SinCNE’s Speakers Bureau pivoted to virtual in 2020 as the libraries did too. The upside of virtual programs for Speakers Bureau authors was that SinCNE members who’d never done an event with us before because of geography were able to do so. In all, seven of our far-flung members finally had the opportunity to take part in our programs. “Mystery Making” remains our most popular program, but we also did panels on “Pathways to Publication,” “The Modern Heroine,” “Publicity Today,” and “No Plot? No Problem!” for NaNoWriMo.
Any library doing virtual programming for their patrons can schedule a virtual program with Sisters in Crime, New England. Our Speakers Bureau has 75+ members, including both well-published and emerging mystery authors. Are you interested in seeing how our virtual events work? We have three events coming in the next two months that are listed below. If you’re interested in booking an event or participating, contact Leslie Wheeler, our Speakers Bureau coordinator at lesliewheeler@comcast.net.
"Mystery Making"
When: Wednesday, January 13, 2021, 7:00 PM until 9:00 PM
Where: Zoom account of the Robbins Library
700 Massachusetts Avenue
Arlington, MA 02476
Who: In this fun, fast-paced virtual improv game, authors, Lisa Braxton, Dick Cass, J.M. McIntosh, and Clea Simon, will brainstorm to create a brand-new mystery using suggestions provided by the audience. In the process, they will offer insights into the workings of mystery authors' minds and the conventions of the genre.
"Pathways to Publication"
When: Saturday, January 16, 2021, 2:30 PM until 3:30 PM
Where: The Zoom Platform of the Worcester Public Library in cooperation with Sisters in Crime, New England.
3 Salem Street
Worcester, MA 01608
Who: In this virtual panel, authors, Emily Arsenault, Susan Cory, and Matt Cost, will discuss the different paths they took in their journey toward publication from getting an agent and going with a large press, to going with a small press, and to deciding to self-publish.
"Mystery Making"
When: Wednesday, February 10, 2021, 7 PM until 8:30
Where: The Zoom account of the Barrington Public Library
105 Ramsdell Lane
Barrington, NH 09825
Who: In this fun, fast-paced, virtual improv game, authors, Edith Maxwell, Linda McHenry, Tonya Price, and Sarah Smith, will brainstorm on their feet to create a brand new mystery, using suggestions from the audience.