Comments on Women of Mystery: A Note on Networking at Malice

Nan,I am so happy for you, and so glad that Peter ...

2008-05-03T12:44:00.000-04:00

Nan,

I am so happy for you, and so glad that Peter was kind enough to put his comments in writing.

I have long been an admirer of Ed Gorman. (Especially his Sam McCain books.) Ed has done a lot to keep mystery short stories in front of an audience. When MNYS came out, I hemmed and hawed but eventually worked up the courage to email and ask if he would read "Strike Zone." He said sure, I sent it off and he sent back a lovely email and mentioned that he liked it on his blog. (I still tremble at the thought.)

All of this gave me the courage to submit a short to an e-zine that Ed is editing with Dave Zeltzerman. If I make the cut, fine. If I don't make it, at least I won't be embarrassed in front of an idol since he has already read something of mine and enjoyed it.

I am frequently amazed at the generosity of the mystery community.

Terrie

I'm encouraged that you've learned to affect the ...

2008-05-03T10:57:00.000-04:00

I'm encouraged that you've learned to affect the 'cheeky alter-ego persona' face-to-face! As yet I've managed it only online (or with a few glasses of wine under my belt) and have seriously considered acting classes! (Although I suspect one must also have written a knock-your-socks off story such as yours to win such attention!)

I would definitely be tattooing that on my arm...a...

2008-05-03T00:40:00.000-04:00

I would definitely be tattooing that on my arm...and then seeing whether I could get Lovesey to sign said arm so the tattoo artist could make the signature permanent, as well, just for proof!

I'd been waiting for the full story and the quote....

2008-05-02T23:38:00.000-04:00

I'd been waiting for the full story and the quote. Lovely, Nan!

And you're right. I've found if I'm friendly and polite-- not an interruption machine-- starting conversations with even idolized writers isn't too awful. More often than not, they've been willing to share advice or encouragement from their experience. I can't wait until I'm in the position to collect blurbs!