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...]

Book Review: Promophobia

5 stars Genre: Non-fiction Promophobia An extensive collection of informative essays from Sisters in Crime members that really dive into book promotion, particularly for mystery writers. Filled with many tips and individual case studies, showcasing success…and failure. An invaluable guide for authors who want insight into marketing their work. Find more of my book ratings and reviews here. … [Read more...]

Happy 35th, SinC!

Sisters in Crime officially started in 1987, so it’s been around for 35 years! We even had a members-only online celebration this past Saturday organized by the fabulous President Stephanie Gayle and amazing Executive Director Julie Hennrikus. It was filled with great panels, inspiring videos, and a fun social hour. Even from the beginning, the organization strove to be inclusive and not exclusive; it welcomed not only crime writers, but all crime fiction fans. The mission statement in … [Read more...]

While At Bouchercon

I’ll be honest. Bouchercon has intimidated me for years. A mystery fan convention that regularly boasts over 1000 attendees? That’s scary for an introvert like me. This year, though, I wanted to go in person, to mingle with authors and fans, and also to celebrate Sisters in Crime’s (SinC) 35th anniversary. (I’m currently VP on the national board and nominated to become President starting October 1, when the new term rolls around.) Here are highlights from my trip: SinC Executive … [Read more...]

Boba Tea and Mystery

I recently enjoyed an author event with the perfect title: Afternoon (Boba) Tea & Mystery. The rhyming factor is great, and what’s better than some refreshing bubble tea in the afternoon? Special thanks goes out to the Northern California chapters of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America for co-sponsoring the event. This was an offsite activity that coincided with the Bay Area Book Festival. Here is a signed copy I got of Kelly Yang’s Yes We Will: I had a fun time … [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...]

November 1 and NaNoWriMo

November 1. It’s that time of the year again when I chicken turkey out. Why’s that? Because November is NaNoWriMo. Have you heard of it? NaNoWriMo is short for National Novel Writing Month. NaNoWriMo is a nonprofit that promotes creative writing, but its well-known program is a month-long event which inspires people to write a 50,000-word manuscript in November. Originally, this challenge started among friends in 1999 but has since expanded to hundreds of thousands of participants all … [Read more...]

Wednesday Roundup

It's time for some author and bookish news roundups. EXCITING NEWS: I'm serving on the national board of Sisters in Crime as Vice President. Please check out and join this international community for all who write and love crime fiction!  Starred review for Midnight Hour, a crime fiction anthology I’m involved in FUN EVENTS: Tattered Cover Book Store virtual event; Tuesday, October 26, 2021  5pm MT/4pm PT; Virtual conversation with Kate Lansing … [Read more...]

Lift AAPI Voices

Excited to announce that the #LiftAAPIVoices campaign launches today!  This is a wonderful giveaway, which  begins 9:00am PST Friday, May 21 and ends Sunday, May 23rd at 11:59pm PST. SUMMARY: About 20 other Asian Diaspora women crime writers and I are coming together to raise awareness for AAPI and the Asian Diaspora through our #LiftAAPIVoices social media campaign in honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.    GIVEAWAY: Join our campaign and be automatically … [Read more...]

Virtual Bouchercon

There is such a thing as conference fatigue. I had a fabulous time this past weekend with 900 or so other friends checking out Bouchercon 2020. Though I didn't get to travel to the state capital and frolic in Sacramento, I still got to attend the event virtually. The highlights of the event were: Pre-taped videos: High-quality video interviews with amazing people like Walter Mosley, Anne Perry, Catriona McPherson, and the past presidents of Sisters in CrimeLive presentations: Unique … [Read more...]