Celebrating the formation of the new Florida Gulf Coast Sisters in Crime chapter, an outgrowth of the National Sisters in Crime organization that has over 3600 members in over 50 chapters worldwide, Barnes & Noble in cooperation with the Sarasota County Libraries will present an all-day event on June 18th.
Sisters in Crime, recent winner of MWA’s Raven Award, was founded in 1986 at Bouchercon, a crime writers conference, by NYT best-selling author, Sara Paretsky and other well-known women authors. Their mission has been to promote the ongoing advancement, recognition, and professional development of women crime writers.
- At Barnes & Noble from ten until noon, local mystery and thriller authors will offer readings from their latest novels. In the afternoon authors will offer a panel discussion entitled: Why Mysteries Set in the South Sizzle. The authors will be available to sign their books throughout the day.
- At the Gulf Gate Library authors will offer a workshop titled, “Dialogue that Dazzles—Creating Voice” for writers who wish to hone their skills. The workshop is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the work of John D. MacDonald. In the afternoon, a panel titled, “Solving the Mysteries of Publishing” will be presented by authors who have experience as independent traditional publishers and as self-publishers.
“Since our first official meeting was held on December 5, 2015, we have already made an impact on the Gulf Coast community,” says chapter president, Wendy Dingwall. “In February, through our We Love Libraries program, I was honored to present a $1000 check to the Bonita Springs Library, and we are slated to do the same for the Selby Library this October. Monthly, the program offers libraries the chance to apply for a grant nationwide, and the winners are chosen at random. Libraries may use the funds to purchase books or provide programs that promote reading.”
Dingwall continues, “Going forward, our chapter, which meets the first Saturday of each month, has plans for exciting programs, workshops and events. We welcome mystery lovers of all types, including misters. If you are an author, a reader, bookseller, publisher, librarian, or just someone who cares about supporting women writers, you are welcome to join. We are a diverse and inclusive group.”
Following is the Schedule of Events:
Barnes & Noble, 4010 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231, (941) 923-9907
Author Signings from 10:00am until 4:00pm
Readings:
10:00am -10:20am Kait Carson
10:25am -10:45am Wendy Dingwall
10:50am – 11:10am Shannon Esposito
11:15am – 11:35am Janet Heijens
11:40am – 12:00pm JB Hamilton Queen
12:00pm – 12:20pm Susan Klaus
2:15pm to 3:00pm – Panel Discussion: Why Mysteries Set in the South Sizzle
Moderator; Wendy Dingwall
Panelists: Kait Carson, Shannon Esposito, Susan Klaus
3:00pm – 3:30pm, Q&A
Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave., Sarasota FL 34231
Author Signings from 10:30am until 4:00pm
10:30am – 11:30am
Workshop: Dazzling Dialogue – Creating Voice
Instructors; Sarah Glenn and Louise Tichner
11:30am – 11:45am Q&A
1:15pm – 2:15pm
Panel Discussion: Solving the Mysteries of Publishing
Moderator: Sarah Glenn
Panelists: Janet Heijens, Gwen Mayo, Brenda Spalding
2:15pm – 2:30pm Q&A
