American novelist
Jessie Chandler |
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| Born | (1968-08-16) August 16, 1968 (age 55)
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| Nationality | American (Scottish, Danish) |
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| Education | St. Cloud State University |
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| Known for | Fiction, crime fiction |
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| Spouse |
Betty Chandler ( m. 2010) |
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| Awards | 2012 Ann Bannon Popular Choice Award for Bingo Barge Murder[1] |
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Jessie Chandler (born August 16, 1968) is an American author of mystery and humorous caper fiction, most of which is about lesbian protagonists. Her work includes the Shay O'Hanlon Caper Series, many short stories, and other novels. Chandler has presented talks about the craft of writing, serves as a mentor to many up-and-coming writers, and is a contributing member of The Golden Crown Literary Society, Sisters in Crime, and serves on the board of Mystery Writers of America.
Personal life
Chandler was born in Grantsburg, Wisconsin, and raised primarily by a single mother, her father having died before she was born. She spent part of her early life with her grandparents in Siren, Wisconsin, then lived with her mother, a school teacher, in the Minneapolis – Saint Paul metro area until taking off to attend St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota, where she received a bachelor's degree in journalism. She met her long-time partner, Betty Chandler, over two decades ago, and they were finally able to marry in Iowa in 2010.[2]
A former police officer, Chandler has worked in management at both Borders Books and True Colors Bookstore in Minneapolis, previously known as Amazon Bookstore Cooperative. Currently she spends her days writing and running a small, home-based business.
Writing career
Chandler is a member of the new breed of lesbian authors writing Mystery fiction who are not constrained by topic, content, or mainstream opinion. Her caper crime fiction falls into the same subgenre as the work of noted lesbian authors such as Elizabeth Sims, Ann McMan, and Joan Opyr. As her writing career has gathered steam, Chandler has become a mentor and coach to many new and aspiring writers, especially through her work at The Golden Crown Literary Society where she has judged the literary awards, served on conference panels, and provided T-shirts for the yearly conference. She is also a member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America, for which she critiques unpublished authors eager for assistance. For 2021-22, she serves on the Board of Mystery Writers of America[3]
A Mystery Lovers Bookstore review[4] called the first novel a "winner" and "a delightful romp." Lavender (magazine) said: "Coffee, romance, murder, and dog all make for Minnesota nice-nice."[5] In a pre-pub review, Library Journal listed the new book as "Truly Wacky," and Ellen Hart said: "Bingo Barge Murder is a solid first entry in the Shay O'Hanlon mystery series. Chandler writes with a wonderful sense of place, plenty of humor, and a crisp pace. The best part for me were the characters, which were so richly drawn that they felt like instant friends. This is a great read from the very first page!"
