Pen, Spoon & Dagger

When you hear about writers' retreats, do you picture sunny beaches, cabana boys, and pina coladas, or do you see a room full of people feverishly scribbling notes and engaging in heated discussions? If you picked the first choice, you're WRONG. I just returned from the Seascape Mystery Writers Retreat , and let me tell you, we worked our [insert word of your choice] off.  I'm not saying we didn't have have great time, but it was no  lay-in-the-sun vacation.  We worked on our manuscripts, discovered our strengths and weaknesses, and commiserated on the uphill battle of getting published..  We honed our skills at plotting, creating suspense, and developing characters.  And we did it from 9 AM to 9 PM.  Along the way, we made new friends, found hidden talents and laughed a whole lot.  Hallie Ephron, Roberta Isleib, and S.W. Hubbard generously shared their talent, wisdom, and knowledge with us.  We learned how to pump up suspense, how to develo...

Last weekend was Murder 203, Connecticut's own Mystery festival.  Held on Saturday at the Easton Library and on Sunday at the Westport library, it's a wonderful way to re-energize your spirit and your writing.  The two-day event is packed with panel discussions, book signings, raffles and a silent auction at Saturday night's cocktail party. This year's guest of honour was Mary Jane Clark, author of the Eliza Blake and Sunrise Suspense Society series.  Hank Phillippi Ryan, put on her reporter "hat" and interviewed Mary Jane.  The hour flew by, filled with amusing anecdotes and useful insights. Mystery 203 draws not only published authors, and the hopeful (like yours truly), but also avid fans who come to meet and mingle with their favourite mystery writers.  I was surprised by the number of non-writers, many of whom had driven long distances to be there.   There were lots of great sessions to choose.  Topics included: Research: balancing facts and fi...