Call for Submissions for "ME TOO: Crimes Against Women, Retribution & Healing"

The following is a call for submissions by women authors for a new short story anthology, ME TOO: Crimes Against Women, Retribution, and Healing. It is not a Sisters in Crime anthology, but many SinC members may be interested in submitting stories.  Unfortunately, submissions by male authors will not be accepted. 

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Project:  ME TOO: Crimes Against Women, Retribution, and Healing, An Anthology of Short Stories  

Maybe there's a story that has haunted you—yours or someone else's—and you've wished that everyone could hear it. Maybe you've always wished that you could change the ending.

Women across the world are breaking silence in unprecedented numbers in an outcry against sexual violence and misconduct. In fiction, however, women's perspectives on these experiences are too often disregarded. These short stories are the authors' efforts to help us hear them more clearly.

Editor: Elizabeth Zelvin, author of the Bruce Kohler Mysteries and the Mendoza Family Saga and editor of Where Crime Never Sleeps: Murder New York Style 4. Liz's stories have been nominated three times each for the Derringer and Agatha Awards and published in Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine, Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine, and Black Cat Mystery Magazine.  

Guidelines: A 3,000 to 5,000 word short story (fiction, not memoir or creative nonfiction) on the theme of crimes against women, retribution, and healing...or alternatively, justice. Only stories by women authors will be considered. Stories must be original, ie never before published in print or online.  

Deadline: July 1, 2018. See the full guidelines at http://www.metooanthology.net

Editor Elizabeth Zelvin is a three-time Derringer & three-time Agatha nominee. She is the author of The Bruce Kohler Mysteries and The Mendoza Family Saga. She also served as Editor of the short story collection, Where Crime Never Sleeps: Murder New York Style 4

The Fine Art of Murder: Excerpt from The Making of a Masterpiece by C.A. Paddock

What happens when a renowned Indiana artist becomes obsessed with his muse while trying to create his masterpiece? Speed City Sisters in Crime chapter member C.A. Paddock explores this question in the short story, The Making of a Masterpiece. It is included among a collection of 18 short stories of murder and suspense in the art world in The Fine Art of Murder. The Fine Art of Murder is available at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and walmart.com.

     “She won’t even see it coming,” a hoarse voice echoes in his head. And with that encouragement he raises his Bowie knife and slashes through her mid-section. As the steel blade again cuts through the air and down the side of her porcelain-like face, he howls his disgust at her.

     “You destroyed us. You destroyed our perfect relationship. Now you will pay for what you’ve done to me! I gave you my all for months and months and what do you I get from you? Nothing, nothing that’s what. You lead me on with your beauty and your charms and your teasing perfection. But you betrayed me with all of it!”

     He lifts the knife with even more fervor and slices her over and over, carving out his anger and fear, until he stops suddenly and falls on his knees. His hand, so gnarled and cramped from holding the weapon, gives out and he drops the knife. He stares down at what he has done and knows that she would have screamed out, if she could have, because the pain had to be unbearable. He feels it himself, the small burning sensation that soon engulfs him in a full-fledged roar of flaming agony. He waits and listens, half-expecting to see her rise up and cry out.
    The only sound he hears is the moan that escapes his lips.

Sketches in Black and White -- Another Excerpt from The Fine Art of Murder

        After spending years in prison, Max is desperate to play the knight in shining armor. But does he carry his fantasy a bit too far?  That's the starting point for C.L. Shore's short story Sketches in Black and White, included in The Fine Art of Murder, a collection of 18 short stories of murder and mystery all with a connection to fine art.   

        The Fine Art of Murder is available at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and Walmart.com, the book makes a perfect gift or stocking stuffer for any reader on your Christmas list. 

      Here is an excerpt from C.L. Shore's Sketches in Black on White

____________________________________

“Anyhow,” I began. “I think I recognize the model in one of your sculptures.” I gestured toward  the living room. “The woman. I think her name was Lorraine.”

 “You have an impressive memory, Max. Yes, her name was Lorraine. Lorraine Yoder. Came from the Berne area, Mennonite stock, but I think her family had left the fold. She was the stereotypical pure and innocent farm girl . . . until she came to my class, that is. Earned part of  her tuition by modeling for me privately.” He sat back and started laughing. A small, high pitched, weaselly laugh. Not meant for my benefit. “Lorraine really earned her tuition.” He sat  back wearing a satisfied look and brought the teacup to his lips. “Those were the days. Great job  with satisfying benefits, if you know what I mean.”

I wanted to leap from my chair and grab him by the throat. I knew what he meant— sexual harassment. Abuse of authority. With a strong display of willpower I didn’t know I possessed, I remained in my chair and concentrated on maintaining a neutral expression. A blank canvas.

“The times have changed,” I said, after I trusted myself to speak.

“Oh, yeah.” The old man sighed. His more serious expression returned. “She was a lovely girl, a lovely girl.”

My original plan was to suggest we could do some sketching together. Now, I couldn’t stand being in the same room with the man. My cup was empty. I stood.

“Well, I hope you enjoyed the coffee. Maybe I’ll come back with more, the next cold, windy morning we have.”

“Thank you, Max. You’re thoughtful. The coffee was good, as was the conversation.”

Well, that’s your opinion. I picked up the thermos and let myself out of the apartment. When I climbed the stairs to my own place, I paced my small living room for at least a half hour. The nerve of the guy, the nerve. . .  He was a dirty old man, pure and simple. I couldn’t let go of my need for some kind of retaliation. He couldn’t get away with something like that. It wasn’t right. He’d made it clear he didn’t have any regret. He needed to pay. Pay up.

December 4 Barnes and Noble Book Fair: Perfect Stocking Stuffer for Readers On Your List -- Signed Copies of The Fine Art of Murder

Here's a great opportunity to pick up the perfect gift or stocking stuffer for the readers or mystery fans on your Christmas list.  

Members of the Speed City Sisters in Crime will be at Barnes and Noble on December 4 from noon until 6 p.m, signing copies of the group's latest short story collection -- The Fine Art of Murder.  Members will also provide gift wrapping service, not just for The Fine Art of Murder, but for anything purchased at Barnes and Noble. 

The Fine Art of Murder features 18 stories of murder and mystery, all centered around the fine arts. The book also includes 16 short articles on Indiana artists, art history and art events.

If you can't make it, The Fine Art of Murder is also available on Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and Walmart.com.

You will also be able to pick up copies of Speed City's previous anthologies: Decades of Dirt, Hoosier Hoops and Hijinx, Bedlam at the Brickyard and Racing Can Be Murder.

Don't miss this chance to pick up the perfect gift for your mail carrier, your child's teacher, your pastor, your mom or Uncle Harry. Or anybody who likes a deviously crafted murder or just a good story.

The Fine Art of Murder: Excerpt from "Expose Yourself to Art" by Stephen Terrell

"Expose Yourself to Art" is a short story by Speed City Chapter member Stephen Terrell. Inspired by classic mystery writer Dorothy Salyers observations in Talking Detective Fiction, the story begins with a body -- that of none-too-likeable art dealer and critic Tobias Salyers. Was it the jilted wife? The competitor threatened with the loss of his business? The snubbed artist? The cheated society wannabe with mob connections? The maligned art restorer? They are all gathered for one day at Indiana's premiere art event,the Penrod Art Fair. It's up to State Police Detective Art Vandever to answer the age-old question of all mysteries: "Who done it?"

Expose Yourself to Art is among twenty short murder mysteries and tales of suspense included in The Fine Art of Murder, now available online at Amazon (click here). Barnes and Noble (click here), and Walmart (click here).  

Here is a brief excerpt from Expose Yourself to Art.

I left the scene to Cheryl and her team of crime scene techs and walked back to the road. A deputy directed me to the couple that found the body. They were oddly excited, almost giddy. I interviewed them, going through each of their actions in meticulous detail. It only took twenty minutes. When I folded my notebook closed, they seemed deflated.

"Is that all?" the young woman asked.

"If we need anything more, we'll get in touch."

"That's it?" she said again. "Aren't the television people going to show up to interview us?"

I scanned the roadway in both directions. Nothing moved. It was silent except for sounds from unseen birds and insects. I shrugged. "Guess not." 

I walked to my car, leaving them standing in the road with their mouths open, visions of stardom vanishing with the suddenness of a crumpled Powerball ticket. 

Speed City Sisters in Crime Launch Latest Short Story Collection: The Fine Art of Murder

This past Sunday, Speed City Sisters in Crime held a book launch for The Fine Art of Murder, the groups latest anthology of short stories of mystery and murder.  The launch was held at the Barnes & Noble bookstore next to Keystone at the Crossing 

Thanks to everyone who showed up and made the event a great success. The group will return to Barnes and Noble for a Book Fair on December 4 -- just in time for Christmas shopping.  

The Fine Art of Murder: Except from Portrait of a Rainy Death by Claudia Pfeiffer

Portrait of a Rainy Death is a short story by Speed City Chapter member Claudia Pfeiffer. Although Claudia really didn't find her passion for writing until a few years ago, she comes by it naturally. Her first story was published when he was in grade school. Her mother was a playwright and her step-father a popular author of Westerns, including Shane. 

This short story is among twenty short murder mysteries and tales of suspense included in The Fine Art of Murder, now available online at Amazon (click here). Barnes and Noble (click here), and Walmart (click here).   

Portrait of a Rainy Death

by Claudia Pfeiffer

Lamb entered the building, and Mallard walked to a shiny red Ferrari parked at the curb. We were across the street. I eased into traffic, turned around in the alley and followed Mallard to his condo. That’s when we spotted the private eye. He wasn’t awfully good. Pulled to the curb, snapped a picture of Mallard then propped a newspaper in front of his face. Talk about stereotyping. While Rosie stayed with the car watching the condo, I walked to the dick’s car, opened the passenger door and climbed in.

“What the hell?” He turned toward me and dropped his camera on the floor, bent over and retrieved it. I flashed my shield. He explained that Mallard’s wife hired him to follow her husband.

“I’ll need your notes and photos.” I stated.

“No way, mister. I’ve got a license.”

“And I’ll pull it if you don’t cooperate,” I told him in a gruff tone.

“Shit. This is the first decent paying gig I’ve had for ages. Why you wanna get in my face?”

“Tell you what.” I leaned back and studied him. “You give me copies of all your notes and duplicate photos, and you can stay on the job. Just keep that info flowing my direction. You don’t? You’ll be charged with interfering with a police investigation.” I handed him my card and left. Walked back to my car, got in with Rosie and pulled into traffic.

“What’s up, Mason?” she asked.

“We’ve got a bulldog on the job for us. We’ll go watch the widow.” I described my meeting with the P.I. We had a good laugh. The setup worked out well for us. All kinds of surveillance done on someone else’s time and dime. It’s how we found out about the Manchester and the bed and breakfast. And how we found out where Mallard was the night in question, and it wasn’t with this married woman he made up.

The Fine Art of Murder: Excerpt from Street Art

Street Art is a short story by Speed City Chapter member Stephen Terrell. It is a story about a disaffected detective trying to track a serial killer who leaves behind a gruesome graffiti image at each of his kill sites. It is among twenty short murder mysteries and tales of suspense included in The Fine Art of Murder, now available online at Amazon (click here). Barnes and Noble (click here), and Walmart (click here).   

Here are the opening paragraphs of Street Art.

Street Art

by  Stephen Terrell

The first body was found on one of those warm days of early spring. The kind of day that makes you glad to be alive.

I got the call at my desk just after my first cup of coffee. I headed to the scene near the old Muncie Central Trade School in my city-issued, six-year-old p.o.s. Chevy that I still had to drive due to budget cuts. At forty-nine, I was the second most senior detective in the Muncie Police Department, but I still was stuck with a car that was best described as two-tone, sun-faded blue over rust.

Alexis James, a petite patrolwoman in her early thirties, met me at the scene just off 8th Street. She seemed swallowed up by all the gear attached to her utility belt, but if the weight was a burden, it didn't show in her manner. She worked the midnight to eight swing shift where we crossed paths occasionally on domestics, bar fights, and periodic homicides.  She was ex­ military and still carried herself with military precision.  She didn't bother with pleasantries. Joe Friday would have liked her.

Join Us For Launch of The Fine Art of Murder at Barnes & Noble Book Fair October 23

Join the Speed City Sisters in Crime for launch of its newest short story collection, The Fine Art of Murder.

The launch plus a Book Fair will be Sunday, October 23 between noon and 6 p.m. at the Barnes & Noble bookstore next to Keystone at the Crossing in Indianapolis. Many of the authors whose short stories are included in the new anthology will be present to sign copies, plus copies of their other books.

Edited by Brenda Robertson Stewart and Diana Catt, The Fine Art of Murder is a collection of 20 short stories by Speed City members.  The stories revolve around art and artists. The book also features 18 short articles on art in Indiana, including the Penrod Art Fair,  Hoosier Salon, The Richmond Artists Group, T.C. Steel, Robert Indiana, Mary Beth Edleson,  and Olive Rush, among others.

The book can also be ordered online on Amazon (click here), Barnes & Noble (click here) and Walmart (click here).

All Hallows' Evil - Tales for Halloween

Speed City Sisters in Crime member Sarah E. Glenn has edited an anthology of mystery and crime All Hallow's Evil, published by Mystery and Horror LLC, features a story by Speed City member Marianne Halbert, as well as Sisters in Crime members Gloria Alden, Erin Farwell, Harriette Sackler and Agatha winner Barb Goffman.
stories for Halloween.

The print version of the book is available through CreateSpace (click here). Through October, enter the following code for a 50 percent discount:  S58DAU48
  

The Fine Art of Murder: Excerpt from The Picasso Caper by S. Ashley Couts

The Picasso Caper is a short story by Speed City Chapter member Ashley Couts. It among twenty short murder mysteries and tales of suspense included in The Fine Art of Murder, now available online for pre-order at Amazon (click here). Barnes and Noble (click here), and Walmart (click here).   

Here are the opening paragraphs of The Picasso Caper.

The Picasso Caper   

by S. Ashley Couts

King's Cross Rail Station, London:

The American teens at the entry, wearing T-shirts and shorts, posed for selfies. In their youthful excitement, they totally missed the two criminals heading for the entrance.

Doggedly trudging toward the entrance were the honeymooners, Mavis and Alex Greenwalt. He pulled a battered, lime green suitcase tied 'round with a bungee cord. Her crossbody shoulder bag contained cosmetics, sundries, and her medical needs. Among other ailments, she was diabetic. Both ached from the trip, her com throbbing and his arthritic knee causing a bit of a limp, but they were dressed for travel in matching white windbreakers and thick rubbersoled shoes. Grandma and grandpa on vacation heading to catch the train out of King's Cross.

The suitcase wobbled as the wheel caught. Alex let out an exasperated sigh. It was heavy, but they'd soon remedy that. In fact, they would not take a train to Bath or Glastonbury nor would they watch the sunrise over Stonehenge. They were not at all what they seemed to be as they walked through the station and headed toward the public restrooms.

Media Attention: Fremont Library Appearance by Speed City SinC

Speed City Sisters in Crime took to the road September 17, making an appearance and book signing at the Fremont Public Library. The appearance resulted in a nice article on page 2 of the September 4 edition of the Angola Herald Republican.

Club President Cheryl Shore, Vice President Michael Dabney and member and contributing authors Norm Campbell and Claudia Pfeiffer were quoted in the article. The article has a lengthy discussion about Decades of Dirt, the Chapter's fourth anthology.

Here's a look at the story. 

The Fine Art of Murder --- Latest Speed City SinC Collection Now Available for Pre-Order

The Fine Art of Murder, the latest short story collection from Speed City Sisters in Crime, is now available for pre-order from Amazon, Walmart and Barnes & Noble websites.

Edited by Speed City SinC members Brenda Stewart and Diana Catt, the collection features twenty short mysteries and tales of murder, all revolving around fine art. The book also includes more than a dozen short articles about real Indiana artists and their work, including Robert Indiana, T.C. Steele and William Forsythe.

The book will be released in paperback on October 1.  Excerpts will appear on this blog in the upcoming weeks.

Here are the links for pre-order:

Amazon:  CLICK HERE

Barnes & Noble:  CLICK HERE

Walmart:  CLICK HERE

Fine Art of Murder Release October 8

The latest short story anthology from the Speed City Chapter of Sisters in Crime is set for release October 8.  The book is being published by Cardinal Publishing.

Fine Art of Murder collects 14 short mysteries all revolving around fine art. Planning for a release party is in process and will be announced on this Blog.

This latest effort joins four prior short story collections from the Speed City
Chapter.  The most recent is Decades of Dirt: Mystery, Murder and Mayhem from the Crossroads of Crime. The collection of historical based mysteries has received the distinction of being selected as an Indiana Bicentennial Legacy Project.

Other prior volumes from the Speed City Chapter are: Hoosier Hoops and Hijinks (2013); Bedlam at the Brickyard (2010) and Racing Can Be Murder (2007). All are available on Amazon.com