J. H. Authors

One Woman. Three Names. Many Books.

Community

Fun in Bethesda

by

I will be at Malice Domestic this week. I hope you find me if you’re there. I’ll mostly be at the Sisters in Crime table, but I’ll also be going to panels.

When I first started going to conferences, I didn’t know anyone. I saw authors on panels, laughing with friends, and signing books. And I was gobsmacked.

Then I went to more conferences, and I got to know more people. And they became friends. Years later, I became a published author, and that dream came true.

Here’s the thing, writer friends. Community makes all the difference. For many writers, the thoughts of meeting new people paralyzes them. You need to take care of yourself, and recharge. But get out there, and meet people. If not at a conference, at a library event or a bookstore event.

I’ll be posting pictures from Malice on my personal Insta account, so follow me at @jahenn.

Sleepless in Seattle-Conference Time!

by

I will be at Left Coast Crime this week! Here’s my schedule:

On Wednesday I am being a fan. I love Laurie R. King’s Mary Russell series. In celebration of 30 years since The Beekeeper’s Apprentice was published, she is hosting Russell & Holmes Days at several conferences this year. I’ll be at the one in Seattle. I love the series for the stories, and I admire them as a writer. So glad I’ll be there. PLUS I’ll be learning how to pick locks, which is perfect.

On Thursday at 1pm I will be on a panel:

Twenty Panels in One!
Robert Lopresti (M)
Ellen Byron/Maria DiRico
David Corbett
Julie Hennrikus/Julia Henry
Matt Witten

On Sunday I will be moderating a panel at 10:15:

Is It Indie, or Is It …
Julie Hennrikus/Julia Henry (M)
Shelley Adina
Puja Guha
Vinnie Hansen
Laurie Rockenbeck

I will also be sitting at the Sisters in Crime table, attending the New Authors Breakfast, and chatting with folks in the bar. Make sure you say hello! Follow me on my personal Instagram account @jahenn for live pictures.

Moving Forward

by

Moving Forward Post

For a long time I kept up with my blog. Then I stopped, focussing on my Wicked Authors posts, and those I did for Killer Characters. But in 2021, I want to get back to sharing my thoughts with all of you. In this space, I’ll be sharing updates on my writing journey. The books, the ideas, the research, the promotion. I hope this is interesting to readers of my books, and helpful for writers on their own paths.

December 2020 Updates

During November’s NaNoWriMo, I wrote the first draft of Garden Squad #5, tentatively titled The Plot Thickets. The book is due in May. I’m thrilled to have gotten so many words written, and think a large part of that was due to the community of writers supporting each other.

I’ve also been noodling some new ideas, getting ready for a cover reveal of Book #4, and working on this website.

In my coaching/teaching life, I’m starting a monthly subscription called the Writing Journey. Monthly group coaching calls, write-ins, and goal setting exercises. I’m looking forward to launching it in January.

My friend Carolyn Wilkins and I also created a course called Inspiration Awakening that I’m excited for folks to learn more about. This course is about the mindset writers need to do their work.

I look forward to connecting more in 2021.

Left Coast Crime

by

AdventuresinPhoenixI am thrilled that I will be at Left Coast Crime this weekend, and not just because I want to escape the snow. Though there is that. Here’s what I am looking forward to!

I am on a panel, Saturday at 11am. Main Street Murder: Mysteries set along Main Street U.S.A. Jenn McKinlay will be moderating, and I will be paneling with Kate Carlisle, Cheryl Hollon, and Jennifer McAndrews.

I will be at the New Author Breakfast Friday morning. 

The wonderful Catriona McPherson is the toastmaster. I can’t wait to see her, and several other SinC board members like Lefty nominees Gigi Pandian and Diane Vallere, Leslie Budewitz, and Susan Shea.

I will be meeting three out of the four other Best First Novel Agatha nominees for lunch. How much fun is that?

I am 15 years into this mystery writing journey, and I know so many other writers. It is always a real treat to see friends, and to catch up.

Last but not least, my Wicked Cozy sistah Sherry Harris will be there as well. I think this may be a bit of Lucy and Ethel go to Phoenix. Stay tuned for updates.

 

Crime Bake 2011

by

Just back from Crime Bake, and feeling inspired. Exhasusted, but inspired. It was my 9th Crime Bake (out of 10 total). They had a slide show from previous Crime Bakes, and I could see myself aging, and changing, throughout. Here are some of my take aways from this weekend:

  • Even though I am still working on getting the same book published/agented, the book itself has transformed thanks to many critiques. A number of those critiques came as a result of Crime Bake.
  • Being part of a signing (for DEAD CALM, Level Best Books‘ new anthology) was as thrilling as it was last year. In some ways, it was even more thrilling. “Her Wish” had a long journey toward publication. And it remembers my friend Regina, who came to that first Crime Bake with me and would have been thrilled to see me signing this past weekend.
  • Community is all. Most of the joy of Crime Bake is being with other writers. We are inspired by panels, supported by networking and pushed by opportunities to connect with agents, editors and masters of the craft. Both Sisters in Crime New England and Mystery Writers of America are great organizations that help promote that community.
  • The business is changing. But no matter what, there are writers who dream of getting their book published (myself included). Going to conferences like Crime Bake help step up your game.
  • We had a great social media panel on Friday that lead to many conversations throughout the weekend. One of the panelists said that blogs were dead. I disagree, but can’t really contribute to the conversation while I let this blog be so quiet. So short essays here, and on NHWN on a regular basis.

Anon.