J.G. Toews Breaking into Crime

WW: First of all, Nelson, the beautiful Nelson. How do people like having their town be the background for your books?

JGT: You know, the response from the community has been fantastic. At first I was nervous about calling Nelson, Nelson. I mean, it’s a small town. I get advice on procedural issues from the local police department. I’ve also shadowed the reporters at the Nelson Star, which made me probably the world’s oldest intern. But Nelson is such a special place. My editor, my first reader, and my husband all urged me to be up front about where my stories are set. And I have to say, it feels right.

WW: How did you learn to be a crime writer?

JGT: The forensic angle caught my interest, maybe because I have a background in science. My first stab at writing fiction was a bit of a departure, but when I borrowed a book called Forensics: A Guide for Writers by D.P. Lyle, I was hooked. He is a cardiologist who writes mysteries, and he started writing about forensics for writers because he was frustrated with some of the improbable scenarios that turn up in crime fiction. I was really happy to make a connection between what I studied and practised in my career and this new writing of mysteries.

My big break came when I was shortlisted for an Arthur Ellis Award for best unpublished manuscript. That got the attention of an agent and he connected me with Mosaic Press. I always encourage aspiring crime writers to enter the Crime Writers of Canada contest. And to seek professional advice for how to write a good synopsis and application. WW: Do you have any suggestions or recommendations for emerging writers trying to break into the genre?

JGT: Well, I guess to read read read, which is what everybody says. And nowadays it’s so easy to get to know writers you admire through author websites and social media. One of the Author Ellis jurors encouraged me to attend a big event called Bouchercon when it was in Toronto. It was a terrific opportunity to meet fans and other authors. She told me to take a friend—it can be overwhelming to find yourself surrounded by hundreds of people from all over the globe.

At Left Coast Crime, another big festival, which was held in Vancouver in 2019, there were back-to-back panels and loads of opportunities to run around plugging books, handing out bookmarks and such, lots of face-to-face chats with fans and authors. A.J. Devlin and I were shortlisted for Best Debut Mystery Novel, a huge honour in a predominantly American conference. At present COVID is putting the kibosh on events like that, but there is no lack of opportunities to connect online.

WW: Any other advice?

JGT: I belong to the Writers Union of Canada as well as to the FBCW and Crime Writers of Canada—an important network for crime writers of all stripes. During the pandemic, I’m finding Sisters in Crime to be an excellent resource. They do loads of webinars and have a really useful newsletter, and again, it’s another super way to connect with other writers. All this networking takes time but it’s fun too, and the connections can be invaluable.

WW: Thank you Judy. This is so useful for emerging writers in the genre. Congratulations for the recognition Give Out Creek received. I’m looking forward to Lucky Jack Road coming out this month.