Links
Blogs
All Things Writing is a group blog with writers of different genres. We're having fun there--come check us out.
Dialog for Murder is another group blog with all mystery writers. We're trying to appeal to readers as well.
Travels with Kaye is my attempt to document the path of my writing journey, but, as I love to travel, I'll also put actual travels there, too.
Writing Organizations
Way back in 1986, Sara Paretsky posted a notice at the Baltimore Bouchercon inviting women writers to a meeting. Less than a year later, Sisters in Crime was born. Here’s their mission statement: “Sisters in Crime is committed to helping women who write, review, buy, or sell crime fiction.” There are currently over 3600 members in the group.
In members of the SinC Internet chapter started a group for unpublished SinC members, hoping to discover if the blind really could lead the blind on the road to publication. The Guppies (a corruption of the original name of The Great Unpublished) are now over 200 strong and their numbers include many published writers.
Mystery Writers of America is the Big One. In their mission statement, this group calls themselves the “premiere organization” for mystery and associated writers, and not many would disagree. MWA also presents the prestigious Edgar Allen Poe Awards (aka the Edgars) whose categories range from Best Novel to Best Short Story to Mary Higgins Clark Award
On a regional level, George is also a member of the Writers’ League of Texas. Not exactly small at 1500 members, the WLT was established in 1981 and is located is Austin. Among other activities, the WLT has an extensive resource center, hosts awards and presents scholarships. The WLT was formerly known as Austin Writers’ League.
Writing Conferences and Conventions
Always held at the Boise Centre on the Grove in Idaho, Murder in the Grove is a fine example of a small writing conference. Past speakers include Anne Perry, Robert Crais, Carolyn Hart, and Ridley Pearson. See some of Kaye George’s snapshots from this conference on her Photos page.
As it says on the convention’s website, “If traditional mysteries are your cup of tea,” Malice Domestic is your kind of convention. Held every May in Arlington, Virginia, since 1989, Malice was created to honor the type of mystery called traditional. (Think Agatha Christie.) The Agatha Awards are presented at Malice. Also awarded is the St. Martin's Press/Malice Domestic Contest for the Best First Traditional Mystery Novel.
Left Coast Crime is another fan convention. Held at a different location every year, the venue is limited only to being in Western North America. (Well, LCC was once held in the United Kingdom, but who’s counting?) Kaye George attended the 2007 version in Seattle. The Lefty Award, given to the year’s most humorous mystery, is presented at LCC.
Another small but nice conference is the Agents and Editors Conference sponsored by the Writers' League of Texas.
Writer Links (in no particular order)