The Capital Crime Writers December dinner was held at KS on the Keys with special guest author Howard Shrier from Toronto.

He gave several readings and spoke about how he completed his first novel.  Based upon advice from well-known story guru, Robert McKee, he said he focussed on getting the story straight before writing any scenes. He filled three notebooks with raw material for the novel. He set himself a daily writing schedule and in a year he had 400 pages of what he thought was a final draft.  He managed to find an agent who took a look.  She liked it enough to ask for a rewrite. This took over a year but the effort was worth it.  Buffalo Jump won the Arthur Ellis for best first novel.

The evening was well-attended with over forty mystery buffs enjoying delicious food, pleasant company and an insightful guest presentation.  Thanks to all who attended and a special nod of appreciation to Howard!