Talking Holmes with Sisters in Crime

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.