Every Day A Little Death
May
29
6:00 PM18:00

Every Day A Little Death

What do Stephen Sondheim and crime fiction have in common?

Turns out… quite a lot. Murderous barbers, killer wolves, presidential assassins—it’s all there in the lyrics. So when Josh Pachter invited me (alongside a crew of brilliant writers) to contribute to Every Day a Little Death, a collection of crime stories inspired by Sondheim’s songs, I said yes immediately.

Now we’re gathering to talk about it. Join me, Josh, Lisa Nanni-Messegee, Marcia Talley, and Kristopher Zgorski for a lively discussion about the intersection of music, mayhem, and murder.

Because sometimes the best stories start with a show tune—and end with a body.

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Author Talk
Apr
9
5:00 PM17:00

Author Talk

Hey Richmond friends! I’d love for you to join me on Wednesday, April 9 at 6 PM at the Libbie Mill Library for a discussion of my latest novel, Hall of Mirrors, and my writing process. I’ll be talking about the book, answering questions, and signing copies. Come say hi!

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2025 Saints & Sinners LGBTQ+ Literary Festival
Mar
29
to Mar 30

2025 Saints & Sinners LGBTQ+ Literary Festival

  • 938 Lafayette St. Suite 514 New Orleans, LA (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

I’m reading on Saturday at 1:00 PM 📚 with Jonathan Alexander, Tom Cardamone, Anne Laughlin, Elisabeth Nonas, R.J. Lee, and Gary Zebrun—then celebrating the conference anthology at 6:30 PM 🎉 with another reading. (Folks are going to get sick of me! 😅)

On Sunday, I’ll be on two panels:
• The Pleasures and Importance of Queer Genre Fiction During a Time of Ascendant Fascism 🏳️‍🌈📖 at 11:30 AM
• Solving the Mystery of Character 🕵️‍♂️✍️ at 2:30 PM

Most of all, I can’t wait to see everyone! 💖

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Crime Writers for Trans Rights
Mar
26
10:30 PM22:30

Crime Writers for Trans Rights

I'm incredibly proud to contribute to this project. The Crime Writers for Trans Rights Auction features an array of amazing items and services up for bid—all supporting a vital cause. Offerings range from signed books and original art to manuscript critiques and author book group visits. Bidding opens Wednesday, March 26, 2025—be sure to check it out!

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Left Coast Crime 2025: Toastmaster
Mar
13
to Mar 16

Left Coast Crime 2025: Toastmaster

I’m thrilled to be the Toastmaster in Denver and I’d love LOVE to see reader and writer friends there! It’s gonna be a blast!

  • Resistance in Crime Fiction (3/13, 2:30 MT)

  • Toastmaster Interview w/ Christa Faust (3/14, 5:15 MT)

  • Why Are Historicals So Appealing? (3/15, 11:30 MT)

  • Closing Panel (3/16, 11:30 MT)

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Writing Across Difference: Responsibly Writing Characters Different From You, with John Copenhaver
Nov
20
7:00 PM19:00

Writing Across Difference: Responsibly Writing Characters Different From You, with John Copenhaver

In this talk, I’ll explore how building complex, fully realized characters is the best way to avoid slipping into stereotypes. I’ll discuss the importance of telling counter-narratives and strategies for handling secondary characters, who are essential to the plot but often fall back on clichés as shortcuts. I’ll also cover the need to understand power dynamics when writing across differences, the role of sensitivity readers, and the critical importance of thorough research.

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Writing Unlikeable Characters
Nov
19
5:00 PM17:00

Writing Unlikeable Characters

Ever wonder why the most unlikeable characters are often the hardest to forget? Join me on November 19 at the James River Writers' Writing Show, where I'll be joined by Alma Katsu and Harry Szabo, with Karen A. Chase as our moderator, to reveal how to create flawed, messy, and morally complex characters who captivate readers. Don’t miss this chance to transform your writing!

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Reading Like a Writer Book Club: Strangers on a Train
Jul
13
2:00 PM14:00

Reading Like a Writer Book Club: Strangers on a Train

What: Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith.

When: Saturday July 13th at 2pm ET/1pm CT/noon pm MT/11am PT

Who: Our panelists for this event include Susan Hammerman (moderator), Yasmin Angoe, John Copenhaver, Stephanie Gayle, Kelly Oliver, and Lori Rader-Day.

To register, go to: https://www.sistersincrime.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1808992&group=

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Noir at the Bar, DC
Jun
26
6:30 PM18:30

Noir at the Bar, DC

Mark your calendars. I'm part of an amazing group of writers for this one—S.A. Cosby, Robert Creekmore, James Grady, Vera Kurian, Eliza Nellums, K.T. Nguyen, and the host with the most, Ed Aymar. We'll be at the Looking Glass Lounge and reading dark (and at times funny) sh*t. 😂 Join us, won't you?

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Meet the Authors: John Copenhaver and Alma Katsu
Jun
21
5:00 PM17:00

Meet the Authors: John Copenhaver and Alma Katsu

Join Alma Katsu and me at WordPlay as we discuss our most recent works, our publishing journeys, and the joys and challenges of writing thrillers.

The June 21 event at WordPlay is free; no registration required. Copies of both authors’ newest books and backlist titles will be available for purchase and signing. A portion of all book sales during the event will support Lost River Pride. For more information, email info@wordplaywv.com. WordPlay is located at 50 West Main Street, Wardensville WV.

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