Mesdames of Mayhem

Join us today from 3 pm to 10 pm EST to celebrate the launch of the Mesdames of Mayhem’s new anthology, 13 O’clock.

Meet the authors and win a free copy! Click here for your  invitation!

Mme Lynne Murphy is a retired journalist and the co-founder of the Toronto Chapter of Sisters in Crime. Her short crime fiction has been published in several anthologies, including the Mesdames first book, Thirteen.

In 13 O’clock, Lynnes’s story “Being Leda Fox” tell what dire things can happen when you borrow a name tag at a crime writers’ conference….

Mme Sylvia Maultash Warsh is the author of critically acclaimed novels and stories. Her novel, Find Me Again, won an Edgar award and her short story in Thirteen, “The Emerald Skull,” was nominated for an Arthur for Best Short Story.

Sylvia is working on an historical novel.

In 13 O’clock, Sylvia spins the tale of a feisty Jewish lady who refuses to believe her ex-husband’s death was accidental. The timing was all wrong in “Life is a Big Headache on a Noisy Street”.

Mme Joan is the author of three non-fiction books and over 30 educational publications. Her short stories have been published in several anthologies. Her flash fiction story, “Torch Song for Two Voices” won the national competition held by Polar Expressions and appears in the anthology, That Golden Summer.

In 13 O’clock, Joan goes back in time to describe the dangers faced by learned women in the Middle Ages in the tale, “Thrice the Brinded Cat”.

Ed Piwowarczyk is a veteran journalist and has worked as a copy editor for the National Post, the Toronto Sun, and Harlequin. A lifelong fan of crime fiction, he now has turned his hand to writing. His debut story appeared in the anthology, World Enough and Crime.

The Mesdames thank Ed for his expertise in copy editing the text of the stories in 13 O’clock.

In 13 O’clock, Ed tells a chilling tale about what happens when time passes you by in “Life Lesson”.

Mme Lisa DeNikolits is the award-winning author of five literary novels, all with an element of crime. Her new novel, Between the Cracks she Fell, launches on Sept 30th.

Stay tuned for details of the launch event!

In her story “Troubled Times”, Lisa tells how a beautiful Art Deco watch causes deep trouble for a young woman.

Mme Catherine Dunphy was a leading reporter for the Toronto Star for 25 years. She has written novels for young adults as well as the biography of a highly controversial figure in Canadian history.

Hard at work on a literary novel, she also crafts short crime fiction. In her 13 O’clock story,  “Beat the Clock” her unusual hero must do just that to save a life.

Mme Cheryl Freedman is a mainstay of Canadian crime writing.  She founded and ran our national conference, Bloody Words, and helped create The Bony Blithe Award for light mysteries.

Cheryl works as a respected editor which leaves her little time to write her own work.  We are delighted to have one of her first crime stories, “Mirror, Mirror” as part of 13 O’clock.  In “Mirror, Mirror” two unique sleuths investigate a disappearance in a highly unusual setting….

Mme Rosemary McCracken is the creator of the popular Pat Tierney series of mystery novels, Safe Harbour and Black Water . She has been a finalist for the Unhanged Arthur, Debut Dagger and Derringer awards.

Rosemary is working on the third Pat Tierney novel.

In 13 O’clock, Pat uncovers financial misdeeds in an inheritance in “The Nick of Time”.

M. H. Callway is the founder of the Mesdames of Mayhem. Her debut novel, Windigo Fire, received very positive reviews and was a finalist for the Arthur Ellis Award for Best First Novel.

Her short story, “The Ultimate Mystery”, was a runner-up for this year’s Derringer award.

In, 13 O’clock, her suspense story, “Glow Grass”, shows the danger in returning to your derelict family cottage….

Mme Melodie Campbell is our Queen of Comedy. Critics have compared her work to Janet Evanovich.

Mel is a prolific writer of short stories and novellas. Her hilarious Goddaughter series won both the Arthur and the Derringer awards. Her most recent novella, The Artful Goddaugher, is available on Amazon.

Stay tuned: she publishes two more books in the coming months!

In 13 O’clock, Mel’s two flash fictions, “Perfect Timing” and “The Test of Time” offer a glimpse into the sinister side of planning….

Mme Donna Carrick and her husband, Alex Carrick created Carrick Publishing, which now carries dozens of critically acclaimed authors and titles. Donna is a recognized novelist herself. Her short story, “Watermelon Weekend” was a finalist for the Arthur Award.

Authors in Carrick Publishing’s anthology, World Enough and Crime,  were nominated for the Arthur and Derringer Awards.

In 13 O’clock, her story, “The 14th of Forever”, shows the anguish of lost time…and the importance of planning.

Cathy Astolfo

Mme Catherine Astolfo holds an Arthur for Best Short Story as well as the Derrick Murdoch Award for supporting Canadian crime writing. Read her latest book, a comic novella, Up Chit Creek!

Her story, “Pulling a Rabbit”, tells the zany/sinister story of a lady ruled by bargain shopping and her grandfather clock…

Mme Rosemary Aubert is the author of the acclaimed Ellis Portal mystery series. She has won two Arthurs, one for Best Novel and one for Best Short Story.

Her latest Ellis Portal mystery, Don’t Forget You Love Me, is available on Amazon.

Her story, “The Bench Rests”, tells the story of a retired judge who must struggle to make a moral choice about timing affecting his nearest and dearest.

Jane Burfield won The Bony Pete with the first short story she wrote. Her most recent story, in the Poe tribute anthology, Nevermore, garnered a glowing review.

Her flash story, “Hidden”, tells the story of a woman preoccupied with puzzles…

GREETINGS READERS!

The merry Mesdames of Mayhem invite you to the cyber launch of their second anthology, 13 O’clock!

Join the party on September 17th from 3 to 10 pm Eastern Standard Time. Every half hour, we’ll ask a question about a Mesdames author. The prize? A free e-copy of 13 O’clock!

Here’s the invite: https://www.facebook.com/events/1669015276653615/

 Throughout this writing and publishing journey, I’ve been known to wear a number of different hats.

Today, in honor of the Mesdames of Mayhem and in celebration of our soon-to-be released crime anthology: 13 O’Clock, I’ll slip on my purple chapeau.

While sporting my Carrick Publishing hat, I’ve managed to acquire my fair share of experience in producing short story collections and anthologies. Given the unique challenges they present and the special place they hold in the hearts of readers, anthologies require extensive care in the creative process.

Here are a few of the essential ingredients needed for crafting a killer anthology:

1- A seasoned and professional gathering of willing authors

In our 2013 crime anthology Thirteen, by the Mesdames of Mayhem (Carrick Publishing) we were fortunate to include an exceptional lineup of Award-winning authors:

Catherine Astolfo, Rosemary Aubert, Jane Petersen Burfield, M.H. Callway, Melodie Campbell, Donna Carrick, Vicki Delany, Catherine Dunphy, Rosemary McCracken, D.J. McIntosh, Lynne Murphy, Joan O’Callaghan, Sylvia Maultash Warsh

As a result, the anthology was the recipient of two nominations for the coveted Arthur Ellis Award 2014 for Best Short Story, as well as one Derringer Award nomination!

Arthur Ellis Nominations for Best Short Story: “Watermelon Weekend” by Donna Carrick and “The Emerald Skull” by Sylvia Maultash Warsh.

Derringer Award Nomination for Best Short Story: “The Sweetheart Scamster” by Rosemary McCracken.

 2- A universally accessible theme

In our newest anthology, 13 O’Clock, our theme is that age-old thief, time.

In particular, we asked our authors to explore the inter-action between time and crime; to reflect upon crime throughout ages past, or in future eras, or how the passing of time either heals old wounds, or refreshes them to spur on evil deeds.

3- A collection of exceptional and entertaining stories

It should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway. As writers, we rely on readers. For this reason, we owe it to them to offer stories that are entertaining, exhilarating….hell, interesting!

In the 2014 anthology, World Enough and Crime (Carrick Publishing, in conjunction with the Facebook group Excerpt Flight Deck for Readers and Authors) we asked our EFD authors to bring us their very best in short crime fiction.

The result? Another industry-acclaimed anthology by Carrick Publishing!

Arthur Ellis Nomination for Best Short Story: “Writer’s Block”, by Kevin Thornton.

Derringer Award Nomination for Best Short Story: “The Ultimate Mystery”, by M.H. Callway.

4- An experienced, skilled project manager

Every project needs one. The Mesdames of Mayhem founder, author M.H. Callway (Windigo Fire, Seraphim Editions, 2014) has been at the helm every step of the way.

Madeleine (to her friends, among whom I’m blessed to count myself) keeps her eye on the ball at all times, never losing sight of the goal.

Mad, you’re a true champion!

5- A dedicated editor and a professional copy-editor

In my dual capacities as author and publisher, I maintain a strict policy: All work must be thoroughly edited.

I’ve been lucky over the years to be able to fortify my own careful (though not flawless) eyes with those of my husband, Economist, author and seasoned editor Alex Carrick.

In the case of the Mesdames’ crime anthologies, several of the Mesdames pitched in for a final proof-reading marathon.

We were fortunate, with our latest title 13 O’clock, to have the help of author and seasoned journalist/copy-editor Ed Piwowarczyk. His assistance was invaluable, and it shows in the polish of the stories within.

Authors, I cannot emphasize this enough: we are not working in a void, and no matter how well our hold may be on the language, we are not infallible. Please, give your readers the benefit of your best effort. Engage the help of a second, or even a third, set of professional eyes.

6- Original cover art that is both attractive and representational

7- A publisher who holds these authors and industry professionals in the highest regard, and is willing to invest the necessary time and effort to produce a quality reading experience

At Carrick Publishing, we’re committed to helping Indie authors excel in their literary goals. From copy-editing, formatting and making your product sale-ready, we will guide you.

Our work for the Mesdames of Mayhem as well as for the Excerpt Flight Deck authors has been a source of great pride as well as an opportunity for continued growth and learning.

8- An innovative and consistent approach to marketing in a changing industry landscape

Whether you’re an author or a publisher (or as many are these days, both), you need to broaden your understanding of what it means to earn readership.

The Mesdames of Mayhem have been blessed beyond gratitude to have the on-going help and support of dear friend and marketing wizard Joan O’Callaghan.

Joan’s genuine love of people, of meeting them, getting to know them and talking about her equally passionate love of books has been the mainstay of our continued success.

We don’t say it nearly often enough, but thank you, Joan.

The Mesdames of Mayhem are 16 friends who share a common bond: their love of literature in general, and crime genre in particular. Look for us at events in southern Ontario, and be sure to read our work, available at fine retailers everywhere!

Mme Vicki Delany, the national (US) bestselling author of By Book or By Crook, is bringing out TWO new books this fall.

You can meet Vicki Delany and two other great cozy mystery authors, M. J. Maffini and Linda Wiken at Sleuth of Baker Street, September 18th, 7 pm.

Haitian Graves , a Rapid Reads Novella from Orca Press, will be released on August 25th.

This is the second book in the series featuring RCMP sergeant Ray Robertson on his postings overseas.  In Haitian Graves, Ray is with the United Nations in Haiti, a land of brilliant color and vibrant life. A call comes in from the home of a wealthy American businessman: his beautiful young Haitian wife is floating face down in the swimming pool. The Haitian police immediately arrest the gardener and the case is closed, but Ray isn’t so sure and keeps digging. Then one night he finds himself in a Vodou-saturated cemetery, surrounded by above-ground tombs and elaborate statuary, confronting a killer with nothing left to lose.

Booked for Trouble, the second book in the Lighthouse Library series, is being published September 1st by Penguin Random House

Lucy Richardson returns to the Outer Banks and the Lighthouse Library, where she must shed light on a shocking murder… Lucy has finally found her bliss as a librarian and resident of the Bodie Island Lighthouse. She loves walking on the beach, passing her evenings with the local book club, bonding with the library cat, Charles, and enjoying the attention of not one, but TWO eligible men. But then her socialite mother, Suzanne, unexpectedly drops in, determined to move Lucy back to Boston—and reunite her with her ex-fiancé. To make matters worse, Suzanne picks a very public fight at the local hotel with her former classmate Karen Kivas. So, when Karen turns up dead outside the library the next morning, Suzanne is immediately at the top of the suspect list. Now Lucy must hunt down a dangerous killer—before the authorities throw the book at her poor mother…

The Mesdames of Mayhem are doing a tour of their favorite blogs. This week we kick off with our very own Queen of Comedy, Mme Melodie Campbell.

Mel posts at least weekly, getting 500 to 1000 hits per week for a total of over 58,000 hits since her blog first appeared on March 11, 2013. She has followers all over the world in places as far away as Dubai and China!

 FOLLOW MEL 

What is the focus of your blog?

 Comedy! I’ve been a paid humour columnist for many years, and all of my books range from humorous to screwball comedies. On my blog, I repost humour and comedy columns from the places that pay me, when the rights revert back to me.

Our favorite Bad Girl explains….

Way back in the 90s when dinosaurs roamed the earth, I had a regular syndicated bimonthly humour column.  While copies of my columns appeared in The Toronto Star and other newspapers, if you aren’t a dinosaur, you probably haven’t seen them.  This blog will draw from the best of these columns, as well as new material.  And about the name….back in the day, I was known as “Bad Girl” and “Funny Girl.”  Now, it’s more like “Funny Broad.”  And the broad is no joke.

Why comedy?

I originally wrote comedy to escape the reality of my life, which includes an autistic brother. Our home was one of stress and sorrow; being funny helped to lighten the day for all of us. I kept writing comedy through my adult life, in hopes that I could give other people dearly needed entertainment. There is no question I write to entertain. As a comedian, I can tell you that comedy definitely has its roots in tragedy, and for me, it is a way of dealing with those hits that life gives you.

What do your followers tell you?

They love the comedy, pure and simple. The zanier humour columns are usually the most popular.

I have a fan group in a retirement home in Florida, all men. They found me through the Rowena Through the Wall series, and are loyal followers. I’ve had several offers to ‘put me up’ if I want to come down to Florida for a visit. Now, my Rowena books are quite sexy, so I’m really not sure what to think about that…

What are you sharing with MoM’s followers today?

I’m sharing one of my zaniest columns. It has been reprinted in many venues; I still get requests for reprints and will admit it is one of my faves <smile>

TV TRAVESTY! (Warning: they let me off my leash again…)

People often ask me why I write silly stuff. I say it’s because I am seriously fed up with reality. I mean, really – what’s so special about it? Everybody does it.

So for those of you who are sick of reality (TV or otherwise,) this is for you. In the lofty traditions of Dallas, Dynasty and Desperate Housewives, make way for…TRAVESTY!

Note the originality of the plot. (Hey, it’s rerun season!)

INTERIOR. A pink frilly bedroom. Daytime. An attractive young woman in full makeup and Victoria’s Secret underwear reclines on the bed, moaning fatuously. An older man kneels by her side, wringing his well-manicured hands.

Lance: “Tell me April, I gotta know. Is the baby mine?”

April (in bed): “Oh Lance! Oh Lance! <sob!> …what baby?”

Michael enters the room.

Michael: “April honey, I’ve got something to tell you.”

April: “No – <sob> – not-“

Michael nods.

April: “You? And Lance?”

Lance: “OH-MY-GOD”

Michael: “And your mother’s been hit by a beer truck, and the boutique has burnt down.”

April (standing up in bed): “THE BOUTIQUE?”

Michael: “We saved the clothes, but the jewelry was a meltdown. Sorry.”

April (clutching throat): “I can’t take it anymore! This is too much for one day.”

Michael: “And it’s only 8 a.m.”

Lance (clearing throat): “About your mother…”

April (collapsing on bed): “OH-MY-GOD, MOTHER! She hated beer.”

Lance: “I have something to tell you…”

April (to director): “Do I faint now?”

Lance: “…she’s actually not your mother…”

Michael: “WHAT?”

April: “You mean-“

Lance: “Yes. I am”

<gasps all around>

Michael: “That trip to Sweden…?”

Lance: “Yes.”

Michael: “LANA?”

Lance: “Yes.”

Michael: “But didn’t we…?”

Lance: “Yes.”

Director (to April): “You can faint now.”

Everyone faints.

Stay tuned next week for more riveting drama, when April asks the question, “How do you tell if blue cheese is bad?”

 FOLLOW MEL !