Category Archives: bouchercon

More about Bouchercon

Posted on by

I am home from the San Diego Boucheron. a bit jet lagged and tired. The blog is late going out since, when I arrived home in a storm, I discovered we had no power and no Internet. We limped along on generator and only just got the power back.

Bouchercon panels. – My first panel was the one I participated in. 20 panels in one. The audience put in questions that we then had to answer off the cuff. Not easy. Questions ranged from whether we authors outlined to what did we think of paranormal or romance in out books. Since none of us write either, this was a tough question.

My jacket was purple, not blue, by the way.

Besides the author interviews, previously discussed, I attended several panels. A historical panel, of course, with Susanna Calkins, Richard Korea, A.E. Wasserman Frances McNamara and Vanessa Riley. I found the panel on dealing with rejection interesting and helpful. Just for fun, I went to the panel on Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, the so-called Ghosts of Honor. Lots of Fun.

Currently Reading

I read only one book: Dredemere Castle by G. J. Bellamy. This was the third in the Sophie Burgoyne series and it was fun!

Sophie and her bank of spies are hired to attend a large party at Dredemere Castle. A meeting between an Egyptian official and a British official to discuss Egypt’s autonomy is slated to occur at the same time as a large house party. Flora/Gladys takes the part of a lady, purporting to be wed to Lord Landlord, Ada is her maid and Sophie takes the part of chauffeur. It is expected by both the Home Office and the Foreign Office that Stokely will attempt to interrupt the talks and cause an international incident. Several of Stokely’s cronies are already in place; a known jewel thief is also on site.

Fun. But be warned: it is very long.

Notes from Bouchercon

Posted on by

As Bouchercon 2023 winds down, I wanted to mention some highlights.

We were met by the Book Room where we were allowed to select FREE BOOKS! I chose an Arc by Jason Pinter as well as some titles by new authors. I will have a lot of reading ahead since I bought quite a few books and I always try to read books by all of the authors I’ve met, seen on panels, and sometimes only heard about. Whew!

There were so many special moments, some of which I will address in future posts. West interviews with Ann Cleeves, author of the Vera series and its spin off Shetland, with Jimmy Perez; Jacqueline Winspear, author of the Maisie Dobbs series, and C.J. Box, author of the Joe Pickett series as well as many stand alone. My husband was beyond excited to meet and have Box’s new book signed.

So very happy to begin attending in-person events once again. I am already looking forward to Bouchercon 2024 in Nashville.

Bouchercon 2023

Posted on by

I will not be blogging on Monday, September 4. I’ll be in San Diego, for Bouchercon. Bouchercon is on of my favorite conferences and I try to make as many as I can. I also try to sign up for a panel. I’ve met other authors, some bestsellers, and many mystery readers that way.

This year, Ann Cleeves, one of my favorite authors, is a featured speaker. I can hardly wait.

I’m already planning to attend next year’s conference, in Nashville.

I’ve been to quite a few – all over the country. My first was in Cleveland and one of the events was held in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Very special. One was in New Orleans, not too long after Katrina. People were so grateful we were there. And New Orleans is such a wonderful city. Very exotic. One of the things I’ve learned is that every city has something special to offer.

This year’s conference is in San Diego with probably one of the best zoos, if not the best, in the country. My only fear is that the flooding from Hilary will cause problems!

Bouchercon and more

Posted on by

I haven’t blogged for awhile. Quite awhile. We moved and moving absorbs all of your energy, psychic as well as physical. Now we are unpacking which is almost as bad.

The week, yes, one week after moving, we left for Bouchercon in Florida. This was another wonderful conference. St. Pete’s was actually cooler than New York! And a wonderful breeze off the water kept the air pleasant. The Vinoy hotel was magnificent. I love this chandelier in the Grand Ballroom. It was huge. It looks like glass snakes, doesn’t it?

chandelier

I attended several great panels. And, of course, I sat on a panel of my own. Jonathan Putnam (Lincoln and Speedwell mysteries) Christopher Huang ( a new author who writes about the 1920’s) Laura Anderson ( who writes about the Tudor Period). The panel was moderated by James Ziskin who writes the Elly Stone mysteries.

panel

I also had the opportunity to talk to several authors I admire besides those on my panel. I greatly enjoyed meeting R. J. Koreto who writes the Alice Roosevelt and Lady Frances Folks mysteries set in Edwardian times.

As usual, I came away with a long list of authors that I now have to read!

 

 

Bouchercon 2017

Posted on by

Well, another Bouchercon is over. What a fun one this one was. Besides the usual interesting panels, it was held in Toronto. What a fabulous city.

Susanna Calkins was our wonderful moderator with really thought provoking questions. And the panel: Lois Gresh, Jonathan Putman, Andrea Penrose and Beverly Todd were all fascinating speakers. You can see from the photo how intently I’m listening.

On to St. Petersburg next year!

Bouchercon 2015

Posted on by

B-Con is over for this year. I have already registered for next year. Why do I go to Bouchercon?

Well, I have always been a reader and I love the opportunity to find new writers. I use the little book that lists the panels as a reading list. (I admit, I am having some trouble keeping up with all the authors but what a good problem to have!)

I also find the panels interesting. Some are fun and some are perfect for writers. I attended one this time on pacing. Sounds boring? For me, it wasn’t. Other panels talk about diversity, characters and humor.

I like to serve on panels also. It gives me a chance to meet and talk to other authors. I have made friends this way.

All in all, a win in every way.

On to next year!

bouchercon 2015

Posted on by

I am getting very excited about Bouchercon, this weekend in Raleigh, NC. This will be my fourth. Each one has been in a different part of the country and has been very fun.

My excitement is tempered somewhat by the weather. Flooding in South Carolina. Parts of 95 closed. We are coming from New York but my heart goes out to those just one state away. For those in New York who are planning to fly, the New York airports have delays. I hope that clears up in the next day or so.

My parents retired to Conway, SC and it is strange and creepy to see the areas around them – that I recognized – flooded.

They say that only Death and Taxes are certain. I think weather should be added to this aphorism. Yipes.