I’m back from a very-fun-and-very-exhausting Left Coast Crime mystery con in Sparks, Nevada. Although I’ve attended lots of mystery cons as a reader and fan, this was my first time as a published author. So now I get to introduce myself as “Mystery Author, Reader, and Fan.” WHOO-HOO!
Left Coast Crime had something for everyone…a new author’s breakfast, author speed-dating, helpful and fascinating panels (like Desperado: Writing a Great Villain and Burning Love: The Sex Panel), and a hilarious visit from the Ghost of Honor, Mark Twain (impressionist McAvoy Layne).
My biggest thrill was seeing FANNY NEWCOMB AND THE IRISH CHANNEL RIPPER for sale on the bookseller’s table. Even though it was dumb alphabetical luck, FANNY got to hang out next to Cara Black’s kickass heroine Aimée Leduc and Ellen Byron’s Cajun Country crew. Great company indeed!
Fanny & friends
While the next Left Coast Crime is almost year away (March 28–31, 2019 in Vancouver Canada), there are still many more cons to attend this year.
I’m thinking about going to at least one of 2018 mystery cons. How about you?
Malice Domestic 30—April 29 in Bethesda, MD. “If traditional mysteries are your cup of tea…” you’ll love this conference of cozy mystery writers and readers. More than 190 authors attending!
Crimecon—May 4–6 in Nashville, TN. If you read or write true crime, this is the crime-immersive weekend for you.
Deadly Ink Mystery Conference and Writing Academy—June 16-18 in Rockaway, NJ. Academy classes for writers; panels and book signing for readers and fans.
Suffolk Mystery Authors Festival—August 4 in Suffolk, Virginia. “Book signings, fan meet & greets and moderated panel discussions” throughout the day.
Magna cum Murder Crime Writing Festival—Oct 19-21 in Indianapolis, IN. Brings together crime readers and writers for “a weekend of panels, book signings, and camaraderie.”
Bouchercon 2018—September 6-9 in St. Petersburg, FL. “The World Mystery Convention, the premier annual event for readers, authors, and all lovers of crime fiction.”
New England Crime Bake—Nov 9-11 in a location TBA. The premier conference for crime-fiction writers and readers in New England.
And if you attend Left Coast Crime next year, you too might be able to take a selfie with MWA NorCal’s Edgar Allan Poe!
Edgar & Ana
