I Love a Good Mystery

Bloody Words 2010

Bloody Words (Canada's largest gathering of mystery readers and authors) is celebrating its 10th birthday this year, and it looks like it's going to be a good time.

The conference is back in Toronto (May 28-30), and has an impressive list of authors (including Deon Meyer, Peter Robinson, Robert Rotenberg, Howard Shrier, Giles Blunt, Mary Jane Maffini, Sean Chercover and Linwood Barclay, just to name a few!),  updated Mystery Cafe, awards banquet, and a variety of panels & events. 

LCC Photos

Finally organized my photos and added them to the site!

LCC 2007

I'm finally back home after taking a little time to visit family after attending LCC in Seattle.  This convention, for a number of reasons, was more of a vacation with friends than a fan/author convention.  That's not a complaint (I had a blast!)...just an observation.

There were lots of rumours swirling around, and one had to do with the lack of authors in attendance.  Apparently there were issues with getting on panels and with the treatment in general.   I didn't attend many panels, but I understand that there were un-published authors on some panels.  I'm not sure how I feel about that.  I guess that if they're billed as fans I can understand, but un-published authors lumped in with published authors?  I find that a bit misleading.  Why not simply have a panel specifically for un-published authors?

One outstanding panel was The Liars Panel, moderated by Alex Brett and featuring Hakan Nesser, SJ Rozan, Meg Chittenden and Barry Eisler.  It was absolutely hilarious, and quite unique.   Big kudos to Alex for her job as moderator...she was fantastic.

The Dealer's Room wasn't impressive.  There weren't that many book sellers, and the selection was lacking.  I made up for that by visiting Seattle Mystery Bookshop and buying as many books as I could squeeze into my suitcase!

The host hotel was great, as was the banquet (included in registration price - nice!).  What really made this a great experience was the people attending.  It was great to re-connect with old friends and meet lots of new people (especially the gang from 4MA, the best online discussion group devoted to mysteries/crime fiction).

Left Coast Crime

I'm heading off to Left Coast Crime tomorrow, and I'm really looking forward to discovering new authors, re-connecting with friends and meeting new people.   I'm going to try to post updates and pictures while there, but as it goes with most conventions, down time is at a minimum.

I haven't packed yet, still need to clean the house and shop for a few last minute things, and my plane leaves in 17 hours.  Oh ya...procrastination is alive and well in my house! :)

Speaking of Conferences...

Two days after my rant about Bouchercon and the lack of response from organizers, I received a nice card in the mail confirming my registration for Left Coast Crime 2007. Sent less than 2 weeks after I registered, it confirmed my payment and gave me a membership number. 

Colour me impressed...

Bouchercon Updates - Where Are They?

I know that Bouchercon (in Madison) is still 6 months away, but shouldn't there be more information on the website by now?  My memory might be faulty, but I really thought that in past years, the website had more information by this time.  I'd love to see a list of registered attendees, and perhaps a note to the effect that at least two of the hotels are already fully booked.

I've also tried contacting the webmaster (or whoever is behind the general contact email address) twice, but never got a response.

Maybe I'm just being impatient...

LCC Pics

I finally put my photos into some sort of order. You can check them out here if you're interested.

If you're in a picture and would like it removed off the site for some reason, let me know...perhaps we can negotiate something. :P

Left Coast Crime

Jet lag is over, and I've finally managed to unpack my luggage (including about 40 new books).  Phew!

This was my first Left Coast Crime, but it certainly won't be my last.  Like with other similar conventions, it's the people that make this a great way to spend a few days. Photos coming soon...

I arrived in Bristol a day late (thanks to poor weather), but it didn't take long to meet up with friends.  Before long, I was attending panels, chatting, eating and drinking with old and new friends, and bumping into authors at every turn.

With so many great panels, it's hard to pick a favourite...but if pressed, I'd have to admit that Saturday's WALKING THE MEAN STREETS panel, moderated by the wonderful Donna Moore, would be a top contender.  The panelists were Ray Banks, Allan Guthrie, Charlie Williams and Jason Starr.  It opened with each author (except for Starr) reading a paragraph they had written.  The twist?  These paragraphs had to be written in the style of a cozy novel...and I have to say that these noir authors certainly rose up to the task and delivered some hilarious paragraphs.  It's no surprise that I ended up with new books by all 4 authors (including Charlie Williams' <booming voice>The Trilogy</booming voice>).

At one point, Jan and I were standing near the bookroom when Stuart MacBride walked past. Jan got his attention and told him that our online mystery group was soon going to be reading and discussing his book, COLD GRANITE.  He seemed a little surprised, and almost at a loss for words.  You don't often come across much of that when talking to authors. ;)  I hope he was pleased to know that the book was chosen because a number of us had read it and thought enough of it to recommend it to the rest of the group.

I had been hoping to see Barbara Seranella, and was sadened to hear that she was back in the hospital and obviously not able to attend.  It was great to run into authors Mary Jane Maffini and Barbara Fradkin - I was hoping that I woldn't have to wait until Bloody Words to see them again.

The banquet was great.  The food service was a bit slow (or was it just our table?), but Lee Child did a fantastic job as toastmaster.  The guy just exudes cool and was funnier than I expected.  Donna Moore was honoured as UK fan guest of honour, and no surprise, she cried. 

Sunday's buffet dinner was well-attended, and Simon Brett's performance was hilarious.  It was nice having a get together like that at the end of the conference.

I missed a few panels that I had hoped to see, but time escaped me a number of times while I was out exploring Bristol or just sitting with friends.  There's always so much to do in such a little time.

On Monday, a group of us took a tour to Hay-on-Wye, which has more bookstores than you can shake a stick at.  I was a little off because of motion sickness (who knew a bus tour could have that effect on me?), but that didn't stop me from browsing and buying some new books.

Other random thoughts:

• the bar really could have used better ventilation
• the "Friend of Donna Moore" buttons were *the* fashion accessory
• the Reacher Creatures party was great fun and well-attended (see pics)
• Stuart Pawson is a classy guy (who just so happens to be quite funny, as well)
• temporary tattoos aren't quite as temporary as I expected
• certain LCC'ers are great dancers (and I need to remember not to wear a warm sweater when going out dancing!)
• Barry Eisler really does look like a Ken doll

Next up will be Bloody Words (Toronto) in June and then Bouchercon (Madison) in September. Can't wait!

I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane...

The bags are packed (well, almost!), and I'll be arriving in Bristol on Tuesday morning. My first time in Bristol, my first Left Coast Crime...I can't wait.

LCC Panels

The programme has finally been added to the Left Coast Crime convention website, and there's no shortage of great panels.  The tough part will be choosing which ones to attend. That kind of problem I can handle!