Category Archives: Book Conferences & Events

Looking Forward to Seeing You!

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On Christmas Eve, 2020, I was in surgery for the removal of pancreatic cancer. It’s been a long haul since then, but I’ve managed to finish two manuscripts. I finally feel like I can join the human race again, and am super excited to go to Left Coast Crime in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in April. I’m bringing with me AERDON MANOR MURDERS, the first book of my new, second series, LISI PENDLETON MYSTERIES.

My first series, CALI MAY MYSTERIES, will also have a new book, GHOSTS IN PARADISE. This will be the 7th book in this series. So many of my favorite authors have written new books, and I expect to come home with huge TBR pile. But I am most excited to see everyone, participate in the panels, and host a table at the banquet. Let’s hope we’re all able to attend in person! I hope all of you are safe and healthy. ~ Wendy

Being an Introvert at a Book Conference

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I’m told all of the best writers are introverts. Many of you out there might be able to relate to the awkward situations that arise when a shy, introverted individual is thrust…no…deliberately walks, into the limelight. To get your books read, you must first write well. But after that, in this publishing environment, it’s up to you to sell yourself as well as your books. I wish I had a funny bone, could think of snappy comebacks, make small talk, or look perfectly calm in the midst of a panel.

I did survive my first panel at Left Coast Crime 2019, which bolstered my confidence no end. But I also burst into awkward comments in a loud voice while racing to obtain a copy of a just-released novel with James Ziskin, and accidentally fat-fingered a poop emoji to Catriona McPherson…for which I will be eternally apologizing. Sometimes, when introverts are so excited about the encouragement they receive, they burst into ‘song.’ Awkwardly. So yes, deep down, I am a true introvert, but I plan to get lots of practice at being a calm, confident writer at future conferences.

Past, Present and Future Events

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Left Coat Crime 2019, Vancouver, Canada Memories

My March trip to Vancouver, BC, Canada was filled with great, and not-so-great experiences. Meeting writers, new readers, and fans is always the high point for me, and this conference was no exception. I enjoyed greeting those I knew, like Catriona McPherson, Simon Wood, Anne Cleeland, and Susanna Caulkins, and introducing myself again to those I met on Facebook or admired from a distance like James Ziskin, Carola Dunn, Lori Rader-Day, and Dru Ann Love. I also met my encouraging and supportive co-panelists Dale Berry, Margaret Dumas and Laura Andersen on my very first panel.

My friend, writer, and mentor Margaret Morse, and I, hosted a Banquet table and met an amazing group of readers. It was wonderful to hear how each of our guests related to our books.

On the downside, I caught a cold while I was there, which escalated into Bronchitis after I got home, and possibly the flu. It didn’t make me feel any better to discover I wasn’t the only one!

Malice Domestic 31, May 3-5, 2019

I will be attending my first Malice Domestic Conference in Bethesda, MD in less than two weeks. Luckily I’m beginning to feel human again, and expect to have a wonderful time. I won’t be traveling with Margaret this time and may just sit back and enjoy the hubbub. But please don’t hesitate to introduce yourself! I’ll be participating in my second-ever panel:

What Was That?: Paranormal Mysteries

Sunday, May 5, 10-10:50 a.m

Judy Cater — Moderator
Margaret Dumas – Author of Murder at the Palace, featuring “classic movies, ghostly mayhem, and a murder or two.”
Wendy Fallon – Author of the series, Cali May Mysteries. Cali’s fourth and most recent adventure, Evil in the Water, is scheduled for publishing April 30. Cali travels to Florida to visit a newly discovered cousin and trips over a body on the beach, is accosted by a 400 year-old spirit, threatened by man-eating alligators, and uncovers murder.
Molly MacRae – Author of the Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery Series, featuring Kath Rutledge and shop ghost Geneva.
Clea Simon – Author of the series Witch Cats of Cambridge. The first book, A Spell of Murder, features three cats with magic powers and their human, Becca.

Cali’s Most Recent Adventure, Evil in the Water, Coming April 30, 2019

Evil in the Water SM2