Bouchercon 2014 was my first and it was a whirlwind.
I saw a lot of writers and publishers on a number of different panels. These were talented people engaged in deep conversations about their love of crime and mystery fiction, long and short, and how they approach their craft. Sure, I got some useful tips, but mostly what I got was inspired.
I also scored a ton of books.
Here were a few of my favorite panels. Look the participants up:
- Building Readership through Social Media
You’ve published an e-book, and now you find your audience. - Short But Mighty
The Power and Freedom of the Short Story - Long and Short of It
Writing Short Stories and Full-Length Novels - Noir at the Bar
One Minute Author Readings - The Mean Streets of Los Angeles
LA Crime Through the Ages - Plenty of Crime, Y’All
Southern Murder and Mischief - Short and Scary
Thriller and Noir Short Stories
I also had the pleasure to see a number of authors read and otherwise entertain in 20 minute segments. Here’s the whole list. Here are the ones I am most eager to read more about and from (there are many others – excuse my faulty memory):
- Sam Wiebe
- Tom Pitts
- Paul D. Marks
- Art Taylor
- Erik Arneson
- Eric Beetner
- Jess Lourey
- Robert Lopresti
- Mike Monson
- Anonymous 9
- Mike McCrary
- Rob Hart
- Sarah M. Chen
- Bryon Quertermous
- Stephen Buehler
- Joe Clifford
Thanks to everybody who made me feel welcome in my first year. I had some great conversations and a lot of laughs. See you next time.
It was great meeting you, Steve, and thanks for making my first Bouchercon a memorable experience. And I really appreciate the wonderful mention here! 🙂 Hope to see you at the next SinC meeting or conference! Crimelandia maybe?