Reflecting on the CCWC by Holly West

Welcome to the California Crime Writers Conference Blogtail Party! Hope you'll join us in June in Culver City, CA.

Holly West: 
Reflecting on the California Crime Writers Conference

I have fond feelings about the California Crime Writers Conference. Back in 2009, I’d just finished the first draft of my first novel. At that point I’d only recently joined MWA, and I was ready to start meeting other members, learning more about the craft of writing, and putting myself “out there.” The CCWC was the perfect place, especially since Laurie R. King and Robert Crais were the keynote speakers at that first conference. I remember listening to their speeches, mesmerized and inspired. I learned craft in sessions led by writers like Gary Phillips, Bill Fitzhugh, Naomi Hirahara and Gayle Lynds. Though I wasn’t ready to query agents, I attended a session with agent Jill Marsal of the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency and later introduced myself to a few people at the agents cocktail reception. I even learned some basics about firearms from an NRA gun demonstration.

Subsequently, I’ve become more involved in the organization of CCWC. In 2011, I coordinated the manuscript critiques for the conference. One of the attendees who paid for a consultation not only signed with the agent who critiqued his manuscript, but eventually got a book deal and recently won a 2014 Anthony Award for his efforts. Not all critiques are this successful, of course, but meeting agents and editors and getting individual feedback from professional writers is a valuable experience.

For the 2013 conference, I took on the additional duties of coordinating registrations. It was a lot of work, but so worth it. I got to know so many people at that conference, and it led to my position as Vice President of Sisters in Crime Los Angeles.

As we plan the 2015 conference, I’m looking forward to having it at our new venue in Culver City, the recently renovated Double Tree Hilton. Anne Perry and Charlaine Harris will be our keynotes, and having heard both of them speak before, I know that attendees are in for a treat. And, as our programming chairs build what promises to be a fantastic and informative program, I’m confident that novice and experienced writers alike will gain insights and inspiration to carry them forward.

Holly West is the author of the Mistress of Fortune series, set in 17^th century London and featuring Isabel Wilde, a mistress to King Charles II who secretly makes her living as a fortuneteller. When Holly’s not wandering the captivating streets of 17^th century London, her hobbies include cooking, knitting, reading, and petting dogs. She lives in Northern California with her husband, Mick, and a dog, Stella.

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Register now for CCWC, June 6-7, 2015