I just returned home a couple of days ago from a trip east–to two wonderful writers’ events.
One was Malice Domestic, in Bethesda, Maryland. It’s themed around traditional mysteries, and both authors and fans attend. There are dinners and panels and Agatha Awards and more! I was on a panel called Must Love Dogs–obviously featuring authors with pet mysteries. My wonderful co-panelists were Sparkle Abbey (two delightful women who write under one pseudonym that is–what else?–the names of their pets!), Esri Allbritten, and Neil S. Plakcy. It was really fun and we got to talk about not only our books but our dogs, too.

That was followed by the Festival of Mystery in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, which was presented by the Mystery Lovers Bookshop. It began with a library tea, followed by a massive book sales event where authors are introduced and lots of mysteries are sold. A highlight this year was the introduction of the store’s new owner. The current owners, a wonderful and dedicated couple, had gone public a couple of months ago about looking for a buyer. In these days when so many bookstores, both independents and major chains, are going out of business, I feared the worst–possibly the end of that store. But, no–they found a buyer who seems perfect! She’s a former Texas librarian and bookseller with family ties to the Pittsburgh area. She was at both the tea and the Festival meeting authors and seeing how the current owners ran the event. That makes me hopeful that not only the store, but the Festival of Mystery, will continue in the future.

For the moment, I have some time to breathe–and to write–before my next major conference, the Romance Writers of America National Conference. More minor events–well, they never stop. In fact, I’m looking forward to the Pasadena LitFest next weekend. Unfortunately it conflicts with the OCC meeting. It was rescheduled after being rained out (!) in March.

Oh, and I can’t resist mentioning that it’s May–and I’m part of Read Humaneâ„¢ this month! A new version of my first Pet Rescue Mystery BEAGLEMANIA has recently been printed with the Read Humane seal on it. Read Humane is a special program created by Penguin Group (USA) Inc., parent of Berkley Prime Crime. Penguin has made a substantial donation to the Humane Society of The United States® in support of its Animal Rescue Team, and is also shipping 50,000 books starring furry friends, both dogs and cats, which encourage readers to learn more and donate to the Humane Society and its Animal Rescue Team. Participating authors besides me include Rebecca M. Hale, Alison Pace, Miranda James and Sofie Kelly–and I’m especially excited to report that the Read Humane spokesperson is Nora Roberts.

How about you–any conferences or other exciting events in your recent past or future? Will you be attending RWA National?

Author Details
Author Details
Linda O. Johnston, a former lawyer who is now a full-time writer, has published 52 books so far, including mysteries and romantic novels. More than twenty-five of them are romances for Harlequin, including Harlequin Romantic Suspense and Harlequin Nocturne. Her latest release is Colton 911: Caught in the Crossfire, for Harlequin Romantic Suspense. She has also written several mystery series including the Barkery & Biscuits Mysteries and Superstition Mysteries for Midnight Ink, and the Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter Mysteries and Pet Rescue Mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime. Nearly all Linda’s current stories involve dogs! Linda enjoys hearing from readers.
  • This Year Continues – Fun!

    I recently got word that my next Alaska Untamed Mystery, CRY WOLF, number two in the series, is now scheduled for publication on November 7. I love the cover! And the series is the first in which I’ve taken a pseudonym: Lark O. Jensen.

    It’s not my only remaining book this year. I was already aware that my Coltons of New York book for Harlequin Romantic Suspense is also a November release. CSI COLTON AND THE WITNESS is officially out on November 27.

  • What’s New?

    Well, I have a “new” book out this month—rather, a re-release of a book that was first published in 2018, and I was invited to participate in a chat this week on Writerspace for authors with new books out!

  • Inspirations Everywhere

    Where do inspirations come from?

    With me, it can be anywhere!

  • Year Progressing Fast

    And March? It’s a good month for me. The third Shelter of Secrets story for Harlequin Romantic Suspense was just published: UNDERCOVER COWBOY DEFENDER. Two more books coming this year too.

  • Still Groundhog Day?

    It’s now the second month of 2023. Do things keep recurring to you, as they do with me—kind of an ongoing Groundhog Day, even though that was four days ago this year.

BEAR WITNESS

Buy now!
BEAR WITNESS

UNLUCKY CHARMS

Buy now!
UNLUCKY CHARMS

TO CATCH A TREAT

Buy now!
TO CATCH A TREAT

COVERT ALLIANCE

Buy now!
COVERT ALLIANCE

BAD TO THE BONE

Buy now!
BAD TO THE BONE

PROTECTOR WOLF

Buy now!
PROTECTOR WOLF

THE SOLDIER’S K-9 MISSION

Buy now!
THE SOLDIER’S K-9 MISSION

PICK AND CHEWS

Buy now!
PICK AND CHEWS

TRAINED TO PROTECT

Buy now!
TRAINED TO PROTECT

VISIONARY WOLF (Alpha Force)

Buy now!
VISIONARY WOLF (Alpha Force)

FOR A GOOD PAWS

Buy now!
FOR A GOOD PAWS
COLTON 911: CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE
COLTON FIRST RESPONDER (The Coltons of Mustang Valley)

HER UNDERCOVER REFUGE

Buy now!
HER UNDERCOVER REFUGE
UNDERCOVERING COLTON’S FAMILY SECRETS

GUARDIAN K-9 ON CALL

Buy now!
GUARDIAN K-9 ON CALL

BEAGLEMANIA

Buy now!
BEAGLEMANIA

THE MORE THE TERRIER

Buy now!
THE MORE THE TERRIER

HOUNDS ABOUND

Buy now!
HOUNDS ABOUND

SHIELDING COLTON’S WITNESS

Buy now!
SHIELDING COLTON’S WITNESS

UNDERCOVER COWBOY DEFENDER

Buy now!
UNDERCOVER COWBOY DEFENDER
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Linda O. Johnston, a former lawyer who is now a full-time writer, has published 52 books so far, including mysteries and romantic novels. More than twenty-five of them are romances for Harlequin, including Harlequin Romantic Suspense and Harlequin Nocturne. Her latest release is Colton 911: Caught in the Crossfire, for Harlequin Romantic Suspense. She has also written several mystery series including the Barkery & Biscuits Mysteries and Superstition Mysteries for Midnight Ink, and the Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter Mysteries and Pet Rescue Mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime. Nearly all Linda’s current stories involve dogs! Linda enjoys hearing from readers.
  • Anonymous says:

    Linda, I totally ripped a page out of your blogging book and ended my blog with a question to the reader. Thanks for the inspiration. It works beautifully!

    And Lyndi, I'm a fellow Pennsylvanian, from Scranton. Opposite corners of the Keystone State.

  • Anonymous says:

    Glad you had a good time, Linda. Pittsburgh is my home town, but I haven't been there in decades. Probably wouldn't recognize it now.

    I will be at RWA this year and I'll see you on Saturday.

  • Anonymous says:

    Thabnks, Geralyn! Yes, I did see some of those movies and enjoyed them.

  • Anonymous says:

    Wow – Linda – your trips back east sound charming and right out of a Mystery Woman movie. Did you ever catch that series of cozy tv movies on the Hallmark Channel about a small bookstore owner who always had a mystery to solve? There were 11 movies in all, starring Kellie Martin.

    And I LOVE that you are an active contributor to Read Humane! Everyday, you help make the world a better and safer place for animals – thanks for helping spread the love!

    -Geralyn

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