Workshops at library focus on crime, mystery writing
Crime and mystery writers are invited to a full day of free workshops offered by Sisters in Crime Chicagoland and Mystery Writers of America Midwest at the Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg.
Come to one, two or all of the workshops, which take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, in the Adult Classroom on the library's second floor.
You will have the opportunity to hear from an entomologist and former coroner, who will explain how to determine time of death. A nationally recognized social media trainer will provide valuable tips for getting your name and your writing "out there" through Twitter.
Learn research strategies from a best-selling author and movie critic, and discover how to write realistic serial killers from two crime authors.
Need to polish your editing skills? Three authors will team up to offer editing guidelines to help writers prepare their manuscripts before sending them to potential agents or publishers. Featured authors will also sign their books, which will be available for purchase.
To register for any or all of the free workshops described below, call (847) 923-3347.
"How Insects Tell Us Time of Death" will be presented from 10:15-11:15 a.m. by Marlene Lantz, former McHenry County coroner. Lantz is recognized as a leader in her field, serving as a guest lecturer at Purdue University, Concordia University, Saint Joseph College, Harper College, John Marshall Law School, McHenry County College and many other institutions of secondary and higher education.
"Twitter Tips and Tricks," led by April M. Williams, is scheduled from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. A nationally recognized speaker, Williams is also an author and trainer who coaches businesses on social media marketing programs.
A lunch break will take place from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., during which participants are welcome to peruse library materials or eat in the Library Café. Following lunch, the "Research Methods" workshop will be from 1:30-2:30 p.m. taught by best-selling author Raymond Benson.
Half of the popular Dann and Raymond's Movie Club program held at the library each month, Benson is also a composer, computer game designer, stage director, film historian and film genres instructor. He is the fourth official author of the James Bond 007 novels.
If you're crime writing really takes you to dark places, don't miss "How to Write Serial Killers" from 2:45-3:45 p.m., instructed by Michele May and Michael Major.
May is author of the Circle City Mystery series - novels involving the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. Major is the author of "One Man's Castle" and has also had three dozen short stories published in anthologies.
Once your manuscript is complete, you'll want to make sure the editing is spotless before sending it to a potential publisher or agent. Learn how to make that happen in "Editing Tips: Cleaning It up Before Sending Your Manuscript to Your Editor" from 4-5 p.m., led by authors Diane Piron-Gelman (pen name, D.M. Pirrone), Mary Welk and Allium Press of Chicago Publisher Emily Victorson.
If you are looking to make your crime writing grab readers from page one to the end, register for these free workshops. Attend any or all that interest you, meet the authors, network with fellow writers, and come away ready to hit the keyboard.