The Pacific Northwest is a great place to write mystery fiction. More than any other factor, the weather plays a part in the process, casting its cloudy, gloomy, wet, clammy, dismal, drizzly, misty, dank shroud over many a tale of mysterious or macabre happenings in this neck of the woods.
Although the weather is soggy, the camaraderie is first class here, and that makes up for a lot. For instance, the local chapter of the national organization, The Mystery Writers of America, brings together a very companionable group of like-minded creators of fictional plots and intrigues. Gabbing over dinner, drinks, and other diversions, the diverse bunch of published and not-so-published writers open up new windows of the mind.
For instance, if you’re a newbie to the craft, it never hurts to sit and chat with a more experienced professional writer who might help you learn some tricks that could lead you to your first professional sale of a manuscript. Or listen to one of our guest speakers to learn how cops, forensic investigators, and detectives do their jobs. There’s nothing like getting your information straight from the source.
That’s what the MWA is all about, giving you the sort of input that can lead to new stories and honed craftsmanship that can bring a writer up to the state of the art in mystery tale spinning. Check out the main MWA website, or our local chapter web pages for more information. Join us. You’ll be glad you did!
