Left Coast’s Author-Reader Connections

I’ve yet to meet a mystery convention I didn’t love. Each offers its own benefits. Thanks to Malice Domestic’s William F. Deeck-Malice Domestic Grant for Unpublished Writers, I have a mystery writing career. I have filled my belly with free hors d’oeuvres at Bouchercon parties hosted by publishers. And Left Coast Crime offers something you won’t find anywhere else: Author-Reader Connections. The concept is simple. … Continue reading Left Coast’s Author-Reader Connections

Ellen ByronMarch 16, 2026March 16, 202636 Comments

Jennifer. J. Chow

A First Time for Everything

Last weekend, I participated in the inaugural Ashland Mystery Festival. It took place in Ashland, OR (not to be confused with Ashland, OH—as one reader pointed out to me). Anyway, I had a wonderful time there! Unlike most mystery conventions, which happen in the same hotel, this one (organized by the amazing Ellie Alexander) spread out the activities. There were loads of things to do: … Continue reading A First Time for Everything

Jennifer J. ChowOctober 27, 2023October 25, 202342 Comments

Ellen Byron, Guest Post

The (Pen) Name Game

Which author’s real name is Kate? Whose is Mary, Marilyn, or Mariella? Pen names are a literary tradition. (Hello, Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell.*). The reasons for them are manifold. A publisher may request an author assume a new identity for business or financial reasons. An author might use a pseudonym to write in a totally different genre. (I’m talking to you, J.K. Rowling and … Continue reading The (Pen) Name Game

Ellen ByronJanuary 27, 2020January 26, 202042 Comments