Gregg E. Brickman, Mystery Writer
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It's Fun Being a writer

3/10/2015

11 Comments

 
SleuthFest2015 reigned supreme from February 26th through March 1.  As the treasurer for the Mystery Writers of America, Florida Chapter, the chapter's chief photographer (thankfully, I had lots of help), and a long-standing BOA lady (we sell raffle tickets), panel moderator, and panelist, I was quite involved.  I also just realized why I came home the last day exhausted!
The fun is in the work, yes, but it's also in the people we work with—ambitious and loyal volunteers one and all.  I need to give public recognition to our efficient and effective Co-Chairs, Victoria Landis and Joanne Sinchuk, and to everyone else that made the event stellar.  

The panels were educational, the food delicious, the scheduling superb, and the facilities appropriate, comfortable, and supportive.  

GEB

But, this is about me, not about the rest of the stuff.

I HAD MY PICTURE TAKEN WITH BOTH JAMES W. HALL, my new hero, AND DAVE BARRY.   I, of course, have autographed books as well.
Picture
One of the nice things about being a writer—even one of absolutely no fame—is that I can have bookmarks with my name and book titles on them.  When I'm reading in paper, which I rarely do, I always use one of my own bookmarks.  Gives me a smile and a lift each time I mark my page. 

GEB

Another event, Coral Springs Festival of the Arts, was also entertaining in a very different way.  Laurianne Macdonald, again volunteer supreme, coordinated the Coral Springs Festival of the Arts Authors' Workshops.  We met on March 5th and 6th at the Coral Springs Performing Arts Center.  Though not well-attended, the presentations were educational and the speakers and attendees friendly.

On Saturday and Sunday, Laurianne created an Authors' Workshop bookstore at the festival.  All of our books were displayed.  We hung out, sold lots of books—local authors looking for local readers—chatted up the workshops, and visited with passersby.

The people watching—which anyone who writes about people thrives on—was superb.

One young girl, perhaps 11 or 12, approached the booth and announced that she, too, is a writer.  We directed her to the book published by Roxanne Smolen's granddaughters, with Roxanne as the co-author, editor, and typist.  The girl's face lit.  She left with both little books and an information sheet on self-publishing.

A second youngster approached the booth with her father, who did all the talking.  We quickly discerned that the girl was very interested in writing.  When we explained the two books had child authors, amazement and joy spread across her face.  Her eyes visibly widened.  She left with the books and the information sheet.

It's reassuring to see these children and several others who are interested in both reading and writing.  High school and college age people stopped to look and talk, and the Smolen's children and young adult books sold out.

The rest of us had healthy sales, too, as adults browsed, talked, and purchased.  

Then there is the pure joy of sitting on the side of the road—parking lot actually, and we were protected from both wind and rain—watching people.

  • One older woman approached with a scowl, looked at books with a scowl, and left with a scowl.  I'm glad she didn't speak, and I hope my face never freezes in that expression.
  • Dogs were everywhere.  It's fascinating the number who cannot walk on their own and are carried, strapped to a human, or pushed in a stroller.  In fairness, one little guy looked very old—maybe sick—and his mate walked next to the cart.
  • Babies!  I'm a great baby watcher.  I love them all.  Watching their feet as they are strolled is entertaining.  Little toes wiggling, stretching, getting sucked on.  You get the picture.
  • Seniors moved past with their walkers, canes, or relatives for support.  But many looked strong and healthy, too.  Many browsed our collection, made purchases, and passed the time with us.
  • Snippets of conversations drifted toward us, many of which may end up in our books.
Yes, it's fun being an author.

Later,

Gregg
11 Comments
Nancy J. Cohen link
3/10/2015 08:01:52 am

SleuthFest was as wonderful as you describe. So many people worked hard to make this conference a success. As for the Coral Springs festival, I hope to make it one year. Always seems as if I have conflicting events.

Reply
Gregg
3/10/2015 08:12:29 am

I don't think we could even list all the wonderful volunteers who worked so hard to make SF2015 a success. Thanks for the comment.

Reply
Lesley A. Diehl link
3/10/2015 08:59:12 am

You are right on the mark. It is fun being a writer for all the reasons you gave and more. It's especially fun if you are, like me, addicted to people watching, simply wonderful grist for the mill. Since I write humorous cozy mysteries, I also have a a few chuckles while I write. The mind of a writer is just a delightful and bizarre place to inhabit.

Reply
Gregg
3/10/2015 09:49:15 am

Bizarre, you say? Who? Us?
Thanks for commenting.

Reply
Alyssa Maxwell link
3/10/2015 09:48:11 am

I had a great time at both events and will be looking forward to next year! Loved hanging out with you and fellow writers. What could be better?

Reply
Gregg
3/10/2015 09:51:53 am

The camaraderie alone was worth attending for. 😀

Reply
Stephanie Saxon Levine
3/10/2015 07:16:41 pm

I enjoyed your take on SleuthFest. The photos are great mementos of a super conference. Hope I get to the Coral Springs festival next year.

Reply
Gregg
3/11/2015 04:36:45 am

Thanks, Stephanie.

Reply
Victoria link
3/11/2015 12:53:13 am

Thank you, Gregg. SleuthFest was incredible this year because of all our hard-working volunteers. I think we had over 40 this year - from the ones (like you) who started early on with us and worked behind the scenes for many months in advance, to the new people attending their first SF and just dipping their toes into the volunteer gig.

I'll really try to make the Coral Springs event next year, too. I LOVE people watching.

Reply
Gregg
3/11/2015 04:37:19 am

Thank you, Madame Co-Chairperson.

Reply
Stephanie Bennett
3/13/2016 07:27:04 pm

Gregg, I'm addicted to your writing. Your are so down-to-earth, humerous and express your wording in such a realistic way, that I have to continue reading to the end. You are awesome and your intelligence is above and beyond. Your books should be recognized as number (1) sellers...

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    I write mysteries about nurses doing extraordinary things.  I'm also a nurse, teacher, wife, mother, cook, enthusiastic reader, and citizen of the world.

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