October 31, 2026, 2-4 p.m. Wine and cheese party at the home of Fedora Amis.
What could be more apropos for mystery writers than telling ghost stories? Showcase your dark side with an original story or find flash fiction to read or just come to listen. Prizes for the scariest, the funniest, and a story so frightfully appalling that we have to stop before we all run away screaming. Max words per story – 500 (four minutes). We may even have time to mull over the role of fear in creating tension in a mystery.
Wear a costume if you dare. We have a prize for that, too.
Remember when monsters lived under the bed, ghosts hid in the closet, and storms raged outside?
Digressive Writing with Robert Lay, SinC President
For the July meeting, we’ll talk about wishes for the future and ways we can make SinC even better. Here’s the message from Robert Lay, our president:
This is your El Presidente for Life and Supreme Leader of the known Universe, Robert, letting you know about the July Sisters in Crime meeting. I thought I would give a short presentation on Digressive Writing as a component of storytelling. In addition, I would like to hear from you, about any other topics we could discuss. Please email me at rslay0204@gmail.com, and I will be happy to include them.
Thursday, May 28, 2026 — 11:30 a.m. In-Person Members and Guests
Across from theCampbell Shelter, Kirkwood Park
The Case File An in‑person Sisters in Crime event has been spotted in the wild — and you’re invited to help crack the case of The Missing eel Salad Bring as many guests as you dare… the more alibis, the better.
Bring Your Books — The Plot Thickens Pack a couple of copies of your books for display and sale. We especially need copies of our September book‑club celebration titles: How to Talk to Your Dog about Murder — Emily Secrets, Lies, and Prying Eyes — Laine Whisperer’s Curse — Warren
Directions to the Scene Kirkwood Park — 111 S. Geyer Road From Geyer & Adams: Head west on Adams → Left into the second park entrance → Immediate right → Up the hill → Park in lot on the right.
Final Clue Expect good talk, good times, and great food — with just a hint of mystery. See y’all there! Fedora
7:00 p.m. Central time, Thursday, April 23, 2026 on Zoom
Our own Nicki Jacobsmeyer
Learn how to turn your book into meaningful opportunities beyond the page. From delivering memorable, engaging author and school visits that boost readership, sales, and future bookings to leveraging podcasts to grow your visibility, credibility, and community—this session covers how to get booked, stay organized, and show up as a compelling speaker and guest.
Nicki Jacobsmeyer writes fiction and non-fiction for children and adults. She has two forthcoming non-fiction children’s books, TALES ON TRAILS and THE GHOSTLY TALES OF MAINE’S HAUNTED LIGHTHOUSES (Arcadia Children’s Books, Summer 2027 & 2026). She is the author of The Ghostly Tales of St. Charles (Arcadia Children’s Books, July 2025), Kentucky’s Packhorse Librarians (Arcadia, 2025), and others. Jacobsmeyer is represented by Senior Agent Heather Cashman of Storm Literary. She is a Co-Host of the Way-Word Writers Podcast, a certified career coach, and speaker.
Greater St Louis Sisters in Crime Members monthly meeting
7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026 on Zoom
Lisa Krystosek, therapist and author
Many thanks to Lisa for stepping in at the last minute to give us an overview of personality disorders and provide the DSM diagnostic criteria.
Lisa promises “It’s always fun to talk about psychopaths and sociopaths!” She’s a thirteen-year pro who can help us writers develop characters from both ends of the spectrum–and she knows horses, too.
Lisa L. Krystosek, JD, PhD, LPC LifeSide Counseling & Trauma Recovery Services
Ms. Lisa L. Krystosek is a Professional Counselor in St. Louis, MO with special training and skill in assessing patient mental health and treating cognitive, psychological, and behavioral disorders using a wide variety of therapy techniques. Professional Counseling is a healthcare specialty centered on providing mental and emotional guidance and therapy to treat mental, emotional, and addictive disorders. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Professional Counselors include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), behavioral disorders, phobias, bereavement, marital hardship, attempted suicide, drug and alcohol addiction, sexual abuse.
Greater St Louis Sisters in Crime Members monthly meeting
7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026 on Zoom
CSM Womacks suggestions include: Trust no one–observe and report what you know–really listen to disturbing words–act on your own gut feelings–be alert–be prepared
CSM. Bart Womack, U.S. Amy Ret., on terrorist attacks
Join Command Sergeant Major Bart Womack, U.S. Army (Retired), as he shares his gripping firsthand account as a survivor of the unprecedented insider terrorist attack against the 101st Airborne Division. On March 23, 2003, a radicalized, extremist American soldier launched a deadly assault, killing two and wounding 13. An act of betrayal that shook the U.S. Armed Forces to its core.
Now chronicled in the powerful book Embedded Enemy, Bart’s story is a rare and eye-opening look into the threat from within. His presentation is a must-attend for leaders, professionals, and citizens concerned with safety, preparedness, and the unseen dangers hiding in plain sight.
Command Sergeant Major Bart E. Womack, served the U.S. Army with distinction on for over 29 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Park University and an MBA from Waynesburg University.
Career highlights include Army Ranger, Drill Sergeant, Ranger Instructor, and Sergeant of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He is a combat veteran with a Bronze Star for Valor. He retired from the Army in 2006, as Commandant of the NCO Academy and Command Sergeant Major of the 101st Airborne Division.
Upon leaving the military, Bart went to Hollywood to work as an actor and military technical advisor. He trained Armies in Afghanistan and Nigeria, and served as Program Manager at IVMF enhancing the post-military careers of veterans.
He was Knighted into The Order of St. George in October 2020, and was recognized by the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers as their ‘Salute to Hero’ honoree in October 2024. Bart is an author, of the book ’Embedded Enemy’, sharing a first-hand account as a survivor of the deadly insider threat terrorist aYack against the 101st Airborne Division, by a fellow American soldier.
He is a thought leader, speaker, and specialized consultant in safety and security, dedicated to mitigating mass shooter and insider threat attacks. He leverages his expertise and knowledge from a survivor’s perspective on insider threats to empower audiences with proactive situational awareness strategies to mitigate threats in the workplace, academic institutions and places of worship.
Edited by our own Sandra Murphy, an anthology of humor and mystery, Yeet Me in St. Louis, includes short stories by our members G.R. Miller, Sarahlynn Lester, Vicki Erwin, J.D. Frain, and Fedora Amis whose story was a finalist in the Writers’ Guild of Missouri Short Story Contest.
Greater St Louis Sisters in Crime Members only (and guest) Holiday Party
From 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 9, 2025
At the home of President Fedora Amis
Holiday Potluck at the Home of President Fedora Amis. Members should bring a guest, their latest WIP news, a food contribution, and a prettily-wrapped-gently-read book for our I-Love-a-mystery book swap. Find food listing right here
Entre – Vegetarian stuffed pasta shells with optional meat sauce. Fedora
