Post-conference
This was the year something shifted.
I’d been to the New England Crime Bake before, but this was the year that I became part of the mystery writing community. And you couldn’t ask for a more welcoming, supportive, funny, smart, creative group of people.
From November 7-9, I participated in New England Crime Bake’s 2025 conference titled “These Boots are Made for Murder—Kicking Up Crime.” What really made this year special were the writers I met. Some had published their first book, some multiple books. One is a psychologist by day. Another teaches high school theater. Still another is a free-lance editor.
The sub-genres were all over the map: suspense, thriller, historical, traditional and cozy. Jessica Fletcher is Dexter? Check. Almost Famous meets Veronica Mars (@autumnharrisonwrites)? Check. Salsa dancing mystery (@beckyslateliu)? Check. Extraordinary people who spoke with passion about their own work and had genuine curiosity about mine. Several of us have now formed a group with the intention of meeting via Zoom and chatting over WhatsApp.
Until this conference, I was more comfortable writing in solitude. I came to several Crime Bake conferences and even gathered a few business cards here and there, but rarely followed up. This was partly because—and this hasn’t changed—I don’t have a lot of extra time to participate in writing groups, go to writing events, or network. I’m a full-time working mom, and I devote any space in my schedule to writing and revising my novel. If I’m really honest with myself though, the other reason for my self-imposed isolation was that I didn’t yet have confidence. I needed to learn my craft and prove to myself that I was worthy to call myself a writer. This past year, I made major strides in my work, which gave me what I needed to register through the Agents & Editors Track.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not on the verge of getting an agent or editor just yet. But I had agents and editors review my pitch, my query letter and my first page. And they didn’t warn me to quit or tear anything apart. Instead, they seemed to appreciate my concept and my writing. Sure, one editor didn’t like my first sentence, so I’ve already changed it. An agent suggested I make my protagonist 40 instead of 35, and that will mean altering my timeline throughout the novel. But it’s worth it! Their feedback was exactly what I needed to hear to reinforce that I’m on the right path.
Did everything go 100% smoothly? Of course not! I nearly ate hidden almonds that I didn’t notice were in the salad at the banquet. I’m allergic. My mascara got all smudgy Saturday night, and I didn’t see it until I was back in my room. I tried to pay with a credit card at a cash-only bar. But these were the little funny things that added a touch of paprika to a very tasty dish that was Crime Bake.
Let’s see where it all goes from here!