More than thirty years ago, I attended my first Pacific Northwest Writers Conference. I was too poor to pay my own way at the time, so I got in by virtue of being a volunteer. One of my jobs was to pick up a visiting editor who was coming from New York City. I met her at the airport, collected her luggage, and headed for the conference which was being held at Pacific Lutheran University on the far southeast side of Tacoma.
At the time I had sold two original paperbacks, and one of them had been published. During the drive to the conference, the editor told me rather disdainfully, and this is a direct quote, “Original paperback mysteries are where anybody who wants to be published can get published.”
Why, thank you very much! What a lovely thing to say!! I remember taking her to the conference. I do NOT remember taking her back to the airport. For all I know, she’s still out there somewhere, wandering in the wilds of Parkland.
I believe in writers conferences. There are far too many would be writers who, like me, have had the front door to their hopes of becoming an author slammed in their faces when it came time to sign up for college level creative writing classes. To this day, there are creative writing professors who sniff down their noses at people who are so misguided as to want to write “genre fiction.” Mysteries, fantasy, sci-fi, romance—if that’s what you want to write, good luck getting it past any given professor in any given MFA program. MFAs and genre fiction DO NOT MIX!
But writers conferences thrive on genre fiction, and that’s one of the reasons I’m a big supporter.
Last weekend this year’s PNWC was held at the Hilton at SeaTac. I was on hand on Friday night for an after-dinner professional writers panel. Robert Dugoni was the moderator—and a very capable one, too. The panelists consisted of Kevin O’Brien, Nancy Kress, Elizabeth Boyle and yours truly. Three of us are mystery writers—Robert, Kevin, and moi. Nancy writes sic-fi while Elizabeth writes historical romance.
It was a diverse panel, but a fun one. We’ve all been writing books for years, but it was daunting for me to sit up on the dais and look out at all those hopeful faces. These are people who are just now starting out on their writing journeys, and they’re all hoping to be where my fellow panelists and I were sitting at some some time in the far distant future.
The people on the panel all had stories to tell, and we told them. When it was over, on the way home, my agent told me what a wonderful job I had done. My thought was, “I was on a panel.” No big deal. When I got home, my husband asked, “How’d you do?” I said I thought I’d done all right. (To my way of thinking, I’m always just barely adequate.)
The next day was the conference banquet where prizes are awarded to stories submitted for judging. Bill and I sponsor the Mystery/Thriller contest, and I thought it was only fair that I be on hand to award same.
The night before, going up onto the raised stage in the ballroom for the panel, I was wary because there were no handrails. Long time readers of this blog know how prone I am to taking tumbles at inadvertent times. So when we arrived at the conference center on Saturday, I expressed my concern about the missing hand rails to Pam Binder, the conference director. She immediately made sure that by the time the show got on the road Saturday evening, handrails were in place on both sides of the stage. I certainly used them, and so did everybody else.
While Pam and I were discussing the handrail situation, however, she told me how all day long people had been telling her and sending her messages about what a wonderful job I had done on the panel the night before. I thanked her of course, but my thought was: It was a PANEL. There were four people up on the stage.
When it came time for the Mystery/Thriller award, the Mistress of Ceremonies announced I would be doing the presentation. As I rose to go up onto the raised stage, people began applauding. Pretty soon they were standing and applauding. By the time I reached the podium, I was receiving a standing ovation from everyone in the ballroom, and I had yet to open my mouth.
I have seldom been so completely taken aback. I was not scheduled to receive an award from PNWC on Saturday night, but that enthusiastic standing ovation will live in my heart for a very long time—a heartfelt award from a roomful of writers to a very grateful fellow writer.
Thank you, PNWC. You made my day!
I think I may stand with them … a LONG way from Seattle.
I have read about that snarky New York editor’s comment before, but I now have something to say. At least you were getting published. That was the important thing. Your name and work were out there. You could only get better as time went on.
Book snobs tickle me. My Mom let me read anything I wanted to except she didn’t approve of movie fan magazines which I’d sneak a peek at in the beauty shop. I was never a big fan of romance novels, but I know a lot of people are. Mysteries are my cup of tea.
I’m glad you got the stair rail and the ovation. You deserved both! 🙂
Judy, it doesn’t surprise me that you didn’t “get” why everyone was so impressed with your performance on that panel. You are such an inspiration to all us female mystery writers. When I first started reading your mysteries I didn’t think I’d ever be published, but I harbored the dream that I would. One of the things I thought about was the possibility of meeting you and hearing you talk about your writing journey. When I actually did meet you, I was so impressed with what a genuine, approachable person you are. Attending Bouchercon last year in Long Beach, I was able to talk to you several times and enjoyed your performances on a panel and when you were being interviewed that night on stage. Believe me when I say your honest appreciation and respect for other writers, and the way you share your knowledge and experiences with us is more than enough to receive standing ovations wherever writers gather. Thank you for all that you do for all of us.
Well deserved ovation! I was lucky enough to hear you on a few “just panels” at the 2014 Bouchercon. Inspiring each and every time. It is wonderful how you continue to support all writers and have never forgotten your early struggles.
Well deserved! I am just a regular fan of your work, but I’ve sent you a couple of random emails which you always answered promptly and graciously. You made me feel like I was important, as if we were old pals corresponding. Do you know what a rare jewel you are?
A very much deserved standing ovation. You have more than paid your dues and are one of the best Mystery writers! I love your work and hope there are many more novels to come!!
The standing ovation was well deserved, much like the special treatment you received at “The Captain Whidbey” while on your “Second Watch” tour….Every time I finish one of your books, I feel just like the crowd, and want to give you a standing ovation!!
Those of us who are your long-time fans know what a humble and empathetic person you are. We know how you always encourage those of us would-be writers. We are not surprised by the standing ovation at the PNWC. If we had been there, we would have been standing, too and clapping very loudly.
Well deserved. I met you only once at a book signing in SoCal. Your remarks that day have stayed with me. Of course, as someone who went through life just a tad shorter than you I felt a kinship as well. I get the oh you read mysteries comment every now and then. I know the standing ovation was well deserved. Just enjoy the fruits of your efforts. Thank you for encouraging writers. I have 9 year old triplet great granddaughters who love the kid’s mysteries. They will need “new” authors to enjoy as they age.
I wish I could be at this awards conference. I would also give you a standing ovation. . I received Stand Down at 9 pm Monday night.. I read til it was over .. I could not put it down. Such joy, such sadness along with a bright furture.
I was sad at the loss of Ross , and the SHIT dept. That was a good story line, my husband was law enforcement and had the good and the worst of bosses ,
You are the BEST. After I finish one of your books I just feel good. You finish your books. There is never a question that is not answered.
I can see why Beau , demanded his own story and thank you for giving in to him.. He may have a little male ego but he’s worth it.
Have a grand week I hear Seattle is having a beautiful summer this year. Oh to live there again would be heaven .. Jan
I wonder what the snarky NY editor would say to you now? Hmmmm…
I have loved your books since I discovered them several years ago. I was looking for a writer who didn’t have to fill pages with vulgar language and graphic sex and violence. Your books are so entertaining, so well written and I can’t get enough of them. Thank you for not allowing anyone to discourage you in the early years. You have given me hours of pleasant reading and I thank you.
Sandy
PS..I also look forward to your blogs. They are as entertaining and interesting as your books.
I liked your blog and that you came to Seattle for the conference. Pam is wonderful for placing the handrails for you and everything else she does for the PNWA. My work schedule didn’t allow me to go this year. I had wanted to meet you. Do you have suggestions on how to improve one’s writing for mystery stories?
I have just learned of the loss of another mystery writer – Ann Rule. She’s not a mystery writer really, but a reporter of true crime stories. We know who-dun-it before we read her books. She wrote with sympathy and compassion for the victims and their families.
I don’t know how well you knew her, but suppose your paths crossed now and then. Her last few years were tough and so it’s a blessing that her sufferings are over. I don’t mean that flippantly, but sincerely.
She’s another example of one lady who was meant to write and managed to do well after a complicated start.
Cheers to you! Thank you for your allowing me hours of pleasure in reading your books. Of course, my favorites are J. P. and Joanna. I just began reading your books approximately 3 years ago, so I am catching up as fast as I can. Doesn’t really seem fair to the other writers, but who cares. I see you have golden retrievers, I also have two of my own, Dakota and McKenna. My constant companions.
Again, thank you for all the enjoyment you have brought me.