The changing face of crime fiction

The Willamette Writers Coast Chapter will present an afternoon of learning and inspiration with local author Dr. Ruth Ballard at Newport Public Library this Saturday, Jan. 17.

Dr. Ballard will speak from 2 to 3 pm on the role of forensic DNA in modern crime investigation and how advances in science can inspire compelling fiction. A human molecular geneticist specializing in forensic serology and DNA, Ballard is a former professor at California State University, Sacramento and has served as a DNA expert in high-profile criminal cases, including the University of Idaho student murders. Her presentation, “The Devil’s in the DNA: Inside Info for Crime Writers and True Crime Aficionados” explores how understanding evidence can strengthen both crime writing and science-based storytelling.

A question-and-answer session and book signing will follow the presentation.

The Willamette Writers Coast Chapter hosts a mix of in-person and virtual events from September through June. Willamette Writers, the parent organization, is the largest writers association in Oregon and one of the largest in the nation.

Saturday’s program begins at 2 pm at Newport Public Library, located at 35 NW Nye Street. For more information, go to willamettewriters.org.