Florida Gulf Coast Sisters in Crime

06/02/2026

Calling all mystery writers: Florida Gulf Coast Sisters in Crime invites you to submit your best short story for our exciting new anthology, Passion, Palm Trees, and Payback. We’re looking for gripping crime stories set in Florida, 1,500 to 5,000 words in length, that capture the intrigue, atmosphere, and edge of the Sunshine State. To enter, authors must be members in good standing of Sisters in Crime National and a Florida Sisters in Crime chapter. For complete submission guidelines and details, visit https://flgcsinc.com/

06/01/2026

Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of Sisters in Crime is pleased to announce that the topic for the June 6, 2026, meeting is “Building Your Newsletter and Creating Superfans,” presented by author and graphic designer Dineen Miller.

Creating your author newsletter doesn’t have to be daunting or boring. It can be fun, exciting, and even impactful to your readers, as well as one of your most powerful and consistent marketing tools.

04/21/2026

The Florida Gulf Coast Sisters in Crime Chapter is pleased to announce that the May 2, 2026, meeting will be “Let’s Write Short: A Panel Discussion on Writing Short Stories,” featuring Julieanna Blackwell, Mark Mathes, Michael L. Joy, and Jenny Ramaley.

“Let’s Write Short: A Panel Discussion on Writing Short Stories” brings together accomplished authors, educators, and an editor to explore the art and craft of short fiction. From idea generation to structure, voice, and impact within a limited word count, this lively conversation will help you think sharper and write tighter. In preparation for our second chapter anthology, the goal of this session is to inspire you to ‘write short’ and answer the call for submissions with a story that showcases your unique voice. Join us for an energizing, insight-packed discussion designed to spark your next great short story.

03/20/2026

The Florida Gulf Coast Sisters in Crime Chapter is pleased to announce that Irish novelist and screenwriter, Cat Hogan, will be the guest speaker at the April 4, 2026, meeting.

“Land, Sea, Song, and Story: A Writer’s Life in Ireland”
A conversation with Irish novelist, Cat Hogan on the impact of the Irish land/seascape and Wexford on her writing and writing process; pursuing the craft as a single mother of two young boys; how grit and resilience factor into her success; adult education and literacy in Ireland and, how, in her own words, “being a published writer in Ireland is not a green light to swan around in silk all day.” Reading recommendations on contemporary Irish writing greats and how academia and fiction overlap in her imagination.

Florida Gulf Coast Chapter

02/28/2026

This will be soooo interesting! Hope you can make it!

Florida Gulf Coast Chapter

01/27/2026

The Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of Sisters in Crime Worldwide is pleased to announce that Lisa Black, NY Times Bestselling Author, will be the speaker at the 10th Anniversary Celebration and chapter meeting on February 7, 2026

The first of four planned 10th Anniversary Celebrations will take place at our February 7th chapter meeting. We’re marking this milestone in a very special way. We are thrilled to welcome back New York Times bestselling author Lisa Black as our featured speaker. Her appearance is especially meaningful as Lisa was our very first speaker at our very first meeting in 2016, making her return a full-circle moment for our chapter.

Lisa will discuss her 30 years in forensics, her work as a CSI and latent print examiner. We hope our local members will join us in person to celebrate 10 years of community, creativity, and crime-writing camaraderie. For those unable to attend on-site, the meeting and Lisa’s presentation will be available via Zoom.

Meeting Details:

· Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026

· Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

o 11:00 am – Chapter meeting and luncheon

o 12:00 pm – Presentation by Lisa Black

· Location: In-person at the Braden River Branch Library, 4915 53rd Ave E, Bradenton, Florida. The meeting will also be available via Zoom.

o Chapter members will receive the Zoom link with the meeting agenda packet the day before the meeting

o SinC Worldwide members can obtain the Zoom link from the SinC LinC event notification in Chapter Events

o Non-members of the Florida Gulf Coast chapter or Sisters in Crime Worldwide can request the Zoom link by sending an email to [email protected]

A light lunch and a celebratory anniversary cake will be served.

RSVP is requested for on-site attendees.

Presentation: “30 Years in Forensics —Then and Now”

Bio: Lisa Black is the New York Times bestselling author of 17 suspense novels, including the Gardiner & Renner series and the Locard Institute series. Her works have been

12/17/2025

The Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of Sisters in Crime Worldwide is pleased to announce that Sue Toth will present “Five Reasons You Should Use the Same Editor for Your Series” at the January chapter meeting.

Florida Gulf Coast Chapter

11/11/2025

Hope everyone can make it! Don't forget to RSVP to [email protected]

10/29/2025

Please no, political posting on this site. Those who do so will be blocked.

10/16/2025

Learn simple healthy ways to rejuvenate yourself while writing your novel!

Florida Gulf Coast Chapter