Local Mystery Writer Speaks at Antioch Branch

August 11, 2010

On Monday, July 26, the Antioch Branch Mystery Book Discussion Group hosted Ms Nancy Pickard, a local mystery author. 

Ms. Pickard is best known for the Jenny Cain and Marie Lightfoot mystery series.  Her novel, The Virgin of Small Plains, won the Agatha Award (2006).  Her latest book, The Scent of Rain and Lightning, was published in May.  Ms. Pickard has won the Anthony Award, two Macavity Awards, and two Agatha Awards for her novels.  She has been a national board member of the Mystery Writers of America, as well as a past president of Sisters in Crime. 

During the program, Ms. Pickard talked about how she writes her novels.  She informed the group that her ideas come from everywhere, usually from events that either "haunt" her or "nag" her.  These events then surface later in her novels.  Ms. Pickard's presentation was followed by a question and answer period. 

Participants greatly enjoyed this presentation.  Many had questions for Ms Pickard, and she graciously answered them all.  Several participants commented that they would have stayed longer, if time permitted.