If you’re looking for an agent or a publisher, you’ll need a synopsis. This sets out what your book is about, the main characters, and the plot line. It also introduces publishers and agents to your writing style, to your approach to the work, and to what readers can expect.
This workshop will explore:
• what should go in a synopsis and why
• why and how to break the rules with care (and flair)
Bio
donalee Moulton’s first mystery book Hung out to Die was published in 2023. A historical mystery, Conflagration!, won the 2024 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense (Historical Fiction). donalee has two books out in 2025, Bind and Melt, the first in a new series, the Lotus Detective Agency. Her first paranormal mystery, Cardinal, was published earlier this year.
donalee’s first mystery short story “Swan Song” was one of 21 selected for publication in Cold Canadian Crime. It was shortlisted for an Award of Excellence. Other short stories have been published in numerous anthologies and magazines. Her story “Troubled Water” was shortlisted for a Derringer Award and an Award of Excellence from the Crime Writers of Canada.
donalee is an award-winning freelance journalist. She has written articles for print and online publications across North America including The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine, Lawyer’s Daily, National Post, and Canadian Business.
As well, donalee is the author of The Thong Principle: Saying What You Mean and Meaning What You Say.
donalee won the inaugural Synopsis Skirmish contest conducted by Darling Axe.
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.