Support and opportunities for networking also come from the various professional organizations I belong to. Here are some of them: *Mystery Writers of America - Recently, I had the honor of serving on the committee to select the best young adult mystery for the Edgar ® Award. *The New England Chapter of Mystery Writers of America *The New England Chapter of Sisters in Crime - I've gotten many speaking engagements through the Sisters in Crime/New England Speakers Bureau (for more information about this important resource, contact Leslie Wheeler SpeakersBureau@sincne.org. *New England Crime Bake - I'm a board member of SinC/NE, and serve on the New England Crime Bake Committee, which sponsors a two-day mystery conference every year. *New England Booksellers Association - I also coordinate volunteers for the MWA/SinC booth at the New England Booksellers Association (NEBA). *Annual Gettysburg Battle Reenactment - If you are interested in attending the annual reenactment of the Gettysburg Battle, as I did, check out this website. * Plimoth Plantation - Check out this site for a "living-history" museum dedicated to 17th century Plymouth, Massachusetts. |
Writing has often been described as a lonely profession. While it's true that there is no substitute for putting in long hours at my desk, I've discovered that I don't have to work in total isolation. My writers' critique group provides valuable feedback and moral support.