Thursday, May 18, 2023

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.



13 comments:

  1. Sounds to me that Malice is your "Cheers bar": the place where everyone knows your name. Glad you had a good time -- and predicted the winner!

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  2. Malice is my favorite conference! I didn't make it this year, but I hope to next year. Such a supportive group of people.

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  3. Jim,
    You're so right! It's the Cheers bar for lots of writers. And the winner was one of us—a WWK author.

    Kathleen and Margaret,
    Hope to see you there next year.

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  4. It was a delightful conference... and Korina winning was the cheese on the .....

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  5. This is so cool! And additional congratulations to that teapot achiever – I think we know who she is 😊

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  6. Debra,
    I'm so glad we got our chat in.

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  7. Kait,
    I hope to see you there one year.

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  8. Marilyn, you're the sweetest! It's always great to see you. Next year we'll have to try to get our WWK group together for a drink or a lunch rather than just a quick photo op. Thanks to the rest of you for the shout-out too. I hope to see you there next year, KM and Margaret. And Kait -- I know it's a long way, but I really hope you make it there. It's such an invigorating weekend.

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  9. Korina,
    I think that's a great suggestion. And we might even plan another group project.

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  10. Such a fun time! So glad to see you there, Marilyn—and thrilled to see Korina win. I will never forget that heartfelt acceptance speech. Lovely.

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  11. What a great looking group! How I wish I could have been with you this year. Looking forward to seeing you next year!

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  12. Lori,
    I was glad to see you, too.
    Paula,
    Missed you this year.

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