The Second Time Around

I've wanted to go to Malice Domestic for a long time--THE convention for traditional mystery writers (and readers). But it also requires flying five hours to get there, along with a brutal time change. I did go last year to check it out. And I admit that I was intimidated. Things I didn't enjoy? -Getting turned around on the Metro-Trying to pack my schedule (and not resting or eating well)-Feeling lost when others around me seemed to know each other already-Being (briefly) mistaken for … [Read more...]

Media Mentions & Event Updates

A quick note to catch you all up on some amazing mentions and great events in the near future! On the media front: Death By Bubble Tea has been recommended on Shepherd.com: https://shepherd.com/book/death-by-bubble-teaThe Sassy Cat series is mentioned for its mystery vibe splashed with romance:https://crimereads.com/mysteries-for-romance-fans/https://bookriot.com/what-is-a-romcozy/ For events, I'm gearing up to head over to Malice Domestic in MD this week. It'll be a full schedule, … [Read more...]

Left Coast Crime Recap

Tucson is beautiful. Something is wacky with the weather because I travelled from downcast Los Angeles to sunny Tucson and still returned to a rainy SoCal. Really, though, the hotel setting for Left Coast Crime (LCC) was so surreal and pretty! Majestic mountains, fluffy floating clouds, and impressive cacti surrounded me! I even saw a cactus with a rose growing on it! Of course, I didn't go for the secluded location. I went to see people--and they didn't disappoint either! It's … [Read more...]

Lefty Award Nomination!

Have you heard of Left Coast Crime? If you’re a crime fiction fan and live West-ish (western US, Canada…), you might know of it. This exciting conference for fans brings together readers and authors for a wonderful time of connection. Every year, it changes locations. In 2023, it’ll be held in Tucson in March. I’m really excited about LCC since my book, Death By Bubble Tea, has been nominated for a Lefty Award in the Best Humorous Mystery category. Find me listed next to Ellen Byron, my … [Read more...]

Surrey International Writers’ Conference

Honestly, I thought I might be too conferenced out to enjoy SiWC. I'd already attended three writing conferences this year and was ready for a break. The organizers, though, were so lovely and inviting. Plus, Canada! The forecast was rain, so I didn't get to leave the hotel much. I did take a quick walk to the local park, marveling at the fall foliage along the way (see my Instagram account for more photos), and even discovered a black squirrel (check out my IG reel)! At the … [Read more...]

Canada, Here I Come

It's been years since I've traveled internationally (thank you, pandemic). Later this week, though, I'll be heading to Canada. To Surrey, BC--my first time there! I'm grateful for the chance to attend the Surrey Writers' International Conference. It'll be a lot of fun, and I'll need to turn on my conference mode. Since it's been so long, I had to make myself a checklist of items to think about: -Passport: Oops. I found out that my passport had actually expired, so I had to renew it. … [Read more...]

Off to Bouchercon

Just a friendly note saying I'll be traveling to Bouchercon (9/7-9/11). If you're going, find me there! … [Read more...]

Malice Domestic Experience

This past weekend, I attended the Malice Domestic convention in Bethesda, MD. It’s definitely my-cup-of-tea-conference since it focuses on traditional mysteries. First challenge: mastering the Metro. I had to attempt to read a map and do a transfer to get to the hotel. (Let me add here that the Metro employees are very helpful.) Success! It did take a while, but I made it to the conference. Admittedly, it felt overwhelming being with a large crowd of readers, authors, and publishing … [Read more...]

It’s Conference Time!

When is a conference not a conference? <drum roll> When it happens in March 2020. The last time I went to a writing conference was in 2020 for Left Coast Crime in San Diego. It was surreal experiencing the shutdown of the entire event. Notices were quickly taped to doors and windows. People scrambled for their phones to rearrange transportation and find lodging. I resigned myself to canceling my hotel reservation (hoping for a refund) and traveling the two hours back to Los … [Read more...]

To Swag or Not to Swag?

It’s conference season time! As an author, a lot my time is spent in solitary creation. There comes a few points every year where I actually get to go out and meet folks, including readers. This happens at book festivals, and to a smaller extent, at bookstores. Fan conventions, though, are a different beast entirely. These gatherings invite readers to mingle with their favorite authors. They’ve been on pause (or virtual) for the last few years, so I’m excited to see them up and running … [Read more...]