Lazy Hazy Crazy Days of Summer (Not!)

Dear Fellow SiCCO’s,

June is the harbinger of those long lazy sunlit days of summer.  Not so for SiCCO members who remain involved and engaged in perfecting their craft.

We had an outstanding meeting at the end of April.  Forensics expert and former private investigator, Lisa Stevens, gave a compelling presentation on “Wounds, Contusions and Lacerations.”   In addition, Les Roberts, author of the Milan Jacovich series, provided us with dazzling insights on publishing, a little Hollywood gossip and crafty tips on “Getting away with Murder.”

The first weekend in May, SiCCO co-hosted a Writers’ Retreat with COFW held at the lodge at Burr Oak State Park.  The intimate setting allowed for active partcipation by all attendees who spoke on a variety of topics including Brainstorming, Collaging, Plotting,  Dialogue, Goals Motivation and Perseverance, Contests and Running an Effective Critique Group

On May 30, May, Rita Marker took a group of SiCCO members on a walking tour of German Village to visit some of the sites featured in her delightful book, “Murder, Murder,” a German Village Mystery featuring Penny Mitchell and Tatters.  The weather was perfect, and Rita proved to be a charming guide and host.

Lisa Stevens facilitated our May Killer Draft.  Not everyone may have achieved all their goals, but good progress was made and there was a lot of spirited discussion among the participants. Kudos to all those who took part.

Our June meeting scheduled for Saturday, the 27^th promises to be another terrific meeting with two dynamic and engaging speakers.  Westerville author, Donna MacMeans will share her perspective on the “W Plot, ” and Brecksville author, Casey Daniels, creator of the  Pepper Martin mystery series, will talk about “Creating Characters.”

Happy Writing,

Carolyn Melvin

President, SiCCO