Writing Community Insights

Cate Conte engages in a heartfelt conversation with fellow mystery author Daryl Wood Gerber, emphasizing the vital role of community in a writer's journey. They discuss how supportive groups—be it critique circles, online networks, or organizations like Sisters in Crime—can significantly influence a writer's career. Their dialogue sheds light on the importance of encouragement, honest feedback, and the sense of belonging that a community provides.​

Takeaways

• Writing communities offer essential support and motivation.​
• Engagement in groups like Sisters in Crime can open professional doors.​
• Both in-person and virtual networks have unique benefits.​
• Shared experiences within a community can combat feelings of isolation.​
• Networking fosters lifelong friendships and collaborations.​
• Community involvement can boost confidence and perseverance.​
• Writers at all stages benefit from communal support.​
• Seeking out a writing community is a proactive step toward growth.​

Watch the Full Discussion

For an in-depth exploration of the power of writing communities, watch the conversation here:​ https://youtu.be/XySK2WF_Vz8

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#WritingCommunity #DarylWoodGerber #CateConte #SistersInCrime #WickedAuthors #WritingSupport #AuthorNetworking #MysteryWriters

Edith Maxwell and Jessica Ellicott, also known as Maddie Day and Jessie Crockett respectively, delve into the intricacies of researching historical mysteries in their latest collaboration. In a series of engaging discussions, they explore their research methodologies, favorite sources, field trips, and strategies for weaving historical accuracy into their narratives. Their conversation offers valuable insights into the meticulous process of bringing history to life in fiction.​

Takeaways

• Effective research is crucial for crafting authentic historical mysteries.​
• Utilizing diverse sources enhances the depth of storytelling.​
• Field trips and firsthand experiences enrich narrative authenticity.​
• Balancing historical detail with engaging prose is essential.​
• Organized documentation aids in managing extensive research.​
• Deciding the extent of historical detail to include requires careful consideration.
• Readers appreciate when history is vividly and accurately portrayed.​
• The discussions are part of a series celebrating Women's History Month.​

Watch the Full Discussion

For an in-depth look at their conversation, watch the video here:​ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q--fQWHy1Gw

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#Research #HistoricalMystery #WritingTips #JessicaEllicott #EdithMaxwell #MaddieDay #JessieCrockett #WickedAuthors

Julie Hennrikus discusses her participation in a short story anthology inspired by the music of Stephen Sondheim, EVERY DAY A LITTLE DEATH: CRIME FICTION INSPIRED BY THE MUSIC OF STEPHEN SONDHEIM, edited by Josh Pachter. She shares her creative process, the challenges of writing short stories, and the influence of Sondheim's work, particularly focusing on the musical 'Merrily We Roll Along' and the song 'Not a Day Goes By'. Julie expresses her excitement about the anthology's release and the talented contributors involved.

• The anthology is inspired by Stephen Sondheim's music.
• Writing short stories presents unique challenges.
• Sondheim's work exemplifies artistic perseverance.
• The song 'Not a Day Goes By' inspired Julie's story.
• Julie explored themes of love and heartbreak in her story.
• The anthology will be released on March 22nd.
• Julie encourages pre-orders and library requests.
• The anthology features contributions from brilliant writers.

Bookshop.org, Barnes and Noble, Amazon

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Jessica Ellicott and Julia Spencer-Fleming discuss fresh starts in part 3 of this three part series.

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Jessica Ellicott and Julia Spencer-Fleming discuss advice for writers.

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Jessica Ellicott and Julia Spencer-Fleming had a wonderful coversation about goal setting for themselves in the first part of this three part series.

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Julie Hennrikus talks about tackling goals one step at a time. 

It's the third week of January. How are your goals doing? Julie believes in big, audacious goals. But she also believes in breaking them down so that you can accomplish this.

The Sisters in Crime Writers' podcast https://www.sistersincrime.org/page/podcast

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Author Carolyn Wilkins is a long-time friend of the Wickeds and she's here to share her memories of the original slate of Wicked Authors with Wicked Author Liz Mugavero/Cate Conte.

Carolyn Marie Wilkins is the author of three mystery novels: Death at a Séance, Melody for Murder and Mojo for Murder, all available from Pen-L Publications. She is also the author of Tips for Singing (Hal Leonard Press) and two memoirs: Damn Near White: An African American Family’s Journey from Slavery to Bittersweet Success, and They Raised Me Up: A Black Single Mother and the Women Who Inspired Her, available from the University of Missouri Press.

Murder At The Wham Bam Club, the first in Carolyn's new Psychics and Soul Food mystery series, is being released by Kensington Publishing in 2025.

Carolyn is a Reiki master, a psychic medium and a Professor at Berklee College of Music Online. A graduate of Oberlin Conservatory and the Eastman School of Music, Carolyn has performed with the Pittsburgh Symphony and represented her country as a Jazz Ambassador for the U.S. State Department. An initiated priestess of Yemaya, the African goddess of motherhood, compassion and the ocean, Carolyn holds certificates of completion in mediumship from the JVP School of Mystical Arts, the British mediums Tony Stockwell and Mavis Pittilla. To find out more about Carolyn, visit her website: www.carolynwilkins.com

Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/ResonantWisdomServices

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Website www.CarolynWilkins.com

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What are the goals for the Wicked Authors in 2025? We are enjoying exploring new ways of distributing information, and building our community. This is the year we're all about trying something different!

Ideas include:

• Learning something new
• Being comfortable not being comfortable
• Meeting new readers
• Having robust conversations

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The Wicked Authors are Edith Maxwell/Maddie Day, J.A. Hennrikus/Julia Henry/Julianne Holmes, Jessica Ellicott, and Liz Mugavero/Cate Conte. This year we're launching this podcast. The Wickeds will discuss writing, books, and life. And we'll host other writers.

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