Friday 7 November to Sunday 9 November 2025

We’re excited to share the details of our cosy Sisters in Crime Winter Writing Retreat — and I really hope you’ll join us! (This event is for members only. To become a member, sign up here.)

We’re heading back to the beautiful Gladstone’s Library in North Wales from Friday afternoon, 7 November to Sunday lunchtime, 9 November. Imagine stepping inside a warm, historic library filled with books, curling up by the fire, and having the whole weekend just to write, read, think, and relax with fellow writers.

We’ll kick off on Friday with a welcome get-together, a quick tour, and some optional writing time if you’re itching to get started. In the evenings, we’ll gather for delicious dinners together, with plenty of time to chat and share ideas. Saturday and Sunday mornings are for quiet “writing parties” — a chance to settle in, get words on the page, and soak up the incredible atmosphere of the famous Reading Room. When you need a break, you can wander around the beautiful Gladstone estate or stroll into the nearby village of Hawarden.

Your stay includes a lovely ensuite room (every bedroom has a desk!) and a hearty breakfast and dinner each day. The Food for Thought café onsite has a great menu for lunch and snacks, and if we’re feeling social, we might even head out for a Sunday lunch before we all head home. Getting there is easy — it’s just a short taxi ride from Chester station, and there’s free parking if you’re driving.

It really is the perfect place to immerse yourself in your writing, and this year we have a few extra rooms so even more of us can come along.

All you need to do is book your spot directly with the Library (just mention you’re with the Sisters in Crime Writing Retreat to get our special rates) and then let me know once you’re signed up. I can’t wait to be back there — and I hope you’ll be there too!

Prices:
Single Ensuite Dinner B&B with SoA discount: £118 ppn.
Double Ensuite Dinner B&B with SoA discount:£146 ppn; Twin Ensuite £168.

To book call Victoria at Gladstone’s Library on 01244 532350. If you have any questions about the retreat, reach out to a member of the board on [email protected].

We’re thrilled to share our expert speaker line-up for the rest of the year — and it’s a fantastic one! From publishing insiders to bestselling authors, industry specialists to creative mentors, we’ve curated a series of sessions designed to inform, inspire, and support you on every stage of your writing journey.

All the details, including dates and registration links, are shared in our members-only monthly newsletter, so make sure you’re signed up and checking your inbox. (If you’re not receiving it, please check your spam folder — and if it’s still not showing up, just drop us a line at [email protected] and we’ll sort it out.)

Please note: not all events use our usual Zoom write-in link, so you’ll need to register in advance through the links provided in the newsletter.

We can’t wait to see you at these events — whether you’re tuning in live or catching up on the replay, there’s something here for everyone.

AI is transforming the way we work, create, and connect. But what does that mean for crime writing?
Whether you’re curious about AI’s impact on storytelling, business, or everyday life, this talk is for you!

Join Once Upon a Crime for our monthly chapter meeting, featuring crime writer and tech expert Stella Oni, as she explores the fascinating world of AI and its influence on creativity and crime fiction.

This event is open to all—writers, readers, and the simply curious! Come along, delve into the world of AI, and discover our vibrant crime writing community.

📅 27th March, 2025 7 p.m.
📍 Online! Open to writers, readers & the curious!
🔗 Sign up here: https://bit.ly/4izcc6Y

Join us for an insightful session with Emma Grundy Haigh, Commissioning Editor at Avon Books, as she explores the different routes to getting published.

Avon Books, a commercial fiction division of HarperCollins, specializes in crime, thrillers, suspense, feel-good fiction, and historical fiction.

With a wealth of industry experience, Emma has edited award-winning crime fiction, champions underrepresented voices, and was shortlisted for Editor of the Year at the British Book Awards.

Drawing from her extensive work with a diverse range of authors, Emma will share valuable insights into the publishing process and what it takes to break into the industry.

Date: Wednesday, 26 February
Time: 7 PM (UK Time)

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert advice on your publishing journey!

Sign up link – http://bit.ly/43f9TBn

On 30th October we will be joined Mark Leslie Lefebvre, Director of Business Development at Draft2Digital who will be talking with us about the benefits of publishing with Draft2Digital.

Even if you’re traditionally published there is bound to be lots to learn about the process from the world leader in the publishing sphere.

*Note the presentation will begin at 7:15pm and concludes at 8pm*

*Only members of Once Upon A Crime will have access to the recording.*

Time: Oct 30, 2024 07:00 PM

Registration: https://sistersincrime-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIlfuGsrzooEtQ_xoLun6BCtDE-6WKGNPpe

Date: 26th June 2024 at 7pm

We’re delighted to welcome Claire Wilson, a fellow crime author and intelligence analyst in the prison service. Claire is going to share her story with us, what led her to start writing, and how her job as a prison analyst inspires her narratives. 

This event is open to the public. Please register using the link below: https://sistersincrime-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwlc-6sqT8pHN041o_GsNaDsqdPGIuoD67i 

We are now a bona fide chapter of the wonderful Sisters in Crime network and the first in the United Kingdom and Europe. Our President is Melissa Williams-Pope, our Vice President Jennifer Young, our Secretary Stella Oni and our Treasurer, Biba Fielding.

We came into being in July 2021, and our mission is to promote, support and recognise the professional development of women crime writers in the United Kingdom and Europe. To join our chapter, sign up here or get in touch.

We’re excited to kickstart the year with some wonderful guest speakers, lots of exciting fundraising and networking opportunities, and practical advice to help our members develop and succeed as writers and publishing professionals.

We are open to writers of all genders, as well as readers, publishers, bloggers, booksellers and anyone interested in the genre. We hope you’ll join us for this exciting journey.