So, on March 11-14, I will be attending the Left Coast Crime Conference in Los Angeles, where I will soak in the atmosphere of mystery writing par excellence. Some of my favorite writers will be there: Laurie R. King, Lee Child, Robert Crais, and that up-and-coming star, Meg Gardiner.

I have been invited to participate on the panel “Social Commentary,” which I anticipate eagerly. The others on the panel are mystery writers, while I, though working on a mystery but as yet unpublished as a novelist, will sit as an editor. And I believe I’ll have some beneficial insights for those writers who attend the workshop. Social commentary is welcome in fiction, but only when it doesn’t overwhelm the story and when the reader doesn’t come away feeling “preached at.” That’s my humble opinion, anyway.

Should be a fun and illuminative weekend. More later.