by Linda Johnston
Who knew?
When I started getting published, I still believed that writers just wrote. That was before I began joining fun organizations like Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and Romance Writers of America.
I learned otherwise fairly fast. I joined MWA after I accepted my Robert L. Fish Award for Best First Short Story of the year in New York. When I then began writing time travel romances, I joined RWA and also went to meetings.
Even so, I had to learn that a good part of promotion is agreeing to be on panels and at special writing events.
So why am I talking about this now? Well, last weekend was a lot of fun.
First, on Saturday, I was invited to attend Cozy Con, sponsored by Kensington at the Redondo Beach Library. I’ve not written for Kensington, but I was one of the authors there nonetheless. And it was fun, with lots of opportunities for readers and fans to stop at tables where authors sat and chat for a while. Plus, there were giveaways to readers. And they were able to buy books which we could sign.
Then, on Sunday, I was on a panel for Sisters in Crime at the Thousand Oaks Library, where several published authors were on Dying Laughing, a mystery authors panel, where we were asked questions about our writing–how it starts, how it continues, and a lot more, including humorous aspects. And I, unsurprisingly and fortunately, was asked a lot about the dogs in my stories.
And although those were new events which I definitely enjoyed, they were among lots of others I’ve participated in, and will continue to participate in, as an author. Local events, not just the many conferences I attend.
So who believes writing is a solitary sport? Oh, there are aspects of it that are… like the writing, at least most of the time. But getting out there is part of the career, a fun part of it, although I had to learn how not to be shy when out there giving answers or speeches to people.
Now? Just ask me, and if the timing and location work for me, I’ll see you there!
How about the rest of you authors out there?
Linda O. Johnston, a former lawyer who is now a full-time writer, currently writes two mystery series for Midnight Ink involving dogs: the Barkery and Biscuits Mysteries, and the Superstition Mysteries. She has also written the Pet Rescue Mystery Series, a spinoff from her Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime and also currently writes for Harlequin Romantic Suspense as well as the Alpha Force paranormal romance miniseries about shapeshifters for Harlequin Nocturne. Her most recent release is her 44th published novel, with more to come.
This article was posted for Linda O. Johnston by Jackie Houchin
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The Writers in Residence 
I enjoy being on panels and love meeting readers and other authors. But I’m always relieved to get back home to my writing, and reading, cave. I’m a classic introvert. Thanks for posting, Linda.
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I get it, Maggie. I’m still somewhat of an introvert despite no longer being terrified of doing presentations in public!
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Boy are you right about the other aspects of being a writer. But it is good for authors to meet the public, many of whom will read your books. I did find out that the public enjoys hearing about a writer’s life and the writing process. That contact with the public lets them know we are human, too.
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I do enjoy telling people about other aspects of my life–especially my dogs! And thanks to Jackie, who posted this for me, for including a picture of a Cavalier.
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Thanks for your comment, Linda. My name didn’t post when I replied earlier.
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So true, Linda. I’ve made so many friends in writing groups like “Just Write”, where writers gather in a library or coffee shop and just write. To build acquaintances in a new situation, what better way to initiate a conversation than to ask someone tapping away at a computer, “What are you working on?”
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Good idea, Miko. I’m always curious when I see someone working hard on a computer in a public place like a coffee shop, but haven’t asked what they’re up to before.
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My hat’s off to you, Linda. You are quite successful in making writing your career–doing the “things” necessary and going “places” that are right for your personality, writing, and networking. Bravo. I am unfortunately in the group of introvert writers Maggie King mentions–even more so!
I think with your insights and activities you will continue to be successful. Great post!
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Thanks! As I said, I certainly understand being an introvert but fortunately can cast that aside somewhat at times.
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Hi Linda, an interesting post. As I also write non-fiction including biographies – my latest paperback just went up on amazon – I find myself at non-mystery author events, too, where my questions are more about the subject of the biography rather than the writing process. Thanks for sharing.
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Hi Linda,
Another tardy response from yours-truly – but I am so impressed with how you manage to get so much done with your writer’s life! You are a prolific, successful author, and also manage to attend so many writers’ events. I am always impressed! And, as you say, this is what a writer’s life is about. We really are not literary islands…. Thanks.
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