iPod Essentials #25: "Wichita Lineman"--Glen Campbell

In honor of the finally completed manuscript (next installment in my Quinn McKay series) that I sent off to an interested agent on Friday, I will select "Wichita Lineman" for this next Essentials blog. The song is featured in a key scene in the manuscript.

I've always liked this song a lot since Glen Campbell's vocals capture the loneliness of the song's persona, how his job keeps him away from love and a normal life. Quinn is a lot like this persona; his job as a PI keeps him from a normal existance of herding sheep and living away from the violence his job won't allow him to escape.

iPod Essentials #24: "Save a Prayer"--Duran Duran

Ahhh...this is my favorite DD song. The band is at its peak with lyrics, music, and performance. This mellow song is a shout-out to reaching out and connecting with that special someone or someone who could be special. In short, seize the lover's day.

Conference, Take 2

In my previous blog, I briefly described the Sisters in Crime Los Angeles conference. Conferences are vital for writers because they allow us to keep the faith in our work and in ourselves. We meet likeminded people who are creating stories and spending a long time doing so.

We also meet professionals who can offer us tips on making our work the best it can be, making ourselves proud of our accomplishments.

That is why all writers need these conferences. They inform and inspire.

SinC Into a Good Mystery--SinC/LA Conference on 6/10/07

As writers, we tend to be solitary creatures. That's why it is so vital for us all to attend and/or participate in writers conferences.

On June 10, 2007, I worked registration, along with other duties, at the Sisters in Crime/Los Angeles conference in Arcadia, California. Being a board member, I was required to help out, but that was fine since I enjoy the company of my fellow Boardies very much.

The conference was terrific. Judge for yourself as I post the smiling faces of those of us who worked so hard to make sure all the attendees could learn and make the most of this inspiring day.