Let's Talk with Cheryl Hollon
Addicted to Writer’s Conferences
September 26, 2024
My name is Cheryl Hollon, and I am addicted to writer’s conferences.
I am absolutely addicted (in a good way) to mystery conferences. It’s where I get inspiration and support from fellow writers. I’m usually lucky to find my fellow Booklover’s Bench authors at some point. In the image below are Debra H Goldstein, Cheryl Hollon, Maggie Toussaint, and Nancy J Cohen.
When I first considered writing novels, my approach to research was to attend as many genre conferences as possible. Since my preferred reading was Isaac Asimov and Anne McCaffrey, I attended a Science Fiction conference with a friend. It was a small event. Everyone seemed to belong to a well-established group, and I felt a bit left out.
After that, I went to my second favorite reading material: Historical Novels, as in Jane Austin and Emily Bronte. Sadly, I wasn’t able to attend the Historical Novel Society that year. The Historical Novel Society North America Conference has been running every two years since 2005!
Luckily, I found the Malice Domestic Conference in Washington, D.C. There, I fell in love with the writers of traditional and cozy mysteries. I have been writing mysteries since then. Mystery authors are the friendliest, open-hearted, and inclusive group I’ve ever been lucky enough to associate with. I attend at least three conferences a year. Here’s a group from Malice Domestic.
Lately, though, I’ve got a story in my monkey brain that needs to get on the page. It’s a historical mystery set in 1958 England. So, I’m thinking about the Historical Novel Society’s 2025 conference set in Las Vegas at Cesar’s Palace. I’m excited to attend, but my fingers are crossed that I love it.
Do you have something you need to do just to get it out of your head? Share it in a comment.
Want to learn more about author Cheryl Hollon? Visit her WEBSITE.
The Paint & Shine Mysteries are set in the Daniel Boone National Forest. My parents were born and raised in the area, and now they rest in peace in the JJ Adams Family Cemetery in Wolfe County, Kentucky. The characters spend considerable time preparing traditional southern meals and creating moonshine cocktails. Please consider buying locally. Independent bookstores need your help.
Posted in Let's Talk, with Cheryl Hollon • Tags: Addicted to Writer's Conferences, Cheryl Hollon, Historical Mystery, Let's Talk | 12 Comments
I like writers’ conferences too, not only as a break from the computer but to reinspire me. I always go home eager to get to work on my book. It’s also an opportunity to consult with other published authors on marketing, which is highly valuable.
We’ve been lucky to meet up at so many conferences, Nancy. I hope to see you soon.
I’ve always been intrigued by conferences and would love to attend one someday! I love the idea of socializing with others who share my interest, as well as finding inspiration, support, and perhaps even gaining knowledge ❤️
Thanks for sharing that, Maria. I always pick up new writing skills and business tips at every conference. Priceless.
I used to go to many more writing conferences than I do now. I miss them. I have made it to Killer Nashville the last 4 yrs. because it’s very close to where I’m now living.
I’ve been to Killer Nashville quite a few times — I met Anne Perry at one. I treasure the picture of us together.
I love conferences. I love the sessions, I love the networking. I come home all inspired. Also, that conference in Las Vegas sounds fun. When is it? Maybe I’ll join you!
Thanks for inspiring me to sign up for the Historical Society’s Conference 2025 from June 26 to 28 at Caesars Palace.
Have fun !!!!
Thanks, Sherry. I always do!
I have always wanted to write a book, but my English teachers (I majored with a degree in Fine Arts but got certified to teach Art and later English and used to teach both) used to tell me that I used too much purple prose. Oh well. But recently, I have begun to write a few articles for an online newsletter from my hometown that has been published now for 4 years by an older than me by 10 years hometown guy that went back home to live late in life and remarry and old sweetheart who later died (that is a run-on for you). The articles are all about people from the Rio Grande Valley in Texas and the area. My paternal grandmother did a lot in Harlingen, Texas and my father (her son) was the theatre manager of 4 theatres in town and later the postmaster. So, I wrote an article on my paternal grandmother and now one on my father and our relationship with me (I’m a Daddy’s girl). It will be published in January. Now I have the itch to write more articles. I have now been added to the whatateam of 14 people from there to write and edit. So cool. I also helped with an article on the movie theatres in Harlingen by adding info and photos that I had. I love you guys and all you write. You have encouraged me to just get this info out of my head and share. I wish that I had asked more of my parents and written down what I did ask so I would remember it all.
I think the hardest part of writing is the actual beginning to get those words out of my head and onto paper. You’ve made a fabulous start — keep on keeping on!