Friday, April 22, 2022

Memories of Malice

JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: Only Rhys and I will be at the Malice Domestic mystery conference, but we’re representing the Reds in a big way - we are both Guests of Honor! It’s exciting and scary and feels very strange to be going back to such a familiar setting for the first time in several years. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in the same place with more than ten people, y’all! I’m also getting to slip in an overnight visit with my family in Alexandria after the con ends on Sunday, so that’s even more of an enticement to lure me out of the house.

Malice has been a feature of my career since before I was a published writer. In 2001, the manuscript for IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER won the St. Martin’s/Malice Domestic Award, and along with a contract, I got a free trip to the convention! I didn’t know a soul, and hung bashfully around the edges until the night of the Agatha Awards, when I was announced as the winner. I remember sitting at my table with my dear editor, Ruth Cavin - who is going to be the feature of a panel at this year’s con - obsessing over a thick cloth napkin that someone had dropped on the carpet between tables. I rehearsed walking to the podium over and over in my head, because I was convinced I was going to slip on the napkin, go down with a whoop and a thud, and my mystery writing career would be over before it began!


Reds, what are some of your favorite memories of Malice?


JENN McKINLAY: I’ve only been to one Malice - 2012! I went because Elizabeth Peters/Barbara Michaels was guest of honor and I had loved her work since I was a teen. I just wanted to see her.

As luck would have it, I got to meet her! But I was so overwhelmed by what her work had meant to me - she’s one of the reasons I became a writer - that I burst into tears and only managed to choke out a garbled “I just…thank you.” To my surprise, she understood all that I had left unsaid. With sparkling eyes, she looked at me with a big smile and said, “No, thank you, my dear.”

It was a moment of perfect author-reader connection and understanding and I’ll cherish it always.

DEBORAH CROMBIE: My first Malice must have been 1992, the year before my first book came out. I met my dear friends Kate Charles and Marcia Talley at that conference! It's so wonderful that these connections can last decades! The next year that first book, A SHARE IN DEATH, was a Best First Novel nominee. (Didn't win, boo.) Then DREAMING OF THE BONES was a Best Novel nominee for 1997. (Didn't win that one either!) And somehow I've just never managed to get back to Malice. That's a terrible thing that must be remedied! Maybe next year!

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: Yes, yes, next year, absolutely. As you might know, since I have been sharing the bittersweet news on social media, I was ALL PLANNED to go this year, and doing my best to be two places at one time with an incredible flurry and back and forth plane trips–because my darling grandson Josh is having his Bar Mitzvah on Saturday in Brooklyn. ONE THE SAME WEEKEND. (Yeah, after two years of nothing, both of these life changing things are at the same time.)

So I made all the reservations, and vowed it would work but, it just couldn’t. Especially with the air travel industry in chaos–one canceled or delayed flight (Thurs BOS-DCA, Fri DCA to LGA, Sat LGA to DCA, Sun DCA to BOS) the whole thing would have been a disaster and I would have been stranded in the wrong place.

SO! SO bummed to miss the hoopla and glory for our TWO GUESTS OF HONOR! And I cannot wait to hear all about it.

And SO bummed to miss seeing HER PERFECT LIFE lauded as a nominee for Best Novel. Wah.

My big moments at Malice–SO many. But I remember at my first Malice, the guest of honor was Charlaine Harris. And I will admit to you, Reds and Readers, at that time I had no idea who she was. Can you believe it? It must have been 2006.

In 2007, I won Best First for PRIME TIME! And I still remember the feeling of shock and honor and amazement. (Many stories about this, for another time..) But that was the time, at the banquet, I felt a tap on my shoulder, and it was Carolyn Hart, saying–”Katherine Hall Page says I should know you. May I sit here?” I almost burst into tears.

HALLIE EPHRON: I’ve been to three or four Malices and loved every one of them. My favorite memory is the year we did a Jungle Red Jeopardy game for our panel. We ran a survey to corral good questions, and I put together a working Jeopardy board in Powerpoint and acquired a set of buzzers so we could dink the right answers and doink the wrong ones. My grandkids still love to play with those buzzers, and we got to trot them out to another conference when we did a Family Feud game.


I did love the hats. Julia, Rhys, do let me know if there are still hats.

LUCY BURDETTE: My first Malice must have been in 2001, before I had a book out. I knew no one and was a complete nervous wreck. Then the next year, SIX STROKES UNDER was nominated for best first, against Julia’s IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER. Margaret Maron moderated our panel and was so welcoming and gracious. Julia won, and the win was so well deserved!

In 2005, I remember being told by my editor that the publisher was cutting the golf lovers’ mystery series after 5 books. I was devastated, but had to go to a booksigning and pretend everything was fine. I ended up sitting next to HRF Keating who couldn’t have been lovelier, as I tearfully told him the news. He told me he believed that 7 books was a natural arc for any series. Then they opened the door to fans, who rushed in to queue up for him. Only later did I realize he was a Lifetime Achievement Guest of Honor who’d had 20-something books in his series! DuH!

I’ve had lots of wonderful times at Malice, but those moments are etched in the stone that is my brain:)

RHYS BOWEN: I’ve been to almost every Malice since 1998. So many good memories: being toastmaster, the ghost of Agatha Christie, singing with Parnell Hall and meeting so many lovely people. A fond memory was Robin Burcell reading a sex scene from her only romance novel. It was so improbable that we all ended up lying on the floor laughing. And we were so noisy they called security! This year I’m joining Julia as guests of honor so we’ll have to behave ourselves.

JULIA
: Since Rhys and I just left a party, each bringing some wine back to our rooms, we will see exactly how well we managed to behave over the next several days.

Now it's your turn, dear readers. Do you have memories of attending Malice Domestic? Have you been a conferencegoer for other industries? What did you love and what did you find less lovable?

I want to give photo credits, but Blogger won't let me caption! The first photo, of Gigi Pandian and Elizabeth Peters, is from Gigi's blog. The photo of Lucy at dinner comes from Leslie Budewitz. The photo of Rhys and Laurie King is from Poisoned Pen.

81 comments:

  1. I always enjoy reading about the Malice Domestic conferences, but I have never been to one. I have, however, been to several education conferences and have always enjoyed them . . . .

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    1. Almost all conferences have the benefit of socializing with people who share your profession or interests, which is what, to me, makes them so enjoyable, Joan.

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  2. My first Malice was in 2010 and I was scared because except for a few people, I didn't know anyone. Had such a great time I came back the next year and the next year. Then I heard about Bouchercon and Left Coast Crime. Haven't stopped attending.

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    1. Are you a Fan Guest of Honor this year? I thought I saw that on the schedule. If so, congratulations.

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    2. Dru,

      Did you host a dinner party at Malice? I remember seeing you at Malice.

      Diana

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    3. I saw Dru several times yesterday, including at the reception for honorees. Yes, she's a Fan Guest of Honor!

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    4. Congratulations, fabulous Dru! We cannot wait to hear all about it!

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  3. My last Malice was in 2002. I started going to Left Coast Crime in 2000 (Tucson AZ) & loved that this smaller regional mystery conference moved to a different city/state each year. Same with Bouchercon which I have been going to since 1992. I could not go to Malice & LCC since they were often too close together in the calendar year, so I stopped going.

    And yes, I went to dozens of national and international climate change conferences during my career at Environment Canada.

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    1. GRACE:

      Malice is in the perfect location for me because of its proximity to Washington, DC, which is the Deaf Mecca. Because of the proximity, it meant more access in terms of having Oral interpreters at Malice. At LCC in Vancouver, I happened to run into a Sign Language interpreter who is a Fan of mysteries and she offered to interpret for me, which was a godsend! Bouchercon had NO Sign Language translators Nor Oral Interpreters. Mostly I hung out in the Book Room. LOL.

      It was great to see you at LCC in San Diego. I was there for one day (because of my allergies to hotels).

      Diana

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    2. Diana, I'm sorry to see Bouchercon was so unfriendly. Really, in this day and age, all major conferences should be accessible to everyone. It's not that hard.

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    3. DIANA: Yes,it was nice to meet you in person in San Diego. Good thing that happened on the first (and only) day of that LCC.

      Sorry to learn that the Bouchercon committees do not accommodate/provide oral interpreters. I agree with Julia that these large events should be made accessible to all.

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  4. It's so lovely being here. Hugging, schmoozing, feeling the energy.

    I hope someone can fix the right margin in your post, though - all the lines are cut off. I'll be back to check - I want to read what you all wrote!

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    1. EDITH: I am enjoying your Malice photos with the Wickeds and Mystery Lovers Kitchen crew. Have a great time!

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    2. Thank you for fixing the margin! I got to give Julia a hug yesterday and look forward to doing same with Rhys.

      My Malice high point was also a low point - I won Best Historical Novel in, wait for it, 2020. Yes. No conf. Not even a zoom thank you moment. Hugh watch in the kitchen with me, said congratulations, then went back to his den. I was ALONE! Online congrats just aren't the same. Ellen Byron got on the phone with weepy me. Such a huge honor and nobody to party with. But tomorrow night I'll get to pick up my teapot, finally, and deliver a few grateful remarks.

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    3. Yay, Edith. You will get to have hugs and celebrate. Yay!!
      (Loving your photos!)

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    4. Thanks for your photos, Edith. It's not quite the same as being there, but helps! Miss seeing everyone.

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    5. EDITH:

      Wonderful to see your photos from Malice on social media. That darn pandemic stopped me from travelling. I have not travelled since March 12, 2020.

      Diana

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    6. Lucy fixed it for ma, and I went back to add in pictures!

      I was late getting this done (no surprise to those who know me) and my internet was out in my room! I had to do it on my phone, which is never good, and couldn't for the life of me get the photos to load. Got it sorted this morning, though, so here I am!

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  5. I'm not sure if it is just me, but is anyone else seeing part of the blog post cut off on the right margin?

    I've never been to a book conference/convention before. I would like to go to one someday. I'd have to figure out the finances involved (travel, hotel, food, book buying, etc.) before I could even begin to hope to go to one.

    One time I had to go to a trade show related to my job. It was pure torture as I'm not the one who makes the kind of decisions on buying for this stuff.


    I've been to a number of comic book conventions over the years and I've generally had a good time at all of them. Meet and greets with celebrities, finding comics I was looking to add to my collection and discovering new works I hadn't heard of before are among the things I like about them. I wrote a lengthy article about the 2018 Rhode Island Comic Con detailing my weekend adventures: https://limelightmagazine.com/2018/11/11/ricomiccon2018/

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    1. Jay, Bouchercon has only ever been in Boston once, in 1973! Maybe it's time to have them on the east coast again. I think you'd make a great addition to a conference committee...

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    2. Julia,

      While I appreciate the sentiment, I generally don't play well with others so I stay away from having to work with other people if I can avoid it. :D

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  6. Sorry about the margins--I think I fixed. Boy do I miss seeing everyone this year--it's been too long.

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    1. We are missing you and the other Reds not here, Roberta!

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    2. Roberta, I immediately abandoned my plan to be socially distant and started hugging everyone.

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  7. Margins fixed, Lucy. Thank you!

    I've been to one Bouchercon (Toronto) and enjoyed it -- being a reader and meeting so many writers. The Reds were uniformly warm and welcoming, and so much fun during their quiz/game panel.

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    1. AMANDA:

      Yes, Bouchercon in Toronto was wonderful! I met most of the Jungle Reds!

      Diana

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    2. I remember that conference really fondly. It was a good Bouchercon!

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    3. I just looked it up - Toronto has hosted B'con three times! Ross and I went in 2004 and had a wonderful time.

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    4. Julia, yes Toronto has hosted Bouchercon 3 times. I went to tne 1992 and 2017 T.O. Bouchercons but had to skip the 2004 event which was held during Canadian Thanksgiving weekend. My family commitments came first that time.

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  8. Congratulations to all on nominations and recognitions and all the good things that are coming your way this weekend. Have a great time celebrating your hard work. I think I'll put Malice into my plans for next year and see if I can attend.
    Post photos, everyone!

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    1. I am putting mine on my Facebook personal page, Judy!

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    2. I've got to remember to stop talking and start taking pictures!

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  9. Our plan to be together at Malice this year kind of splatted, didn't it? Wishing those of you who are there a wonderful time!

    My daughter moved to the DC area out of grad school, so I always had a place to stay beginning in 2012. I've been lucky enough to get to maybe six Malice Domestics. And three or four Bouchercons, starting from the first one in Indy in 2009. What a great community this mystery thing has going.

    The other industry I've gone to conferences, and have helped run, was sewing. Sounds boring, but it's anything but, and I made lifelong friendships. A couple times I've gone to huge industry events, in both Atlanta and Vegas, and the glitz was almost as fancy as a car show in Detroit. Years ago when my husband wanted to explore getting involved in digital film, we also went to a massive con for the film industry in Atlanta. Whoa. It was overwhelming. But the mystery conferences are great fun, and like the sewing industry, the workshops and panels are always entertaining and interesting. And induce me to spend more money. Sigh.

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    1. Karen, there's a reason mystery conferences always have a UPS pop up in the hotel. They KNOW you're going to buy 45 pounds of books and need to ship them home!

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    2. Julia, that's nothing compared to quilt shows. 14' longarm quilting machines, $12,000 sewing machines, and 6' long cutting tables go home with consumers, along with books, fabrics, and a jillion other things.

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  10. You'd think, coming from a family with 8 kids and a bazillion relatives, that I'd get over my introverted self in groups, but nope. Conferences were always pure torture until my presentation was over and done with, then I could relax and hang out. Best one was in St. Louis--a close friend drove across Kansas to meet me and we went to the zoo and had a great day.

    One day, however, I would like to attend one of the mystery-related conferences--I sure as heck won't have to worry about presenting, so can just enjoy myself. And have fun, y'all, for those of us cheering you on from the sidelines!

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    1. Flora, the mystery cons are fun. I always say they're like a great family reunion - if you actually liked everyone in your family!

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  11. I've never been to any kind of conference/convention although I remember I was supposed to go to a Reading Conference at one of the big Catskills resorts, but something happened, don't remember what, and I couldn't attend. It has only been in the last 10 years or so that I was even aware of such things like Malice. Maybe someday I will attend one. It must be so exciting to see the ones we admire so much! I'll be looking for photos!

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    1. Judi, Edith is posting her on her Facebook, and if you're on Twitter, you can search for the tag #MaliceDomestic.

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  12. JULIA:

    Wonderful post today! I remember my first Malice and that was my first mystery conference. In 2016, I decided to attend my first Malice conference in MD. I loved that they offered so many traditional mysteries in the tradition of Agatha Christie. And that was when I learned that I am allergic to American hotels. Yikes! I remember being so sick that weekend. There was something in the hotel that made me sick.

    On a happier note, I got to meet so many wonderful people from authors to fans. I remember meeting Hank. I met Cynthia Kuhn, Ellen Byron, Lisa Mathews and Marla Cooper. I met Charles Todd and his Mom, Caroline Todd. I met the actress from Dark Shadows. Who else were there?

    Ellie Alexamder, Susan Cox, Julie Mulhern, Rhys Bowen (I met Rhys at local book events in CA), Vicki Delany (love her Christmastown mysteries), Alice Loweecey (sp?), Margaret Maron, Tracy KIley, Anna Lee Huber, Edith Maxwell, Cindy Brown, Daniel Stanhower, among many more authors!

    The only Jungle Reds I saw at 2016 Malice were Rhys and Hank. At Bouchercon in Toronto, I met Deborah, Hallie, Jenn and Lucy. I hope to meet Julia one of these days!

    At Malice, I had Oral Interpreters for one and half days. This was before the pandemic when I could wear my Cochlear Implant processors. I remember the book signings and bringing books for authors to sign. I remember one day when they were selling sandwiches in the lobby at lunch and discovering that we were supposed to have CASH to pay for the sandwiches.

    Always fun to meet authors and fans at mystery conferences. So far, I attended One Malice (2016), Bouchercon in Toronot (2017), Left Coast Crime in Vancouver (2019) and Left Coast Crime in San Diego, California (2020). From 2017-2020, I would only travel within California or to Canada. One exception was from Canada to Chicago, IL. then flying home to CA from Chicago.

    Hopefully I can go to future mystery conferences when the pandemic is OVER. For many people, the pandemic IS NOT over. In my building, there are still children under age 5 who are not eligible for the vaccine. And several families with children are self isolating as a result of Covid.

    Love to look at all of the photos posted on social media from this year's Malice.

    Diana

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    1. Diana, thank you for reminding me of something I had forgotten - the actress from DARK SHADOWS at the 2016 Bouchercon in Baltimore. My husband was a HUGE fan of the show as a kid, and I swear, meeting her and getting her to sign her book (about the show, of course) was, I think, the highlight of maybe all the B'cons he ever attended!

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  13. Way back when I was first out of college, I attended a couple parks and recreation conferences. My director was a president, then past-president of the California chapter and thought it might be good for my career. At one conference, I remember one person telling me "one drink wouldn't hurt me" and someone trying to break into the apartment I was staying in. I didn't last in the recreation field. My next adventure was Bouchercon Dallas. Surprised myself and everyone I know by attending. I had a great time! Best part was being welcomed as a reader, listening to different authors during the panel discussions and being invited to join a large dinner party because they saw I was eating alone. I had a little panic and didn't join them but it was nice to be asked.

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    1. "One drink wouldn't hurt me," Good grief, Deana!

      Yes, mystery cons are very open and friendly. Next time, join in with the dinner!

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  14. While my Malice track record is not great, I have been to many, many Bouchercons since my first one in 1991. That's 30 years, yikes!!! It is so much fun to catch up with friends at these conferences--and to meet readers!

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    1. Malice is more difficult for people in the western half of the country, Debs, just as Left Coast is for Easterners. I've only been to one or two of those, and I loved them, but... it's a long trip.

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    2. DEBS: I started going to Bouchercon one year after you in 1992. Crazy to realize that was 30 years ago!

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  15. I've been to a number of conferences, both professional and recreational but I am an introvert. They are not always easy venues for me.

    Citibank boondoggles were snake pits. Really fancy snake pits (Ritz Carleton in Orange County and The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs) but no less hazardous for that. At least I can say that I'm a bit more inured to venom now than I was then.

    Academic conferences were fun, eventually. I could still find a way to say the wrong thing at the wrong time and alienate a hotshot. Nothing like an icy retort from someone who you respected or who might matter to you one day to cut you down to size. And then there was the paper to be delivered. Which was worse? Having someone take a piece of your hide over your idea, someone actually taking the idea seriously, or no one caring at all? As a grad student whose future might depend on who noticed, I found this a source of true anxiety. Socializing with friends was not quite enough counterbalance.

    I have been to a couple of literary conferences. A literary journal published out of Waterloo used to host a conference here. I have been to that one a couple of times and enjoyed the panels. They were informative but also had the effect of humanizing the writers. You all became much less god-like and much more workman-like to me. Still, I cannot bring myself to do a cold introduction. What would I say?

    I attended one mystery conference on Wolf Island off the coast of Kingston, Ontario. I went with my mystery book club and we had a really nice time. It had the feel of a trade show though and that surprised me a bit. I hadn't realized at the time was just how many books I was going to buy that weekend.

    I am considering Boucheron this year. Malice looks like great fun, too.

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    1. CD: I was trepidatious before arriving at the Toronto Bouchercon; however, it didn't take me long to learn to open conversations with other attendees by asking 'Are you a reader or a writer?' That generally led to a friendly exchange. As for big-name authors whom I recognized: every single one was gracious and welcoming. I learned to say, simply,: 'I really enjoy your books. Thank you for writing them.' It worked, until I got to Sara Paretsky and I was completely tongue-tied, not unlike Jenn's experience with Elizabeth Peters. I still cringe when I think about how awkward I was!

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    2. Amanda, I can assure you, as an author, I'm more than flattered if someone is so happy to meet me they don't know what to say. It's a rare tribute.

      And yes, CD, you should come to Bouchercon! We can arrange a Red community meet-up to get to know each other in person. Then you'll have con buddies!

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    4. Amanda, I've often thought I missed the memos that would tell me how to talk to people. Thanks for the memo!

      Julia, you answered my question as to how people feel when others are overwhelmed in their presence. It is comforting to know that respect is mutual. Con buddies. I like that.

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    5. Deaun: I am an introvert to the max so I understand the challenges of meeting/talking with new people at these events. AbQ LCC was fun but the days were long (7 am to 11 pm) and it's hard to be "on" each day. I still needed time alone in my room or taking solo walks to recover.

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    6. Grace, I've been meaning to ask you how you liked Albuquerque and news from the conference. It is one of my favourite places, though perhaps not the view from downtown. I hope you enjoyed it overall. It is nice to meet someone who also experiences the introvert's need for space. I keep telling people that introversion isn't a dislike of people at all, just that people wear you out. Are you planning to go to Bouercon?

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    7. CD, what you said about the writers being humanized and less god-like is such a huge takeaway for most people who start attending conferences. That was so amazing to me at my first Bouchercon, that these authors I idolized were so wonderfully accessible and approachable. I encourage you to attend this year's Bouchercon. I'm signed up and looking forward to finally seeing friends I haven't seen in several years now. And, Julia, I think a Red community meet-up is a grand idea.

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    8. DEAUN: Agreed, downtown ABQ was not a huge draw but I did enjoy a short break at the Turquoise Museum, NM museum of natural science & history & Old Town. There were plenty of glitches at the hotel which switched from being a Hyatt hotel to another chain on April 1. About 80% of attendees were unmasked which gave me the heebee jeebies, at first, since Ontario just recently dropped its indoor mask mandate, and of course, I got COVID while in San Diego for LCC2020. Overall, it was a good LCC. Some veteran attendees decided to not go but it was just great to be upclose with authors & friends for 4 days. And yes, I am registered to attend Minneapolis Bouchercon, and will probably stay there an extra week to see the many sights of Minneapolis & St Paul.

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    9. CD, as Julia said, we authors are always thrilled when someone introduces themselves--and doubly thrilled to meet someone familiar from the blog.

      And don't forget that writers are fans, too. At one of my early Bouchercons, my then editor introduced me to one of her English authors. It was Reginald Hill. I was so overcome and tongue-tied that I could only stammer, "Mr. Hill, I love your books." Of course I wished afterwards that I'd actually managed to carry on a conversation with one of the best writers I've ever read.

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  16. Bouchercon was a life long goal since I read the notice of the first con in San Francisco. I finally made it to Bouchercon St Petersburg as a commuter. This was pre-cochlear implant. I saw everything, heard very little. I was thrilled to meet Lucy/Roberta. I was very excited about attending the Reds panel. A flat tire kept me away. Missing this is a regret that lingers to this day. At least we meet btl, and someday perhaps another in person conference will happen for me.

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    1. Coralee, I've never been able to attend, but I've heard good things about Sleuthfest, the annual conference in southern Florida.

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  17. Oh, all of these wonderful stories! So lovely to hear. Those of you at Malice… Tell us everything! I can take it :-)

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  18. Malice sounds like a fun conference. Who knows? I might make it there one year since I'll be living closer to it. My one and only conference has been the Dallas Bouchercon in 2019. I did meet all the Reds but Julia. I honestly was a bit overwhelmed by the size of Bouchercon. Is Malice a smaller gathering? Anyway, have fun all of you attending Malice!

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    1. Yes, it's much smaller, and since it focuses more on cozy mysteries, it has a different, dare I say cozier, vibe.

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    2. Pat, Malice is smaller than Bouchercon, but it's still pretty large - several hundred people, I would estimate. It's an extremely friendly crowd, however and it's super easy to strike up a conversation with folks.

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    3. I think someone said this year there's maybe 600 at Malice. Still, smaller than Bouchercon.

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  19. Congratulations to all the nominees and guests of honor!

    I haven’t been to a mystery conference but would love to attend one someday. Malice would be a good one because I have a friend who lives in Silver Spring MD, and I could visit her either before or after the conference. We haven’t seen each other since her wedding many years ago, and she and her husband are now grandparents! She’s an avid reader and has gifted me with many books, including mysteries. Maybe I could even convince her to register, too!

    DebRo

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    1. Having family/friends in the area always increases the likilhood I'll attend a conference, Deb. I went to Murder in Magic City in Birmingham, AL for several years, and loved it because I have family an hour down the highway in Tuscaloosa.

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    2. I may start planting seeds in my friend’s head!

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  20. I've been to Malice twice, and enjoyed it both times. The first time, I was looking to save a little money and didn't stay in the conference hotel. I did lots of trekking back and forth, and it was about a half mile away. The second year, I stayed in the hotel, and it was wonderful! There are some authors I started reading because of chance encounters with them at the conference. And books I bought at the conference that are sitting on my shelves bemoaning that they haven't been read yet. Sigh.

    Wish I could be there. As a consolation, I'll be at the LA Times Festival of Books on Sunday.

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    1. Oh, Mark, I'm SO jealous. I've seen so many articles, etc. about the LA Time festival of Books, and the get the most interesting authors. Please take notes and report back to us!

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  21. I haven't yet attended Malice, but it's on my wish list and you can bet when I do, Reds and friends will be invited to the party! Have a great time all.

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  22. First, I want to say a big congratulations to Julia and Rhys on being Guests of Honor at this year's Malice. I wish I could be there to honor you both, too. I must confess that I have yet to attend Malice. This year I was going to expand my conference goings by attending Left Coast Crime and then add Malice maybe next year, but I still wasn't comfortable getting on a plane for LCC and canceled. Bouchercon is the conference I've gone to, and I've had some amazing times at it. I will forever count meeting the Reds and attending your game show panel at my first Bouchercon in Albany 2013 as one of the best conference and reading experiences of my life.

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    1. For such a, shall we say, challenging location, many of us had a great time at the Albany Bouchercon, didn't we, Kathy? Once we could stop walking and find a place to sit down.

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    2. We did have a great time in spite of my hotel being so offsite I had to take a bus to and from the Egg every day. I heard mutterings of gathering at a bar, but I wasn't up on that nightly occurrence yet, and there certainly was no gathering at my hotel. But, I was so excited to meet you Reds and other authors, including my dear Elly/Dom, that it was worth riding a bus or walking or no good food in my hotel.

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    3. Kathy, I met you in person at the Raleigh Bouchercon!

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  23. Have a blast, ladies! Thanks for representing!

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    1. No sushi bar, but I'm trying to make you proud, Jenn.

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  24. Such fun to read these conference memories..I have many of my own from multiple Bouchercon (Lee Child parties, M.C. Beaton becoming a friend after mistaking me for someone she knew), Sue Grafton (took her Kick-Ass Workshop at Yellow Springs twice), Laurie R. King, Craig Johnson (advance reader copy of first Longmire title), Cornelia Read from workshop in Marin County, and Michael Connolly from earliest Bosch. Have every title by Deborah, Rhys (met at B'Con in Baltimore) Hallie and Julia from Jungle Red. Many thanks for precious hours of reading pleasure, many re-read during Covid years. Love mysteries, but only managed 5 non-fiction titles on my own. P.S. Deborah as a student tour leader in London, made it a point to trace Jemma and Duncan's steps. Impatient for next adventure!

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  25. Congratulations, Rhys and Julia--have a great time. Now that I'm an honest-to-God mystery writer, I want to attend conferences, too, and you make Malice Domestic sound terrific. Debs, I love your story about meeting Reginald Hill, whose books I read religiously until, sadly, there were no more of them. I'd have been tongue-tied, too.

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