May 2016

Dave Ciambrone will talk about poisons on June 12

On Sunday, June 12, David Ciambrone will give a forensic presentation about poisons at the Sisters in Crime: Heart of Texas meeting at 2 p.m. in the Yarborough branch of the Austin Public Library on 2200 Hancock Dr.

According to Dave:

“Writers love poisons.

They really do. In fact, they love them a great deal. Guns are noisy and messy. Knives are hard to use and bring the killer to close to the victim. Most don’t have the fortitude for strangling and bludgeoning. But, a poison? Simply slip a bit into food or drink and walk away. No fuss, no muss. Poisons are simple and clean. Almost civilized.

But, what exactly is a poison? The short answer is anything and everything. There is an adage in medicine that says: What can cure; can kill. This is a very true statement. Too much water and you’ll die. Breathing 100% oxygen will destroy your lungs…and you’ll die. Take too much aspirin, and you’ll die. The basic differencebetween medicine and a poison is the dose.

So, where do writers find the poisons they use in their tales? The medicine cabinet would be a good place to look. Or under the sink. A pharmacy or chemical supply house would work, too. But, the best place just might be your backyard or your local nursery. Where can writers learn about all these household and backyard poisons?

Enter Dr. David Ciambrone, the master of murder, and author of the Poisons: The Handbook for Writers.

Dave will discuss poisons and what they do to a person. He will also show some common poisons and tell writers where to get them so they don’t leave a trail back to the killer. Come and enjoy learning how to commit and non-messy murder. Your story’s villain will love you to death for it.”

May 21 Mystery Month workshops at BookPeople

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(Pictured above are (l – r) George Wier, Scott Montgomery, James Dennis, Terry Shames, and Brent Douglass) Sisters in Crime: Heart of Texas chapter and BookPeople celebrated a day-long free workshop of crime writing with Terry Shames, George Wier, and “Miles Arceneux,” a nom de plume comprised of three writers–James Dennis, Brent Douglass, and John Davis (not present). It was a treat–informative and fun. The audience (and the guest authors) had a great time. We can’t wait for next May Mystery Month to see what delights are in store. (Below pictured in descending order are Terry Shames, George Wier, and Brent Douglass and James Dennis)

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Barbara Burnett Smith Event on May 15

W.D. Smith gives aspiring writers Ashli Williamson and Amanda Ronan certificates and books at BBS May 16 Event. (Pictured (l – r) above is W.D. Smith giving copies of his mother’s books and certificates to new Aspiring Writers Ashli Williamson and Amanda Ronan) Sisters in Crime: Heart of Texas chapter celebrated its annual Barbara Burnett Smith Aspiring Writers Event on May 15 at the Yarborough branch of the Austin Public Library. We welcomed two new aspiring writers and listened to words of wisdom from mentors Russ Hall and Susan Rogers Cooper. W.D. Smith, the son of Barbara Burnett Smith and head of the Barbara Burnett Smith Mentoring Authors Foundation, talked about his mother and her contributions to Sisters in Crime. Amanda Ronan and Ashli Williamson were introduced as the 2016 new Aspiring Writers. (Pictured below clockwise are Russ Hall, Ashli Williamson’s mentor; Amanda Ronan and her mentor Susan Rogers Cooper; W.D. Smith speaking to the audience about his mother, Barbara Burnett Smith; and Ashli Williamson)

Russ Hall talks about mentoring in Sisters in Crime Heart of Texas chapter for BBS Event May 2016 Amanda Ronan, aspiring writer, and Susan Rogers Cooper, her mentor at BBS Event May 2016