Left Coast Crime: A Wrap Up by Jenn McKinlay

 Jenn McKinlay: Not gonna lie, in a post Covid world, I've had a hard time getting back into the flow. Conferences seem like breeding grounds for the plague (watching The Last of Us did not help) and the travel expenses and time away didn't seem worth it. But then Left Coast Crime decided to hold their conference in my home state of Arizona. Well, how could I not go to a conference I'd enjoyed for years when it was just two hours away? Obviously, I had to go.

On deadline, I arrived late (still didn't meet that pesky deadline but whatever). Hub came with me - his first conference as we're empty nesters now - and within hours I was back in conference mode. As we walked through the fabulous El Conquistador hotel and I saw readers and writers I hadn't seen in a couple of years, I would swerve into  people's conversations, invade their lunches, and jump over short walls to catch them as they walked by for fear I would miss them if I didn't. As Hub observed, "Conference you is rather terrifying." My defense, "I have very little time and a lot of people to hug."

One of those people is Dru Ann Love of Dru's Book Musing, a fabulous book blog, who happened to be the Fan Guest of Honor this year. I've known Dru since I don't even know when but she does more for writers than most publishers do and she is a treasure. Seriously, we must protect her at all cost! 

Well, when Dru gave her acceptance speech, she took me out at the knees. She talked about her very first Left Coast Crime in Phoenix in 2016 where she found herself sitting in the lobby, alone, wondering about her place in things. She then said (and I'm paraphrasing because I have the memory of a turnip), "And then who came shooting across the lobby and plopped down next to me? Jenn McKinlay. We talked for sixty minutes." She spotted me across the room in the banquet crowd and asked, "Do you remember what we talked about?" I didn't so I shook my head. And she said, "The Hooligans." 

LOL, well, of course we did! Dru Ann then went on to say that that interaction was what conferences and Left Coast Crime were all about -- finding your people, being accepted, and forging lifelong friendships. She was 100 percent correct...and she made me cry. 

Dru Ann accepting her award.

The Hub and me and our table mates, applauding Dru.
(Photos by Christina Estes) 

There were so many wonderful moments like this throughout the conference. Hub, who is a bigger reader than I am -- frankly, he is the most well read person I've ever known -- had read most of the authors in attendance and was delighted to meet Naomi Hirahara (he was stunned when I told him, "She's my friend") and Ed Lin who I was lucky enough to be on a panel with alongside Leslie Karst, Leslie Budewitz, and Emmeline Duncan. 

And of course, I got to see our Rhys, which was wonderful, as always.

Rhys and Jenn

I also attended Rhys's panel - How to Keep a Series Fresh - and her response to how to end it when the series was definitively over was, "Well, when Clare and I are tired of Molly, we're only a few years away from the Titanic." Which, of course, sent the packed crowd into peals of laughter. 

There were so many more memories made and special moments shared but I don't want to hold you hostage, so I'll close with the list of nominees and winners of this year's Lefty. 

My takeaway was this: livestreams and zooms and all of that are lovely but nothing beats being with your people in person to share the tears and the laughter and the hugs. 

Now how about you, Reds and Readers, what in person events have you been attending and how are you feeling about it? 

Welcome back Deadly Ink!

ROSEMARY HARRIS: This summer mystery lovers in the tri-state area welcome the return of the Deadly Ink Mystery Conference. And the guest of honor is none other than our own Hank Phillippi Ryan!

For the three people on the planet who don't know Hank - and just to remind the rest of us of her rather amazing c.v., Hank is the author of the Charlotte McNally mystery series—Prime Time, Face Time, Air Time and Drive Time. She's been nominated for or won just about every major award in the mystery community -  Anthony, Macavity, Agatha, Mary Higgins Clark - and she's just been nominated for a Shamus Award for her most recent novel, The Other Woman (which a little bird tells me is coming out in paperback next week).  

And - oh yeah - she has a full-time job and a wall full of Emmys! With any luck, she'll tell us about her brand new book, The Wrong  Girl. Which - ahem - is available for pre-order on Amazon right now http://www.amazon.com/Wrong-Girl-Hank-Phillippi-Ryan/dp/0765332582

The big fun for me is that I will be Toastmaster - so I'll get to make jokes and heckle while Hank does all the heavy lifting.

This year’s conference kicks off with a full day of Deadly Ink Writer’s Academy classes for aspiring writers, on Friday, Aug. 2. Hank will present Writing Your Mystery—All You Need to Know Before You Start. I will teach Characters and Setting, followed by Jane Cleland with Red Herrings. Classes wind up with The Top 10 Reasons Your Novel is Rejected, by author and agent Lois Winston. Official registration for the conference takes place  Friday night  6-7 p.m., followed by a welcoming program and a Deadly Dessert Party.

Both Saturday and Sunday feature and presentations by 30 authors and other mystery and crime experts including good pals Donald and Renee Bain, authors of - among many books - the Murder She Wrote series.

At lunch on Saturday,  I'll interview (heckle) Hank about her career and other notable authors on hand will briefly discuss their latest books. Saturday night features a Gala Awards Dinner with a keynote address by Hank.  Signings will be held throughout the weekend. Bob Daniher is the Offical Fan Guest of Honor.

When and where? -  August 2-4 at the Hyatt Regency, 2 Albany St., New Brunswick, NJ.  New Brunswick is just a short train ride from Manhattan - good news for those of us who might not want to drive.

More information and a registration form can be found at the web site, www.deadlyink.org.  Hope to see some of you there!

 

 

The Etiquette of Social Networking

JAN BROGAN -  Recently, I went back to my alma mater, Boston University College of Communications, to volunteer at an event to help soon-to-be  graduating seniors learn how to network.   Jodi R. R. Smith, a nationally recognized etiquette consultant, (founder and president of  Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting)  had a captive audience as she deftly highlighted the rules and the subtleties of social networking.

Listening in the back row, I had two thoughts:

1. This was the most valuable thing BU could do for its seniors outside of actually guaranteeing them a job.

2. Why oh why, hadn't I heard of any of this before I went to my first mystery conference.

Unlike nearly everyone else on this blog, I'm not a good networker. This is true, even though I'm pretty much an extravert. I overthink things and the whole idea of networking, talking to people with a goal in mind, troubled me.  I had also been traumatized by my very first mystery conference when another author trapped me in the elevator for eleven floors and gave me the hard sell on buying his book. Was this what I was supposed to be doing at conferences?  Because ----  eew, ick.

Anyway, all that is over  - because now I've got the rules.  Both funny and practical, Jodi Smith had been featured in numerous magazines and newspapers and has  appeared on of NBC Today Show, Good Morning America and the CBS Early Show. Jodi was such a terrific speaker that I knew she would have to have a terrific book.  Three to be exact,  and the latest, The Etiquette Book: the complete guide to modern manners, is just out and it is not kidding when it says "complete."  It touches on everything from baby showers to polishing your professional image to introductions via email.

So please welcome Jodi to Jungle Red.

JAN: How did you get interested in etiquette?
JODI R.R.SMITH:    I was horribly shy and found being shy to be rather dull.  I started reading etiquette books in high school to provide me with some context for interactions and found quickly that it worked!  (Here is the longer story: http://www.mannersmith.com/about/credentials.cfm)

JAN: What is the biggest misconception people have about etiquette?
JODI: People think that having good manners means being stiff and plastic.  But nothing could be further from the truth.  When someone has good manners, we enjoy being around them.  We say “Wow, that was great chatting with Jan.”  (Not “That Jan had such pleasant manners.”)  When someone has bad manners, such as chewing with his/her mouth open, that is all we notice.

JAN: What is the most asked question?
JODI: How long do I have to give a wedding gift?  (The answer, on or before the wedding!!!)

JAN: Do you have a pet peeve in the bad manners department?
JODI: Oh, where to begin!  Perhaps people who wield etiquette, when it is convenient, as a means of judging others.  There is an ethics quote that applies nicely to etiquette.  “We judge ourselves by our best intensions and others by their last worst act.”

JAN: And because I can't be the only person messed up about networking at conferences, could you please  give us five top tips for networking.
JODI:
1.      Know Yourself ~ Always be prepared to give a self-introduction. Your name only gets you halfway there. You should also include a tidbit of information about yourself. It is this bit of information that will help you start a conversation or help the other person ask you a question. (i.e. "Hi, I am Jodi Smith, sister of the bride." "Nice to meet you, I am Jodi Smith from Boston." "Hello, I am Jodi Smith, I teach confidence.")
2.      Be Prepared ~ Before going to any event, have a few back-up topics of conversation in mind should there be a lull in the conversation. There are many "typical topics" so be sure to choose ones that interest you. (i.e. current events, movies, plays, concerts, televisions shows, books, school/work, hobbies, family, travel, sports, pets, and when in doubt, there is always the weather!)
3.      Catch The Ball ~ Think of a conversation as a game of catch. You throw the ball, hold on to it for a few seconds, then throw it back to the other person, who catches it, holds on to it for a few seconds, then throws it back to you again. Repeat. Good conversations involve give and take. If you find that you are not talking at all or that you are doing all the talking, something is off in your game.
4.      Keep the Game Going I: Non Verbal ~ There are two ways to make sure your conversation continues to flow. The first is body language. Your body should face the other person, shoulders squared to theirs, open body stance (make sure your arms are not crossed and that your hands are not hidden in your pockets!), and good eye contact. In addition to body language, you should also be using listening cues. Listening cues might include nodding your head, or an occasional "um-hum."
5.      Keep the Game Going II: Verbal ~ The second way to ensure your conversation flows is through the words you use. Be sure to ask open-ended questions -- these are questions that require at least a sentence as an answer. (i.e. "How do you know the host/hostess?", "What makes you say that?", "What was your favorite vacation?", "Tell me about...")
6.      Practice, Practice, Practice ~ Like any other skill, small talk and conversations should be practiced. Whether it is the cashier at the local bagel store, the librarian, a fellow commuter, or someone also waiting in line, try having a brief conversation about the weather or current events. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will feel, and the better you will be at small talk. (Please note: manners matter, but safety first. Do not strike up conversations with strangers while alone, at night, or in a potentially dangerous situation!)
7.      Smile ~ I know, I know, it seems so obvious, but good conversationalists are also good smilers. Let's face it; we would rather speak to someone who is smiling that with someone who is not.
(Or if you'd rather, just give us your top tips for networking at conferences and skip all other questions except how you get interested in etiquette.

JAN: What are you working on next?
JODI: An etiquette guide for young adults, updating all of my seminars, and playing with more social media options…

JAN: Ah, can't wait for that one. And to Jodi's excellent advice listed above, I will add what I learned from her at the BU event: Wear your name tag on your right, hold your drink with your left (to assure you have the open stance she mentions above and to easily shake hands.) Know your goal before you go to conference. Graciously end a conversation by asking for a business card, and whatever you do, don't trap anyone in an elevator and go for the hard sell. It's not about closing the deal, its 'll about  the follow up.

And if you tend to overthink things the way I do, make sure to get her book.

Jodi will be checking in later on today to answer questions.

CONFERENCES, COCKTAILS, AND COFFEE

DEBORAH CROMBIE: Our guest today is Nancy J. Cohen, an award-winning author who writes romance and mysteries. Her popular Bad Hair Day series features hairdresser Marla Shore, who solves crimes with wit and style under the sultry Florida sun. Several titles in this series have made the IMBA bestseller list, while Nancy’s imaginative sci-fi romances have garnered rave reviews. Her latest book, and tenth in her mystery series, is Shear Murder from Five Star.

Who knew weddings could be murder? Hairstylist Marla Shore is weeks away from becoming a bride herself when she walks down the aisle as a bridesmaid at her friend Jill’s ceremony. Things take a turn for the worse when the matron of honor ends up dead, the cake knife in her chest. Now what will they use to cut the cake?

DEBS: I attended my first Bouchercon (Pasadena) as an unpublished writer, in 1991. Eeeekkk! I can't believe it's been that long! And I wish I'd had the advice given by our guest today, Nancy J. Cohen. I did eventually work out how to get the most out of a conference, but it would have been easier with help. And looking back on twenty years, thinking about all the wonderful friends I've made in the writing/reading business, Nancy is spot on.

(Especially about the cocktails. As most of us know, all the real business at conferences is done in the bar.)

NANCY COHEN: When you attend a writer’s conference, do you set goals ahead of time? If not, get in the habit of doing so. What is it you hope to achieve? Do you wish to further your skills by attending writing craft workshops? Or maybe you’d like to be updated on industry news and business issues? Perhaps you want to meet authors who might be willing to endorse your work. Or you could be hoping to hang out at the bar and make new friends. And don’t forget the important editor/agent appointments and the casual meets with them at cocktail parties. This means you’ll have to prepare your elevator pitch before you leave home and be ready with your log lines.

Attending workshops is a valid goal. You might focus on serious craft sessions or prefer published author seminars on marketing and promotion and career survival. Or you could check out the alternate paths to publishing by listening in on sessions about self-publishing, e-book conversion, small press, and digital first imprints. If you’re already published, any information you glean on the markets, social networking, and innovative opportunities can only be helpful.

But you don’t want to be stuck in classrooms all day. Most of the benefit at a conference comes from the people you meet. Editors and agents aside, meeting other seasoned authors should be one of your prime goals. You can learn so much from each other. Industry personnel, such as booksellers, librarians, and reviewers can be another target to approach. And if it’s a fan conference, by all means target your readers. Exchange business cards and add names to your mailing list. Offer a raffle, if the conference has one, wherein you collect the entries. Add those people to your newsletter list. And just chat up everyone you meet in line for meals, sitting next to you in a classroom, or at the bar. This is not the time to be shy. Be brave, and sit at a table with strangers for lunch or at an evening party. You’ll make new friends! A word of warning, though: Don’t brag about yourself or push your work to the exclusion of all else. Be gracious, professional, and interested in others.

Some conferences have a room with tables where you can hang out, drink coffee, and chat with fans. Frequent this place and come prepared with bookmarks and flyers. Present a friendly face and start a conversation, not so much about your books but perhaps about the conference city, your favorite sub genre, or what you’ve learned so far.

It’s wonderful to immerse yourself in an environment where you have so much in common with everyone there. Take advantage of this opportunity. Don’t know what to say? How about, “Is this your first time at XYZ Conference?” Or, “What do you write?” Here’s another: “What sessions have you attended? Did you learn anything new?” And if you’re talking to fans, “What do you like to read? Who are some of your favorite authors?” And remember, writers are readers, too.

So get out there and schmooze. You’ll make new friends, meet readers, and gain lifelong fans. You’ll get the scoop on the publishing biz and learn new techniques to promote your work. Be eager to learn. Be open to new relationships. Be yourself and relax, and you’ll have a great time.

(Leave a comment during Nancy’s blog tour and enter to win a set of Paua shell jewelry and a signed copy of Shear Murder.)

And be sure to stop in here on Jungle Red, say "hi", and tell us what you like most about conferences!

Memories of Malice

After life's fitful fever he sleeps well;
Treason has done his worst: nor steel, nor poison,
Malice domestic, foreign levy, nothing,
Can touch him further.
--Macbeth, III, ii

JULIA: When a group of Capitol-area mystery fans first got together in 1989 to celebrate the traditional mystery, they pulled their name from this famous Shakespearian quote. Malice Domestic is an aptly named conference; one that celebrates the artfully loosened stair tread, the curiously dislodged stone off the manor roof, the cup of slightly bitter, almond-flavored tea.

The traditional mystery is hard to define; most enthusiasts could quote Justice Stewart and say, "I know it when I see it." It encompasses a wide range of writers and readers, which has made Malice the second largest mystery gathering in the United States (and, I suspect, one of the largest in the English-speaking world.)

Happily, the nature of the conference makes it almost impossible to get lost in the crowd. First-timers are sucked into conversations about books and find themselves dragged along to lunch with seven or eight new best friends. Everyone else is greeted like a long-lost (and well-loved) relative. (One Malice fan told me the conference was like a family reunion, "Only better; I like my fellow fans better than most of my relations!"

If you've been, you come home with books and stories and memories. Hallie?

HALLIE: I've been to Malice two memorable times -- My memories moosh together, but I think there was a hat parade (I'm not making this up, am I?) and I remember the excitement that someone I knew (Roberta Isleib) was up for an Agatha! I was too much of a rube to know that I should go to the banquet. I met the nicest people ever, big names including Marcia Talley, and I was in awe. I remember sitting next to Dana Cameron signing books, and she had a line out the door.

Every since, whenever Malice rolls around I wish I were going!

ROBERTA: I've missed Malice the last couple of years, and I miss it! Hallie, thanks for remembering me being up for an award. That was a very exciting year. Nothing more thrilling than being interviewed by Margaret Maron in front of a full house! Malice is very much like a big house party--it's not overwhelming the way Bouchercon can be. And Sisters in Crime usually has a big presence so that's always fun. I regret to admit that I've never made it to the tea party with the hats...very hard to pace yourself and still have energy on Sunday afternoon!

I'm looking forward to attending next year.

ROSEMARY: I've been to Malice for the past 5-6 years! I always have fun. My most memorable Malice Memory..(say that five times fast..) the year I was nominated for Best First I was so clueless, I didn't know that the nominees were being introduced at the reception on Friday night and I was somewhere doing lord knows what - probably just yakking in the lounge area so everyone else got introduced but me! :-(
Hope the new (old) hotel has a nice big central meeting place.

JAN: I only went to Malice once - and that was before I
had a book out. But if remember correctly, I actually wrote about the conference for the Providence Journal while I was there. I also think that's when I met Deb the first time. I think we had dinner!

DEB: I THINK my first Malice was the year before I was nominated for Best First--oh, my, how time flies. But I certainly know the best thing that happened at that Malice--I met Kate Charles and Marcia Talley, who are still, how-many-ever years later, two of my very best friends. That's one of the great things about Malice, which I've missed for many a year now, as I usually seem to be in England in April.

And my second best Malice memory? The year I didn't win Best Novel for Dreaming of the Bones. Tom and Enid Schantz from Rue Morgue in Bolder made me a Rue Morgue Best Novel Teapot, and that is one of my treasures. I keep it on my desk to remind me what good friends I've made in my writing career.

HANK: My first Malice? I was terrified. Terrified! Who would I talk to? I was so intimidated. But people were loving and welcoming...and like you,Deb,now some of my dearest friends are from there.

Malice memories? I brings tears to my eyes to think about them all. The phone call from dear Louise Leftwich, telling me PRIME TIME was nominated for Best First. I wrote it all down, I was so surprised, and I still have that piece of paper on my fridge. Standing at the podium, misty-eyed and thrilled, worried I would drop the teapot. And I was so happy afterwards, taking photos..but there's not one picture of me alone with the teapot. And I think-that means a lot.

SO many more memories! But I don't want to mooch too much space here. And this year..crossing fingers for DRIVE TIME. It's such an honor to be nominated! Who's going?

RHYS: I've been a loyal Malice attendee since 1998, and Deb, I can't believe Dreaming of the Bones didn't win! it's one of my favorite mysteries ever.
I have lots of memories over the years but those that stand out were winning the Agatha best novel for Murphy's Law. Usually they go through the awards with best novel as the last. That year it was first and suddenly I heard my name called out and my friends doing a happy dance and I'm totally in shock. I didn't even have a chance to prepare my face in a composed "I'm a gracious loser and it's an honor to be nominated" pose. I've had plenty of chance to do that since as I've had seven more nominations and no more wins.

My other really special memory was last year when I was toastmaster. I had to work hard, hosting all the ceremonies, but was also treated like a VIP, which was very nice. This year I'm ordinary folks again, except that I am joining Mary Jane Maffini in giving a tribute to our dear friend Lyn Hamilton and accepting an award on her behalf. That will be very hard to do as I still miss her horribly.

But that brings me to what others have said. I have met several women who have become close friends at Malice. Always I'm awed by how supportive and generous the other mystery writers are. We are really a super nice bunch. And keeping my fingers crossed for Hank this time!

JULIA: Meeting other writers and fans is really what it's all about, isn't it? I'm pretty sure I met most of the Jungle Red Writers at one Malice or another! A lot of my Malice memories revolve around meals: wearing a pinch-waisted outfit that looked fabulous, only to discover after I sat down at the awards banquet that it cut off my circulation below the belt. Or the time the banquet was in a hall next to a LOUD wedding reception, and we were all treated to a live cover of Hall and Oates during the presentations! Meals with friends: Jeff Cohen teasing me over my amazed appreciation of this wonderful new drink, the "Arnold Palmer" (what can I say? I don't get out much...) or walking to lunch with Louise Penny and her husband Michael Whitehead, watching them holding hands as they strolled along the Jeff Davis Highway.

My most treasured Malice memory is falling into an impromptu dinner party with Ruth Cavin and three of her other authors; Donna Andrews, Meredith Cole, and Liz Zelvin. We drank and swapped appetizers and laughed and listen to Ruth's wonderful stories. It wasn't the first time I had a wonderful meal with Ruth, but it would be my last. Malice always features a "Ghost of Honor," and I suspect hers will be there, reveling in all the friendship and fun just as she did in life.

Are you going to Malice this year? Have happy memories of years past? Thinking about it and want us to talk you into it? Let us know in the comments! (And keep those fingers crossed for Hank's DRIVE TIME!)

It's Show Time! - On Mystery Conferences

ROSEMARY: The New England Crimebake is arguably the last mystery con of the season. I'm sure somewhere mystery writers are getting together and talking, drinking, sharing info and experience, but most would agree that Cbake ends a very long season of possible events a mystery writer/reader can attend. (Our year is almost as long as the tennis season.) Add that to the library and general book events - and flower shows if you're me - and we could be somewhere every weekend if we didn't have families, lives, jobs and, oh yes, the need to write during all of this activity.

There are still a few shows I haven't attended, either because of bad timing or the unhappy reality that I can't be in two places at once. Magna Cum Murder and Mayhem in the Midlands are two I hope to attend one day. I love the ALA conferences and in six weeks Hank and I will be in San Diego with T. Jefferson Parker, Sue Ann Jaffarian, Naomi Hirahara, Harley Jane Kozak and others at ALA's second official Mystery Day which I'm proud to say I'm helping them coordinate. San Diego, January 8, for all you librarians out there. That leaves time for Thanksgiving, three mystery group holiday parties, and a quick cup of eggnog before I hit the road again on January 7.

I haven't filled in my entire schedule for next year yet (slacker!) but there are always some shows I hope to get to, or remember fondly. I missed the Virginia Festival of the Book last year, so I'll be going back to Charlottesville in March. Haven't been to Love is Murder, Sleuthfest, Murder in the Magic City or Left Coast Crime in a few years since my publisher changed the pub. dates on my books, and that's generally my homestretch writing time. I miss them, too.

Leaving Crimebake out of the mix because so many of the Jungle Red women are involved, do you have any favorites? Which shows are you looking forward to next year?