J.C. Kors is the pen name of Jane Korosi, a retired federal correctional officer and professional member of Crime Writers of Canada. With more than thirty years behind the walls of some of Canada’s most notorious prisons, Jane knows firsthand that prison changes everyone—especially those who hold the keys having witnessed first hand the challenges, sacrifices and quiet resilience of those who serve on the front lines.
Jane began writing after her retirement not to tell war stories but to try to make sense of the chaos. Drawing on her experiences she brings authenticity and depth to her writing. Her debut novel Bracing For Impact offers readers a glimpse into a rarely seen and seldom understood world, where every interaction is a power struggle and any sign of weakness can be fatal. Through it she explores issues of resilience, gender equity, and the human impact of institutional life on both sides of the bars.
Jane lives in Muskoka where she enjoys the rugged landscapes, quiet waters and ever changing scenery. When not writing she enjoys reading hiking, kayaking and good conversation. She is active in the local writing community as a member of The Muskoka Authors Association in addition to the Baysville and Bracebridge Writers Circles.
Jane’s contributions to public service and community have been recognized with the 2017 Governor of Canada Exemplary Service Medal and the 2025 Gravenhurst Spirit Award.
Kevin West presents Correctional Services 101. It offers a detailed perspective on life inside a prison, as well as on our community supervision (probation & parole services).
Bio
Kevin West served for thirty-nine years in Ontario's Correctional Services. He started at the front line as a correctional officer, then a probation and parole officer, before being promoted up through the management ranks. He ultimately attained his final position as Ontario's Director/Chief of Correctional Services Oversight & Investigations. Kevin’s lengthy experience in Corrections, combined with his extensive international experience in martial arts, features vividly in the action and settings of Slam, lending the novel a precise reality that can only be created by one who’s lived it. He lives with his wife of forty-five years in Niagara, Ontario.
This presentation discusses some plants and animals that can cause death or harm to characters, where they can be found, and how a writer can use them in their novel. It includes how long it takes for symptoms to appear, which symptoms require treatment, and some interesting facts about these plants or animals.
Bio
Lee-Anne Hancock worked as an Emergency Nurse (RN) and then spent 26 years as a Certified Specialist in Poison Information before retiring. She brings her expertise to writers in this presentation. Her first book, 25 Ways to Commit Murder Accurately Volume 1: Plants', is her first published book in a 4-part nonfiction series for writers. Her second book in the series is 20 Ways to Commit Murder Accurately Volume 2: Animals. Hopefully, published by Christmas. She will follow with death by Pharmaceuticals, and finally with Street Drugs.
She lives with her husband and Australian Shepherd in Surrey, B.C.
John L. Hill will give a short presentation and then answer your questions about prison, covering the time from arrest to trial, sentencing, incarceration, parole, and rejoining the community. He will discuss the many differences in real life from what is often portrayed in television or movie dramas.
John L. Hill is a retired Canadian lawyer known for his work in criminal and prison law, focusing on representing penitentiary inmates and individuals involved in some of Canada's most complex cases. Throughout his career, Hill has handled high-profile cases, including those involving solitary confinement and wrongful convictions. He has written three books Pine Box Parole: Terry Fitzsimmons and the Quest to End Solitary Confinement, The Rest of the [True Crime] Story, and Acts of Darkness: Notorious Criminals, Their Defenders, Prosecutors & Jailers.
The Rest of the [True Crime] Story (AOS Publishing, 2024) was nominated in 2025 for the Award of Excellence in The Brass Knuckles Award for Best Nonfiction Crime Book, sponsored by David Reid Simpson Law Firm (Hamilton). You can listen to his interview on the CWC podcast here.
Hill is the CWC's Central/East/Ottawa Regional Representative and volunteers as a mentor for lawyers wanting to practice prison law.
How can you write about crime when blood makes you faint in real life? Join emergency physician Dr. Melissa Yuan-Innes, who doubles as the award-winning author Melissa Yi, and get the medicine right in your murder.
New for 2025: a beginner’s introduction to forensic pathology, the intersection of law and medicine!
About the presenter:
Melissa Yi could slice your throat and sew it back up again. Legally. Because she’s an emergency doctor.
In her spare minutes, Melissa writes fiction! She writes in several genres: crime, speculative fiction, fantasy, romance, and YA. Several of her mystery stories have been finalists for the CWC Award of Excellence, and she’s won the Writers of the Future Award and a Derringer for Best Short Story.
Working with subject experts from Laurentian University, Forensic Field Techniques for Human Remains was produced as an educational documentary for students of forensic science and as a reference for law enforcement officers. The three investigation specialties of Anthropology, Botany, and Entomology (or Bones, Plants, and Bugs) are discussed as to their roles. Additionally, topics such as; techniques for searching, body decomposition timeline, and the effects of exposure to fire and water are covered.
Presenter:
Christopher Courtin was educated as a scientist but has worked primarily in visual storytelling as a cameraman, editor, and director. A keen observer of detail, with an ear for humour and an eye for the eccentric, Christopher weaves his interest in solving puzzles into the craft of writing and storytelling.
He lives in Victoria BC, with his wife and two children.
Police Procedurals are made and broken on the details. They must accurately depict the real experience of law enforcement. CWC members don't waste their chance to query a retired Police Detective.
Presenter
Desmond Ryan served as a detective with the Toronto Police Service for almost 30 years. He now writes fiction and is ready to answer all of your questions.
In this webinar, we will deal with how fire can be used in a crime, from using it as a way to cover up a crime or as an act of arson to destroy property and endanger lives. Mystery and crime writers will benefit from an honest talk about fire behaviour from a 31 yr veteran. Dave will delve into the fascinating and complex world of fire behavior and arson, providing crime writers with the technical knowledge and creative inspiration to craft authentic and compelling stories. From the science of combustion to the psychology of arsonists, participants will explore the key elements of fire dynamics, investigative techniques, and storytelling strategies to bring their crime plots to life.
Presenter
Dave Wickenden has spent time in the Canadian Armed Forces before the Fire Service, so is as comfortable with a rocket launcher as a fire hose. Dave Wickenden has spent time in the Canadian Armed Forces before the Fire Service, so he is as comfortable with a rocket launcher as a fire hose. After 31 years, Dave traded business plans and council reports as Deputy Fire Chief for creative writing. He’s the author of seven thriller novels, including his most recent, The Origami Deception.
Are you thinking about pitching an agent or a publisher? Or maybe you have and would like a refresher? In this 1-hour session, Angela will give you an overview of the types of pitching and how to put one together to make the most of the 3-5 minutes you usually get to pitch yourself and your manuscript. Bring something to take notes with, and your questions!
Presenter
Angela Douglas is a Canadian author who lives in the Okanagan with her husband and kids. Her debut novel and psychological thriller, EVERY FALL, was published by Rising Action Publishing in January 2025, and her sophomore novel, THE BONE TRAIL will follow in June 2026. She is a member of International Thriller Writers, Crime Writers of Canada, the Federation of BC Writers and Sisters in Crime - Canada West. When she isn’t working or hanging out with her family, she hides in her studio, writing her next book. You can find her @angeladouglasbooks on social media or angeladouglasbooks.com.
The goal of this talk is to persuade you to fore-front the connection between public issues and personal troubles in your own crime novels. In the webinar, we will consider why you should do that and How you can do that without slowing down the story. We will also talk briefly about how Lorne did that his recent novel, DEADLY DONATION.
Presenter
Lorne Tepperman, a retired Professor of Sociology at the University of Toronto, ventures into the realm of fiction with his debut crime novel. As an academic, Tepperman authored, co-authored, edited, and co-edited 88 academic books, delving into topics ranging from social inequality to families to gambling addiction, deviance, and crime.
DEADLY DONATION, Tepperman’s first novel, draws inspiration from his extensive research on families, crime, and gambling addiction. The Rachel Tile Mystery Series promises to captivate readers with its exploration of these themes within the framework of mystery and suspense.
Lorne is a CWC director for Ontario Southwest/North/Greater Toronto Region.