You’re Not Alone!

~ janegorman

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I had the pleasure this weekend of participating in a mystery celebration at the Tredyffrin library in Strafford, Pennsylvania. The event was in honor of the 30th anniversary of the Sisters in Crime, a fabulous mystery writers and readers group. I spend a lot of time writing, reading, reading about writing, blogging, following blogs… you get the picture. But there is nothing quite like meeting with fellow mystery writers and mystery lovers.

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Sharing a table with mystery writers Matty Dalrymple and Lisa Regan

Sisters in Crime was founded by Sara Paretsky and a group of women in 1986. It now has 3600 members in 50 chapters world-wide and offers networking, advice and support to mystery writers. Members are authors, readers, publishers, agents, booksellers and librarians, all bound by an affection for the mystery genre. The mission of the Sisters in Crime is to promote the ongoing advancement, recognition and professional development of women crime writers.

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If you’re a mystery fan, I can’t recommend the Sisters in Crime enough. I’m a member of two different chapters.

Here in my local area (near Philadelphia), I attend the monthly meetings of the Delaware Valley Chapter. I’ve met some incredible writers through this group as well as some fun mystery fans who I love to share stories with.

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I’m also a member of an online chapter of the Sisters in Crime, the Guppies. Originally created as the “Great Unpublished” (hence, Guppies), the group now includes not only unpublished writers but a few rock star writers as well. It offers a chance to virtually chat with fellow writers, to swap manuscripts, to take online courses, to share information and ideas.

Thanks to my involvement in these groups, I’ve participated in writers conferences, book signings, lectures, and more.

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Reading from A Blind Eye

If you are a writer, an aspiring writer, or just a huge fan of mysteries, check out the Sisters in Crime! I’m sure there’s a chapter near you. And if the nearest chapter is farther than you want to drive, boot up the computer and check out the Guppies.

Writing can sometimes seem like a lonely pursuit, or at least something you do alone. But thanks to groups like the Sisters of Crime, I always have someone to support me, to keep me motivated and inspired.

Learn more about Jane Gorman and her books at janegorman.com

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Published by janegorman

Mystery writer

7 thoughts on “You’re Not Alone!”

  1. I’ve been on the board of the Los Angeles chapter of Sisters in Crime and have enjoyed it immensely. It’s a terrific, very supportive group, and I’m not sure I would have publidshed my novels without Sisters in Crime/LA support.

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  2. I haven’t joined a local SinC chapter yet, though I know there is one in New Mexico. I have learned so much through the Guppies. I sometimes use Guppy membership as kind of a shopping guide when I’m buying mysteries. Writers join with the intention of mastering their craft. So far, I’ve never read a badly written book by a Guppy.

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  3. I enjoy being an online member to Sisters in Crime. I don’t have a chapter near me, but I enjoy all the info and the yahoo group. Good post, Jane!

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    1. That’s great that you’re able to participate in two. How interesting that they’re different from each other. If I get a chance, I’d love to drop in on other chapters around the country and see how they are!

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