Mystery Writers of America, New England Chapter

The meeting for October 14 is ONLY ON ZOOM. Do not go to the library.

THE COZY SIDE OF HORROR
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
6:30 to socialize
The meeting proper starts at 7pm

Horror as a genre has recently exploded in popularity, and more authors are adding horror elements to their stories. But can you add horror to cozy stories? The surprising answer is YES. Author Liz Sower will talk to us about the genre mashup of “cozy horror.” What does it in entail and how can you make it work for you? If you’ve ever considered opening up your genre to horror elements, this meeting is for you.

Meet Liz Sower!

Along with authoring several books, Liz Sower is the writer, creator and producer of Ghosts in the Burbs, a cozy horror podcast about the people of Wellesley, Massachusetts and the ghosts (and monsters) who haunt them. She lives in that haunted little town with her husband, children and two dogs. In her free time you’ll find her re-reading Charlainne Harris’ Aurora Teagarden series, daydreaming about Autumn, and taking walks with her family.

The Buddy System
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
6:30 to socialize
The meeting proper starts at 7pm

Writing with a partner can bring rich rewards as each person brings different literary strengths to the table. You also get a built-in sounding board. But who writes what? How does the editing process work? If there are disagreements, how do you work through them? Tilia Klebenov Jacobs and Norman Birnbach, coauthors of Stealing Time, join us to talk about the co-writing process.

To join in person:
The Public Library of Brookline
361 Washington St
Brookline, MA 02445

Home

(617-730-2370)

We will not be meeting at the library in June.  Check your email for details.

Get Feedback on Your Opening Two Pages

Are you curious how your opening two pages are working for readers? Here is a chance to find out. You can submit your opening two pages to be read anonymously by our reader in front of the group (online). The group will then give feedback on the pages, including our impressions of the subgenre, the parts we liked, and any places we felt confused. This is a golden opportunity to get varied and specific feedback.

Meeting time: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
6:30pm for socializing
7pm for meeting proper

Online Only – Don’t go to the library

Wednesday, April 8, 2026
6:30 to socialize
The meeting proper starts at 7pm

Join us for a presentation and discussion with retired Lieutenant Richard Chase, a veteran of the Massachusetts State Police and author of the memoir, I Promise to Come Home. He will share his experiences from his 32 years in law enforcement and what it’s like to move from the high-stakes world of criminal investigation to the more intimate journey of writing. Don’t miss this great opportunity to hear behind-the-scenes details of law enforcement that are hard to research any other way!

Bio:

Richard Chase is a retired Lieutenant and Barracks Commander with the Massachusetts State Police, where he dedicated 32 years to the front lines of law enforcement. A veteran of high-speed pursuits and intense tactical operations, Richard played a pivotal role in the Boston Marathon bombing investigation and the historic Watertown shootout. After three decades of service, Richard traded his badge for a pen, seeking to “clear the cobwebs” of a career defined by high-stakes adrenaline and the quiet weight of the job. His debut memoir, I Promise to Come Home, is the result of that journey. The title reflects a sacred vow made to his wife, Karen, upon entering the force—a promise to return home regardless of the dangers faced.

Writing became Richard’s path to reclaiming peace, allowing him to transform his experiences with severe PTSD into a raw, honest testament of resilience. His storytelling offers an unfiltered look at the reality of police work and the unbreakable bonds of family. Now 63 and living in New Hampshire, Richard balances his time between writing and his expansive family, including three children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He is dedicated to helping fellow writers understand the “boots on the ground” truth of police procedure and the human cost of the uniform.

To join in person:
The Public Library of Brookline
361 Washington St
Brookline, MA 02445

International Man of Mystery
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
6:30 to socialize
The meeting proper starts at 7pm

Bestselling author Joseph Finder joins us to talk about genre-blending in today’s market, in particular adding spy elements to traditional mystery/thriller novels. Finder has enjoyed sustained success in what is often a tough business, so this is a great opportunity to hear his thoughts on how to craft exciting, marketable books. Bring your questions for what is sure to be a fun and educational forum.

Joseph Finder is the New York Times bestselling author of 17 suspense novels, most recently the The Oligarch’s Daughter. His most recently published novel House On Fire is the fourth featuring “private spy” Nick Heller. His books have won numerous awards, including the Strand Critics Award for Best Novel for Buried Secrets (2011), the International Thriller Writers Award for Best Novel for Killer Instinct (2006) and the Barry Award for Best Thriller for Company Man (2005). The Boston Globe has called him a “master of the modern thriller.” Two of his novels have been made into major motion pictures, including High Crimes, adapted into the hit 2002 movie starring Ashley Judd and Morgan Freeman; and Paranoia, the 2013 film starring Harrison Ford, Gary Oldman, and Liam Hemsworth. A founding member of the International Thriller Writers, as well as a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Association of Former Intelligence Officers. Joe is a graduate of Yale and the Harvard Russian Research Center. He lives in Boston.

Thrive as an Indie Author: Success Models, Traps to Avoid, and Saying “No” to Yourself
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
6:30 to socialize
The meeting proper starts at 7pm

Independent publishing has evolved from a “last resort” into a strategic business choice. This presentation explores the “why” behind that evolution and the necessary mindset shift from writer to “Publisher/CEO.” Attendees will examine the business case for indie—including rights retention, royalties, and speed-to-market—and how hybrid authors can leverage the best of both traditional and self-publishing worlds.

We will move beyond the hype to discuss the realities of wearing every hat, weighing upfront financial risks against long-term rewards, and utilizing pivot strategies that traditional publishers can’t match.

Crucially, the talk addresses why successful indies must learn to say “no” to themselves to ensure sales, professional quality and avoid losing money. Finally, we will cover essential logistics: distribution dilemmas, building a professional production team, and spotting the predatory “vanity” companies that prey on authors.

Scott Channell is the President of Independent Publishers of New England (IPNE.org), a fast-growing organization of independent authors and publishers. As the self-published author of eight books, Scott combines insights from his own publishing adventures with real-world lessons and observations drawn from the collective experiences of the IPNE community.

To join in person:
The Public Library of Brookline
361 Washington St
Brookline, MA 02445

Home

(617-730-2370)

How to Sell Your Book – Joanna Schaffhausen
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
6:30 to socialize
The meeting proper starts at 7pm

While there is no magic formula to guarantee book sales, there are many things you can do to position your book for success, no matter which path to publication you take. Joanna Schaffhausen will share eight years of hard-won wisdom on how to think strategically about book sales at all points in the process.

To join in person:
The Public Library of Brookline
361 Washington St
Brookline, MA 02445

Home

(617-730-2370)

Sharing Our Gifts
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
6:30 to socialize
The meeting proper starts at 7pm

We’ve swapped our usual December and June events. Instead of a holiday party during the dark and cold hours, we’ll have a “Welcome Summer” party in June. In December we will “share our gifts” with each other by reading aloud some of our recent writing. Please bring 1-2 pages of whatever work you’d like to share aloud with the group. It can be published, unpublished, a WIP…whatever you’d like.

Bonus! If you like, you can bring a dessert to share as well.