Speed City Sisters in Crime BIG HIT at Annual Indiana Historical Society's Authors Fair

Co-editors Marianne Halbart and Diana Catt*

Several members of the Speed City Sisters in Crime participated in the Indiana Historical Society's Annual Author's Fair on December 1 at the Indiana Historical Society in downtown Indianapolis.
Authors were selected by the Historical Society.

Members greeting readers and signing books were:

Diana Catt, editor of the just released Speed City Sisters in Crime anthology Homicide for the Holidays. The recently released book includes 12 seasonal tales of murder, mayhem and Christmas joy, along with a dozen recipes that correspond with each story. The book is available at local Barnes and Noble stores, as well as online at Amazon, BarnesandNoble.com and Walmart.com.

Author Larry Sweazy*

Larry Sweazy, author of the Marjorie Trumaine series and recently named by Indianapolis Monthly Magazine to its annual Book Recommendations list for his western, "Pointe Blank, Texas."

Author Janis Thornton*

Janis Thornton, author of "Too Good a Girl," a true crime book about a 1965 unsolved murder in Tipton, Indiana. The book has been receiving high praise, including a feature article in the Indianapolis Star and appearances on Indianapolis television stations.


*Photos by Crystal Rhodes.

Speed City Sisters In Crime Featured at Historical Society's Dec. 1 Holiday Author Fair

Sisters (and Misters) Among the Featured Authors 

at This Year’s Holiday Author Fair

By Janis Thornton

Author of "Too Good a Girl"

Sisters in Crime member Janis Thornton
and David Williams, author of Indianapolis Jazz
at 2015 Author's Fair

The Indiana Historical Society’s 2018 Holiday Author Fair, scheduled for Saturday, December 1, will host more than 70 Hoosier authors and their latest books, including the Speed City Sisters in Crime and two individual members.
            The event is unquestionably the place to be for anyone who loves books. It’s even better for those who enjoy mingling with homegrown, Indiana authors. And it’s better still because visitors can take home as many books as they can carry, all of them personally autographed by the authors.
            Speed City Chapter of Sisters in Crime latest anthology “Homicide for the Holidays” is among the books selected for the event. Book editor and Speed City member  Diana Catt will host the Sisters in Crime table. 
            Two other Speed City Chapter members were selected for their own books. Larry Sweazy will be there with his Marjorie Trumaine Mystery, “See Also Proof.”  Janis Thornton will be be present with her gripping true crime mystery, “Too Good a Girl.”
        While it’s an awesome honor to be selected for this affair, it also is exciting and fun. I was privileged to participate in 2012 and 2015, and both times, I relished the unique opportunity to meet several of the other authors as equals and to exchange ideas and tips. Among those I talked with were James Alexander Thom, Jennifer McFadden, Dick Wolfsie, Angie Klink, Nelson Price, Barbara Shoup, Ray Boomhower, Sandy Sasso, and David L. Williams. In fact, I talked non-stop with fellow authors and visitors during the four hours and almost lost my voice. What a fabulous experience!
        The range of book topics at the 2018 event is vast — from politics and history to young adult nonfiction and mysteries (and true crime!).
            Please don’t miss this opportunity to support and rub elbows with some of Indiana’s finest authors.
            Doors will be open from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1 in the William Henry Smith Memorial Library at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis.
            And, as a gift from the Indiana Historical Society, admission is free.
            We hope to see you there!
            Click to download the Author Fair brochure.

Murder at the Mic: Meet & Hear Your Favorite Local Mystery Authors on Mass Av Oct. 12

 Alumni from Magna Cum Murder, Indiana's foremost conference for mystery writers and fans, appear at Indy Reads Books, 911 Massachusetts Avenue, in Indianapolis, on Friday, October 12, at 7 p.m., as part of "Murder at the Mic," a project of the Midwest chapter of the Mystery Writers of America. 

The program will feature readings from the works of Terence Faherty, Liz Dombrowsky, Tony Perona, Cheryl Shore, Larry Sweazy, and others. 

There will be a door prize drawing and refreshments. Magna cum Murder

Registration is still open for this year's 24th annual Magna Cum Murder.  The three-day conference will be held October 19-21 at the Columbia Club on the Circle in Indianapolis. This year's Guest of Honor is author Reavis Z. Wortham. The International Guest of Honor is author Peter Lovesey.

Magna Cum Murder is presented through Ball State University. Speed City Sisters in Crime is one of the event's sponsors and will host a flash fiction contest.

Magna cum Murder

Crime Writing Festival

October 19-21, 2018 

The Columbia Club, Indianapolis, IN

Guest of Honor ~ Reavis Z. Wortham

International Guest of Honor ~ Peter Lovesey

Few Seats Remain for Award-Winning Author Hank Phillippi Ryan's Free Writing Seminar

If you have any interest in writing or becoming a writer, DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY!

On Saturday, September 29, Award-winning author Hank Phillippi Ryan is giving a free one-day writing workshop hosted by Speed City Sisters in Crime.
As of this posting, only 15 seats remain.

Hank in one of the nation's most honored mystery writers. She has won five Agatha Awards, in addition to the Anthony, Macavity, Daphne du Maurier, and Mary Higgins Clark Award for her bestselling mystery novels.  Her investigative journalism career has also netted more than 40 Emmy awards and 14 Edward R. Murrow awards.

Hank's workshop is “Everything You Need to Know to Write Your Mystery!” Hank provides guidance for writers at all stages in their craft. This is an intensive and practical seminar revealing tips and secrets to creating and selling your novel.

The workshop is offered as a service by Speed City Sisters in Crime, the Indiana chapter of the international Sisters in Crime organization. It is intended to encourage writers at every stage in their development, as well as those interested in becoming writers

Hank was born in Indianapolis, graduating from Park Tudor High School. She began her broadcasting career with Indianapolis station WTHR-Channel 13. 

LOCATION: College Park Clubhouse, 9001 Fordham Street, Indianapolis 46268.  The event is limited to 70 participants.

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. RESERVE YOUR SEAT NOW:   Make reservations by emailing Brigitte Kephardt at brigitte.kephart@yahoo.com.  Only 15 seats remain. 

BOOK SIGNING:  Can't make the workshop or want to meet Hank before the workshop? Be sure to clear your calendar for Friday night with Hank Phillippi Ryan at Barnes & Noble, River Crossing on September 28, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. If you can make both, good for you!  

NOTE:  Hank's books will be available for purchase and signing at the Workshop.

Award-winning mystery-thriller author, and Indianapolis native, Hank Phillippi Ryan will sign copies of Trust Me, her latest novel, as well as her other books at Barnes & Noble, River Crossing on September 28, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.  

The book signing is hosted by the Speed City Chapter of Sisters in Crime, the international mystery writing group.  

Hank  has won five Agatha Awards, in addition to the Anthony, Macavity, Daphne du Maurier, and Mary Higgins Clark Award for her bestselling mystery novels. 

Hank was born in Indianapolis, graduating from Park Tudor High School. She began her broadcasting career with Indianapolis station WTHR-Channel 13. As an investigative reporter, her work has resulted in new laws, criminals sent to prison, homes saved from foreclosure, and millions of dollars in restitution for victims and consumers. Along with her 40+ Emmys and 14 Edward R. Murrow awards, Hank has received dozens of other honors for her ground-breaking journalism.


A former president of Sisters in Crime and founder of MWA University, she lives in Boston with her husband, a nationally renowned civil rights and criminal defense attorney. 

Trust Me is Hank's first stand-alone novel.

Crowds Lining Up for Fringe Hit DEADBEAT! DON'T BE LEFT OUT; GET YOUR TICKETS NOW

Crowds line up early for Monday nights performance of DEADBEAT at the IndyFringe Theater. 

Don't miss out. Only three performances left:  
Thursday, August 23 at 7:30  Friday, August 24 at 6:00  Sunday, August 26 at 7:30

Don't miss on THE HIT show of 2018 Indy Fringe

TO ORDER TICKETS, CLICK HERE, or go to www.indyfring.org or call 317-292-4429 or 317-292-6910

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAPTER PRESIDENT -- DEADBEAT READY FOR PREMIERE ! ! !

Tonight, we had our very last rehearsal for DEADBEAT. The next time the actors will go through the play, it will be at its opening -- LIVE -- on Thursday night, August 16.

It has been an amazing journey so far. The play really is quite wonderful and you should really enjoy it. And all of you -- the entire chapter, all of its members -- should be proud of what we have been able to do. Some 15 months ago, this play wasn't on any of our radars. And now, look what we have done. We are about to premiere a fully developed one-act play.

TO ORDER TICKETS, CLICK HERE,  go to www.indyfringe.org or call 317-292-4429 or 317-292-6910

Although not everyone took part in the writing, this truly has been a chapter project because the writing and storytelling were only the first steps. Many of you have helped with logistics, legal, marketing and promotions, graphics and designs, and in providing props. And without help in all those areas (and more), this production could never have seen the light of day.

So I applaud us all.

But we are not at the end yet. We have to continue pushing to get people in the seats. We have appeared in Senior Living, and will appear in an article in the Greenfield paper and in the Indy Star. Plus, we had an interview on No Limits on WFYI public radio.

Send out another eblast to your friends and family, and hand out any postcards you have. 

The Indy Friinge Previews will be Wednesday night, August 15, in the large, white beer tent across the street from the Fringe, which is at 917 E. St. Clair St. You really can't miss it.

The previews (1 minute presentations on each play in this year's Indy Fringe Fest) starts at 6 p.m. DEADBEAT is in Group B, which means we will be on some time between 6:35 and 6:50.  Come see the show and talk it up to everyone you meet.

Thank you all again.

Michael   

Get Your Tickets NOW! DEADBEAT Is a Winner!

DEADBEAT is a WINNER for SISTERS IN CRIME

By Crystal V. Rhodes

Deadbeat is a winner!  

The One Act play written and produced by Speed City Sisters in Crime mystery writers will make its debut at the 2018 Indy Fringe Play Festival on August 16th, and my predication is that Deadbeat is going to be THE play for Fringe audiences to see!

The Speed City Chapter is making history! The Indiana Chapter is the first chapter of the international Sisters in Crime organization to write and produce a theatrical production. 

TO ORDER TICKETS, CLICK HERE,  go to www.indyfringe.org or call 317-292-4429 or 317-292-6910

Am I biased?  Yes.  I am a member of Speed City Sisters in Crime. It’s hard not to crow over such an achievement, especially after having the pleasure of attending a recent DEADBEAT rehearsal.

Under the skilled direction of Deborah Asante, founder and Artistic Director of the Asante Children’s Theatre, DEADBEAT has made quite a transition from the page to the stage. 

Described as a “one act play of murder, malice and mystery” with a touch of humor, audiences can expect to experience a myriad of emotions as the talented cast infuse layers of nuance into their characters in ways I didn’t expect. The experienced cast of local actors includes Gabrielle Patterson (Abigail), Alicia Simms (Celeste) and Zach Hyatt (Matt)   

Although familiar with the script, I was surprised by the depth of my response to some of the lines delivered by the actors.  The acting is on point.  Added to that is how well music is used to set the play’s mood.  

Yes!  I’m sure that DEADBEAT is a winner. I'm certain that audiences will think so too’

The 2018 Indy Fringe Festival starts next week, running from August 16th through August 27th.  DEADBEAT will be presented for SIX PERFORMANCES ONLY at the Indy Fringe Basile Theatre, 719 E. St. Clair St. in Indianapolis:

THURSDAY            AUGUST 16     9:00 P.M.

SATURDAY            AUGUST 18      9:00 P.M.

MONDAY               AUGUST 20      9:00 P.M.

THURSDAY           AUGUST 23     7:30 P.M.

FRIDAY                  AUGUST 24      6:00 P.M.

SUNDAY                 AUGUST 26     7:30 P.M.


Tickets can be purchased online at www.indyfringe.org.  By phone at 317-292-4429 or 317-292-6910 or at the Indy Fringe Box Office located at 719 E. St. Clair Street, Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Free Parking for the Fringe Festival will be available at Bottleworks, which can be entered off Massachusetts Avenue between College Ave and Edison.

______________________

C.V. Rhodes is the co-author of the Grandmothers, Incorporated cozy mystery series, written with fellow author, L. Barnett Evans.  Visit their website at www.grandmothersinc.com.  Rhodes is also the author of the romantic suspense Sin Series and the recently launched Stillwaters Series.  Visit her website at www.crystalrhodes.com.

150 Pack Tipton Public Library for Launch of Janis Thornton's True Crime 'Too Good a Girl'

More than 150 people crowded the Tipton Public Library on August 4 for the launch of "Too Good A

Girl," a true crime book by Speed City Sisters in Crime member Janis Thornton. 

The book tackles the 53-year-old unsolved murder of 17-year-old Olene Emberton in Tipton. Olene was a classmate of Janis. 

In the mid-sixties, no part of the world seemed more serene and secure than rural small-town Indiana. That all changed in an instant when Olene Emberton, a quiet 17-year-old high school girl disappeared after a Saturday night date. Two days later, her nude body was found along a desolate road, her clothes neatly folded beside her. The autopsy could not determine a cause of death. 


Fifty-three years later, Janis Thornton explores the still unsolved crime that left her classmate dead, police without any leads, a family shattered and a town forever changed. 

The murder has haunted the town ever since, as was evident by the turnout. Several surviving members of the Emberton family were present for the book launch, as were a number of Olene's classmates.  

Janis gave a reading of Chapter One of the book, a very personal account of learning of Olene's death and the shock waves it sent through Tipton County. Janis answered questions about the book and the task of researching and writing it.  Coroner of Tipton County and several former police officers who assisted Janis in her research, also answered questions about the difference in current and past investigation and forensic techniques. 

"Too Good A Girl" is a gripping read, pulling the reader in from the first page. With dogged determination, Ms Thornton examines the evidence, re-interviews witnesses, questions investigators, and seeks for an answer to what happened to “Too Good A Girl.” The truth is there. It is only up to the reader to determine which truth is the right one.  

It is available on Amazon.com as well as through http://www.janis-thornton.com 

Speed City SinC Star on WFYI's NO LIMITS; Streaming Interview Available Online

Front row: Michael Dabney, Crystal Rhodes & Diana Catt in WFYI Studios

Three members of Speed City Sisters in Crime talked for an hour WFYI-FM host John Krull on his weekly show NO LIMITS.

Michael Dabney, Crystal Rhodes and Diana Catt talked about the Sisters in Crime Organization, the value of joining writing groups, and the Chapter's upcoming major event, writing and producing a one act mystery play.

The play will be performed six times between August 16-26 as part of Indy Fringe Fest.

The one-hour show is available for streaming on line.  To listen, Click HERE

WFYI's "No Limits" Focuses on DEADBEAT, Speed City SinC; Tune In July 31 at 1 p.m.

WHAT:     No Limits Interview about DEADBEAT & Sisters in Crime
WHEN:    Tuesday, July 31 at 1 p.m.
WHERE:  WFYI (90.1 FM), Indianapolis

WFYI'S July 31 No Limits program will feature an hour-long discussion about Speed City Sisters in Crime and its latest project, the one-act play Deadbeat, which is scheduled for six performances during Indy FringeFest.

No Limits is a daily program  hosted by John Krull on WFYI radio (90.1 FM), the Indianapolis Public Radio Station operated by Butler University.  Speed City members Diana Catt, Crystal Rhodes and Michael Dabney talked with Krull about mystery writing and the Chapter's first-of-its-kind play. Deadbeat is the first time any chapter of the national Sisters in Crime organization has attempted writing and producing a play.

Directed by noted local director Deborah Asante, DEADBEAT will have six performances between August 16 and 26 at the 100-seat Basile Fringe Theater, 719 E St Clair St, Indianapolis, IN 46202. The play features an outstanding cast of experienced local actors: Gabrielle Patterson, Alicia Sims & Zach Hyatt

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and adults, with a $1 per ticket service fee for online orders.  Tickets are available now. To Order, click this link:  TICKETS TO DEADBEAT


Remember: Tuesday,  July 31, 1 p.m. on WFYI (90.1 FM).

DEADBEAT -- 6 PERFORMANCES, AUGUST 16-26

June Brings Opportunities to Talk Writing and Books With Speed City Sisters in Crime

Speed City Sisters in Crime members will be hitting the highways in Indiana over the next two weeks for three different programs around the state.  This weekend (Saturday, June 9), Chapter members will be meeting readers and fellow writers  at an art fair in Kirklin, Indiana and an author fair in Bloomington at the Monroe County Public Library. On both weekends, noted writer and Chapter member Larry Sweazy will be teaching a classes for writers at the Indianapolis Writers Center.

It's a great time to meet up with our members, discuss writing, their books and maybe becoming a member.

Kirklin Art Fair, Kirklin, Indiana:  Saturday, June 9, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm 

Speed City Sisters-in-Crime will have a book table for sales of all of our anthologies.  The table will be located on Min Street in Kirkland. Authors Janis Thornton, Janet Williams, and N. W. Campbell will be available to talk writing and sign books.

Monroe County Public Library, Bloomington, IN:  Saturday, June 9, 2 - 4 p.m.

Writers and Chapter member Brenda Stewart, Stephen Terrell and Russ Carley will be in Bloomington to discuss the Sisters in Crime murder mystery anthologies.  Brenda has served as editor for all of the Speed City Sisters in Crime anthologies to date, and has written stories appearing in each book.  Stephen has a two short stories in the latest anthology, and has written two legal thrillers, Stars Fall and The First Rule. Russ has written two thrillers set in the world of Formula 1 racing and has a new book coming out in late June. 

Indianapolis Writers Center:   June 9 and June 16,  1 - 4 p.m.

Larry Sweazy will be teaching two classes.  On June 9, he will teach  "Writing Your First Novel." The following Saturday, June 16, he will teach a time management class for writers titled “How Much Time Do You Really Have.”  The fee for each is $75, with a lesser fee for Writers Center members.

Wild Deadwood Reads, Deadwood, South Dakota: June 7-9

If you happen to be in Deadwood, South Dakota, you can also meet Speed City Chapter member Diana Catt, who will be meeting readers and signing books at the annual Deadwood festival.

C.V. Rhodes to Keynote 1st Indy Book Fest June 16 at Indianapolis Central Library

Speed City Sisters in Crime member C.V. (“Crystal”) Rhodes will be the keynote speaker at  the First Annual Indy Book Fest, July 16 at the Indianapolis Public Library.

Ms. Rhodes will kick off a full day of programming on the theme “Words of Strength.  Sponsored by the Library’s African American History Committee, the program begins at 10 a.m. and concludes at 4 p.m. 

Author and publisher Valerie J. Lewis Coleman will be a featured speaker during breakout sessions.

Ms. Rhodes is an award-winning playwright and author. Written Word Magazine selected Rhodes as one of the Ten Up and Coming Authors in the Midwest. Her play “Stoops” won the BTA Award for Best Original Writing. She is the author of numerous romance novels. She and fellow Sister in Crime L. Barnette Evans co-write the humorous mystery Grandmothers Inc. series. They will be available to meet with readers and sign copies of their books.