The Smoking Guns offers local support to crime writers in East Tennessee. We host speakers from diverse career fields of interest to mystery, crime, thriller, and suspense writers, as well as writing workshops, networking opportunities, and promotional events.
We are a chapter of the national organization, Sisters in Crime. For writers of all genders, we offer professional education, career development, mentoring, promotional opportunities, networking and lively forums within a supportive community of mystery lovers. Readers, publishers, agents, booksellers, and librarians are also welcome.
We are a chapter of the national organization, Sisters in Crime. For writers of all genders, we offer professional education, career development, mentoring, promotional opportunities, networking and lively forums within a supportive community of mystery lovers. Readers, publishers, agents, booksellers, and librarians are also welcome.
Join Our Newsletter
Join Our Facebook Groups
Full Calendar
Zoom Meeting Replays
Current Meeting Information
|
When: The fourth Saturday of every month as noted at Facebook or on Email.
Format: In-Person!! Please Attend in-person !! DECEMBER 6 and 7 2025: Book Sale, Christmas Expo, Field of Dreams, 1145 Treadway Dr, Dandridge, TN 37725 9AM-4PM Sat and Sun DECEMBER 13, 2025 CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON Pot Luck 12-2:30 Entrance Gate open 11:30-2:00 Where: The Westlands ClubhouseThe Westlands is located at 1115 Orleans Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919. From Kingston Pike in Bearden: Turn onto TN-332/ Northshore Drive SW. In 0.7 miles, at the stop light, turn right onto Westland Drive SW. In 0.3 miles, turn left onto Pineola Lane SW. In 344 feet, turn left onto Orleans Drive. Food/sweets, comradery, and maybe...a mystery game? Bring apps, entrees, or desserts to share. You can share what you're bringing on Groups.io :-) |
Jessica Barna
Prospective or National SinC members are welcome to attend public meetings before joining or can request a Zoom link at sincsmokingguns at gmail dot com.
|
2025-2027 Board of Directors
President
Noir Crime Author Ernest Lancaster retired from the Memphis Police Department as a Captain in 2006 after a fascinating career that spanned multiple facets of the crime-fighting underworld. From beat cop to expert marksman, he’s been around the block a few hard times. As a cop for thirty-three years, Lancaster researched his crime-fiction stories on a daily basis as no ordinary author could. He didn’t just observe the police life, he lived it. For twenty-six years, he served as a long-range marksman with the TACT squad, where he also assisted the Secret Service with Presidential-protection details. And retired as a Captain. Read the Memphis M.O. series and visit Ernie at his website.
|
Vice-President
Award-winning author Leanne Tyler writes sweet and somewhat sensual romances whether historical, contemporary, or romantic suspense. Her newest series the Chicago Protection Task Force is part of the Brotherhood Protection World. Leanne lives in East Tennessee with her son and frisky Yorkie. For more information about her books and to sign up for her newsletter, please visit Leanne's website
|
SecretaryCarol Collett
|
Treasurer
Linda Griffiths-Gish writes the Cordelia Smythe Murder Mystery Games for dinner parties and more. Visit Cordelia Smythe Mysteries.
|
Members at Large
|
|
|
|
Erika Engelhaupt is a freelance science writer and editor. Previously, she was the online science editor at National Geographic in Washington, D.C. As a freelance editor, she has brought her sharp editing eye to National Geographic News and other clients including Scientific American and Science News. Her writing has appeared in newspapers, magazines, and websites including National Geographic, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and NPR. She also loves storytelling, and has appeared on-stage and in podcasts such as The Story Collider. Read her non-fiction book Gory Details: Adventures from the Dark Side of Science and visit her website.
|
Kelley Griffin is a Romantic Suspense author, mom to five sons, wife to a marine and a teacher to tiny humans plus the occasional hostess, cheer coach, and youth group leader. She often spends writing time in her closet (and sometimes home office) with characters you’ll ponder on long after the last page. Check out her Kirin Lane suspense series and standalones and visit her at her website.
|
Elle Andrews Patt writes speculative fiction. Her work has been recognized by the National Indie Excellence Awards, The Silver Falchion Awards, the Royal Palm Literary Awards and Writers of the Future. Among other projects, she writes The Archivist mystery series. Visit Elle's website
|