MORE CONSISTENCY PLEASE

http://www.morguefile.com

It was recently brought to our attention that our web site is sorely lacking in updated content. Unfortunately, this is quite true. Here is a brief explanation.

We are a group of writers who enjoy getting together once a month to support each other and learn something new from guest speakers. We run a yearly challenge called JANO - more on that later - and a mystery writing contest in the Spring. Usually the people in charge of those events post the info on here once and then forget it. Since none of us are getting paid and participation is voluntary, sometimes things slip through the cracks. Understandable right?

Well, that's changing. I foolishly volunteered to keep this blog up to date. I really need to learn to keep my hand down at meetings. ;-)   My plan is to post at least once a week. There will be author interviews, notice about upcoming events and speakers and interesting tidbits about writing. Our hope is this will be a place people will want to visit.

If you'd like notification of new posts, please sign up with your e-mail to the right.

And to the person that brought this to our attention, thank you.

WHODUNNIT? A Mystery Contest Sponsored by Sleuths' Ink

WHODUNNIT?

A MYSTERY CONTEST

sponsored by

SLEUTHS' INK MYSTERY WRITERS

Springfield, MO

 

Join the ranks of mystery writers and try your hand at writing a mini-mystery. If you've never written this genre, we suggest you read Woman’s World magazine, which publishes a new mystery weekly. The mysteries are located near the back, are always 700 words, and a solution is provided.

These mysteries are fun and interactive. And who doesn’t like to solve a whodunnit? Put on a Columbo trench coat and try your hand at this genre.

 

Guidelines and Word Count:

Simply write a short "solve-it-yourself" mystery of 700 words. That count must include the narrative and the solution. Stories should be fun and entertaining with an ending that challenges to the reader to figure out whodunnit or howdunnit. 

Submission information:  

Send your entry to Sleuthsink95@gmail.com. Write "Contest Submission" in the subject line.

 

Payment information:

Include a $5 entry fee per entry. (You may enter as many times as you want, but you’ll need to mail $5 for each entry.)

You’ll need to mail your entry fee to

Shirley McCann

4750 S. Ridgecrest Drive

Springfield, MO 65810

 

You will receive a confirmation once we’ve received your entry and your fee.

 

 

Prizes:

$65  First prize

$25  Second prize

$10  Third prize

 

Additionally, all entries will receive feedback by at least two published WW authors! What have you got to lose?

 

Deadline: May 31, 2013

(winners will be announced in early July)

 

Note: This is a contest sponsored by Sleuths' Ink Mystery Writers, and has no affiliation with Woman’s World Magazine. We do, however, encourage you to submit your finished story to WW. Remember, you are eligible to win cash prizes, plus your stories will be judged and critiqued by at least two published Woman’s World authors.

 

Questions? Email us at Sleuthsink95@gmail.com and good luck!

Join Us For JANO 2011

Again this year, Sleuths' Ink will sponsor JANO 2011. You've heard of NaNo. We call our write-a-novel-in-a-month JANO (because it begins in January!) The goal is to write like mad (no editing) beginning Jan. 1 and end up with a 50,000-word novel that you can edit the rest of the year.

What a great way to kick off 2011. Start a new novel or add to a work in progress (any genre). While you're wrapping those gifts, start thinking of a great premise. Start plotting now. Get your character bios ready. But, remember, NO ACTUAL WRITING until Jan. 1, 2011.

With help from many donors and SI members, we award GREAT prizes at a celebratory party in February. Categories include best title, best first sentence, most unique plot, the first three writers to reach 50,000 words and more. Note: You do not have to be a Sleuths' Ink member to win these prizes. Last year we had participants from four different states!

In addition, one lucky SI member will win a Kindle at Saturday's holiday party! In order to qualify for the Kindle next year, you must be a member of Sleuths' Ink (just $15/year).

To sign up for JANO 2011, contact Stephanie Jarkins at skoyless@gmail.com Hope you join us for JANO 2011. It's fun. Try it. You'll be glad you got your JANO on.

Contest Photo

Congratulations to Pat Woodward for winning the Mystery Photo Contest. And also, a big congratulations to the other entries. It was a tough choice since all stories were awesome.

Now submit, submit, submit!!!

Contest For Members

Hello Sleuths,

It's time for another impromptu contest for our membership.

Look at the picture. Using all the elements in the picture, create a story of 500 words or less. Be sure to include a crime. Entries will be read at the September meeting. Members in attendance will vote for the best story.

Just in case you can't tell from the photo, the elements are: a cell phone, one earring, an ashtray, lit cigarette, lighter, and a gun.

Let's write!