Mystery Conventions

There are many mystery conventions to choose from. I'm only going to talk about the ones I've attended.

The biggest, of course, is Bouchercon, where I am right now. Bouchercon moves all over the country and I've attended them in lots of different places including Wisconsin twice, Texas, and Alaska. Bouchercon is big--big name writers and lots of fans attend--as well as small press writers like me. It can be overwhelming and a good idea if you have a roommate. While there though, be sure not only to take advantage of the panels, and there are lots to choose from, also go take advantage of the other things offered to do. Talk to everyone, make new friends, speak to your favorite authors, let them know that you love their books. Have a good time.

Left Coast Crime is probably the next biggest I've attended and they are always supposed to be in the west somewhere. Not quite as many attend, though there are still a lot of people and the con is much like Bouchercon, just smaller. Sometimes they go to the same places as Bouchercon--as long as they are in what could be called the left coast. (They were in Hawaii once and also the Left Coast of England.)

Malice Domestic is the only mystery con I've been to on the East Coast. Though mostly attended by cozy writers and fans, other genres do pop in and are treated wonderfully well. Usually this one is held somewhere in the Washington DC area.

Hubby and I went once to Love is Murder in the Chicago area. This one is always held in February which can make getting there and back interesting. They always have great speakers and are author and fan friendly. We had a great time.

One of my favorites is Mayhem in the Midlands in Omaha. I've been to all of them but the very first. It's limited to 200 people and consequently I've made many good friends of both authors and fans who attend. It's held near the Old Marketplace which has wonderful restaurants and lots of shops. And Omaha has one of the best zoos in the world.

There are other mystery cons on the East Coast and Canada, but I've never been to any of them.

If you love mysteries, do treat yourself and attend one of these conventions.

And always, speak to srangers--that's how you make friends.

Marilyn

Comments

Jackie Vick said…
Thanks for sharing. I've wondered about Mayham. I may check it out, time and wallet allowing.
When it comes to writing conferences, the Public Safety Writers Conference is the nearest and dearest to my heart.

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