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| 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.
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.
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!
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| 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.
