Intimidation and Mystery in the Midlands by Debra H. Goldstein

Intimidation and Mystery in the Midlands by Debra H. Goldstein

I’m not easily intimidated, but sometimes, when I’m in the presence of authors whose books I adore, I find myself absolutely tongue tied. Rather than bothering the author, I quietly sit back and observe unless something happens that breaks the ice for me.

 

The first time it happened was at one of the first Malice Domestic conferences I attended. There, standing across from me in an elevator was Carolyn Hart, a writer I’d met and admired for years. I tried not to stare or to make eye contact, but when there are only two of you in such a confined space and lots of floors for the elevator to go up… you get the idea. As the elevator slowed, I looked right at her and blurted out “Ms. Hart, I love your books.” She thanked me, pointed to the doors open behind me, and politely asked if this was my floor. I stumbled backwards out of the elevator – Carolyn Hart and I had talked to each other.

 

During the conference, our paths passed several times. Each time, I observed how warm and gracious

she was to everyone, but what impressed me most occurred during the hour she was being interviewed as the Amelia award recipient. Carolyn Hart took a moment from her hour of glory to give a new writer a shout-out. It was the first time I’d seen that kind of generosity from an honoree, and I was impressed. We ended up in the elevator alone again on the last day. This time, I was able to talk intelligently and end by saying, “Carolyn, have a safe trip home.” You see, I’d finally realized that the mystery community is warm with its welcoming embrace and giving with advice and support.

 

That’s why, on June 26, from 10:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. EST, I’m going to be in awe but also thrilled by the wonderful authors who will be sharing a part of themselves with readers and other authors alike as part of the virtual Crowdcast Mystery in the Midlands conference. Mystery in the Midlands, which is sponsored by the Palmetto Chapter of Sisters in Crime and the Southeast chapter of Mystery Writers of America, will feature three panels moderated by Dana Kaye – Searing Suspense, Hot for Historicals, and Scorching Shorts. It will also have a keynote interview of Dr. Kathy Reichs, the author whose life and books inspired the television show, Bones.

Besides Dr. Reichs, the panelists read like a who’s who of the crime fiction writing world. They include Alex Segura, Yasmin Angoe, Robert Dugoni, Caroline Todd, Laurie R. King, Lori Radar-Day, Michael Bracken, Barb Goffman, and Frankie Y. Bailey. I could be intimidated, but I know these wonderful people have so much to offer readers and

writers that I want to take advantage of every word they have to say. I hope you do, too. The cost, to defray expenses, is only $5. The registration link is: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/mystery-in-the-midlands-2/register .

By now, you’re wondering how seeing so many people I idolize in a virtual setting could possibly intimidate me? It’s simple – I’m the one interviewing Kathy Reichs.