Calling All Crime Writers! by Margot Kinberg

The Los Angeles fires have devastated Los Angeles and other parts of Southern California. Right now, firefighters from many different places are on the scene, and other first responders are doing everything they can to stop the fires and help the survivors. Those people are heroes. 

But here’s the thing. Los Angeles and the other affected parts of Southern California will not be magically put to right once the fires are out. It will take years and lots of effort. With such a monumental task ahead of us all, I can’t sit by and do nothing. So, I’ve decided to do something about it. 

I will be editing a charity anthology of Los Angeles-based crime fiction stories, the proceeds to be donated to the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund. Along with meeting immediate needs, they also support rebuilding, mental health care, housing, and other assistance. 

And that’s where you can come in. If you’re a crime writer, I’d love for your story to be included in this anthology. You’ll be doing a lot of good by doing what you do best. If you’re interested in contributing a story, here are the guidelines: 

• This anthology is open to all writers, wherever you live. International contributions welcome! 

• Each story should take place in, or be about, or focus on, Los Angeles. It’s a big and diverse place, so lots of possibilities there! 

• I’m hoping for stories of between 1,500-8,000 words. That’s a guideline, not an absolute. 

• Whether you write light, cozy crime fiction, comic-caper, deep-black noir, or anything in between, your contribution is welcome. I’m hoping for a real variety of stories. Please, no stories in which children or animals are harmed, and please, no explicit gore or sex. 

• You will retain the individual rights for your stories. 

• Please send me your contributions by 15 April, 2025. I’m hoping for a release date in the fourth quarter of this year. If you want to be a part of this (and I hope you do!), please contact me (mmkinberg(at)gmail(dot)com)! I’m looking forward to working with you and doing our part to help! 

If you’d rather not participate, that’s fine, too. But I would really appreciate your spreading the word. Thank you! 

As for those of you who contribute to crime fiction by reading it, I’ll be really glad of your help when the time comes for the anthology to be published! 

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Margot Kinberg is a mystery novelist and Associate Professor. She writes the Joel Williams series, the Patricia Stanley series, and other fiction. She also blogs about crime fiction and serves on the judging panel for the Ngaio Marsh Awards for crime fiction.