Peg Herring's Blog - Posts Tagged "conventions"
Attending Cons
Conferences, conventions, whatever. You need to go.
As a reader, you will be thrilled to meet your favorite writers, chat with them, get their autographs, and return home geeked to have rubbed elbows. I still can't help adding, "Oh, she's so nice when you meet her in person," to conversations that arise about authors.
As a writer, you network, you learn, and you pay your dues. I didn't feel like a "real" writer until I went to my first con and discovered that -- Well, you know: the whole putting your pants on one leg at a time thing. They write. I write. They publish. Maybe I could, too. And I did.
Add to that the atmosphere of a bunch of people who love the written word and could talk about it for days. The panels where writers spill their secrets, where agents reveal how they pick winners (just kidding - nobody really knows how to do that), and editors explained the complicated and perilous journey a manuscript makes.
Throw in some unusual stuff, like experts in crime-solving who tell you how it's really done. A few cocktails. Some eating fo fancy food. It all adds up to fun, so when the next con comes anywhere near you, you should go. Just leave lots of room in your suitcase for all the books you're going to buy.
As a reader, you will be thrilled to meet your favorite writers, chat with them, get their autographs, and return home geeked to have rubbed elbows. I still can't help adding, "Oh, she's so nice when you meet her in person," to conversations that arise about authors.
As a writer, you network, you learn, and you pay your dues. I didn't feel like a "real" writer until I went to my first con and discovered that -- Well, you know: the whole putting your pants on one leg at a time thing. They write. I write. They publish. Maybe I could, too. And I did.
Add to that the atmosphere of a bunch of people who love the written word and could talk about it for days. The panels where writers spill their secrets, where agents reveal how they pick winners (just kidding - nobody really knows how to do that), and editors explained the complicated and perilous journey a manuscript makes.
Throw in some unusual stuff, like experts in crime-solving who tell you how it's really done. A few cocktails. Some eating fo fancy food. It all adds up to fun, so when the next con comes anywhere near you, you should go. Just leave lots of room in your suitcase for all the books you're going to buy.
Malice Doings
I'm going to imagine that you have never been to a mystery convention and tell you what happens, at least at this one. Malice Domestic is one of the larger cons, always held in Arlington, VA around the end of April. It's cozy based, which means most of those who attend write, read, or help to publish and promote cozy mysteries. These are mysteries that are less violent, less police oriented, and often involve amateur sleuths.
Today is the first day of the con, and people are checking in and learning their way around. This morning we'll have some introductory meetings, most of which I will not attend, since I've been here before. Those of us who don't attend a panel in any one time slot are likely to be found sitting in groups, talking about (or complaining about) the publishing industry.
After lunch we'll have panels that discuss or people who explain aspects of mystery. One of my favorites, The Poison Lady, is Luci Zahray, a full time pharmacist and part time adviser on how to kill people (IN YOUR MYSTERY NOVEL ONLY. DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME.)
We'll have other panels and interviews through the afternoon. I'll be looking for people I've met at other cons so we can catch up. I'll be checking out the book room, giving away freebies to publicize my books, and enjoying the ambiance.
Today is the first day of the con, and people are checking in and learning their way around. This morning we'll have some introductory meetings, most of which I will not attend, since I've been here before. Those of us who don't attend a panel in any one time slot are likely to be found sitting in groups, talking about (or complaining about) the publishing industry.
After lunch we'll have panels that discuss or people who explain aspects of mystery. One of my favorites, The Poison Lady, is Luci Zahray, a full time pharmacist and part time adviser on how to kill people (IN YOUR MYSTERY NOVEL ONLY. DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME.)
We'll have other panels and interviews through the afternoon. I'll be looking for people I've met at other cons so we can catch up. I'll be checking out the book room, giving away freebies to publicize my books, and enjoying the ambiance.
The Party's Over
We left Malice after closing ceremonies on Sunday, tired but happy. The traditional farewell tea was lovely, and I'd like to commend those who work so hard to make Malice a success each year. It's an effort-laden thing, making such an event look effortless.
Malice is a con devoted to (but not exclusive to) cozy writers, those who seldom dismember their vicitms and never in detail. Still, we are mystery writers, and death isn't pretty. At Malice one meets authors who include along with the murder and mayhem recipes, quilting patterns, crossword puzzles, and all manner of screwball occupations, from cheese shop owners to purse-dog trainers.
At this year's Malice, Mary Higgins Clark was honored for lifetime achievement, and William Link, of television fame with shows such as Mannix, also received recognition for his work in entertaining mysteries.
I traveled with my friend, reviewer P.J. Coldren, and met there her friend Luci Zahray, known as the Poison Lady because she helps writers poison their (fictitious) victims and not get caught. I also met a friend from other conferences, Barbara Graham, whose third book in the Tony and Theo series is in the works and should be every bit as exciting as the first two.
Prizes went to Louise Penny for best novel, A BRUTAL TELLING, and Allan Bradley for best first novel, THE SWEETNESS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PIE. Mr. Bradley is an inspiration to all of us "mature" writers, winning such an award at 70 years of age or thereabouts.
Cons like Malice make me both glad and sad. I love seeing friends, meeting new people, hearing bits of gossip and helpful advice. But it's a bit deflating to see so many likeable, talented people all vying for any little slit of spotlight, smiling eagerly at the fans in hopes someone will say, "Oh, I think I'm going to buy your book."
A woman in the elevator told me, "I've begun reading your book, and I'm really enjoying it." That alone is worth the price of admission.
Malice is a con devoted to (but not exclusive to) cozy writers, those who seldom dismember their vicitms and never in detail. Still, we are mystery writers, and death isn't pretty. At Malice one meets authors who include along with the murder and mayhem recipes, quilting patterns, crossword puzzles, and all manner of screwball occupations, from cheese shop owners to purse-dog trainers.
At this year's Malice, Mary Higgins Clark was honored for lifetime achievement, and William Link, of television fame with shows such as Mannix, also received recognition for his work in entertaining mysteries.
I traveled with my friend, reviewer P.J. Coldren, and met there her friend Luci Zahray, known as the Poison Lady because she helps writers poison their (fictitious) victims and not get caught. I also met a friend from other conferences, Barbara Graham, whose third book in the Tony and Theo series is in the works and should be every bit as exciting as the first two.
Prizes went to Louise Penny for best novel, A BRUTAL TELLING, and Allan Bradley for best first novel, THE SWEETNESS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PIE. Mr. Bradley is an inspiration to all of us "mature" writers, winning such an award at 70 years of age or thereabouts.
Cons like Malice make me both glad and sad. I love seeing friends, meeting new people, hearing bits of gossip and helpful advice. But it's a bit deflating to see so many likeable, talented people all vying for any little slit of spotlight, smiling eagerly at the fans in hopes someone will say, "Oh, I think I'm going to buy your book."
A woman in the elevator told me, "I've begun reading your book, and I'm really enjoying it." That alone is worth the price of admission.
Magna cum Murder, 2010
Good to go; good to come home. Magna was fun, well-organized, and good for networking with both authors and fans. I've put some pictures up at Criminal Minds: http://criminalmindsatwork.blogspot.com. Enjoy!
