Mystery Writer at Romance Conference

--by Linda O. Johnston


Okay, actually I'm both--a romance writer as well as a mystery writer.  Currently, I am writing for two Harlequin series: paranormal romance for Harlequin Nocturne, as well as Harlequin Romantic Suspense.  I'm also writing two series for Midnight Ink:  the Superstition Mysteries and the Barkery & Biscuits Mysteries.

Near the end of July, I attended the Romance Writers of America National Conference in New York City.  There, I roomed with a couple of writers who also wrote mysteries as well as some romance.  We were additionally on a panel together, along with two others with similar backgrounds.

We each discussed our careers before becoming writers and how those careers have factored into our writing.  Since I started in advertising and public relations and segued into being a lawyer, both have been helpful to me in both writing what I do and also the business aspects of my writing career. 

And that career so far?  My first published fiction was a mystery short story in Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine which won the Robert L. Fish Memorial Award for best first mystery short story of the year.  My next published fiction consisted of time travel romance novels, and then Harlequin Intrigues, which are romantic suspense.  I've since published cozy mysteries, more paranormal romance and more romantic suspense, so yes, I'm both a mystery writer and a romance writer, and most of my stories contain both elements but in different amounts.

At the RWA Conference, I was delighted to sign and sell my latest MI mystery, BITE THE BISCUIT, at the Literacy Signing, where proceeds go to organizations that support literacy. 

Fun event?  Yes.  Next year it's in my backyard--San Diego (I live in LA) so I figure I'll be there, too.  And by then I'll have more romances, and mysteries, to talk about.

Holiday Season Writing

--by Linda O. Johnston

Happy December, everyone!  This is the first day of the last month of the year.  We're now ensconced in the year-end holiday season.  It starts somewhat with Halloween, followed by Thanksgiving, then followed by other holidays which include Hanukkah and Christmas--and pretty much ends by New Year's. 

Those of us who are full-time writers may not be as affected by the holiday season as those who also have day jobs.  That's not entirely the case, though.  I kind of have a regimen of getting other stuff out of the way in the morning, then writing in the afternoon.  It's not engraved in stone, which is a good thing since, when I need to factor in cooking and family and additional plans, that schedule can be modified--as long as I convince my mind that's the case.

Plus, I belong to a number of organizations, most related to writing, that throw holiday parties, and I attend as many as I can, including my local Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America chapters, as well as chapters of Romance Writers of America.  I'm additionally a member of the alumni association for the company where I used to be an in-house attorney, Union Oil Company of California, and I wouldn't want to miss its holiday party.

Oh, and I can't forget my ongoing promotion of my published works such as my first Superstition Mystery LOST UNDER A LADDER.  That remains time-consuming, but it has slowed down somewhat since its October release.

Despite the holidays and shopping and other events, deadlines remain the same.  That's fine with me.  I just have to do some strategizing, as I do other times of the year as well when faced with additional kinds of plans including travels.  I also need to keep in mind that my dogs will continue to break my train of thought by giving me orders, but that happens all year round.

So... enjoy your holiday season and everything it brings to you, even interruptions to your creativity if you happen to be a writer.

Happy holidays, and happy writing and reading, to all of you!