by Felicia Donovan
I've just returned from Bouchercon 2008, held this year in Baltimore, MD.
For me, it was a very special trip because I went with my sisters and it's been many years since we traveled together.
Among the many highlights was getting to visit with many fellow authors including Donna Andrews. Here we are at the Sisters in Crime Luncheon where 
we chatted about technology and writing. Donna posed with her upcoming 
holiday book, SIX GEESE A-SLAYING. Love the title!
One of the nicest parts of Bouchercon for me was getting to meet new/old friends, many of whom I've known only "virtually," including former Midnight Ink author Tim Maleeny 
who was nominated for the Macavity Award for "Best First Novel," seen here with our agent, Jill Grosjean. In case you're wondering, indeed, that's a black widow spider emblazoned on my shirt. THE BLACK WIDOW AGENCY did not win the Barry Award, nor did Tim win the Macavity, though Tim was well-prepared to celebrate.
I did take a break from the conference to enjoy the beautiful sights of Baltimore's Inner Harbor.
Here's a photo of the famous Dragon Peddle Boats.
Overall, it was a great conference with many bestselling authors in attendance. The "Belle of Baltimore," Laura Lippman, was this year's honoree and delivered a compelling address about her hometown and how some areas are very safe, while others have some of the highest homicide rates. She pleaded for understanding of the hotel workers' plight, some of whom were picketing outside and begged the crowd to be thankful and generous of their hard work.
Bouchercon 2008 will be set in Indianapolis. If there's anywhere near the turnout that this conference had, place your reservation early!
9 comments:
Thanks, Felicia, for the recap. Tell us more. Any great panels? Which writers couldn't hold their liquor?
Keith, I didn't get to too many panels as there was so much to do. I can tell you that Mark Billingham, who served as Toastmaster, kept everyone well-entertained at the Opening Ceremonies. There was a very strong UK presence all throughout between publishers and authors. So nice to see such a great turnout.
Great job, Felicia. So nice to hear, and see, what the conference was like.
I'm planning on being at Bouchercon 2009. See you all in the bar!
Great job, Felicia. I will be blogging about the conference, too, tomorrow, but my photos are nowhere near as good.
It will give you some idea of the size of this conference to learn that I never set eyes on Felicia the whole time I was there. Just too big a crush of people. It is a fabulous conference.
Sue Ann - I'm also going to Indianapolis, can't wait.
Oh, and Keith - the panels were great. Val McDermid kept everyone in stitches. Whatever panel you went to, you could hear the crowd roaring next door because Val was on the panel.
Gotta run, more tomorrow.
I know what makes a crappy panel, but what makes a good panel? And I want to hear stories of bad panels because I'm all about the schadenfreude.
Who won the Anthonys? And Felicia, I'm sorry to hear you didn't get the Barry award, but how wonderful was it that you got nominated? Well-deserved nod to your great writing, I say!
Gin, that explains all the laughter coming from next door. Some panels were quite colorful. Indeed, one moderator (who shall not be named) claimed to be drinking gin throughout the panel, though I think it was clearly a put on.
Jess, thank you. I am very honored to have received the nomination no matter what.
2008 Anthony Award Winners:
Best novel:
Laura Lippman - What the Dead Know
Best first novel:
Tana French - In the Woods
Best paperback original:
P.J. Parrish - A Thousand Bones
Short story:
Laura Lippman - Hardly Knew Her
Laura Lippman, was, indeed, the "Belle of Baltimore."
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