In this interactive workshop, four mystery authors representing different sub-genres, including cozy/traditional and thriller/suspense, will brainstorm on their feet to create a brand new mystery using suggestions provided by the audience. Fun, fast-paced, and fascinating, this improv game offers important insights into mystery writers’ minds and the conventions of the genre.

Connie Johnson Hambley: Connie grew up on a small dairy farm just north of New York City. When she was a young girl, an arsonist burned her family's barn to the ground. From that experience grew the page-turner thrillers that have become "The Charity," the first book in the trilogy, "The Troubles," a story of terrorism and identity found, which was published in May 2015 and won Best Fiction at the EQUUS Film Festival in New York City, and "The Wake," released in September 2017. Her short story, "Giving Voice," was published by Level Best Books in WINDWARD: Best New England Crime Stories in 2016, and another story, "Black Ice," is included in SNOWBOUND, Level Best Book's 2017 anthology. A third story, "The Brew," was featured in the Christmas issue of Mystery Weekly Magazine 2018. An experienced and dynamic speaker, Connie currently serves as President of the New England Chapter of Sisters in Crime.

Edith Maxwell: Agatha Award winning Edith Maxwell writes the Quaker Midwife Mysteries and the Local Foods Mysteries. As Maddie Day she writes the Country Store Mysteries and the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries. Her short crime fiction has appeared in many juried anthologies. She was honored to serve as President of Sisters in Crime New England and is a Lifetime member of Sisters in Crime National, as well as a professional member of Mystery Writers of America. A fourth-generation Californian and former tech writer, farmer, and doula, Maxwell now writes, cooks, gardens, and wastes time as a Facebook addict north of Boston. She blogs at WickedAuthors.com, Killer Characters, and at Mystery Lovers Kitchen. Find her and Maddie Day at edithmaxwell.com and elsewhere.

Lorraine Sharma Nelson: Lorraine grew up globally but has called the United States home for a good many years. She has a Bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature, and a Master's in Mass Communications. In addition to being a writer, Lorraine is also a wife, a mother, an avid sci-fi geek, a New England Regional Board member for UNICEF USA, and a Member at Large for southeastern MA of Sisters in Crime, New England. She loves travel, reading, movies, and coconut cupcakes. Lorraine's short stories have been published in horror, fantasy and crime anthologies, and have also won two sci-fi awards.

Dale T. Phillips: As a student of Stephen King in college, Dale learned to love the craft of writing and to work at it. Dale has published the Zack Taylor mystery series, over 70 short stories and collections, poetry, and non-fiction. He's appeared on stage, television (Jeopardy included), and in an independent feature film. He co-wrote and acted in a short political satire movie. He's traveled to all 50 states, Mexico, Canada, and through Europe.

This is an online event via Zoom. An invite will be sent at least thirty minutes prior to the start of the program to the email given at registration. Please be sure to check your clutter/junk/spam boxes if the invite does not appear in your inbox.