Mystery writers are such interesting people.
On Saturday I had the fun of talking with the Louisville branch of Sisters in Crime about "What (Mystery) Writers Can Learn From Sherlock Holmes." I looked at Arthur Conan Doyle's Holmes stories from the viewpoint of their writing, character, plot, and setting -- four indispensable ingredients of any fiction.
I began my talk, as I usually do these days, asking how many of them:
- Have seen one or more of the Robert Downey Jr. Sherlock Holmes films?
- Are familiar with BBC Sherlock?
- Have watched the CBS program Elementary?
According to their show of hands, almost all of them!
The group meets at a Barnes & Noble store. One member of my audience was a customer (not a Sister in Crime) who happened to walk by, stayed to hear my talk, and bought three of my books!
Sisters in Crime, the chapter president noted, is more of a support group than a critique group. But they read each other's work with a critical eye and a readiness to offer helpful suggestions. Obviously, they also have speakers. Possibilities for upcoming meetings include the handler of a cadaver dog and a mixologist. Both intrigue me.
The chapter has produced two mystery anthologies featuring the Kentucky Derby and is working on a third with a bourbon theme. I'll drink to that.
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