Dear Readers,
Our 7th anthology has launched, but we’ll keep bringing you more books, short stories, workshops, and events, even a romcom play! So stay tuned for a November full of activities to keep you warm and entertained.
POWER OF 13 VIRTUAL LAUNCH
Our virtual launch for The Power of 13 is scheduled for the end of November. Date TBD, but we’ll do a November MoM newsflash in good time for everyone. We’re looking forward to seeing many more participants at the launch from across Canada.
CONGRATULATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS
Mme Madona Skaff reveals the cover for her latest book, A Cold Fact, the third adventure in the Naya Investigates Mysteries. The Naya Investigates series is about a marathon runner disabled by MS who turns sleuth to solve crimes.
The cover design for A Cold Fact is by our own Mme Hope Thompson! The young woman portraying Naya on the cover is Dana Fradkin, actor and daughter of crime writer Barbara Fradkin!
Mme Lorna Poplak was interviewed on the CBC by Windsor Morning host Amy Dodge on why prisoners escape.
Listen to Lorna’s interview here: Windsor Morning with Amy Dodge: Segment on escaped prisoners | Lorna Poplak
Mme Melodie Campbell’s romcom play, Worst Date Ever, was just performed by Theater for Dessert in Port Washington, New York.
As Melodie says, it’s a true highlight to see one’s work performed on stage.
Mme Lisa De Nikolits’s story, “All this Way to Find Myself”, appears in the anthology Dare, published by Windtree Press. The book explores countless ways to step beyond fear. In Lisa’s historical tale, set in 1860, Lady Rossmore, who was born into privilege, must survive in a world where the rules of her restrictive upbringing no longer apply.
WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS
Mme Lisa De Nikolits is giving her writing workshop, From Idea to Published Book, at two branches of the Toronto Public Library:
Tuesday, November 7, 1 to 2:30 pm at the Maria A. Shchuka Library, 1745 Eglinton Ave West
Thursday, November 12, 2 to 3:30 pm at the Toronto Reference Library, Main Floor, Beeton Hall Auditorium
Writing Popular Fiction at Brant County LitFest! Join award-winning/bestselling crime novelist Mme Melodie Campbell, author of The Pharaoh’s Curse Murders, for this fun and practical workshop! What do you need for a novel or short story? What does your character want? Openings, endings, and more.
November 19, 6:30pm, Brant Public Library, 24 Park Ave., Burford, ON
Mme Melissa Yi will be at two events in November: the Laggan Christmas Craft Fair and Crime for Christmas.
The Laggan Christmas Craft Fair will be held in the Glengarry Sports Palace, 170 Industrial Blvd, in Alexandria, ON, on November 7 from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Crime for Christmas is at the Barrhaven Legion, 3A – 3500 Fallowfield Road, Ottawa, Ontario K2J 4A7, on November 24 from 4-7 p.m., with free mystery-related sweet treats.
Brews and Clues
Brews and Clues takes place at the Stout Irish Pub, 221 Carlton St., Toronto, on Thursday, November 12 at 6:30 pm. Des Ryan will be launching his new book in the Pint of Trouble mystery series: Mary-Margaret and the Case of the Abrasive Dentist.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Bony Blithe Light Mystery Award
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Calling Canadian mystery authors! The Bony Blithe Light Mystery Award is back—and submissions for 2027 are now open!
We’re looking for books that make us smile: traditional mysteries, cozies, capers, satires, heists, and humorous mysteries, from gentle chuckles to laugh-out-loud fun. Think entertaining reads without the angst, brutality, or heavy messages.
The prize? $1,000 and a commemorative plaque.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: December 31, 2026
For eligibility and entry details, visit bonyblithe.ca
The shortlist will be announced April 16, 2027, and the award will be presented May 14, 2027, at the Bony Blithe Mini-con at The High Park Club in Toronto.
Sponsored by the Toronto Chapter of Sisters in Crime and author Jan Field.
CWC Awards of Excellence
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: December 15, 2026. You can find submission rules and forms here.
Crime Writers of Canada – Awards of Excellence – Submission Rules
COMING EVENTS
The Mesdames and Messieurs of Mayhem will be at Brews and Clues, Thursday, December 10 at 6:30 p.m., celebrating their 7th anthology, The Power of 13. Mme Cheryl Freedman will be there to read from her playlet in our anthology!
CWC HOLIDAY PARTY
Several Mmes and Messrs will be celebrating at CWC’s Holiday Party on Wednesday, December 2nd at 7 p.m. at Pauper’s Pub, 539 Bloor St. West.
