SAM Magazine

As a child Judy Toews published the neighbourhood news at $0.25 a pop, then she was the editor of two school newspapers. Her first novel, Give Out Creek, was a finalist for the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Unpublished Crime Novel and the 2019 Lefty Award for Best Debut Mystery novel. Her protagonist, Stella Mosconi, is a newspaper reporter, and we discuss Judy's second novel in the Stella Mosconi series, Lucky Jack Road.

Judy used to work as a nutritionist. She has a love for science and forensic work. Judy shares a few good resources, such as Howdunit Forensics: A Guide for Writers, written by D.P. Lyle. To learn more about Judy check out her website https://www.jgtoews.com She can be found on Instagram at JG Toews (@jgtoews) • Instagram photos and videos Twitter JG Toews (@JudyToews) / Twitter and on Facebook JG Toews | Facebook.

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Crime Wave is the  Canada West anthology published by the Sisters in Crime - CW chapter. It features K.L. Abrahamson, J.E. Barnard, Alice Bienia, Marcelle Dubè, Debra Henry, Winona Kent, Charlotte Morganti and Merrilee Robson. Melodie Campbell writes the Foreword in this collection explaining why crime has always been a woman's genre, and each of these talented authors joins me in the dressing room.
I learned a lot such as retro-fitting a story, skiing 10 kilometres in -20 degrees in the Yukon, working from a 3-act structure, the snowflake method of plotting and there's even some Shakespeare. As much as these authors are dedicated and serious about their craft, they are also incredibly funny. 
Thank you Sisters in Crime - CW for joining me in the dressing room. We have to do this again in person. Cheers.

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"Play with words."
Editor Jennifer Kaddoura is an artist who has found her perfect creative space. Her devotion to critical thinking, creative writing and empathy is obvious in her editing approach. Jennifer is intensely curious about insights gained through lived experience and finds joy in helping her clients achieve their publishing goals. She encourages her clients to courageously share their insights, helping them to present their vision clearly and, often, compellingly.
“What matters in this complex and crowded world is the authenticity and clarity of your voice — freeze-framing your kaleidoscope so that others may benefit from your insights.”
She has extensive experience in both customer service and editing. She began her career at an innovative, fast-growing software company. Her client service skills and commitment to meeting every deadline propelled her into positions requiring steadfast dependability. She became the primary relationship contact for numerous large companies in both Canada and the US, as well as the primary contact for white-glove executive services across all clients.
When the company sought to better their education materials, her talents in clear communication and document design were put to use in the position of comprehensive editor.
She has since moved to Victoria, B.C., where she is employed as a Legislative Editor for the B.C. Attorney General Ministry. Additional Victoria editing experiences include Senior Editor at Hansard Services, with the Legislative Assembly of B.C., as well as editing various projects through her freelance platform — historical fiction, creative non-fiction, online material, professional content for small businesses and local-area artists and academic theses (Master's level), with projects in Canadian and American English. Jennifer Kaddoura Editorial Services (editmebrilliant.com)

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Andre Gress is the author of Boone and Jacque Saddleton's Secret, the first novel in his urban fantasy series. In this novel readers are introduced to the great friendship between Boone and Jacque as they discover there's more going on in Saddleton. Why do the teachers only teach history from grades to 3 to 5? Who is Shammy, the girl who, "smells like cotton candy and cookies," and should Boone and Jacque join the Saddleton Truth Seekers? Andre discusses drawing upon real life events to shape Boone and Jacque's journey and the underlying themes. 

Andre is writing book 3 and when he's not involved with Boone and Jacque's adventures, he writes poetry which can be found on his website agflitcher – writing is truly powerful when someone says thank you for what you created. (wordpress.com)

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Jenn Ashton considered herself a writer at age 6 and she was first published at age 14. She writes in many genres and forms from children's books, newspaper editorials, music magazine columns to training materials and literary fiction. In 2015 she began working as a virtual artist in North Vancouver. Her work has the nuances of Picasso. In 2020 she was long listed for the Kanturk Arts Festivals' Flash Fiction, in 2019 she was the recipient of the Muriel's Journey Prize for Poetry as well as the Jericho Writer's Flash Contest.  She searched for her First Nation's family history.  Her fiction novel, People Like Frank: And Other Stories from the Edge of Normal, will have you laughing and reflecting, as you follow the stories of life's real heroes--the people on the edge. Author Jenn Ashton (jenniferashton.ca) Jenn Ashton Art (jenniferashton.ca)

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Helen Garlick joins me from the UK. We talk about her memoir, No Place to Lie. Helen and I discuss the circumstances surrounding her brother's suicide, the importance of conversation and having no secrets, expressing and showing love. Despite our serious conversation we also share light moments and special memories, including when Helen met Princess Diana. Hello! It's better to talk - YouTube

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Point of view such as 3rd person fixed, back stories for all characters, creating tension in a cozy, check out today's podcast with multi-published author Erik D'Souza as we discuss his latest novel Death in Halfmoon Bay, a Suzanne Rickson mystery. Erik's first book, Straight Men in Gay Bars sold internationally. His novella and short stories have been published in various literary magazines, both in print and online. Like all authors, Erik has many stories to tell. We talk about the characters in Death in Halfmoon Bay, finding humour at the kitchen table and paying homage to writing greats Agatha Christie and L.R. Wright. Learn which Canadian authors are Erik's favourite, 3 out of 4 who have stopped in the dressing room. Get the scoop on his publishing company Timbercrest Publishing and how it has helped authors reach their publishing dreams. As well as, find out what everyone keeps asking Erik to write about. https://timbercrestpublishing.com/ and http://erikdsouza.com/

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Mystery, plotting and poetry. Brenda Chapman is the author of over twenty published novels, and that’s not including short stories. She has written the lauded Stonechild and Rouleau police procedural series, the PI Anna Sweet mystery novellas and the Jennifer Bannon mysteries for middle grade readers. Her work has been shortlisted for several awards including 4 Arthur Ellis awards. We talk about her latest novel, Closing Time, as well as Elmore Leonard, Ann Gorman and Bob Dylan. Brenda Chapman – Mystery Author

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Barbara Fradkin's latest Amanda Doucette novel is being launched January 28, 2021, and you have an invite to her free launch. Listen to our informative podcast and how Barbara is paying homage to Canada and its beautiful scenery through her writing. Learn about a braided story and how each chapter should have conflict. And, MacKenzie and Ozzy did not steal the show, although they tried. Grad a coffee, tea or glass of wine and enjoy writing wisdom from Barbara. Barbara Fradkin - Home

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Your purse is made out of wine cork. Join me in a fun conversation with my sister, Linda Maki, the entrepreneur behind the shop Lanyos Handmade and the writer of the sewing blog Nice Dress! Thanks I Made It. Linda’s journey started in her teens with a blue sewing machine and a pair of pink pants. As an adult, to satisfy her purse habit, she started creating her own purses. Linda’s philanthropy includes making masks, the proceeds of which are donated to the ALS.

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