Mystery Twitter contest winners and all-stars

May 11, 2014Conferences, ContestsPatti

We had a great time reading your tweets for the first (and hopefully annual) CCW Twitter Mystery Contest.

Your super-condensed mysteries were a great lead-up to our conference, Capital Mayhem on Saturday, May 10, 2014. Thanks everyone who jumped into the fictional murder fray.

Here are our winners:

1st place:

#capitalmayhem “Hi Will.You going to Capital Mayhem?””Yeah I’m just about to leave.I just need to grab my knapsack.” He reached for the gun.

— Rachel Pitcher (@RachelPitcher) May 3, 2014

2nd place:

The pool of blood spread outward, staining the fallen sheets of paper and the gigantic feet of the man in the chicken suit. #capitalmayhem— Roy Sarkar (@readroy) April 29, 2014

3rd place:

It was a squat cinderblock of a house, built to affordably shelter a small family from the sun, the rain, and the criminal. #capitalmayhem

— Craig Calhoun (@craiglcalhoun) April 29, 2014

All Stars:

Participants were encouraged to send in multiple entries, which explains why you may see some of these names twice. A special thanks to CCW authors Brenda Chapman and C.B. Forrest who led by example.

#capitalmayhem The cabby caught my eye in the rearview & said “I ain’t never seen a bullet hole the size of the one in your friend’s head.”

— Brenda Chapman (@brendaAchapman) April 28, 2014

He was guilty, I was sure of it. Pretty sure anyway. I hid the gun in his sock drawer. He got life; I got a promotion. #capitalmayhem

— c. b. forrest (@cbforrest) May 5, 2014

@CapCrimeWriters #capitalmayhem She was his love. She was his nightmare. He dropped the knife and went for a beer.

— Rachel Pitcher (@RachelPitcher) April 28, 2014

Mike woke up not knowing where he was. He couldn’t see anything and had difficulties breathing. He was trapped in a box. #capitalmayhem

— Sean D (@hugegolfhacker) April 29, 2014

It wasn’t the most conventional of murder weapons, Sandra admitted to herself, but it would just have to do. #capitalmayhem

— Alison Weatherston (@Partyof3blog) April 29, 2014

Capital Mayhem features killer criminal minds and panels to die for

April 28, 2014ConferencesCapital Mayhem, Ottawa Crime Fiction AuthorsPatti

How many free crime fiction events feature Peter Robinson, author of the popular Inspector Banks series? Answer: Just one–Capital Mayhem.

This premier Capital Crime Writers event runs from 9 a.m. to approximately 4 p.m. on Saturday,May 10, 2014 at the Ottawa Public Library Main Branch. Free refreshments and a gratis lunch are available for the first 100 registrants. Be sure to register at mayhem@capitalwriters.com

Robinson will be participating in an interview-format session starting at 9:45 a.m. Got a burning question about Robinson’s writing rituals, favourite characters, or what’s next on his roster? Feel free to send it along to treasurer@capitalcrimewriters.com. We want to give fans a chance to get their queries in to the interviewer.

Be sure to stick around for our stellar lineup of Ottawa authors ready to entertain and inform audiences in these panel discussions:

Kickass Characters — What traits should you consider for the ideal hero in stories and novels? How do you make sure your sidekick doesn’t steal the show? Should you use your in-laws as inspiration for the perfect villain? Find answers to these questions and more in the Kickass Characters panel featuring the following top-notch talent: Barbara Fradkin, R.J. Harlick, Linda Wiken, and Mary Jane Maffini.

Mystery Striptease — What to reveal and conceal when? How many breadcrumbs for your readers are too many? When is a surprise too surprising? Learn from these veterans of criminal intent and imagination: Brenda Chapman, Vicki Delany, C.B. Forrest, and Jeff Ross.

Read My Shorts — Is there such a thing a short story that’s too short? How do you manage to paint the scene of the crime, create compelling characters, and catch the bad guy in such a short amount of time? What does the crime short-story market look like in Canada? Have a listen to these short story pros to glean cues for short-story awesomeness: Wynn Quon, Sue Pike, Denis St. Jean, and Melanie Fogel.

And there’s more! There will be readings, book signings, announcements about the Audrey Jessop short list, and winner of our Twitter mystery contest.

Check out the schedule below:

M.C. – Ottawa City Councillor (and CCW member) Katherine Hobbs

9 a.m. – Muffins, refreshments, and a book sale by Perfect Books

9:30 a.m. – Opening remarks by CCW President Michael Murphy, and Ottawa-Centre MPP Yasir Naqvi

9:45-10:45 a.m. – Peter Robinson talk/interview

10:45-11:15 a.m. – Twitter contest winners announced/read by Kurt Stoodley

11:15-12 p.m. – Kickass Characters with panelists: Barbara Fradkin, R.J. Harlick, Linka Wiken, and Mary Jane Maffini

12-1 p.m. – Lunch and Writers’ Circle with Tom Curran and David Whellams

1-1:15 p.m. – Audrey Jessop short story contest finalists announced

1:15-2 p.m. – Mystery Striptease with panelists: Brenda Chapman, Vicki Delany, C.B. Forrest, and Jeff Ross

2-2:15 p.m. – Reading by Ottawa Sun Reporter Jon Willing

2:15-2:30 p.m. – Break

2:30-3:15 p.m. – Read My Shorts with panelists: Wyn Quon, Sue Pike, Denis St. Jean, and Melanie Fogel

3:15 p.m. – Closing remarks, book signings, and mingling.

Brenda Chapman announced as Arthur Ellis finalist

April 28, 2014Book Launches, WorkshopsPatti

Brenda Chapman is a finalist for an Arthur Ellis award in the novella category. — Brenda Chapman

Chapters on Rideau Street hosted a panel of CCW authors on Thursday, April 24 where it was later announced that Brenda Chapman is a finalist for the Arthur Ellis award for her novella, My Sister’s Keeper.

CB Forrest moderated the author panel consisting of Chapman, Barbara Fradkin, RJ Harlick and Michael McCann. At the end of the evening, Mary Jane Maffini, who MC’d the event, announced the short lists for the Crime Writers of Canada’s Arthur Ellis Awards. Congratulations Brenda!

Twitter Mayhem: Ultimate short-short-short crime fiction story contest

April 28, 2014Conferences, ContestsPatti

To promote our upcoming crime fiction conference in Ottawa — Capital Mayhem — we’re launching a Twitter mystery contest that starts Monday, April 28. Don’t worry, you have until the end of the week to come up with a mystery that will blow our judges’ socks off. We want the opening line to a short story or novel that you haven’t yet written or wish you could read. The story must be in the crime fiction or thriller genre.

Here are the rules:
1. The complete opening sentence must be contained in a single tweet (There’s no Part 1, Part 2, etc.)

2. You can enter more than once.

3. Your tweet must contain the following hashtag: #capitalmayhem

4. To be eligible for prizes, you must live in the Ottawa/West Quebec area.

The top three tweets will be announced at Capital Mayhem. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

Looking for inspiration? CanadaWrites held a contest like this a couple of years ago. Here’s a link to their winning entries in the Lawmakers/Lawbreakers Twitter Challenge.

We’ll also publish our favourite tweets on the blog, so stay tuned.

Capital Mayhem featuring Peter Robinson and Ottawa authors

April 2, 2014Conferences, WorkshopsPatti

Capital Mayhem, our upcoming mystery conference on Saturday, May 10, 2014 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ottawa Public Library Main Branch features Peter Robinson, author of the Inspector Banks mystery series.

This free event includes panel discussions starring well-known Ottawa mystery authors, including those listed on the poster (below) and more, and a free lunch for the first 100 registrants. To register, email: mayhem@capitalcrimewriters.com

Publishing workshop April 12

April 1, 2014WorkshopsPatti

111 Publishing is hosting an Ottawa workshop on Saturday, April 12, 2014, at the Emerald Plaza branch of the Ottawa Public Library at 1547 Merivale Road. The workshop runs from 9:15 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by one-on-one consultations with participants.

The cost is $79. If you register by April 5, you save $20. Learn more here.

Jump into spring with a signed copy of Cold Mourning

April 1, 2014Book LaunchesPatti

Be sure to drop by Brittons in the Glebe on Saturday, April 5, 2014 between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to pick up a signed copy of Brenda Chapman‘s latest novel, Cold Mourning. Brittons is located at 846 Bank Street (near Fifth).

Cold Mourning, the first in a police procedural series set in Ottawa, recently received great reviews in the National Post and Quill and Quire.

The novel features police recruit Kala Stonechild and her bossDetective Jacques Rouleau, as they delve into the mysterious disappearance of wealthy businessman Tom Underwood just days before Christmas.

Book swap and a peek at the Capital Mayhem lineup

March 30, 2014Conferences, Meetings, WorkshopsPatti

Give some mystery; get some mystery, and learn about our Capital Mayhem conference! — Bring some books; get some books, and learn about our Capital Mayhem conference!

Does your mystery collection need a refresh? Are there old favourites lying around collecting dust and in need of a good home?

Head on over to this month’s Capital Crime Writers’ meeting where members can pass along books and get some new ones to hibernate with during this interminable winter.

Bring your appetite too because free pizza is on the roster.

The meeting is Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at 6:45 p.m. in the Honeywell Room at Ottawa City Hall. Chat to fellow members about beloved authors, compelling characters, crime, new authors to watch, or even share information about mysteries you’re writing. Elections will also be held for the 2014-15 CCW executive. Non-members are welcome.

Our president Michael Murphy will also share information about Capital Mayhem, our upcoming mystery conference on Saturday, May 10, 2014 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ottawa Public Library Main Branch.

This free event features Peter Robinson, author of the Inspector Banks mystery series. Attend panel discussions starring well-known Ottawa mystery authors, and chow down on a free lunch. Stay tuned.

Less than a month to go for the CCW short story contest deadline

March 5, 2014ContestsPatti

Get your crime fiction short story in by April 1.

Get that keyboard clacking to bring compelling characters to life–and the fictional unlucky to death.

Get your short story submission in for CCW’s annual cime fiction short contest–The Audrey Jessop.

Stories can be no longer than 3500 words.

The contest is open to residents of the National Capital Region and all members of the Capital Crime Writers. You must be 18 years of age or older. Cash prizes are available:

1st prize: $200
2nd prize: $150
3rd prize: $75

Details about the contest are posted here.