Calling All Mystery Writers

Last month, I mentioned that I’m on the committee for Texas Mystery Month. The event I’m involved with primarily is the Barbara Burnett Smith Aspiring Writers Event. May will have events, book signings, classes, talks and panel discussions going on across Texas. The big event will be here in Austin on May 20th. There will be a speaker, as well as the gathering of aspiring mystery authors and published writers.

To be one of the aspiring writers paired up with a mentor, all you have to do is submit the first 500 words of your unpublished novel or short story, along with no more than a one-page synopsis. It’s first come, first serve and there’s no fee. We’re starting to get submissions, so send in your material before the slots are filled. One thing I forgot to make clear is that you can send in material even if you’re a published author, as long as you’re not published in the mystery genre. Mystery covers areas like cozy, hard boiled, suspense, true crime, etc. But if you’re a romance writer, for example, and want to try your hand at mystery, you can submit.

To read all the guidelines, go to the Heart of Texas Sisters in Crime website. Don’t let the word “sister” fool you. You can be a member of SinC and/or send in material for this event whether you’re a man or a woman. It’s a valuable opportunity to get to discuss your work with a published mystery author.