March 14 Zoom Meeting: Writing and Keeping Secrets

Tom Straw, who authored seven New York Times bestsellers under the pseudonym of Richard Castle, will talk about novel writing, what it’s like to be a bestselling author who can’t reveal his success, the writers’ room in television, and show running. Tom originated the Nikki Heat series, based on the TV series Castle, about a famous novelist following a female detective around New York … Read more

February 7 Zoom Meeting: Writing Sex Scenes

With Valentine’s Day approaching, what better time to learn how to write sex scenes to advance your plot and increase reader investment? Let New York Times bestselling romance author Roni Loren and book coach/editor Dawn Alexander tell you how at our Feb. 7 Zoom meeting. Roni Loren is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a two-time RITA Award winner, and a HOLT Medallion … Read more

Writing Cozy Mysteries

It’s winter, so get cozy with six wicked-good, best-selling authors who write traditional, cozy, and historical mystery novels. On Tuesday, January 10 at 7 pm, via Zoom, The Wickeds will discuss cozy mysteries. The Wickeds are Liz Mugavero, Sherry Harris, Jessie Crockett, J.A. Hennrikus, Barbara Ross, and Edith Maxwell, and their books are perennial favorites. How do they keep readers coming back for more? Why do … Read more

December 12 Zoom Meeting: Lee Goldberg

On Monday, December 12 at 7 pm, via Zoom, New York Times bestselling author & TV producer Lee Goldberg will answer your questions. Lee is a screenwriter, novelist, and publisher who has written or co-written more than 80 books, including the Shamus-nominated Watch Me Die. He’s also written TV scripts for Monk, Diagnosis: Murder, Nero Wolfe, and Hunter; and co-created the Hallmark movie … Read more

November 7 Zoom Meeting: Janet Hutchings

On Monday, November 7 at 7 pm, via Zoom, Janet Hutchings, editor of Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine since 1991, will talk about the magazine and how she selects crime fiction short stories that are consistently nominated each year for (and often win) the Edgar, Agatha, Anthony, Derringer, Macavity, and Thriller Awards. Stacy Woodson will host. Janet launched EQMM’s Passport … Read more

October Chapter Meeting: Literary Soiree at Katherine Neville’s

On Tuesday, October 11, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, join bestselling authors and literary luminaries for a celebration at Katherine Neville’s home near Massachusetts Avenue in Northwest Washington, D.C. Wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. The party will be both indoors and on her terrace, for those concerned about Covid. Mingle with the hosts: Louis … Read more

September 13 Zoom Meeting: Writing History

On Tuesday, September 13, at 7 pm, former Washington Post editor and reporter Jefferson Morley will discuss untold chapters of U.S. history revealed in his new book–Scorpions’ Dance: The President, The Spymaster, and Watergate. In Scorpions’ Dance, Morley reveals the Watergate Scandal as the culmination of a concealed volatile power struggle between President Richard Nixon and CIA Director … Read more

August 9 Zoom Meeting – Writing Tie-Ins

On Tuesday, August 9 at 7:00 pm, New York Times bestselling author Raymond Benson, the first American author commissioned to take over writing James Bond novels, will speak on tie-in writing. Benson has written six Bond novels, three movie novelizations, and three short stories. He also wrote two Tom Clancy novels. Tie-in writing is not well-known, … Read more

July 19 Chapter Picnic

MWA-MA is back, with our first face-to-face meeting in more than two years! Join us for an outdoor, rooftop picnic supper on Tuesday July 19th, from 7-9 pm, at 99 M Street SE, Washington DC. Wine, beer and soft drinks will also be served. The office building is just around the corner from Nationals Park and a block away from the Navy … Read more

June 21 Zoom Meeting – Crime Scene Clues: Insects

On Tuesday, June 21 at 7:00 p.m., we welcome forensic entomologist Dr. Jason Byrd. Looking to add a little entomological accuracy to your next fictional crime scene? If you’ve been dying to use flies, crickets, or maggots to help your sleuth solve crimes, get your questions ready! Dr. Byrd has combined his formal academic training in Entomology and Forensic … Read more