by Jule Selbo

Saturday, at The Great Lost Bear: Great moments.  Six of us had headed out in our coats and scarves and arrived to  sip liquid libations and eat chips in one of Portland’s most warm and cozy hangouts. We shared thoughts on writing, movies, cops throwing snowballs,  new books coming out,  publishers, writers having serious discussions with their publishers about deadlines, kids, short stories, Lee Child, Crime Bake, Crime Wave, Bouchercon, Left Coast Crime Conference and other conferences, the “real” definition of cozy and more.  Gabi Stiteler organized it and it was a great two hours. Ryan was the “new guy”, he’s a South Portlander and he’s got his first crime/mystery/heist book coming out in August –  it sounds fabulous. Totally reminded me of Matt Cost’s blog a few weeks ago – he noted that he felt so great once he met the crime/mystery writers in New England. That the connections are solid.

As it gets colder and snowier and daylight hours are shorter, I know I have to keep my “to-do” list active and stick to what I’ve set out to do.  What about you?  As the temperature descends, how much time is dedicated to writing/seeing other people to talk about writing, going to writing events and keeping engaged? (Talking to your dog about writing on those cold winter walks does count, as long as your dog is positive and telling you to get that story done!)

Here are some things to add to your to-do list:

Hope you can put this on your calendar.  JANUARY 12.  7:30 pm.  A fabulous night at Portland Stage (on Forest Avenue). Anita Stewart, the Artistic Director, always wants to support Maine Writers – and here is how it goes: Excellent Portland Stage actors (directed by Todd Backus) bring crimes mystery books to “life” in wonderful and fun  readings. This will be the fourth in the reading series they have asked me to help curate. The “genre” of the books that are brought to life depends on the play that is being presented – and it’s CRIME/MYSTERY again (designed to go along with Portland Stage’s Lend Me A Tenor (a comedy mystery play by Ken Ludwig) .

The authors whose work will be presented this winter are: Travis Kennedy (White Python Mystery Tour) Matt Cost (Mainely Mayhem) Kate Flora (Such a Good Man) and an excerpt from my 7 Days. MORE INFORMATION ON THE LINK BELOW:

https://www.portlandstage.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/events/a0SPa00000TJpZBMA1

Also in these cold months, we want to announce a new project:

Mark Winkworth, podcaster and audio book narrator (Tales of the Sea https://www.talesofthesea.com and Bubbles Goes Round https://www.amazon.com/Bubbles-Goes-Round-Fantastic-Journey and more) is looking for short crime mystery stories for his new podcast. He will find the voice actors if you writers don’t want to read their own work, produce, edit and get them out onto the waves  “wherever you listen to your podcasts” (including Spotify etc etc.) You, the author retains all rights, of course.

We’ll be looking for stories under 5,000 words. Flash fiction is welcome.Already published stories are fine/great. Please include with submission where the story has been published and Mark will make sure the outlet is mentioned in the introduction.

If you’re interested in hearing your short story “come to life” on the air, with professional voice actors doing the honors, stayed tuned.

 Submissions will be open soon and we’ll be sharing details on how to submit.  I am going to be working on this, along with Gabriela Stiteler and Ginny Lee. Perfect winter project – looking forward to reading a lot of great short stories.

Oh – and here’s the cover of THRILLER MAGAZINE that was just released a few days ago.  I’m excited to have a short in it!  It’s called “Tri-County Fair Pageant”.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS everyone!