by Paula Gail Benson

Last Monday, I promised an announcement about a short mystery fiction writing program. Here it is! Online, available virtually, and recorded so if you can’t watch while it’s happening, you can see it later.

Michael Bracken helped to organize this program that features some outstanding short story authors and editors. Please take the time to register. You won’t want to miss it!

DATE: Saturday, October 10

TIME: From 11:15 am ET (10:15 CT/9:15 MT/8:15 PT) to 2:30 pm ET(1:30 CT/12:30 MT/11:30 PT)

PRESENTED BY: the Southeast Chapter of the Mystery Writers of America, the Palmetto Chapter of Sisters in Crime, and Michael Bracken

COST: FREE just register at the link below

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/H7AkECfcQB-9Ej98_UX2DQ

Yes, if you can’t attend in person, the program will be recorded.

Program

11:15 am Welcome—Michael Bracken and Paula Gail Benson

11:30 am -12:25 pm Some Loose Thoughts on Tight Structures—Joseph S. Walker (President of the Short Mystery Fiction Society and author of Crime Scenes, published by Level Best Books, March 2026).

12:30 – 1:25 pm Short Stories as Building Blocks

Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier (Agatha award winner and author of The Bush Tea Murder, published by Crooked Lane Books in 2026); Carla Damron (award winning novelist and short story writer); Art Taylor (Edgar award winning author whose On the Road with Del & Louise won the Agatha Award for best first novel); and moderator, Paula Gail Benson

1:30 – 2:25 pm Editors Reveal All

Alex Mattingly (editor of Cold Caller Magazine); Katy Munger (the co-editor of the neo noir literary journal Dark Yonder); Roger Nokes (Editor-in-Chief at Rock and a Hard Place Press); and moderator, Michael Bracken

2:25 – 2:30 pm Final Questions and Comments

We hope you’ll join us on Saturday, October 10.