Recently I was asked: “Now that you’re a year-and-a-half into this publishing experience, what advice do you have?” After some thought, I answered: Participate. Read other writers, go to readings, review books, and organize events. Go to conferences like Malice, Thrillerfest, and Bouchercon if you have the time and can afford it (which can be a challenge!). Get involved, reach out.

I’ve been so lucky to know writers, such as E. A. Aymar, Sherry Harris, Dave Ring, Melissa Scholes Young, L. A. Chandlar, Hannah Grieco, Vicki Johnson, Ignatius Aloysius, Paddy Hirsch, Art Taylor, and many more, who are skilled at bringing writers together whether it’s online or in person. They’re consummate literary citizens and have been very generous to me. I continue to aspire to be more like them.