Monday, August 27, 2018

Bouchercon Bound


In less than two weeks, over one thousand crime fiction fans will converge in St. Petersburg, Florida for one of the largest reader fan convention. . . Bouchercon.

Bouchercon is our annual world mystery convention where every year readers, writers, publishers, editors, agents, booksellers and other lovers of crime fiction gather for a 4-day weekend of education, entertainment, and fun! It is the world’s premier event bringing together all parts of the mystery and crime fiction community, and is pronounced [bough’•chur•con].

There are so many people who volunteer their time and effort to put on this massive affair and I thank them from the bottom of my heart. Without this convention, I would probably be a hermit or even a recluse.



Anyway, before arriving at the event, there is so much do to on our, my end to prepare oneself. First and foremost, everyone should enjoy the convention and have fun.



You don’t have to go to all the panels that interest you. . .I did this at the first convention I attended and it nearly wiped me out.


Some of the best times and one-on-ones I have had with authors and other readers is passing one another in a hallway, near an elevator, or standing on the coffee line, was chatting with them and forgetting the panel I wanted to go to. That time was precious and there you are bound to develop a long-lasting friendship.



Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Walking back and forth from panels to bookrooms to side activities will take a toll on your feet. Also bring a light jacket or sweater as it may get cold in the meeting places.



Because most of us are more likely introverts, it’s okay to go to our room for a recharging session. Too many people, too much noise wipes out my energy quicker than the Energizer Bunny Rabbit.



Don’t be afraid to approach authors and readers that you have met on social media. We are a friendly bunch, even though I’m still afraid to approach some as well.

Because this is my ninth convention, I plan meet-ups with friends I only see once a year, so I try to get my meal and social activity card filled up as much as possible. My first year, I probably spent more time in my room eating my meals. Now, not so much.

As for the panels, again, I pick out the ones I want to attend, of course there are few that are “must-attends” for me such as New Author Breakfast, Author Speed-Dating, Anthology Signing, Opening Ceremony, Anthony Awards and frequent visits to the book room and the hospitality suite. I just have to make sure I attend the panel I’m moderating.



This year is special as my blog, dru’s book musings is a 2018 Anthony Finalist for Best Online Content. I’m so honored for this nomination and congratulates all the other nominees in this category.



So, are we ready for Bouchercon? – you betcha.

I hope to see some of my fellow Stiletto Gang members at some point – hopefully to get a group photo.

So, who is going to Bouchercon? I hope to see you there and again, HAVE FUN!














34 comments:

  1. See you Tuesday, Dru! Can't wait!

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  2. Wish I could be there to see you, Dru! When this dratted shoulder heals... And again, super congrats on the Anthony nomination!

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  3. I wish I could go -- one of these days! Congratulations being a 2018 Anthony Award finalist, such a well-deserved honor. Good luck and safe travels!!

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  4. Big congrats on the Anthony nomination, Dru. I wish I were going to Bouchercon but not this year. Cyber-hugs to all of you who are! Hope to hug you in person next year...or sooner.

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  5. Great post with super tips. Won't be there this year (I'll admit the Florida hurricane season sort of freaked out this Canadian) but I'll be following everyone's posts!

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  6. I won't be there this year, Dru. I hope you have safe travels and a great time! Congratulations on your well-deserved Anthony nomination. See you in Dallas in 2019?

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    1. I'll miss you Amy. Yes, I'll definitely be in Dallas.

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  7. Great blog! So true about everything! Congrats on your Anthony nomination.... looking forward to seeing you there and hoping we can find a few minutes in the craziness of how we've both scheduled our days.

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    1. Thanks Debra. We are going to make meeting up happen.

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  8. Doggone it folks -- ALL that Dru mused above is so on target. Best "yelping in the halls" award goes to Dru and I passing each other in Toronto (or was it NOLA? - See, I love seeing her all the times) and doing the polite-enthuse of "Hello, How are you, Good to see you," -- until we realized that "HEEEEEEY!" It was that damn cool meet up again.

    Hugs and laughter ever after ensued.

    WORTH THE WAKEUP -- Dru Ann's 8 am Friday panel -- REVIEWS AND REVIEWERS -- Mark your dance cards folks and Be There or Be Square. Oh yeah, I'll see you there -- I'm on the illustrious and intricately kind-hearted Dru Ann Love's panel too.

    Safe, happy travels
    ~ suspense author | intrigue promoter
    ~ Kate Pilarcik

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  9. Dru, you absolutely nailed the essentials of attending Bouchercon above, even giving the pronunciation for first timers, something I could have used my first time. And, speaking of first times, I am so excited and honored to be on my first panel and have you as the moderator. I am, of course, a wee bit nervous, but that's where having you as the moderator comes in as a big comfort. I can't wait to see you and spend time with you!

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    1. You'll be okay Kathy. It will be us having a conversation.

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  10. Congratulations, Dru, on your well-deserved Anthony nomination. I will be with you in spirit. Timing of Bouchercon was not good for me this year. But I am ready for B'con 50 in Dallas next year!

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  11. My fingers are crossed for you, Dru! You're the best.

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  12. Have fun ladies. Hope to attend some day and meet some of you.

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