I’m so excited to be part of this short story collection from Dan and Kate Malmon of Crimespree Magazine. It’s such a fantastic concept – 30 authors write a story with only one guideline: Dan Malmon must die. All proceeds go to the MS Society which makes being a part of this even better.
My short story “Masterpiece” features Camera Bob Stillman, a disgraced sports videographer who is forever chasing that elusive big break to work with ESPN when he’s really more suited for TMZ. Dan Malmon is his vengeful nemesis who’s responsible for both launching and ruining Camera Bob’s career.
The whirlwind that is Bouchercon is over. I have mixed feelings about it this year because the first half I spent sick from food poisoning in my hotel room and the second half I felt like I needed to catch up to where everyone else was. Then I went home early to be with my dog.
So was it worthwhile? Absolutely. I met people I only knew online. I love that feeling like you’re old friends yet you’ve never officially met face to face before. I saw folks I hadn’t seen since last year’s Bouchercon. I talked to a woman who said she was a big fan of my work. That alone was awesome. I never get tired of hearing that (not that I hear it that often). I sold some books and I signed books. That I will never get tired of either. And of course, I came home with some new books to read.
I didn’t win the Anthony but that’s OK by me. I was in great company and the memory of being an Anthony nominee will stay forever with me.
Best Novella nominees: (S.W. Lauden, John Shepphird, Angel Luis Colon, and me with moderator Baron Birtcher)
The countdown is beginning. In exactly one week, I’ll be in Toronto at BOUCHERCON – the biggest mystery conference in the world. I’m extremely excited and nervous. It will be a little different too since FINN is up for an Anthony Award for Best Novella. I’m already giddy and stressed at these conferences because of the panels I have to prepare for and/or moderate but now that’s like being multiplied by 100. Or 1,000.
Don’t get me wrong. I love going to these conferences. These are my people, my tribe. I get to see people I only know online or just see a couple times a year. I get to meet authors/bloggers/readers/publishers I’ve always wanted to meet. I just have to remember to take time out for myself to just chill and re-group so I don’t go into socialization overload shock.
I’ll be participating in the Author Speed Dating on Thursday from 8:00 – 10:00AM. That’s something I’ve done before and it’s always a fun time. I’ll pitch myself and FINN for 2 minutes to 160 people. It’s exhausting, especially having to be there at 7:30AM, but it’s always worth it to meet new readers and authors.
On Friday, I moderate the “Meet the Editors of your Best Anthology Nominees” at 10:00AM.
On Saturday, I’ll be on the “Meet your Novella Nominees” panel at 8:30AM.
Why is everything so damn early in the morning??
Anyway, I’m excited and it’ll be fantastic to explore a new city. I always come back re-energized, inspired, and seriously motivated to kick ass on my WIP. And yes, hoarse and a little disheveled, but we won’t think about that. 🙂
