A Few Thoughts On Malice by Marilyn Levinson

Malice Domestic is the only mystery writers' conference that I attend regularly. I don't remember when I started going—probably after publishing my first mystery—but I'm aware of how my experience has changed over the years. I suppose having one of my books up for Best Contemporary Novel in 2017 has made me recognizable. Now attendees I don't know smile and greet me as we pass each other in the lobby. Of course, that could be because Malice is a very friendly conference (Yes, I know it's technically a convention, but we all refer to it as a conference) and authors and readers, published and not-yet-published writers acknowledge each other.

I love being at a conference where I know so many people! This year, Malice-Go-Round was fun, even though I realized I was talking about the wrong book at the first three tables. I was delighted that a number of people told me they enjoyed my series. I got to chat with my agent, with an editor from my publishing house, and with many friends with whom I communicate  throughout the year via e-mail, Facebook and Messaging. My writing friends are very dear to me, and there's nothing like catching up in person to find out what's going on in each other's personal and professional life. 

This year I enjoyed talking to many new authors who were attending Malice for the first or second time. Lately, I've been able to sense which new authors are going to be successful because they write good books and have the drive and the energy to move ahead. I got a big kick out of listening to a new author speak in awe about a well-known author who not only chatted with her but also introduced her to another "famous" author.

"That's you in a few years," I told her. "People are going to be awestruck when they meet you."        "Oh, no," she protested.       But I knew I was right when she won a teapot that evening.