To begin this post, I would like to publicly thank all of the firefighters who have risked their lives to battle the Los Angeles fires. Because of their sacrifices, my home and my family are safe. Who could ask for more? And it’s not just Los Angeles firefighters, either. Over 100 Mexican bomberos have joined the effort (¡Gracias!). So have hundreds of firefighters from Canada (Thank you! Merci!), South Africa (Thank you! Ngiyabonga!), and of course, all over the US (Thanks to all of you!). And I’m sure they won’t be the only ones. Truly, firefighters are heroes, and I don’t use that word lightly. So are the thousands of other first responders who are helping survivors of the fires.
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. Not when a disaster like this strikes within 2-300 km of where I live. 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!
ps. The photo is of the set for Alfred Hitchock’s Psycho. Talk about your LA-based crime…
*NOTE: The title of this post is a line from Sheryl Crow’s All I Want to Do.
Crime Writer Margot Kinberg 
What a wonderful initiative! I will give it some thought over the next few days and see if I can think something up.
In the meantime, I have forwarded this to many authors in my address book.
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Thank you so much, Kelly!! That means a lot to me.
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That is a great idea, Margot, and a generous use of your time. I hope that there are a lot of contributors.
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Thanks, Tracy. I appreciate the kind words. I hope there are a lot of contributors, too.
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I didn’t quite how close you were to the fires, Margot, so glad that you’re home and family are far enough away to be safe. Still that ‘it could be me’ feeling must have been a real thought! I agree those tackling the fires are amazing people and yes, no doubt, it will take time for recovery from such devastation. So, what a great initiative, I hope it succeeds beyond expectation. I will spread the word on SM and look forward to supporting this wonderful project when it launches. Thoughts are with all those around Los Angeles who have been affected.
Take care & keep safe
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Thanks so much for your support, Janet. It means a lot. You’re right that that ‘it could be me’ feeling is strong, especially since I’ve much closer to wildfires at other times (never evacuated, but still…). At any rate, I do appreciate your being willing to share about this project on your SM. I’m hoping we’ll get lots of contributors. And I’ll be grateful for your support when it comes out. Wishing healing for Los Angeles
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Count me
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Oh, that’s wonderful, Jan! Thank you!
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What a great idea, Margot! I hope you get loads of contributions and I look forward to reading it and reviewing it when the time comes!
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Thank you so much, FictionFan! 😊 I’m really glad you like the idea! I hope there are a lot of contributors, too, and we’ll do the best we can to give you a great reading experience.
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I’m so glad you’re safe, Margot! And I do like your idea. I wish I could help more but I’ll be looking out for your anthology. and reading and reviewing it.
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Thanks, Margaret. We are very fortunate that the fires are far enough away from us that we’re safe. And thanks for the kind words about the anthology. I hope you’ll like what you see/read when it comes out.
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Gosh Margot, I don’t think I realised you were LA based, so I’m so glad to hear you’re ok and that your home is safe. We have friends in the Palisades area and it’s been heartbreaking seeing what’s happening. Certainly the firefights have stepped up and we can only applaud their hard work and bravery. Let’s hope that things take a turn for the better soon. And your initiative is an inspiring one – hope the response is excellent!
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Thank you, KBR. I’m about 2-300 km from Los Angeles, so we’re far enough away to be safe. But we’re close enough that it certainly makes one think… I’m so sorry to hear your friends have been in the worst of it and I hope they’re OK. And yes, the firefighters are heroic. Thank you for the kind words about the anthology; I hope there’s a strong response!
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Glad you are appreciative of firefighters and help from neighbours. One news network I drop in on has yet to express appreciation as every article has a negative political slant. I am also glad the fires are not near you. I appreciate your initiative. I will purchase the anthology when available.
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I really do have so much respect for all of the firefighters who are working to take care of people. What they do is remarkable, Bill. I’ve noticed that some of the news outlets don’t acknowledge this, and I think that’s wrong. And thanks for your kind words and support about the anthology. I really felt I had to do something.
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