Being an author is the best job I’ve ever had. Not just because I love to tell a story, but because it makes me a part of the writing community. I’ve never worked with a group of people so supportive and eager to celebrate the accomplishments of their fellows. For the last month I’ve been surrounded by the writing community and involved in a ton of bookish activity.
In October one of my favorite bookstores,
The Poisoned Pen, hosted my friend and fellow author, Minerva Spencer to chat about historical romance and mystery with author, Sherry Thomas. The two played off each other beautifully and the result was a lively and fun discussion. The event gave me a chance to get to know Sherry a little better and I learned she’d been nominated for a Barry Award to be presented at Bouchercon later in the month. Since I was up for a Macavity Award (Sue Feder Historical Mystery Award) we agreed to sit together and cheer each other on.
Neither of us won, but I couldn’t be more thrilled to have been nominated with such a fabulous group of authors. Bouchercon itself, is one big celebration of writing. With over 700 authors attending, you’re sure to meet anyone you ever wanted to meet—but not for long! It’s very fast-paced. I was part of a panel who celebr
ated the work of Agatha Christie, from cozy to hard-boiled crime stories. I thought I knew quite a bit about Christie, but I learned a lot from my fellow panelists. I also managed to meet up with two of my agent’s other clients. Meredith Schorr, who has published several rom-com novels and Drew Murray, whose first thriller will release in 2020. It was a whirlwind weekend, but so much fun. And I came home with lots of books!
One week later and I was back at the Poisoned Pen. This time as part of a panel of historical mystery writers, talking about our craft. (See pic.)
Of course, I was writing during this time too, but not as much as I should. Writing is such a solitary occupation it’s refreshing to get out of my routine and spend time with other writers and readers. Now that I’m back at it, I have much more enthusiasm for this story, and a few twists to add. How about you? Do you find changing your routine shakes things up and gives you a new perspective?