Next week at Maine Crime Writers there will be posts by Barb Ross (Monday), Kaitlyn Dunnett/Kathy Lynn Emerson (Tuesday), Dick Cass (Wednesday), Maureen Milliken (Thursday), and Kate Flora (Friday).
In the news department, here’s what’s happening with some of us who blog regularly at Maine Crime Writers:
Barb: Hi. There’s another great review of Best New England Crime Stories: Red Dawn up on George Smith’s Maine blog, with shout-outs to several Maine Crime Writers, including Kate Flora, Dorothy Cannell and Bruce Coffin. http://www.georgesmithmaine.com/articles/book-reviews/march/2016/red-dawn-delivers-great-new-england-crime-stories.
Meanwhile, after a long winter, who will I get to see at the Maine Crime Wave?
Kathy: Speaking of Maine Crime Wave. There is also “Two Minutes in the Slammer” the night before. Want to see how people react to a short reading from your work-in-progress? Here’s your chance. There are still slots open on the schedule. I did this last year and not only was it great fun, it gave me the opportunity to get a glimpse of what other folks were writing. At least two of those talented people have signed book contracts since then.
+ MAINE CRIME WAVE http://mainewriters.org/2016-maine-crime-wave
An invitation to readers of this blog: Do you have news relating to Maine, Crime, or Writing? We’d love to hear from you. Just comment below to share.
And a reminder: If your library, school, or organization is looking for a speaker, we are often available to talk about the writing process, research, where we get our ideas, and other mysteries of the business. Contact Kate Flora: mailto: kateflora@gmail.com
Kait Carson
Charlene D’Avanzo 
Friends: I’m signed up for “two minutes in the slammer” and would love some advice (zero experience with this). I know it’s truly only 2 min. Besides practice, what should I do and not do? “Cold Blood, Hot Sea”, published in May, features a Maine oceanographer harassed by climate change doubters. Nothing preachy, I get that. Thanks in advance!
Hi, Charlene,
I’d say pick something that doesn’t need much introduction. Action is good. So is suspense. And it’s okay to edit your excerpt a bit to keep it under 2 minutes. Last year I read a scene where my 16th century heroine comes home after having gone, in disguise, to a playhouse, and realizes there is someone lurking in the shadows of her private gallery. I ended the scene when she lifted her candle and recognized him . . . but I didn’t go on to reveal who he was.
Hope that helps. I look forward to hearing you read.
Kathy/Kaitlyn
Got it – action, edit, suspense – Thanks a lot!