tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post1673892192967756342..comments2024-03-29T02:43:11.575-04:00Comments on Jungle Red Writers: Our Queen For a Day--Barb GoffmanJungle Red Writershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646429819267618412noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-10939853353520600202009-12-09T11:53:27.229-05:002009-12-09T11:53:27.229-05:00Nice interview, Barb!
I did programming for the L...Nice interview, Barb!<br /><br />I did programming for the LCC 2003 con -- not alone, with two other people -- and it was huge work. But fun. I also thought working with the authors was great. We only had one diva, who happened to be a guy. (What do you call a male diva?)<br /><br />Tony, it would be huge fun if you came to Malice!Kris Nerihttp://www.krisneri.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-47790219496798376542009-12-03T00:29:23.012-05:002009-12-03T00:29:23.012-05:00Thanks for all the hard work. I just signed up fo...Thanks for all the hard work. I just signed up for Malice a few days ago. Looking forward to it!Kathleen Ernsthttp://www.sitesandstories.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-46029511072089970142009-12-02T22:18:44.228-05:002009-12-02T22:18:44.228-05:00Tony, you have to come! It's been a wonderful...Tony, you have to come! It's been a wonderful experience to work with you on The Gift of Murder, and I'd love the chance to meet you in person. Peg Herring, Liz Zelvin and Kris Neri are already scheduled to attend. With a little prodding, I'm hoping more of the anthology authors will think spring in D.C. And let's work on John Floyd, too.<br /><br />I'd like to take a moment now to give a shout out to everyone who served as a moderator last year. These folks worked hard to bring my ideas to life. They read the authors' books and they came up with questions. No conference, Malice included, could be a success without the hard work of the moderators, so thank you. Thank you for last year, and thank you, in advance, for 2010. It's gonna rock!Barb Goffmanhttp://www.barbgoffman.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-3175924181171704392009-12-02T21:59:50.926-05:002009-12-02T21:59:50.926-05:00Thank you, Sandy. You're very sweet. I'm e...Thank you, Sandy. You're very sweet. I'm excited about your next book. And thanks for sharing that Erin Hart will be returning to Malice this spring. It looks like we'll have a bunch of authors this upcoming spring who didn't attend last year, as well as a slew of our beloved regulars. We update the Malice website semi-regularly so readers can check back often to see if their favorite authors (and their friends) have registered yet. (And if they haven't, please bug 'em!)<br /><br />And Becky, thank you for always being a good sounding board and for giving me helpful feedback. It is much, much appreciated.Barb Goffmanhttp://www.barbgoffman.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-66734326755841787132009-12-02T21:18:45.908-05:002009-12-02T21:18:45.908-05:00Barb,
You know, I haven't been to Malice Dome...Barb,<br /><br />You know, I haven't been to Malice Domestic... YET. The upcoming con in 2010 may just have to be my initiation into the joys of that con!<br /><br />Tony Burton<br />The Digital Bookshop<br />http://www.digital-bookshop.com/Rev. Dr. Anthony Burtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08905342549959720026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-7645409091069385042009-12-02T20:32:57.783-05:002009-12-02T20:32:57.783-05:00I bow to thee, oh Queen Barb, for your skill in be...I bow to thee, oh Queen Barb, for your skill in being program chair at Malice. You did a fantastic job last year, and I can't wait to see what happens this year. <br /><br />And anyone who hasn't read one of Barb's short stories is missing out on a fun tale. Her stories draw you in from the very beginning and keep you there until the twisted end. Keep 'em coming, Ms Queen!becky hutchisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14207058540046363006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-88770792859751687622009-12-02T20:16:51.968-05:002009-12-02T20:16:51.968-05:00Barb, you *are* amazing, and you hit a home run wi...Barb, you *are* amazing, and you hit a home run with your first Malice as program organizer. <br /><br />I'm looking forward to next spring's conference because (1) I'll have a new book out at long last; (2) I'll finally get to meet one of my favorite writers, Erin Hart, who will also have a new book out and has told me she'll be there; and (3) I know the panels will be great and the whole program will run smoothly because Amazing Barb will have her hand firmly on the controls.Sandra Parshallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17403144248962124138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-11840280709924031732009-12-02T18:19:49.147-05:002009-12-02T18:19:49.147-05:00Hi, Rhys. One of the reasons I was determined to d...Hi, Rhys. One of the reasons I was determined to do that panel in which authors appeared as their own character was so I could get Parnell to wear the dress. And he readily obliged. Such a great guy to work with.<br /><br />I loved how one of the audience members asked Lady Georgiana about her ... um ... burden, and you looked rightly shocked for a fine lady from the Golden Age. It's the little moments like that, the ones that stay with you, that make in-person conferences so great. I hear sometimes that people think they don't need conferences, because they can keep up with friends/authors online, but the in-person experience offers so much more.Barb Goffmanhttp://www.barbgoffman.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-2412008753350397442009-12-02T18:00:34.514-05:002009-12-02T18:00:34.514-05:00Barb, I loved appearing in character last year as ...Barb, I loved appearing in character last year as Lady Georgiana. I especially enjoyed walking through the hotel with Parnell beside me as the puzzle lady and seeing the incredulous glances of those who were not connected with Malice!Rhys Bowenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06663634889908752121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-45265905364721042262009-12-02T17:47:48.978-05:002009-12-02T17:47:48.978-05:00Thanks, Joni. Everyone, Joni Langevoort wears a fe...Thanks, Joni. Everyone, Joni Langevoort wears a few Malice hats. One of them is advertising. If you're an author who wants to promote your book through an ad in the Malice program book (which hundreds of people read), contact Joni. Her email address is on the Malice website. And if for whatever reason you can't make it to Malice this year, you still can advertise. Though please do try to come, all authors and fans. The more is definitely the merrier.Barb Goffmanhttp://www.barbgoffman.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-83585856107502255352009-12-02T16:13:24.513-05:002009-12-02T16:13:24.513-05:00I want to put in another plug for The Gift of Murd...I want to put in another plug for The Gift of Murder — it's got some great stories in it! Add that to the fact that it's for a great cause, and what's not to like?<br /><br />Oh, okay, I'll make another plug for Malice, too — a good time will be had by all (thanks in no small part to the excellent program chair), so go ahead and register early and often!Joni langevoortnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-24059753348057682242009-12-02T15:17:24.080-05:002009-12-02T15:17:24.080-05:00Hi, JB. I started working on programming in earnes...Hi, JB. I started working on programming in earnest last weekend. I had been jotting down program ideas all year long on little scraps of paper all over my house. I gathered them up and put them on one list. Turns out I have about 30 ideas for new panels! Which ones will work, of course, depends on who registers. <br /><br />And Barbara, I would never kill you off in a story because then your mom might kill me! (Or would she laugh?) Hmm.Barb Goffmanhttp://www.barbgoffman.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-52134318711237738402009-12-02T15:03:42.621-05:002009-12-02T15:03:42.621-05:00I can't wait for Malice. It's always one o...I can't wait for Malice. It's always one of the highlights of the year!jbstanleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05839153589205692508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-40093028776741822212009-12-02T14:54:29.283-05:002009-12-02T14:54:29.283-05:00Hannah, I'm so glad you're coming back to ...Hannah, I'm so glad you're coming back to Malice this year. Maybe you can be on one of the authors-in-character panels that Terri and others enjoyed last year. How are your acting/improv skills? (I'm always on the hunt for fresh meat!) <br /><br />Last year, we had a Sleuthoff Panel, where Hank Phillippi Ryan played Nancy Drew and Miss Marple. Judy Clemens was Emily Pollifax and Amelia Peabody. Jeff Cohen was Sherlock Holmes and Phillip Marlow. And Vinny O'Neil played Hercule Poirot and Nero Wolfe. Chris Grabenstein made the magic happen as moderator. The sleuths faced off in different rounds (like the basketball sweet 16), with the audience voting each time. Ultimately the audience voted Sherlock Holmes the best sleuth of all. It was so much fun. Between the costumes and the accents and the jokes, it was a great panel. It would be hard to replicate, but I'm game if we have authors who are game, too. So calling all authors, if you're interested in playing SleuthOff this year, please let me know.Barb Goffmanhttp://www.barbgoffman.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-75829270308075224802009-12-02T14:40:25.515-05:002009-12-02T14:40:25.515-05:00Hi Barb. I don't really have much to say (I&#...Hi Barb. I don't really have much to say (I'm grading papers so my mind is a bit numb), but I wanted to check in -- mainly to avoid getting killed off in your next story. I can't wait to get the new book. According to Amazon it's on its way.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13641903624992454040noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-17768351283550768892009-12-02T14:29:57.024-05:002009-12-02T14:29:57.024-05:00Barb did a fantastic job last year. I LOVED Hank ...Barb did a fantastic job last year. I LOVED Hank as Nancy Drew and I also loved the one where authors played their characters!!!Terri Parsonsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-74084502726542522402009-12-02T13:29:01.185-05:002009-12-02T13:29:01.185-05:00I am so impressed that you mastermind the programs...I am so impressed that you mastermind the programs - it takes a very special person to juggle all the different personalities. That's a real skill. <br />Thanks for the reminder to register too! I think having a fun event on Friday is a great idea. I'll be there!Hannah Dennisonhttp://www.hannahdennison.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-18018957605683415362009-12-02T13:22:43.992-05:002009-12-02T13:22:43.992-05:00Hi, G.M. So glad to have you back at Malice this y...Hi, G.M. So glad to have you back at Malice this year. Between Rhys Bowen as toastmaster, Parnell Hall as guest of honor and Mary Higgins Clark as our lifetime achievement award receipient, I'm certain it's going to be a fabulous conference!Barb Goffmanhttp://www.barbgoffman.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-7139730595488389492009-12-02T13:20:39.877-05:002009-12-02T13:20:39.877-05:00Hi, Logan. Thanks for commenting. I do love a good...Hi, Logan. Thanks for commenting. I do love a good twist in a short story. It's fun to surprise people!<br /><br />Hi, Roberta. Tips for plotting. Hmm. I find I often need specific inspiration for ideas to come. If I know who I want to die (example: ring thief), then I often will start having ideas about how I could kill just such a person, making sure the death is tied to being a ring thief. Or if a publisher puts out a call for stories with a certain theme (such as the upcoming Chesapeake Crimes: They Had It Comin' - yes, the theme was They Had It Comin') my mind starts thinking how I could fit the bill. Basically, it helps to have people you hate (and really, who doesn't?). Then boil it down to: Who dies? Why? Who hates that person? Why? How can I add a twist at the end? I find that when I know these things, I can start writing. (It helps that chracters voices will just start showing up in my head.) <br /><br />Rosemary, in the past people have felt Friday was a throw-away day; that not much happens at Malice. That couldn't be further from the truth. I'm planning for activities to start around 10 a.m. Friday and run throughout the day. So if you're Malice-bound, you might want to consider arriving Thursday night or get an early start Friday.Barb Goffmanhttp://www.barbgoffman.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-17896648706877590732009-12-02T13:06:28.651-05:002009-12-02T13:06:28.651-05:00I can't imagine what is involved in organizing...I can't imagine what is involved in organizing those panels. It's actually a little scary to contemplate, so I'll stop thinking about it now.<br /><br />I signed up for Malice about a week ago. Wouldn't miss it.G.M. Malliethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13805971625496094303noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-79705622313703870202009-12-02T11:34:33.952-05:002009-12-02T11:34:33.952-05:00Hi Barb,
Welcome...I've already registered for...Hi Barb,<br />Welcome...I've already registered for Malice. It was the first mystery con I ever attended and still one of the friendliest (I'll spare you my oft-repeated Pari Noskin Taichert story..) Cliffs Notes version...she was a doll and very helpful to the newbie.<br /><br />I love the idea of juicing up Friday night. There are so many people to talk to, it always goes so fast!Rosemary Harrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08033747422699443024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-37729020397124331612009-12-02T11:12:35.409-05:002009-12-02T11:12:35.409-05:00Hi Barb, welcome to Jungle Red! We're pleased ...Hi Barb, welcome to Jungle Red! We're pleased to share our crown with you today--it's got the same jewels in it as the ring you lost. (Uh-oh, that sounds bad...I can hear her mind churning now...Murder At JRW...)<br /><br />I've worked on the program committee for the New England Crimebake so I can imagine what a big job Malice is. Hopefully, writers remember that you're doing all this as a volunteer, for the love of mysteries.<br /><br />It's interesting to hear you say you can draft a short story in a couple of hours. Plotting a short story is hard for me--seems like you have to have the perfect tiny plot. Any tips on how you do it?Lucy Burdette aka Roberta Isleibhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04660402177299546055noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-58885796037370615882009-12-02T10:10:05.263-05:002009-12-02T10:10:05.263-05:00After each Malice, I always say, "This was th...After each Malice, I always say, "This was the best one yet."<br />But Malice 2009 really is my favorite so far. Looking forward to your twists in 2010 Barb.<br />You do “twists” really well (just read her short stories!)Logannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-51966870083743105092009-12-02T09:03:05.638-05:002009-12-02T09:03:05.638-05:00Good morning, Hank. Thank you all again for having...Good morning, Hank. Thank you all again for having me.<br /><br />Regarding panels, frankly, I had been warned by everyone who had ever done any conference scheduling that I'd likely have some prima donna authors. But my experience last year was completely different. All the authors were so easy to work with. No one complained about their panels or fellow panelists. Everyone was very professional. It was a dream. <br /><br />Anyone interested in attending Malice - fans and authors - are encouraged to register sooner than later. By registering before the end of the year, you get a discount and the ability to nominate books and stories published in 2009 for the Agatha Award. The conference will be April 30 - May 2 in Arlington, Virginia (just outside DC). Y'all can learn more at www.malicedomestic.org.<br /><br />I'd also like to say, regarding The Gift of Murder, that this is a wonderful anthology with 19 crime stories all set during the winter holiday season. Like a little murder with your eggnog? Then this book is for you. Plus the publisher is donating all the profits to Toys for Tots, so it's like two gifts in one - a book for you (or a friend or relative) and the chance to help a needy child at the same time. Fastest way to get the book is through the online bookshops, especially The Digital Bookshop, http://digital-bookshop.com. The DB sells hard copies, e-books and audio books. Amazon also has the book for Kindle.Barb Goffmanhttp://www.barbgoffman.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-1223617316440527042009-12-02T00:02:12.651-05:002009-12-02T00:02:12.651-05:00Hey, Queen!! Welcome to JRW! We do love having you...Hey, Queen!! Welcome to JRW! We do love having you here...and thanks for wanting to win a day with us!(You can stay as long as you like...)<br /><br />Whoa. I'm so in awe of organizing the Malice panels. It must be quite a job to keep everyone happy.Hank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.com