter @TonyAcree, or on his website, Tonyacree.com. You can email him at Tonyacree@Gmail.com.

 

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Author Meet and Greet – Saturday April 1 at 1:30PM Susan Bell and Elaine Munsch

Join Susan Bell and Elaine Munsch at Jeffersonville Library for a Meet and Greet. We’ll be talking about the chapter’s anthology, Mystery With a
Splash of Bourbon, and Elaine will be talking about her new novel, A Haunting at Marianwood.

Time: 
Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 1:30PM
Location:
Jeffersonville Library, 
211 East Court Avenue
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Haunting Front Cover
 
 
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New Passion – Identity Affirming and Acceptance Fiction – Young Adults

To say I’ve always wanted to be a writer is an understatement. I’ve always had a strong passion for writing stories. From the early age 11, maybe 12, plots would come to me (awake or sleep) and then I’d experience a burning desire to put them on paper. On weekends, I would babysit to purchase my creative equipment, which at that time was thick spiral notebooks and blue Bic ink pens.

However, this talent did not sit well with my hard-working parents, who assured me that I would become homeless and starve to death if I pursued this path.  But still, I wrote and babysat for supplies.

After a while, I realized I had another special talent: teaching. The many, many students that I’ve taught are all special to me. What is truly amazing is, I’ve instructed children from kindergarten to middle school, and most of them contact me from time to time. My teaching career was magical; I loved every minute. But still, I wrote stories that came to me.

At my retirement party, a friend placed a suggestion in my bucket list container, WRITE THAT BOOK. A bell went off in my head. Yes, I can do this and not be homeless or starve to death. I’ve already babysat (teaching for income) to buy modern writing equipment (computer, printer, and paper).

Starting this journey took me to Barnes and Noble, where I met Elaine Munsch, and she invited me to join the local chapter of Sisters in Crime, Derby Rotten Scoundrels.  Although my illness has kept me from participating as much as I like, I’ve enjoyed being a part of this group.

My first book, Double Triangles is the thrill of my life. Just seeing my words in a book formation – with my name on it – made my heart leap with joy. I could hardly contain myself when I got feedback on both books (my first and second) through text, social media, book talks, and round-table discussions. The characters from the books came alive for many readers. Although I wrote it without knowing some of the things I’ve learned by being a part of Derby Rotten Scoundrels, it is a dream come true for me. I’ve sold many copies of this book and most people insisted that I write a sequel. Desperate Angles is the second book in this series. Many readers are hooked on the characters and Louisville, Kentucky setting in both books.

Moving forward, a burning passion for writing has come to me in a different genre – Identity Affirming and Acceptance Fiction. Once again, the stories are coming to me and I feel the raw passion of my youth to write them down. I got hurt recently and couldn’t sit at the computer, but my old friends, spiral notebook, and blue Bic ink pen came to my rescue.  Writing life is good!