Bouchercons of the Future!

The San Francisco Bouchercon is done. It's over. Get over it. It's time to look toward the future, which is especially easy for someone like me, who didn't go to Bouchercon 41. Still, it's always have something to work toward, so you should immediately check out the website for Bouchercon 42, which will be held September 2011 in lovely St. Louis, Missouri, at a time when the Cardinals will still be playing.

Reports coming out of B-Con are scarce on business meeting info, but the Women of Mystery blog points to these sites for Bouchercon in upcoming years:

2012 - Cleveland, Ohio

2013 - Albany, New York

2014 - Long Beach, California

Dates are not set this far out. And look, I'd love to go to Long Beach, but since I'm planning on being at St. Louis, and with the next two within a five-hour drive, I may be ready for a break in 2014. Just sayin'.

Bouchercon Authors

If you read my post a couple weeks ago about the Top 10 Reasons to Attend Bouchercon, then you know one of the best reasons is meeting the authors. I've been to 3 Bouchercons so far, and I've met people that I really like and some that I call friends. I'm very sad not to be going this year to San Francisco, but I'm very excited about the NoirCon conference in November. If I were going to Bouchercon, these are the authors I'd look forward to re-connecting with. If you're going, look them up. And tell them Jared sent ya.

Megan Abbott - One of the best noir authors working today, she's also a great source for noir conversation, whether it's about film noir, noir authors of the past or today. Luckily, I'll get to see her again and NoirCon. And you may be hearing more about her...

Trey Barker - A hilarious guy that you should hang out with at the bar if you want to meet anybody. And a hell of an author to boot. I'll be doing the non-Memorial shot on my own this year.

Brett Battles - I walked with Brett from the hotel to the Anthony Awards in Indy last year. We had a nice conversation which I'm sure he doesn't remember. But a really great thriller writer and a nice guy.

Judy Clemens -Another friend from Madison, Judy is the author of the Stella Crown series and the Grim Reaper mysteries. Another great author, and super nice on top.



Marcus Sakey - A super author that bases his thrillers on everyman characters you'll find in Chicago. GOOD PEOPLE is probably my favorite, but you can't go wrong with any of them.





Stephen Jay Schwartz - You've heard my story of how I met Stephen, but now that I've interviewed him, I'd love to talk to him face-to-face.

Jacqueline Winspear - I met Jacqueline at the only Malice Domestic I went to. Super nice and a beautiful woman. I really admire her Maisie Dobbs mysteries.

I plan on being in St. Louis in 2011, but that doesn't mean I won't be a little down this weekend. Hope you all have fun!

The Top 10 Reasons to Attend Bouchercon

Bouchercon starts in just a couple of weeks. And though I've made it to 3 of the last 4 events, I'm very sad not to be going to this year's conference in San Francisco. But I still want YOU to go, if you have the chance. A very nice man with very little hair asked me last year to guest blog about the best reasons to go to Bouchercon. Here is an updated revision of that post.

My first Bouchercon was in Madison, Wisconsin. It just happened to be the old stomping grounds of a colleague (Dan Wagner, who calls himself The Hungry Detective) who also just happened to be a big mystery reader. It was exciting and overwhelming, but by the end, I knew I wanted more. I got more when I went to Indianapolis last year. Armed with foreknowledge of what to expect, I got much more out of it, and I am unfortunately not returning this year. Here's to hoping for St. Louis in 2011!

So what keeps bringing me back? There are 10 things. At least. Here are my Top 10:

10) The Gift Bag – The first thing that happens to you when you check in is this: someone hands you a big bag of free books. Now, free is not one of those four-letter words your mother taught you to avoid. This is FREE! And they're not slouches, either. Here are some of the authors I've gotten free at Bouchercon: Laura Lippman, John Harvey, Lawrence Block, Sean Chercover, Theresa Schwegel. If nothing else, this is a great opener for an author you haven't met yet.

9) Authors Sign Books – This is not as important to me. I'd rather have a handshake, a conversation, even a picture, any day, but it does provide an opportunity for anyone to interact with a favorite author and have a keepsake of the experience.

8) Explore the Area – You may not have time, but if you can, you should explore the area you've been brought to. There are usually numerous interesting things to do and see wherever you go. For instance, in Indianapolis last year I explored the historic Lockerbie Square neighborhood. And if you were to go to San Francisco this year, you might go on a cable car tour, or cruise around the bay, or take a wine tour, not to mention the Dashiell Hammett walking tour, and probably several other things I'm forgetting. And I wouldn't know what great Mexican food was if I hadn't visited Madison, Wisconsin. Honest.

7) The Anthony Awards – These awards are voted on at the conference. You are eligible to nominate and vote based on being registered at the conference. The winners will likely be at the conference. It's synergy.

6) Meet the Fans – You have a chance to meet other people who are interested in the same books, the same authors, that you are. They are probably even more knowledgeable than you are, and you can finally have an enlightening conversation, in person, about your interests.

5) The Panels – Mystery novels get talked about from every angle in these 45- to 50-minute sessions. Some are not so good. Some are out-of-this-world fantastic. A particular one that comes to mind is Laura Lippman, Thomas H. Cook and Reed Farrell Coleman talking about setting as a character. Just magic.

4) The Interviews – In Baltimore there were two fantastic interviews, Michael Koryta interviewing Laura Lippman, and Charles Ardai interviewing Lawrence Block. There were two more excellent interviews in Indy as interviewed Michael Connelly and Terence Faherty (a personal favorite) interviewed SJ Rozan. The interviewing authors are extremely well-versed and thoughtful in their interviews, and there's nothing quite like two intelligent people talking. I'm very sorry to be missing Jacqueline Winspear's interview of Eddie Muller and Robert Crais's interview of Lee Child. VERY bummed.

3) Meet the Authors – I have a little secret. I have a list of 10 people I HAVE to talk to at each Bouchercon. Some know me, some are acquainted with me, and some have no idea I'm coming. But this is why they're at this conference: to meet the readers, connect with them. It is an opportunity that you should be taking advantage of.

2) The Parties/the Bar – This is where the concept of authors and readers really comes together. Yes, there are formalized panels and interviews and events during the day, but at night-time you might find yourself sitting in on a conversation with Bill Cameron, Brett Battles and Robert Gregory Browne, or talking to Thomas H. Cook or Trey Barker or Craig Johnson (or Sean Doolittle or Marcus Sakey, Sean Chercover, Megan Abbott), or just watching people come in and out the door. Without the artifice, everyone is just someone, and you can communicate on a different level.

1) Learn About New Authors You May Never Have Heard of – This is by far the most significant benefit I've gotten from these conferences. There are so many authors that I read on a regular basis now that I didn't before I went to a conference: Megan Abbott, Trey Barker, Lorraine Bartlett, Lawrence Block, Sean Chercover, Marcus Sakey. Do yourself a favor and check out one or more of these authors. I've done the footwork for you. Or treat yourself and attend a mystery convention. You'll be glad you did.

What I Learned at Bouchercon - 2009 Edition

Bouchercon is always a hectic 3-4 days of information overload, and it's always nice to sit back and take stock of what you've seen and heard. It's way too much to write a full post about, so I'll just give you the bullet points:

- Rochester is 9 hours from Indianapolis. It breaks down pretty well: 2 hours in New York, 1 hour in Pennsylvania, 5 hours in Ohio and 1 hour in Indiana.
- According to Sean Chercover, Toronto (on the other side of the lake) is 9 1/2 hours from Indianapolis.
- Indianapolis is the 12th largest metropolitan area in the US (credit: new friend Paul Vasquez)
- Indianapolis is the "Crossroads of America," where US 65 (Mobile to Gary) and US 70 (Baltimore to Cove Fort, UT) intersect.
- Jim Huang is full of good ideas. The Continuous Conversation was always interesting and the New Authors speed-dating event transferred over well from Malice Domestic.
- Always listen to James Scott Bell.
- Translating a book from another language is hard.
- You want Max Allan Collins to sneeze.
- Sean Chercover's Ray Dudgeon series was this close.
- Canadians dress funny. At least on their panels.
- No matter what Trey Barker says, I love it when authors get recognized. Congratulations again to Brett Battles, Julie Hyzy, Christa Faust and Sean Chercover.
- SJ Rozan gives good interview and I eagerly anticipate her trip to Rochester.
- I love talking to Terence Faherty.
- Video games at Bouchercon? It kinda works.
- Films are as much an influence on current authors as books are.
- Lockerbie Square is a beautiful place to live near a major downtown area.
- I have to read Stephen Jay Schwartz's book soon.
- I still don't know which Terence Faherty book is going to be the "Book You Have to Read."
- I have to read Derek Nikitas' books soon.
- I have to read more and sleep less.
- Write with your head down.
- Absent friends are indeed missed. I'm looking at you, Charles. You too, Lorraine.
- The International Thriller Writers is coming out with a book of essays by authors talking about the 100 Greatest Thrillers. Writers talking about writers is intellectual porn.
- Don't get stuck in the middle of a row.
- The Dark Books for Dark Times panel was a bad idea. Now I have five more authors to read: Reed Farrel Coleman, Larry Beinhart, JT Ellison, Michael Lister and Duane Swierczynski.
- Harley Jane Kozak is just as beautiful in person. And she will sign your DVDs.
- Y'know who else is beautiful? Louise Penny. And she's coming to Rochester, too!
- Authors are still fans.
- Trey Barker knows everybody. Well, almost everybody.
- Jack Daniels is good.
- Sean Chercover and Marcus Sakey are still two of the nicest G-D guys you'll ever meet.
- If you ever want to bring down a ceremony, just give Julie Hyzy an award. (That's facetious, folks.)
- Shannon Clute is almost as knowledgeable about film noir as I am. (Also facetious.)
- Loren Estleman likes film geeks.
- If you're ever in Indianapolis, make sure to hit the TaTa Cuban Cafe.
- Sean Chercover was the second person to recognize my ring. The first was The Hungry Detective, Dan Wagner. And that was a year and a half ago.

More to come, if I think of them.

Will I learn as much in San Francisco next year? It's hard to believe. But SF is a town that is steeped in mystery, and mystery writers.

Bouchercon Update #3

Connelly was good, and so was the fish and chips. Stopped off at the Minotaur party and had a drink. Met Shannon Clute and had a great conversation. Going down to the bar to watch the game. Much to come tomorrow.

Bouchercon Update #2

Saw Megan Abbott and Christa Faust panels in the morning, and saw local author Lisa Bork in action at the New Authors speed-dating event. Michael Connelly this afternoon, plus Louise Penny and SJ Rozan (who are both coming to Rochester, more details to follow). Hopefully an Irish pub for dinner and maybe a party or two. Several people still to talk to, but I've got a day and a half left.

Bouchercon Update #1

The long first day is over. Saw several friends and met some online friends. Went to panels, walked around downtown. Bought some books, went to an awards ceremony, and played some video games. No stop at the bar tonight, but I've got two days left, and it starts early tomorrow with a Noir panel, something close to my heart.

The Top 10 Reasons to Go to Bouchercon

I'm the featured guest-blogger this morning at Type M For Murder (a clever play on Hitchcock's DIAL M FOR MURDER, which, if you've been paying attention, I just introduced at the Dryden in late August). I give you the Top 10 reasons to attend Bouchercon in Indianapolis this year. Or, if you're too late, then San Francisco next year. Check it out and let me know if you need links to any of the authors or events listed. I'd be happy to provide them.

Bouchercon Preview, Volume 3

One last time, the whole program can be found here.

Saturday, October 17

9:00-9:55
David Morrell previously published a list of the 70 greatest thrillers on the International Thriller Writers website. The list has apparently been expanded to 100 and he is presenting it at Bouchercon, along with Lee Child and Barry Eisler. But Julie Hyzy and Thomas H. Cook are both speaking at the same time, Hyzy on "Criminal Consumables" and Cook on "The Cold Dead Hand of the Past." Plus, there is a Kindle demonstration.

Throughout the program is a concept called "Continuous Conversation" where three authors sit down and talk about whatever they want. One author leaves and is replaced by a new author every 15 minutes. From 9:30-10:15 on Saturday morning, Megan Abbott will be part of the group, and she may be able to pull me away from whatever panel I'm in.

10:30-11:25
At this time, Michael Connelly is leading a tribute to Edgar Allan Poe during the 200th anniversary of his birth. Also Harlan Coben is talking about "What Do You Need to Know in Order to Write a Crime Novel?" If I feel satisfied with the Connelly interview on Friday, I may end up at the latter panel.

1:30-2:25
Again there's a lunch. Then Sean Chercover and Louise Penny are talking about the Dilys Award. But there are some interesting conceptual panels, too. "War Crimes" talks about war's relationship with crime fiction, and "Bouchercon 1934" posits what a panel would look like 75 years ago.

2:30-3:25
I'd like to see Judy Clemens talk about "Rules for the Paranormal Mystery" and Harley Jane Kozak contribute to "The Humor Panel," but I'm also intrigued by "Dark Books for Dark Times."

The Anthony Awards ceremony starts at 4:15, and the reception starts immediately after. But it's only scheduled till 6pm, giving me another night on the Indianapolis streets. Or maybe I'll catch up on some sleep. Maybe I'll sleep at the bar.

Sunday, October 18

It's a long drive home to Rochester, NY, so we may leave fairly early. But I do think we want to check out The Bazaar, where authors hand out free copies of their books to promote reading and awareness. I dig it. And I may even drop an extra $5 for another 5 books.

But once I get home, I'm definitely sleeping. If my wife lets me.

Bouchercon Preview, Volume 2

Again, the entire program is here.

Friday, October 16

9:00-9:55
Christa Faust is featured in "More Noir Than You Are," but Sean Chercover is making himself seen again in "Short, Dark and Good Reading." And the concept of "Which End is Up?" intrigues me: debating plotting forward vs. writing backward from the end. I have a feeling my inner Noir will win out, though.

Also at this time (from 9:45-11:15) there will be a speed-dating type of introduction to new authors, including local author Lisa Bork. I may have to stop in and see how she's doing.

10:30-11:25
Get this. All the panels at this time have something to offer for me. Conceptually, there is a panel of "Agents and Editors," one on "Police Procedure" and "The PI Novel Through the Years" featuring Max Allan Collins and SJ Rozan talking about the last four decades of the form. Then there's Marcus Sakey talking about plotting from character in "Character is Destiny" and Megan Abbott and Derek Nikitas talking about "The Dark Side of the Fair Sex." No matter what I do, I'll end up feeling guilty.

1:30-2:25
After lunch is the featured Guest of Honor interview with Michael Connelly, conducted by Michael Koryta. This panel is running unopposed.

3:00-3:55
If I'm not already exhausted, I'll have to choose between Louise Penny talking about "Ordinary People, Extraordinary Circumstances" and a big heaping helping of backstory in "The Past is Always Present."

4:30-5:25
Another decision. This time between SJ Rozan talking about "Keeping it Fresh" and a panel on the dangers of modeling characters on real people in "You Talking About Me?" Although, if my good friend Charles Benoit was coming this year, he'd likely be on the panel called "Murder at the Edge of the Map," which was tailor-made for him, and I would definitely be there to support him.

I'll be on my own Friday night. I could use it to catch up on some sleep. Or hang out in the bar.

Bouchercon Preview, Volume 1

I once again have the good fortune to be able to go to Bouchercon, this time in Indianapolis, Indiana, the home, apparently, of Rex Stout, John Dillinger, "One Day at a Time" and the Indy 500. I'm going to take a few entries to preview what I'm thinking about doing before I get there. What actually happens, no one can tell. If you want to take a look at the program yourself, you can comment on what I'll be missing, or strongly suggest alternatives.

Thursday, October 15.

9:00-9:55
I'm going to hope that I'm up for the first session on the first day. My pick will likely be "Guidance from Writing Guides," moderated by Chris Roerden.

10:30-11:25
I'm interested in the "Lost in Translation" panel, featuring four people who take crime fiction in other languages and translate them to English. But I'm also interested in the "Inside Booklist" presentation from the Publisher and Senior Editor. This may be a gametime decision.

1:30-2:25
After lunch, there are a few interesting panels. "This Pen for Hire" is about continuing an existing series, including, among others, Max Allan Collins, who has finished some Mickey Spillane manuscripts. There is also "Twenty-First Century Private Eyes," moderated by the always-fun Austin Camacho. Then there is a presentation by the Head of Publisher Relations at Amazon on how that website connects authors with their audience. I'll play this one by ear.

3:00-3:55
This particular Bouchercon has a "One Conference, One Book" concept based around the Rex Stout-Nero Wolfe mystery SOME BURIED CAESAR. The town hall conversation on the book is in this time slot. I hope I can finish the book in time.

4:30-5:25
I'm going to clone myself for this time slot. It features "The Fixers" with Brett Battles and Lee Child, "Changing Gears" with Loren Estleman, "Adaptation" with Sean Chercover, and "O Canada" with Vicky Delany. If my day-job mentality wins out, I'll probably go to "Adaptation," but if it doesn't the field is wide open.

That night is the presentation of the Barry, Macavity, Derringer and Crime Spree Awards, followed by an interview of toastmaster SJ Rozan by Terence Faherty (a personal favorite, and an Indiana native), and concluding with an "Extravaganza" at some place called GameWorks Studio. Then off to bed. Or the bar.

The Books of 2008

I was inspired by Dan Wagner's all-inclusive 2008 list to do something similar. I actually finished 50 books this year, between reading and listening. And looking at some other people's lists, I don't feel like such a slouch anymore. Then I saw Marcus Sakey's list of stuff he really liked reading in 2008, no matter when it was released, and liked the idea. So I'll steal from him, instead.

Subset #1 - Lawrence Block.
I listened to Hit Man and Small Town on disc last year and realized, far too late, that I needed to be reading this guy from the get-go. In 2008, I read all the Keller books and the first Chip Harrison book. I actually met the man in May when he made a trip to Buffalo, and shook his hand. Then he was a Guest of Honor Bouchercon in Baltimore. Got to see him again. What a fantastic guy. And based on all the recommendations flying around the conference, I will be getting to several of the Scudder books in 2009.

Subset #2 - Chicago.
True, I actually read The Blade Itself in 2007, but I happened upon a CD version of it at the library and listened to it in 2008. And I did actually read At the City's Edge & Good People (Marcus Sakey) and Big City, Bad Blood & Trigger City (Sean Chercover) in 2008. All of them are great reads (don't just take my word for it) and both authors are just getting better. You should go out now and buy a copy of each, and then another copy for your local library. And both of these guys are great to talk to, if you happen to meet them at a bar somewhere, say in Indianapolis.

The Last Coyote, by Michael Connelly - My favorite Connelly book of the 8 or so I've read.

Violent Screen, by Stephen Hunter - Interesting film critique from a great thriller writer.

A Hell of a Woman, by Jim Thompson - Another author I got turned onto this year.

On Writing, by Stephen King - and not for the first time. If I read it again this year, don't be surprised.

Dragonflight, by Anne McCaffrey - Surprisingly good. And more sci-fi than I would have thought going in.

What the Dead Know, by Laura Lippman - Deservedly the winner of many awards. A great book.

Lost Boys, by Orson Scott Card - Already the author of one of my most-read books, Ender's Game, this book reads more like Stephen King. It posits a murder mystery in which none of the main characters are investigating the murder, just the reader. The main characters go about their daily lives and you get to squirm till the end.


Here's hoping for more great reads in 2009!

Rubbing Off

There's one thing that I can always say about hanging out with other writers: It makes me want to write more. It makes me want to write more and better, and get my stuff out there for people to see.

It' s an odd mix of awe and trepidation, at least for me, to be talking with published writers. I don't know what it is about my personal makeup, whether it's my Catholic upbringing or generally low self-esteem, but I always assume people have better things to do. I've gotten better about it, but at the Madison Bouchercon I was a complete mess, being that over-talking hyper-excited star-struck guy that fawned over mid-list authors that I'm sure would have been flattered if I hadn't seemed crazy. Usually what I was faced with was the look that starts with narrowed eyes and moves to contracted brows and causes people to end their comments with ellipses and question marks.

The over-arching enthusiasm had abated by the time I got to Malice Domestic the next year, but I had gone by myself, without really an agenda, and spent a lot of my time wandering around. My good friend Charles Benoit was there and had a few drinks with me, and I actually got off my butt and did some meeting. But I felt like there were two groups of people at that conference: the great fans of traditional/cozy mysteries, and the authors. And I didn't fit with either one of them. I don't think any lasting friendships came specifically out of that conference, but I did get to meet some great writers.

Then came Baltimore. I was much more confident this time around. I had a general plan. I knew there were certain authors I wanted to catch up with, including friends from previous conferences. I made sure to be out of my room, and seen around the conference. To that end, I volunteered in the Hospitality Suite and was in the bar every night. I made it a point to contact NY Times best-selling author Harlan Coben ahead of time and arrange an interview with him about a December 19 showing of the film TELL NO ONE, based on his novel. Not only was this a goal for me to shoot for, but it helped my general confidence not only in dealing with new people, but also in asserting myself for my own goals. I shook hands with, and smiled at, a lot of people last weekend, and I felt a bit more like I belonged.

This may actually seem like putting the cart before the horse, since I haven't finished the book yet, let alone sent it out, but it's actually helped my motivation, as I have not only gotten back to work on the novel, but have also started a short story with the same character. Things are looking up creatively, and so I go forward.

Post-Game, and Onward

A list of things that I learned/had reinforced at Bouchercon 2008:

- Noir is about disillusionment.
- Charles Ardai hugs everybody.
- Marcus Sakey and Sean Chercover are about the two G-D nicest guys you'd ever want to meet.
- In a mystery, everyone is lying.
- Trey Barker is fun to hang out with.
- Charles Benoit can bring any room to life.
- A protagonist becomes who he must become to do what he needs to do by the end of the book.
- Judy Clemens is the definition of Grace Under Pressure.
- If Megan Abbott wasn't already cool enough, she's a Doctor to boot.
- Setting is a character.
- Eddie Muller makes good films.
- Lawrence Block is a god.
- Setting is both geographic and emotional.
- Laura Lippman is an incredible speaker.
- Mark Billingham is funny as hell.
- Attack your writing with arrogance and ignorance.
- Harlan Coben is a great interview.
- Jim Huang has great ideas.
- The style of writing can be influenced by the setting.
- Making new friends is one of the best parts of any Bouchercon, so I need to say "Hi" to: Kat Richardson, Sheila Connolly, Stefanie Pintoff, Meredith Cole, Sandra Parshall, Lori G. Armstrong, Jodi Compton, Beth Wasson,
- Christa Faust is so cool.
- Whether the protagonist is amateur or professional, they become amateur so that they can learn about the subject matter along with the reader.
- A PI is often discovering himself, and hiding from his own past.
- Charlaine Harris is the basis for TRUE BLOOD. Well, her books are.
- Harry Husicker is a fan of Magnum, PI.
- Sisters are sisters, but Guppies are awesome.
- Brett Battles is a temporary Rays fan.
- Robert Gregory Browne didn't have to come back, but he did.
- I need a smaller camera.
- Austin Camacho works for the Defense Department.
- Dan Wagner is a good friend.
- Keeping in touch with old friends is a good idea.
- Shannon Clute and Richard Edwards prepared me well.
- There's more to do than you can actually get done.

Bouchercon Pictures

My digital camera is of the archaic variety and very difficult to carry around without a jacket pocket to put it in, so these pics are all from Sunday Afternoon:




Max Allan Collins and Ted Fitzgerald in the Book Room.





Judy Clemens after the Anthony Awards Brunch.





Austin Camacho, also post-Anthonys.








Eddie Muller and Christa Faust hanging in the lobby.






Sean Chercover being cool. And me...not.






Brett Battles and Robert Gregory Browne, still on the clock.

Bouchercon Pre-Game, Part 7

8:30am - There are only two panels early in the morning. One is called "Sunday hangover." The other introduces us to new authors. We'll see how that works out.

10am - Laura Lippman is being interviewed as the American Guest of Honor.

11:30am - The Anthony Awards brunch. The nominations can be found here. I have certain people I'll be rooting for. You may be able to find their names in previous posts.

After the brunch, but before I catch the plane back, THD and I will be hanging out with former Selznick grad Criss Kovac and hubby Peter. Looking forward to catching up.

Although they haven't been listed on panels, I am also hoping to catch up with some other authors while I'm in Baltimore: Trey Barker, Krista Davis, Sandra Parshall, Judy Clemens. Huh. I thought there would've been more. But it looks like everyone is represented now, so wish me luck and I'll tell you how it was when I get back.

Bouchercon Pre-Game, Part 6

1:30pm - Lawrence Block is being interviewed by Charles Ardai of Hard Case Crime. Is there anything else going on at that time? There shouldn't be.

3pm - The very funny Troy Cook will be on a panel about how crime fiction reveals the darkness of human emotions. Should be interesting.

4:30pm - Ugh. Four panels I'd like to see: 1) Keeping it plausible when everyday folk solve crime. 2) Christa Faust on boundaries. heh heh. 3) Writing in more than one genre. 4) Harlan Coben and Laura Lippman. Nuff Said.

Night-time. Ah, finally some time to relax. Yeah, right. Restaurants, bars, conversation and friends. One last night.

Bouchercon Pre-Game, Part 5

8:30am - I have to be up for Charles Benoit's panel on travelling the globe. Have to.

10am - There is a panel about how the authors picked the times they write in, yet another of the Killer Year participants, Brett Battles, is on a panel about making the bad guys likable.

11:30am - A panel on classic crime authors intrigues me. Christa Faust is going to be representing Richard Prather and Max Allan Collins will be representing Mickey Spillane. Yet, there's also a panel on why someone would want to be a PI. Hmmmm...

Lunchtime - Will I be sick of crab at this point? I don't even know if it's in season. Does it have seasons?

Bouchercon Pre-Game, Part 4

1:30pm - Easy. Best new author nominees, with Marcus Sakey and Sean Chercover.

3pm - There are three panels that I'm interested in: One has Lee Child, one has Louise Penny, and one is about applying real-life experience to your fiction. I'll play it by ear.

4:30pm - Again, more opportunities than you can shake a stick at: Harlan Coben talking about ending your book, Christa Faust talking about books with a lasting impact, and a panel on the similarity between sub-genres.

Night-time - We have reservations at J. Paul's, and hopefully old high school friend Peter Panepento will be able to join us. Beyond that, I assume there are bars and parties going on that night...

Bouchercon Pre-Game, Part 3

Friday, October 10
8:30am - We'll all just assume I can get up this early. Laura Lippman is on a panel again this day, but I'll likely be at the "Six Days on the Road" panel with Jacqueline Winspear.

10am - This time slot is the biggest travesty of the conference, making me choose between Marcus Sakey and Max Allan Collins talking about movies and Sean Chercover and Duane Swierczynski talking about TV. Why can't they temporarily clone me?

11:30am - Another tough call. There is a panel on "Making Your Characters Believable," which might be helpful, but "Noir for the New Century" with Megan Abbott and Eddie Muller sounds fascinating.

12:30pm - There is a Bouchercon business lunch meeting, where a vote will be taken on the 2010 Bouchercon applications: San Francisco and Tempe, and a confirmation of the bid for 2011: St. Louis. Otherwise, I'll be at the market again.