Hello My Friends!
I’ll be spending holidays this year with my furry friend, Koda, but since I love the world of espionage, I decided to treat myself this year to a spy conference.
Along with 150-200 people, I attended the Spies, Lies & Nukes Conference over Veteran’s Day weekend in downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico at the historic La Fonda Hotel which was hosted by CIA veteran Valerie Plame. Some attendees had connections to the intelligence community, but most were normal people who were curious about espionage. There were some VERY INTELLIGENT speakers, including Jack Barsky, a former KGB spy who had appeared on 60 Minutes, many highly-decorated veteran CIA operations officers who have written spy thrillers or nonfiction books, including Jim Lawler, Jonna Mendez (Chief of the Disguise Division), Valerie Plame, Doug London, Marc Polymeropolous, Rolf Mowatt-Larssen, Alma Katsu and the Honorable Mary Beth Long. Mike Morell, the former CIA Deputy Director appeared via Zoom. Conference topics ranged from Russia, Ukraine, China, Israel and Hamas as well as what makes a good spy and how do you recruit one? There was also a fun Lock Pick Workshop.
Anyone having an interest in reading spy novels should consider joining a 3,000-member Facebook group called Spybrary. You can also find them online at www.spybrary.com/community.
The historic La Fonda Hotel in downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Conference attendees were friendly. I handed out business cards that included the cover of my new spy thriller. It may come out next summer if I self-publish it, or if I manage to get a literary agent and go the traditional route, it may take a couple of years as it’s a very slow process but I’m hoping to reach a wider audience if I go that route. If it is traditionally published, the title and cover may change. I’ve already begun writing my next spy thriller. I have more than enough work to keep me busy over the holidays.
Conference attendees were friendly. I handed out business cards that included the cover of my new spy thriller. It may come out next summer if I self-publish it, or if I manage to get a literary agent and go the traditional route, it may take a couple of years as it’s a very slow process but I’m hoping to reach a wider audience if I go that route. If it is traditionally published, the title and cover may change. I’ve already begun writing my next spy thriller. I have more than enough work to keep me busy over the holidays.
Koda also keeps me busy as I walk him three times a day and help keep him entertained with belly rubs while he isn’t napping.
Here’s wishing you fun times over the holidays! Life is short, so take time to show your love to family and friends. Don’t forget to laugh and remember to toast me when you’re enjoying a good cup of tea, coffee or a glass of your favorite wine or beer.
Until next time…
HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!