In This Season of Thanks

by Paula Gail Benson

WWKers and Guests at Malice Domestic 2014

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I’m reminded of all the reasons I enjoy participating in WWK. Photos of some appear to the left of this message. A few of us have met only online, but though peer review, we spend a lot of time conversing. Here are my grateful thoughts about my blogging partners:

Gloria Alden -- I met Gloria Alden in Authors’ Alley at Malice Domestic. She spoke about her first Catherine Jewell Mystery, The Blue Rose, and I immediately found her endearing. I could imagine how she inspired many third graders. Her blog messages about her adventures always have me wanting to tag along. She is a wonderful, caring friend and mentor.

Warren Bull -- Warren and I connected at Killer Nashville and Murder in the Magic City. I admire his depth of historical knowledge and quick wit. His short stories are wonderfully crafted. I read them for pleasure and to learn about writing well. A few hours with a Warren Bull anthology is time well-spent. His reviews of novels always have me adding to my TBR list. 

Kait Carson -- Kait’s boundless enthusiasm for exploration overflows into her writing. She’s lived an extraordinary life and she uses that experience to good advantage in her fiction. Her ability to turn real estate transactions into thrillers is astonishing to me. Her joy for living is beautifully abundant.

Carla Damron -- I view Carla as a true role model in her advocacy and writing. She cares deeply about respect for humans and animals and is a steady, reliable rock for friends, family, and four legged creatures. (Except, maybe not those alligators who showed up in the lake beside her home.) And, she’s expert at seeing potential murder weapons. (I’ve been accused of having the same skill, but compared to Carla, I’m a rank amateur.)

E.B. Davis -- Elaine got me started with WWK and in leadership roles in The Guppy Chapter of Sisters in Crime (the Guppies). She’s encouraged and helped me to refine my short story writing. In the future, I hope I can cultivate her beach bum existence, even if it’s only for a short time period each year. When I read about her experiences on the North Carolina coast, I feel like I’m there. She has a great ability for weaving paranormal with law enforcement procedure in her writing. Her work is solid and her friendship enduring. 

Margaret Hamilton -- Margaret and I met online through the Guppies’ short story critique group and face-to-face in her city at the New Orleans’ Bouchercon. I thoroughly enjoy returning there vicariously by seeing the pictures she posts on Facebook. Her short stories are first rate, and I appreciate all the kindness she has shown in helping me with mine.

James Montgomery Jackson -- I’m just writing out Jim’s full name, not using it as his mother might. Jim’s attitude about life is so refreshing. He is direct, effective, and sincerely committed to the tasks, writing, and life he’s chosen. His photos of travels and nature are fascinating. He’s the first male President of the Guppies and he’s not reluctant to wear the boa proudly. Jim and I have participated on panels together. I always enjoy hearing his thoughtful presentations. And, I’m impressed that he really understands math.

Shari Randall -- We former librarians have to stick together, don’t we, girlfriend? Shari is just infectious. I adore her short stories, particularly “Disco Donna,” and can’t wait to read her novels. Whether she’s talking about the latest in children’s lit or a new thriller, I want to know her opinion. And, follow her travel footsteps. I always find a hint of wonder in Shari’s messages. She delights in discovery. Shari, may you find fulltime writing as rewarding as time spent as a librarian. And, please, eat some lobster for me.

K.M. Rockwood -- Kathleen’s writing and career path amaze me. She knows the background of her stories from first-hand experience as a laborer, teacher, and supervisor of prison work crews. She writes from a male perspective -- spare, but with authority, and easily expresses complex concepts in a way that doesn’t take the reader out of the story. After losing a publisher, she found another to continue her series. Like her protagonist, she’s strong and resilient.

Linda Rodriguez -- Because I’m so in awe of Linda’s intellect, resourcefulness, and creativity, I value every compliment she pays me. To have the opportunity to talk with her and her husband Ben at Bouchercon in New Orleans was a marvelous experience. I’ve learned so much from her about respect, empathy, understanding, integrity, and perseverance. And, she writes poetry as well as prose. A very gifted individual.

Julie Tollefson -- Julie lives in a part of the country I’ve never seen. Reading her messages and seeing her pictures from Kansas make me want to visit. I truly appreciate the careful attention Julie gives in the peer review process. From her journalistic work, she’s developed a clarity of expression that she effortlessly passes on to help each of us. I’m delighted that her stories have appeared in one of the Guppies’ anthologies and Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine. And, proud to call her colleague.

Grace Topping -- Grace and I seem to have the same travel taste. I just wish we’d get to those places more often together! I’m always glad to see her at Malice Domestic and I’m thrilled that she’s taken on part of the WWK interviews. Her own writing is decisive and evocative. No wonder she’s a home stager. She knows the importance of well-placed details.

Tina Whittle -- I don’t know Tina well, but from all my experience with her, I think she must be a writer’s writer. She participates in at least three other blogs besides WWK and is a member of two Georgia chapters of Sisters in Crime, in Atlanta and Savannah. Her interests, including golf, sushi, and tarot cards, are diverse. On Twitter, she shares information about Krispy Kreme and other donut varieties. She definitely has my attention!

Hank Phillippi Ryan with Sam Morton

I can’t end without remembering a colleague who won’t be physically present to celebrate Thanksgiving, but whose influence we’re likely to remember in some light-hearted moment. Sam Morton, a regular WWK blogger, passed away on April 1, but I still sense his being near. It’s harder for us without you, Sam, but we’ll always love you and be grateful for you.

Thanks for letting me take the time to express my appreciation. Feel free to chime in with further accolades in the comments.

Who are you thankful for and what do you know about these guys that I didn’t mention?