LETTER FROM THE EDITORWe hope your first quarter of the year is going well and you are getting a lot of writing in. After all, in some places in the country it’s just too cold to get out. What better time to add words to those stories we write?

Our first quarter kicked off fast. Here we are into March and it doesn’t look like it will slow down. We are so excited at Southern Writers. We have been looking for more ways to promote authors and their books. We wanted to give authors an opportunity to get in front of readers, sign autographs and sell books. So in February we arranged with four authors to speak at a civic luncheon with 59 people who were excited to meet these authors and get their autographs.

On April 22, 2015 we will host a luncheon for seven authors, during which readers will have the opportunity to eat with the authors, get their autographs and hear about their writing and stories. We are working on more events through the year, finishing off 2015 with a “Holiday with the Authors” in a town square, meeting and greeting, signing autographs and selling books. Keep an eye on our website for more information.

As for this issue, we have the privilege of interviewing the award-winning Steve Berry, as well as Anderson Harp, both members of International Thriller Writers. Beth Wiseman, Erik Larson and Darlene Franklin are also here to share their secrets of bestselling success, along with the many other auspicious authors who grace this edition.

At a loss for words? You’ll appreciate Linda Carlson’s tips on getting endorsements, and Bill Glose’s insights on getting quotes. If you like to mix in more than one genre with your writing, Elizabeth J. Kolodziej has the right recipe. And if plotting a murder is a mystery to you, Steve Bradshaw is on the case.

There’s much more waiting for you in the March/April issue, so let’s spring into action!

Keep writing,

Susan Reichert Editor-in-Chief