Last week I wrote about my Amherst Writers and Artists group. This week I’d like to write about another group I belong to—Sisters in Crime—an international organization that promotes the development and advancement of women writing crime fiction.
I have been a member of Sisters in Crime (SinC) International and both the Sacramento Chapter, Capitol Crimes and the Orange County Chapter for five years. This organization is made up of authors, readers, publishers, agents, booksellers, librarians, and others who love mysteries.
It’s where I go once a month to learn from authors who write in the “mystery” genre: cozy, hardboiled, noir, historical, sci-fi, paranormal, romance, thrillers, suspense, literary, and so on. Most recently, an author who writes the steamier romance mysteries set her story in Pelican Bay prison. That was an eye opener.
Our speakers are not always authors. They are often experts in peripheral fields such as law enforcement, victim advocates, forensics, or the medical profession to name just a few.
We are a community
We all help each other along in this organization. Experienced authors advise new writers, and some of us meet in writing and critique groups. Yesterday morning I met for breakfast with one of my Sisters in Crime to exchange suggestions on our works in progress. I can’t wait to dive in today and use her invaluable insight on my mystery. Writing is solitary work, but groups like SinC and the friendships we make help us to feel connected.
Between meetings, I visit the SinC online community where I can learn about the changing publishing scene and navigating the latest advances in social media, in addition to the craft of writing. So far, I have been a lurker. I’ll write more about that another time.
But what most often stays with me, especially at our monthly meetings, are the inspirational words the speakers leave with us, what has helped them to survive doubt and rejection.
At our last meeting, the speaker offered this:
“Believe. You will never get anywhere in this business if you don’t start with that.”
One of the reasons I started this blog was in hopes that writers attracted to this site will find something useful that might help with their own journeys. I do know one thing for sure, when one of us thrives, we all benefit.
Capitol Crimes, The Sacramento Chapter of Sisters in Crime
Linda Townsdin 
Good advice! Plus, I will always believe in you!
Yes, good advice for sure! Since with SinC I’m still lurking online (lots of good information) AND not going to the meetings (no information at all if I don’t go, huh?), I think I should get myself over to Minneapolis once a month. Thanks for another great blog!
Thank you! You’re so lucky to have The Loft Literary Center as a resource too.
Linda,
I read all your blogs and can only say I’m elated that you’re part of our Sisters Chapter!
Thank you! Great to hear from you!
HI Linda. This is a great post. The best thing any aspiring writer can do is join a group such as Sisters in crime, Romance Writers, California Writers etc. There is nothing like sharing your hopes and fears with like minded people to motivate you. Capitol Crimes is an especially supportive group. We all believe in each other. Thanks for your inspiring words.
Hi Linda,
Love the blog. I’ve come to realize that writing is not for the feint of heart. On one hand it’s a tough business to break into, on the other hand as an art and a compulsion it only takes a pen and paper (or computer). Sisters In Crime encourages both motivations. I’ll look forward to your Tuesday insights. Write On
So true, you have to love it. Thanks for commenting!