This week marks my last turn at the Miss Demeanors wheel for 2017. I decided it would be a good time to pause and reflect. There were a lot of “firsts” for me this year:– My first panel as an author, at the Mystery Writers Conference at Book Passage in Corte Madera, CA, where I participated in the “Cybercrime 101” discussion alongside current and former FBI agents. I had so much fun, I spoke at 2 more conferences after that.– My first high-5 by a NYT & USA Today best-selling author. J.T. Ellison was a fellow panelist at the above-mentioned conference who attended the cybercrime talk. She congratulated me on scaring the hell out of her.– My first profile piece. The Northern California chapter of Sisters In Crime featured a Q&A with me in the November issue of the Stiletta newsletter.– My first mention in Writer’s Digest with the Miss Demeanors making the list of 101 Best Websites for Writers.– My first recognition at a writers’ conference. The Miss Demeanors were included in the celebration at the New England Crime Bake banquet for making the Writer’s Digest list. I also got to spend time with a couple of my fellow Miss Demeanors in real life during that weekend.– And, of course, joining the Miss Demeanors.It’s been a banner year for this newbie. I can’t wait to see what 2018 has in store.