One of my author friends just emailed me with this compliment: "Last year I saw you moderate a panel (I think it was at Malice), and your panelists were very intelligent, famous, witty women. You did an incredible job moderating. You were articulate, funny, and you have each one of them an opportunity to shine." She went on to ask me for any advice I could give her, since she's been tapped to moderate a panel at a writers' conference. So … [Read more...] about How to be a TERRIFIC Moderator
Malice Domestic
Why I Go To Conferences and Other Events
While I was at Malice, a friend who is a New York Times bestselling author told me that her agent said, "At this point in your career, you no longer need to do personal appearances."Wow.I don't know what to think about that. I mean, I understand. At a certain point, your name is well-known and the bookstores are delighted to stock your books. So, I guess you don't have to do so much to promote yourself.But...I get a lot out of conferences. Oh, … [Read more...] about Why I Go To Conferences and Other Events
Love Crafts and Mysteries? Malice is for YOU!
If you love mysteries and crafts, you won't want to miss Malice Domestic, Saturday, May 1, 2010 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, VA. Mystery authors from all over the world will gather to meet their fans and talk about their books. Plus, there's a live auction with cool stuff. Here's a sampling--* A collection of Peel & Stick stamps, a certificate for a free personalized stamp, and 7 colorful ink cartridges---a $400 retail value!* A … [Read more...] about Love Crafts and Mysteries? Malice is for YOU!
My Malice Auction Offering
I'm not sure how well you can see this, but...this is the customized scrapbook page I created to have auctioned off at Malice this weekend. Inside the small album is room for 8 photos (4" x 6" size). The cover of the album is sewn with sequins sprinkled throughout. The papers were customized and colored just for this, and the "not everyone's cup of tea" paper was custom made. The upper right with its overlapping letters pays homage to Agatha … [Read more...] about My Malice Auction Offering
Listening Can Yield Terrific Marketing Ideas–Here's How
We all know people get nervous when they get up to speak. Shoot, I worked as a professional speaker, and I can tell you that even the highly paid pro's get wobbly knees. But often in our unguarded moments, truths are shared. Here's the intro I received a couple days ago--and remember, the protagonist in Paper, Scissors, Death is a scrapbooker named Kiki Lowenstein:"I want to introduce to you Joanna Campbell Slan, our speaker. I can tell you after … [Read more...] about Listening Can Yield Terrific Marketing Ideas–Here's How
Cozy Armchair Winners and Paper, Scissors, Death Receives Agatha Nomination for Best First Novel
Do you remember when Sally Field held up her statue of Oscar and said with wonder, "You like me!"I'm having my own little Sally moment.How long did it take me to write Paper, Scissors, Death? It took 55 long years. I started writing when I was in grade school. Won my first award in high school. Put myself through college writing and teaching other students to write. Supported myself through a bad marriage with my writing skills. Well...it's been … [Read more...] about Cozy Armchair Winners and Paper, Scissors, Death Receives Agatha Nomination for Best First Novel
