AUTHOR HIGHLIGHTS FROM A FAN CONVENTION

by Korina Moss 

What a difference a year makes. A few weeks ago, I attended Malice Domestic, a weekend-long mystery fan convention in Bethesda, MD. Mystery writers and readers, alike, get to attend panels on topics ranging from Nancy Drew to book influencers, sit in on interviews with blockbuster authors like Ann Cleeves and Hank Phillippi Ryan, and get your favorite mysteries signed. It’s a chance to meet, literally, hundreds of mystery authors. I also get to catch up with my writer friends who I mostly only get to see at occasions like this one. When I attended my first Malice last year, I was one of the new kids—my first book had just been published a few weeks prior. This year I have three books published and that first book, Cheddar Off Dead, was among the nominees for an Agatha Award! Here are some highlights of events I participated in at Malice Domestic 2023.

Malice Go-Round  

Photo credit: Dorothy McFalls

Think speed dating for books. My friend and fellow cozy mystery author, Rosalie Spielman, and I partnered up to participate. A total of 26 authors, in pairs, had two minutes each to pitch our books to a tableful of readers eager to add to their TBR list. Sounds simple enough, right? Multiply that by 23 tables, which was how many tables we visited in 90 minutes. Since each table of readers would be getting two new authors every four and a half minutes, Rose and I decided to liven up our pitches. Rose writes two series, one set in Hawaii (Aloha Lagoon) and one set in Idaho (Hometown Mysteries), so she literally changed hats as she spoke about each. I write the Cheese Shop Mystery series, so I wore an apron with a quote from my protagonist: “I firmly believe most of life’s problems can be solved with cheese.” We think the humorous visuals were appreciated and we had a blast. 

Author Panel: Agatha Best First Novel Nominees 

I had the honor of being nominated this year for the Agatha Award for Best First Novel for the initial book in my Cheese Shop Mystery series, Cheddar Off Dead. The Agatha Award celebrates the traditional mystery, best typified by the works of Agatha Christie. My fellow nominees were M.A. Monnin (Death in the Aegean), Rob Osler (Devil’s Chew Toy), Harini Nagendra (The Bangalore Detective’s Club), Joan Long (The Finalist), and Nina Wachsman (The Gallery of Beauties). The panel was moderated by last year’s Agatha Award winner in the same category for Arsenic and Adobo, Mia P. Manansala. It was a fun panel where we shared our inspirations, our difficulties, and our moment of disbelief in being nominated for the award. 

Book Dealer Room 

Author SK Golden getting her books signed
Photo credit: Dale T. Phillips

You know how you go into a Target intending to buy some toothpaste and a laundry basket, and leave with $126 worth of impulse purchases? The Book Dealer Room was my Target, where any ounce of self-control (and the knowledge that my TBR list was already about 50 books deep) flew out the window. The bookseller for this event was Mechanicsburg Mysteries, an independent bookshop located in Mechanicsburg, PA. Not only did they have the participating authors’ books available, the authors were there during their scheduled times to sign their books. As I mentioned, I bought more books than planned and was able to get most of them signed. As an author, I enjoyed meeting readers who were excited to start or continue my series, and I was thrilled when a short line formed for my signing and I sold out of books! 

The Agatha Awards Banquet 

with author Daphne Silver

This was the highlight of my weekend, as I took home the teapot as the winner of this year’s Agatha Award for Best First Novel. It was a feeling like I’d never experienced (such a happy shock!). As I mentioned in my acceptance speech, to win an award named after Agatha Christie is a full-circle moment for my 12-year-old self. That was the age I read my first Agatha Christie novel—The ABC Murders—and wanted to become a mystery novelist to be able to do what she does. Well, I’m still working toward being able to do what the Queen of Crime does, but becoming a mystery novelist came true with the publication of Cheddar Off Dead. As the win continued to sink in throughout the evening, I held onto the gratitude of feeling so embraced by the mystery writing and reading community. The joy everyone had for me capped off an incredibly rewarding weekend. 

If you’re a reader of mysteries, an as-yet-published mystery writer, or a published mystery author, I highly recommend attending next year’s Malice Domestic, which will take place April 26-28, 2024. I’ll be there and I’d love to see you! 

Sharing the Writing Experience

by Paula Gail Benson

Earlier this year, I wrote about two Sisters in Crime Chapters (Capitol Crimes and Palmetto) planning and executing a virtual program. Last month, I mentioned a cooperative effort between the Palmetto Chapter of Sisters in Crime and the Southeast Chapter of Mystery Writers of America (SEMWA), Mystery in the Midlands, which began as an in-person event, then has been virtual the last three years because of Covid. Needless to say, I’ve spent a lot of this year working with authors I did not know, as well as  trying to figure out the most meaningful and economical ways of sharing information that both writers and readers could appreciate.

Planning these events takes a lot of work. It really helps to have dedicated, supportive folks pulling together.

Both times, we had that. I’ve been particularly grateful to get to know the members in the Capitol Crimes Chapter (which is across the country from me) and to learn more about the SEMWA board members who don’t live near me. While our energies were directed toward the projects, we still had time to talk with each other about our own writing. It always amazes me to hear the types of work and methods of approach that other authors have. Not only does it give me ideas about how to improve my craft, it also gives me a larger “to be read” list!

Clockwise from top left: Shawn, Dana, Joseph, and Alan

During this past weekend, that happened with the third virtual Mystery in the Midlands. We had three panels and a keynote interview. Our ten participating authors were all superstars. Dana Kaye, our moderator and facilitator, made  her work look effortless and took care of all the technical concerns as well as asking wonderful questions.

The first panel featured short story authors and editors. Alan Orloff, whose Young Adult novel I Play One on TV, won this year’s Agatha and is nominated for the Anthony, spoke about the need to leave gaps so that readers can make leaps. Shawn Reilly Simmons, an Agatha and Anthony winner and editor at Level Best Books, gave an example of finding a name for a character from a wine bottle. Amazingly, Shawn writes her own stories while editing other authors’. Joseph S. Walker, who has written more than fifty stories while working full-time as a college professor, emphasized the importance of  well-chosen details for developing a sense of place in a short story. All three recommended reading stories written by Edgar, Derringer, Agatha, and Anthony award winning author Art Taylor.

Hank and David

For the keynote, marvelous David Heska Wanbli Weiden, whose debut novel Winter Counts was a multiple award winner, was interviewed by the incredible Hank Phillippi Ryan. This segment exemplified what happens when two fabulous authors speak craft and career. David revealed that his protagonist in Winter Counts originally died in a short story, but David could not let him go, so he returned in the novel. At first, David thought he was writing about tribal justice, but after eighteen revisions, he realized the theme of the work was identity. He was very pleased that the novel had been read by Congressional aides who have contacted him about possible revisions in federal law.

Raquel, Daryl, and Abby

The cozies panel was delightful with authors Daryl Wood Gerber (Agatha winning author of three series), Raquel V. Reyes (Lefty winning author whose debut novel has just been optioned for the screen), and Abby L. Vandiver (who writes under three names and who as an anthology editor has been nominated for an Anthony). Abby said in her writing and in advice to students she suggested to always have characters eat, spend money, and pee (the three connectors in the human condition). She mentioned that food and pets were definitely relatable. Raquel mentioned that while some people made the recipes in the books, many just liked to read how dishes were put together. Daryl said while ingredients may be the same, the differences in recipe descriptions made them unique and added to the elements in the story.

Hallie, Hank, and John

In the final panel, Hallie Ephron (New York Times bestseller, Edgar Award finalist, and five-time finalist for the Mary Higgins Clark Award), Hank Phillippi Ryan (USA Today bestselling author and five-time Agatha Award-winning author of 13 thrillers and winner of 37 Emmys for investigative reporting in Boston), and John Hart (author of six New York Times bestsellers and the only author in history to win the best novel Edgar Award for consecutive novels) spoke eloquently about setting and suspense. Hank mentioned that setting could be weather or clothing and different in perspective if an adult or child. She showed a sticky note she kept on her computer with the words “Be There.” John said if the writer wasn’t there, the reader wouldn’t be. He encouraged engaging the senses, especially smell, and talked about creating the internal, emotional landscape. Hallie’s novels often take place within a house. She takes into consideration family, relationships, and how a character feels stepping into a place. She emphasized developing an intersection between character and setting.

Dana, Hank holding Winter Counts, and David

Thank you to all those participating in the program, those viewing it, and those who put it all together. Saturday was a great day for learning and sharing.

 

What meetings and conferences (virtual or in-person) have you found helpful this year?  

MYSTERY IN THE MIDLANDS: A Virtual Program with 10 Authors for $8

 by Paula Gail Benson

           Question: Where do you have the opportunity to spend 4 and ½ hours with award- winning mystery and suspense novelists all for the cost of a single e-book or paperback?

            Answer: Mystery in the Midlands (hosted by Palmetto Chapter of Sisters in Crime and Southeastern Chapter of Mystery Writers of America), which began as a mid-summer conference in “Famously Hot” Columbia, S.C. For the third year, this is a virtual event through Crowdcast.

            Date: Saturday, July 16, 2022

            Cost: $8 (to defray event costs)

            Link to register: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/mystery-in-the-midlands-3/register

           Books will be available through our virtual bookstore, Fiction Addiction, based in Greenville, S.C. (bookseller: Jill Hendrix).

            If you are not able to attend virtually on the day of the event, by registering, you can access the recorded panels at your leisure.

Here’s the schedule and a little about the participants:

Raise the Temperatures with a Warm Welcome

10:30-10:45 am ET/9:30-9:45 am CT/8:30-8:45 pm MT/7:30-7:45 pm PT

Dana Kaye, Lynn C. Willis President of SEMWA, and Carla Damron President of Palmetto Chapter SinC

Shorts that Pack Heat

11:00-11:45 am ET/10:00-10:45 am CT/9:00-9:45 am MT/8:00-8:45 am PT

Alan Orloff, Shawn Reilly Simmons, and Joseph S. Walker

 

Alan Orloff has written more than 35 short stories and his YA novel I Play One on TV won this year’s Agatha and is nominated for an Anthony.

 

Shawn Reilly Simmons is Managing Editor at Level Best Books and has won the Agatha for her short stories and the Anthony for an anthology she edited.

 

Joseph S. Walker is the winner of the Bill Crider Award, given at the Dallas Bouchercon, and has published more than 50 short mystery stories.

 

Sizzling Keynote

12:00-12:45 pm ET/11:00-11:45 am CT/10:00-10:45 am MT/9:00-9:45 am PT

David Heska Wanbli Weiden interviewed by Hank Phillippi Ryan

 

Our keynote is David Heska Wanbli Weiden, an enrolled citizen of the Sicangu Lakota Nation, and the author of Winter Counts, which was nominated for an Edgar Award, and won the Anthony, Thriller, Lefty, Barry, Macavity, Spur, High Plains, Electa Quinney, Tillie Olsen, CrimeFest (UK) and Crime Fiction Lover (UK) Awards. He will be interviewed by the wonderful Hank Phillippi Ryan, USA Today bestselling and five-time Agatha Award-winning author of 13 thrillers, and winner of 37 Emmys for investigative reporting in Boston.

Served Piping Hot: Cozies with Recipes

1:00-1:45 pm ET/12:00-12:45 pm CT/11:00-11:45 am MT/10:00-10:45 am PT

Daryl Wood Gerber, Raquel V. Reyes, and Abby L. Vandiver

Daryl Wood Gerber is the Agatha Award-winning, nationally bestselling author of The Fairy Garden Mysteries, The French Bistro Mysteries, and The Cookbook Nook Mysteries. As Avery Aames, she writes the Agatha Award-winning, nationally bestselling Cheese Shop Mysteries.

Raquel V. Reyes writes Latina protagonists. Her Cuban-American heritage, Miami, and Spanglish feature prominently in her work. Mango, Mambo, and Murder, the first in the Caribbean Kitchen Mystery series, won a Lefty for Best Humorous Mystery and was nominated for an Agatha award.

Abby L. Vandiver, also writing as Abby Collette and Cade Bentley, is a hybrid author who has penned more than thirty books and short stories. She has hit both the Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller lists.

 

Sweltering Settings and Suspense

2:00-2:45 pm ET/1:00-1:45 pm CT/12:00-12:45 pm MT/11:00-11:45 am PT

Hallie Ephron, John Hart, and Hank Phillippi Ryan

 

New York Times bestselling author Hallie Ephron has been an Edgar Award finalist and five-time finalist for the Mary Higgins Clark Award.

 

John Hart is the author of six New York Times bestsellers and the only author in history to win the best novel Edgar Award for consecutive novels.

 

Hank Phillippi Ryan is the USA Today bestselling and five-time Agatha Award-winning author of 13 thrillers, and winner of 37 Emmys for investigative reporting in Boston.

 

Final Comments Before Cooling Off in the Pool

3:00-3:15 pm ET/2:00-2:15 pm CT/1:00-1:15 pm MT/12:00-12:15 pm PT

Dana Kaye, Lynn C. Willis President of SEMWA, and Carla Damron President of Palmetto Chapter SinC

 

So, what are you doing on Saturday, July 16, 2022? Why not join us at Mystery in the Midlands?

The Bill Crider Prize for Short Fiction

by Paula Gail Benson

While I’ll remember the 2019 Dallas Bouchercon for many reasons (particularly for having the chance to see a number of my Writers Who Kill partners up close and in person!), I’ll be especially grateful to Kendel Lynn and Carol Puckett, two of the local organizers for asking me to serve as the contest coordinator for the Bill Crider Prize for Short Fiction. I’ve learned so much from the experience and had such a great opportunity to work with and meet some wonderful short mystery fiction authors.

In the beginning, no one knew what to expect. The contest honored the memory of revered Texas writer and reviewer Bill Crider. Open to any writer in the world, stories had to be between 3,500 and 5,000 words and deal with the theme “Deep in the Heart.”

Jim Jackson, who was experienced working on anthologies, agreed to be the submissions coordinator, without knowing what that task might entail. Sixty-three stories were blindly submitted. Thirty-seven advanced to the second round and eleven were selected as finalists for the following prizes:

·         First Place:      $1000

·         Second Place:  $750

·         Third Place:     $500

·         Bill Crider Memorial Scholarship:      Registration to Bouchercon 2020

We were so fortunate to have excellent short story writers and editors to agree to judge the preliminary rounds. They were: Carla Coupe, Kaye George, Barb Goffman, Debra H. Goldstein, Tara Laskowski, Robert Mangeot, Karen McCullough, Warren Moore, Terrie Moran, and Beth Terrell. I cannot thank these folks enough for taking on the difficult task of determining which stories would go forward.

Janet Hutchings, editor of Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, and Linda Landrigan, editor of Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, graciously agreed to serve as judges for the final round.

The eleven finalists were:

“Long Overdue” by Jaap Boekestein

“Trust Me” by Douglas Dorow

“Mi Corazón, Sin Cartero, Sin Timbre de las Puerta (My Heart, Sans Postman, Sans Doorbell)” by Dixon Hill

“Resuscitation” by Ann Kellett

“Cahoots” by C.C. Guthrie

“The Texas Justice Project” by James L’Etoile

“Lambs and Wolves” by Robert Lopresti

“Death and Texas” by Lissa Marie Redmond

“Dead Armadillos Don’t Dance” by Kari Wainwright

“The Last Man in Lafarge” by Joseph S. Walker

“Armadillo by Morning” by Stacy Woodson

And, the top four prizes were awarded to:

·         First Place:      Joseph S. Walker

·         Second Place:  Jaap Boekestein

·         Third Place:     Douglas Dorow

·         Bill Crider Memorial Scholarship:      Dixon Hill

Crider Judges, Winners, and Entrants with Hank Phillippi Ryan

We were delighted to have three of the four prize winners (Joseph S. Walker, Douglas Dorow, and Dixon Hill) at the ceremony hosted by Hank Phillippi Ryan. In addition, a number of the participants and judges attended and we took a “class” photo.

Although publication was not part of the prize for this contest, I firmly believe you’ll be seeing these stories and their authors’ names in print. So, be watching for them.

Following Bouchercon, Joseph S. Walker attended New England Crime Bake, where he was honored with the Al Blanchard award. Way to go, Joe!

Many thanks to all who participated as entrants, judges, and planners of this contest. I hope it might be a tradition that continues to other Bouchercons.

Another group from the Crider Presentation: Kaye George, C.C. Guthrie,
Alan Orloff (Derringer Award Winner), Warren Moore, and Amy Denton

Do you write or read short stories? (I hope you might!)

Bouchercon 2019 Wrap Up

By AnnetteDashofy

Another Bouchercon has come and gone leaving in its wake a lot of wonderful memories. And a lot of exhausted mystery writers—including several of my fellow Writers Who Kill!—and readers.

As is often the case, travel provided the biggest adventure. I try my best to plan ahead for a smooth trip. But you know what they say about the best-laid plans. My travel buddy, Liz Milliron, was supposed to avoid some of the airport traffic by coming to my house, leaving her car in my garage, and driving with me to the valet parking lot. Since I live on the opposite side of Pittsburgh International from the city, I have NO traffic to deal with. The problem is Liz still had to get through the city to get to my house, and we hadn’t planned for the traffic jam created by an accident on the Parkway. Instead of taking no more than an hour to get to my house, it took Liz over two.

Thankfully, we made it to the airport with no other issues, made our flight and expected no additional speedbumps on our way to Dallas.

Then we landed in Houston. As soon as our phones came out of airplane mode, the notification hit. Our 45-minute layover was now an hour and 45 minutes. Our rushed “we’ll grab a sandwich” turned into a leisurely lunch.

And then a leisurely snack. Chocolate-covered potato chips make a pretty good salve for calming travel frustrations.

The departure changes bounced back and forth more than a pinball until we finally boarded our flight two hours late.

By the time we checked in, we were too exhausted to go out for dinner or to meet friends in the lobby. 

At least our hotel room was gorgeous and room service didn’t take too long.

Wednesday, Liz joined Dru Ann Love on a bus tour of the city while I went for a very chilly walk with my Pittsburgh sister in crime, Susan Thibadeau. It was too darned cold to wander as far or as long as we’d have liked, but we enjoyed seeing a few sights.

Bouchercon kicked off on Thursday with Susan’s panel and a rousing game of Who Wants to be a Mysteryaire with the gang from Jungle Red Writers. Lots of fun and laughs.

(FWIW, I suck at game shows. Just sayin’.)

Later, in the lobby, I ran into a fan of my Zoe Chambers series, Cheryl Aker, who generously gifted me with a pair of wooden squirrels she’d made herself! 

(If you’re asking, “Squirrels?” it’s a “thing” over on my Zoe Chambers Mysteries &Friends group on Facebook.) Sweetest moment of the entire convention for me!

Friday, I cheered on my former Pittsburgh mister in crime J.J. Hensley on his panel (come back, J.J.! I know Georgia is warmer, but we miss you!).

I also attended the first of the Poison Lady’s presentations. I always leave her workshops feeling…unnerved…but fascinated.

Saturday, I bravely attended the Poison Lady’s second presentation. The Q & A was as frightening as the workshop, with attendees eagerly asking about ways to slip toxic substances to people I can only hope were fictional victims in their books!

Lisa Unger interviewed Guest of Honor Hank Phillippi Ryan in one of my favorite events of the convention. I’ve known Hank for years and have heard her speak many many many times and STILL managed to learn a few fascinating tidbits about her.

That evening, I got to spend time with two of my favorite people, my former editor Rachel Jackson and my former (and current freelance) editor, Erin George. It was wonderful catching up with them in person!

Sunday morning, after rising early to pack and check out, I had my panel about the careers of fictional sleuths. Our crowd was small to start, although it grew considerably as bleary-eyed attendees, clutching coffee, wandered in. 

Next, Liz took part in a very funny panel about small towns, big crime. 

As soon as she finished her book signing, we grabbed a Lyft to the airport…where we had another delay. Thankfully only one hour this time.

I’m glad I went. It was wonderful seeing old friends and making new ones. We shared a lot of laughs and a few drinks—both alcoholic and caffeinated.

Who else was there? Leave a comment and share your favorite memory!  

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?