Reversals, Red Herrings, and Twists: Crime Writers Reveal Their Secrets Panel Discussion

Mary Karnes has lived in every region of the country, but now calls New England home. A former teacher, and mother of four, she’s now a wedding planner by day and an author by night. She’s gleaned many eye-popping bridal stories from her day gig and is looking forward to the debut of her “Wedding Planning Mystery Series” in August 2023. 

Jill Fletcher is a freelance editor, with nearly 20 years experience, who helps authors strengthen their manuscripts for successful traditional publishing, as well as self- published works. Her emphasis is on what publishers and readers are looking for, in character development, plot structure and general craft.  She identifies common missteps and knows how to bring out the best that lives in every work.  As a member of Mystery Writers of America, NYC Chapter, Sisters in Crime-Connecticut, and through her boutique firm, Page View Marketing, she develops promotions and programming for the writing community, including the annual crime writers conference, CrimeCONN, held in Stamford at the Ferguson Library. She is also a frequent contributor of essays, short stories and flash fiction, currently working on a crime novel.

L.M. Jorden is an award-winning journalist and retired Professor of English and History who has lived on four continents. She writes on comparative societies, holds a Master of Science from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, and won a New York Press Association First Prize and other awards. She offers Editing, Fact-checking and Historical and Modern Research to companies and individuals. When not advocating for the environment and disability rights, she can be found outdoors tending her garden with lots of unusual plants. The Dr. Josephine Plantae Paradoxes is her debut mystery series.

Reverend Jane Willan is the author of the Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mystery series. Besides being a mystery author, she is also the pastor of the First Church West Hartford where she preaches from a pulpit once occupied by Puritans, teaches bible study, attends lots of meetings, and never misses a potluck dinner. When not working at the church or creating new adventures for Sister Agatha, Jane relaxes at her favorite local bookstore enjoying coffee and a variety of carbohydrates with frosting.  Otherwise, you might catch her binge-watching Netflix or hiking through the New England woods.