Malice and More

I’ve been back in town for only a few days after a wonderful trip east.

First, I went to Malice Domestic, which, as always, was a fun event.  I think the panel I was on, along with Betty Hechtman, really went well.  I enjoyed it, at least.  It was about the film industry and how we use it in our stories, and I had a great time explaining how OODLES OF POODLES centered around rescued poodles playing rescued poodles in a movie being filmed--and how I was able to mention that “No Animals Were Harmed” thanks to the American Humane Association.

From Bethesda, Maryland, I went to my old hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for the Festival of Mystery presented by the Mystery Lovers Bookshop in nearby Oakmont, and it, too, was delightful.  I also caught up with some goings-on with my relatives in the ‘Burgh, including getting to know my cousin’s 70-pound Goldendoodle lapdog.

Then on to Ohio, where I got to see my older son, d-i-l, and adorable grandson Elliott who’ll turn 1 year old in a couple of weeks.  I spent Mother’s Day morning with them and with my husband, b-i-l and wonderful m-i-l, then traveled home to L.A. in time to have Mother’s Day dinner with my younger son!

The trip was nearly two weeks long, and although I missed my dogs I had a great time.  But I have to say... it’s really good to be home now.  Especially since I have a lot of writing to catch up on as well as panels and other events here in L.A.!

How about you--did you enjoy the last two weeks as much as I did?

Malice Domestic and the Festival of Mystery

I spent a few days in mystery writers’ heaven last week. 

First, I attended Malice Domestic, an annual celebration of traditional mysteries in Bethesda, Maryland, near Washington, D.C.  Writers and fans plus industry professionals all gather together to learn more about who’s writing what and to meet and network with one another.   I had a great time there, including participating on a panel called--what else?--Must Love Dogs!

From there, I headed to Oakmont, PA, outside Pittsburgh, where I grew up, for the annual Festival of Mystery, which is timed to follow Malice.  It’s presented by the Mystery Lovers Bookshop.  Before the Festival, a local library holds a delightful tea.  The Festival itself is delightfully crowded with mystery writers, and lots of fans who talk with us and buy books galore! 

I’d been quite concerned before heading to the Festival of Mystery this year.  The wonderful owners of the Mystery Lovers Bookshop had publicly announced that they wanted to sell the store to have more time for family and travel.  In these days of so many bookstores closing, I was afraid that boded the end for this one, too.  Not so!  They found a perfect buyer with a background as a librarian and bookseller, who was moving to the Pittsburgh area to be closer to family.  She was at all of the events, including the pizza party at the bookstore after the Festival, meeting people and learning all about the Festival--which I hope she’ll continue in the future, too.

One of the best things about both events, by the way, was being able to see some of my blog sisters in person!

Now I’m back home in L.A.  Lots of catching up to do with my writing, but the trip was definitely worth it.

What writers’ or readers’ events are close to where you live--and which ones do you travel to?