In addition to serving as the managing editor for ITW’s The Thrill Begins, I also occasionally write columns for the site. Here are the ones I’ve written:
Hosting a Good Book Event
Our Fall 2019 series is all about book marketing, and my column was full of tips on how to have a successful book launch! I mentioned the importance of bringing a snake handler (not a euphemism).
The Advocates: The Gaithersburg Book Festival
Our 2019 spring/summer series was called “The Advocates,” dedicated to those in the writing community who have helped writers along our paths. I dedicated my column to the Gaithersburg Book Festival, and explained why it holds such a special place to me. And I got a bunch of past attendees to contribute their thoughts.
How It Happened
I finally got to participate in one of my favorite features on The Thrill Begins: “How It Happened!” I love this feature and it was fun to share my publishing journey.
The Craft of Crime Fiction: On Location
I wrote this for our fall 2018 series, which is all about different elements regarding the craft of fiction. My column was about the importance of setting in your writing or, more specifically, how I used to wander the streets of Baltimore like a weirdo.
Pay It Forward
I didn’t write this one; it was written about me by one of my closest friends and favorite writers, Jennifer Hillier. As a Hispanic, I’m incapable of blushing, but this is the closest I’ve come in a long time.
Debut Author Spotlight: John Copenhaver
I interviewed D.C.-based writer John Copenhaver about his debut thriller, DODGING AND BURNING.
Writers Passport: In Conversation with Leye Adenle
I interviewed Nigerian author Leye Adenle (EASY MOTION TOURIST) about his writing for The Thrill Begins series, Writer’s Passport.
On Submission
As part of The Thrill Begins’ spring feature, “The Tough Times (And How I Wrote Through Them),” I wrote about what it’s like to be on submission and wait. Spoiler: Not fun, you guys.
Debut Author Spotlight: Walt Gragg
I interviewed debut author Walt Gragg about his military thriller, THE RED LINE.
An Interview with Johnny Temple of Akashic Books
I interviewed rock musician-turned-publisher Johnny Temple about Akashic Books, their “city noir” series, and their fondness of the word “fuck.”
A Q&A with Editors from Shotgun Honey, Spinetingler Magazine, and the Stand Magazine
I interviewed acquisition editors for three of today’s best magazines for crime fiction about how they pick storiies for their publications, and what life is like in today’s publishing world.
Meet Your Region: MD / DC / VA
I had brunch with three local writers (Nik Korpon, Colleen Shogan, and Laura Ellen Scott) to talk about da writing life in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia triangle. Was it an excuse to get pancakes? Partly!
An Interview with M.A. Richards
I interviewed debut writer M.A. Richards about his novel, Choice of Enemies. The interview ran in both of ITW’s publications.
An Interview with Megan Abbott
I interviewed Megan Abbott for “Meet Your Heroes” week at The Thrill Begins. I love her writing.
