Green Pen Writers' Conference in Frankenmuth, MI

So it's almost April (with its shoures soote) and I'm looking forward to the active part of the year. All winter I focused on writing, managing to finish Book #3 of the Simon & Elizabeth series and Book #2 of the Dead Detective series. I'm at work on Book #3, but author appearances are starting to emerge. There were two in March, and from there on, the calendar starts to look like a dartboard, with towns and times scribbled all over the place.

The interesting date this month (April 27-29) is in Frankenmuth, Michigan, a new conference called the Green Pen Writers' Conference. Created by Dark Elf Designs/COM Publishing, the conference promises a wide variety of presenters who will speak on writing fiction, non-fiction, marketing, and publishing.The website description says of the 3 day program: "Conference that covers trends in the field of writing, editing, publishing and marketing. Includes sessions, classes, dinner with keynoter." info@greenpenwriters.com

I've been invited to present, and it sounds like it will be both interesting and fun.Living in Michigan is great, except that we're kind of an out-of-the-way state. I'm hoping this conference is something that continues in future years, so that Michigan authors, and people from other places as well, find a place to meet and talk about this frustrating but oh-so-wonderful pastime we call writing.

I Won! Why Do I Care?

They'll tell you that awards mean nothing. No big sales surge. No extra attention from publishers and agents.
No movie deals.
Got it.
Nevertheless, when I got word yesterday that I won Best Mystery of the Year with THE DEAD DETECTIVE AGENCY, I forgot all that and succumbed to joy. Somebody--whether several or dozens or hundreds or hordes of somebodies--thinks my book is worth reading, worth recommending, worth the term "Best".
When I wrote the first Dead Detective mystery (now deemed "Award-winning"), it was sort of unconscious. No idea where the scenario came from, no intent to write paranormal (in fact that term sometimes makes me cringe.) When I found a publisher who liked my off-the-wall idea, I was pleased. It's fun to do something different, and while I love writing the historicals, change of pace is good.
So the writing was fun. The publishing was fairly painless and very professional. The readers reacted well. It was all that a writer could hope for---and then it gets named Best Mystery of the Year. How's that for icing on the cake?

Heeeere's Your Sign

I'm thinking it would simplify life if we wore signs that clarify the present situation: things you'd like people to know but get tired of explaining. As a teacher, I used to tell my students at the beginning of the year that there would be days (about six weeks apart) when I would come to school with shorter, darker hair than I'd had the day before. I impressed upon them that they did not need to comment, and--especially--they did not need to ask one of the dumbest questions ever: "Did you do something to your hair?"
It seemed simple to me, but there were always students who didn't get it. They took it as a personal eccentricity of mine, and I'd hear them say to each other, "She doesn't like you to talk about her hair."
So I'm thinking signs might be good. Here are a few you might want.
When a family member is terminally ill, your sign could say, "Same as yesterday. Maybe worse, so don't ask."
When I'm wearing something new: "It seemed like a good idea in the store. I'm reconsidering, based on that look you just gave me."
On really bad skin days: "It's a zit. It will go away eventually."
And days like today: "I have an appointment. My hair will look better tomorrow."