Writers Who Kill

 

Some Unintended, But Wonderful Surprises

By Heather Weidner

At the beginning of a new year, I tend to get nostalgic, reflect on the past, and think about where I’m going with my writing life. Over the holidays, I was remembering some things that really made a difference along the journey. Sometimes routine conversations or things you try on a whim turn into happy surprises.

The best thing I did was to find my crew early on in the process. I saw an article in a local paper about a mystery writers’ group forming in my area, and I knew I needed to check it out. It was time to stop procrastinating, finish my manuscript, and find some direction on this whole publishing process. I joined Sisters in Crime to learn what to do next, but I ended up with so much more. The other authors, who were in different stages of their careers, were so generous with their time and advice about publishers, agents, conferences, marketing ideas, and a whole host of things I didn’t know that I didn’t know.

I am grateful to Sisters in Crime for my first traditional publishing credit for a short story that appeared in a chapter anthology. I cannot even explain the joy and excitement of opening that box of books and seeing my name on the cover. The group of authors were incredible. The anthology also turned into a series, and we did hundreds of events and programs to promote the three books. We went to some amazing places and festivals, and I will always remember my first book launch at the Library of Virginia.

When there was an opening, I volunteered to be the programming chair for our chapter (which turned into the first of many stints). I enjoyed planning events and inviting interesting speakers to talk to our group. I made so many valuable library, bookseller, and law enforcement connections. I now have two bail bondsmen, a toxicologist, a forensic artist, and an arson investigator in my contact list. Who knows when you might need one?

Through my writing groups, I found some wonderful critique partners who helped me hone my craft. We started out as colleagues but grew to be friends. Writing is a lonely (and crazy) business. You need to find the people who will lift you up and help you celebrate.

My writing connections also led me to the amazing Writers Who Kill authors, and when there was an opening for a blogger, I was honored to join. Being part of a group blog helps authors share audiences, network, and publicize each other’s work.

One year early on in my journey, I had a table at a mystery conference next to an agent. We chatted throughout the day, and I learned a lot from our conversations about what she represented and how she worked with publishers. At that time, I had a manuscript that needed a lot of rework. I wanted to seek representation, but the timing wasn’t right. Eventually when I had a polished manuscript for a cozy series, I reached out to her, and she became my first agent.

Sometimes, seemingly simple moments can be the beginning of something big. I hope you have a joyous and healthy 2025, full of happy surprises.

Through the years, Heather Weidner has been a cop’s kid, technical writer, editor, college professor, software tester, and IT manager. She writes the Pearly Girls Mysteries, the Delanie Fitzgerald Mysteries, The Jules Keene Glamping Mysteries, and The Mermaid Bay Christmas Shoppe Mysteries.

Originally from Virginia Beach, Heather has been a mystery fan since Scooby-Doo and Nancy Drew. She lives in Central Virginia with her husband and a pair of Jack Russell terriers.