Dallas Mystery Writers


All writers welcome
Join when you're ready
Fun mix of beginner to professional
Murder for fun and profit!

Dallas Mystery Writers

A group of friendly writers enjoying a program at every meeting. Sometimes about writing, sometimes about criming (descriptions, not instructions).

LOCATION:
The Dallas Mystery Writers meets the first Saturday of each month (except January) at the Olive Garden, 4240 Belt Line (at Midway), Addison, TX, 75001. Meeting time is 10:15 AM—Noon, followed by lunch.

There is a $10 fee for non-members (cash only) for the program and drinks-only attendees when we meet in person (members get in automatically). No reservations necessary — there’s always room for another writer. Stay after the program and break bread(sticks) with your fellow writers.

Contact James with questions  

    Program for June 7, 2025

    What Sparks the Yearning to Become a Writer?

    The Mystery behind the Author's style
    The Pantser, Plotter, Plantser, and the path to discovery

    Deborah Reardon and Diane Feffer

    Deborah Reardon, an Amazon best-selling author, unites with Diane Feffer, the multifaceted Dallas marketing guru, for a chat about the synergy between the author and her marketing powerhouse.

    Deborah Reardon’s curiosity about life and passion for storytelling took root during her youth. She drew from the mystery of her surroundings and found inspiration from her daily discoveries. Like many novelists, Deborah’s winding path through a successful banking career and rousing travels, touched by remarkable friendships and family experiences, enriched her connection to the world around her and provided plenty of material for her stories to come.

    Deborah, an Amazon best-selling author, particularly fond of her spirited take on a grade school writing assignment that sparked a teacher/parent consult, began to develop her writing skills from her quaint 2-bedroom Tudor while in her 20s and wrote her first manuscripts in the mid-90’s. From then on, she passionately pursued her craft with every moment she could spare. Deborah’s journeys have included everything from childhood cross-country visits to her parent’s native New York, trips to nearly every state in the US, and an international class in Europe that traversed many countries across the continent.

    Colorful places and interesting people remain the cornerstones that shape all facets of her creative spirit to this day.

    Deborah credits her collaborations with the Wisconsin writing community as having a huge impact on her confidence as a writer. It was during her time living on the outskirts of Milwaukee, that she thrust herself into an influential confluence of critiques, writing conferences and focused workshops. Persistence and a beautiful landscape sparked the beginning of Blue Suede Shoes.

    Today, straddling life between Texas and her interests in the Valley of the Sun, Deborah is immersed in her handful of writing projects and entrepreneurial endeavors.

    On the flip side, you might find her enjoying her most precious hideaway in Angel Fire, New Mexico, sipping wine with those dear to her, or pining for a retreat in Maine.

    Diane Feffer

    “I have been working with new authors for a decade. My goal is to help move your newly published book into the hands of readers.” 

    Diane Feffer earned her BBA and MBA from UNT and credits her critical thinking skills to growing up in Alaska. Her corporate experience reinforced project management skills as she launched 64 movie theatres throughout Latin America in six years. She is also known for her documentary events. Diane is currently Director of TOMA (Theatre Owners of Mid-America), a trade association that encompasses seven states including Texas. And if that doesn’t get your juices going, as an avid runner Diane achieved the Cooper Fitness Center 2017 Female Athlete of the Year.

    Book Launches- Author Consultant - Small Business Marketing -Documentary Events

    Whether in front of an audience or behind the scenes, as with Deborah’s successful book launch, Diane has the tools to bring your works to life.

    Membership Details

    We are open to writers of all genres from mystery to romance to speculative fiction and all points in between. If you want to write, or write better, you are welcome to attend any of our regular workshops.

    Zoom Access, onsite prepayments, and support for the group’s continuing efforts (dues, kinda) are $50 per year.

    Members attend in-person meetings for free and get the Zoom link for meetings they prefer to attend remotely (although we’ll miss you).

    MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:
    •No door fee at meetings
    •Zoom link provided for every meeting.
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