Three Things I Wish I’d Known Before I Wrote a Book

March 12, 2020March 28, 2020 / Sarah M. Chen / Leave a comment

Today my post is up over at The Thrill Begins as part of our Spring series: Three Things I Wish I’d Known Before I Wrote a Book. Mine is less practical advice and more about your mindset when writing.

I know there’s a lot of craziness and panic going on around all of us right now with COVID-19. It’s a very scary time and we all are unsure what’s going to happen next.

I’ve canceled Left Coast Crime which I was greatly looking forward to. It’s so unfortunate that many writers had to do the same. I know it takes a lot of work to put on a conference. Many book / literary festivals and conferences are canceling as well.

Meanwhile, it’s easy to get caught up in the frenzy and watch the news 24/7. But it’s important to remember to check out now and then. Turn off the TV and don’t look at social media. Regroup, refresh, and revive.

Which is how I came up with my column today over at The Thrill Begins.

Three Things I Wish I’d Known Before I Wrote a Book: Writer Intentions

The Thrill Begins Interview with Dea Poirier

June 5, 2019 / Sarah M. Chen / Leave a comment

I’m a little late posting about this but I interviewed debut thriller author, Dea Poirier, about her new book, Next Girl To Die. Normally I don’t read serial killer thrillers but this was a good one. Lots of hot and heavy romance too! To learn more about Dea and her book, go to The Thrill Begins.

The Advocates: Maddie Margarita

March 7, 2019 / Sarah M. Chen / Leave a comment

Today’s my first post as an official member of Murderers’ Row over at The Thrill Begins. And I can’t think of a better way to kick it off than paying tribute to someone who has done so much for the crime fiction community. The Advocates series is a wonderful feature where each of us write about someone who has supported or championed writers whether it’s bookstore owners, bloggers, or organizations.

For my piece, I chose Maddie Margarita, the hard-working host and producer of Lit Up! OC. Find out why: The Advocates: Maddie Margarita

Pay It Forward

June 28, 2018 / Sarah M. Chen / 2 Comments

The Thrill Begins has a series called “Pay It Forward” in which each contributor recognizes an author or a book that inspired them. It could be someone living or dead, a short story writer or a novelist, an author friend or a literary idol from your childhood. I think it’s a wonderful series and look forward to each week’s spotlight.

So imagine my surprise when I wake up to find out that today, it’s ME! E.A. Aymar, the managing editor of The Thrill Begins and also my co-editor for The Night of the Flood, wrote a lovely, eloquent piece about me and I’m floored. He’s a sneaky little bastard. 🙂 Thank you, Ed.