by Linda O. Johnston
As you read this, I’ll be at Bouchercon, a mystery writers’ conference that’s in San Diego this year. I attended Bouchercon in Minneapolis last year. And it’s my second writers’ conference in 2023. I was at the Romance Writers of America conference in July in Anaheim.
Yes, the conferences I’m attending are close to me this year. But I didn’t attend some others that were also close, such as California Crime Writers, which was in Culver City, and Left Coast Crime, in Tucson, Arizona.
Then there was a conference on the east coast that I used to go to every year: Malice Domestic, in Bethesda, Maryland.
Have I attended all of them before? Yes, and many in the same year. Of course things closed down because of COVID but they’re ramping up again. So’s my attendance, a bit. Will I ever return to the same level as before? Maybe, but I don’t know yet.
So why should writers go to conferences? Why do I go to conferences? Well, they’re a great place to connect with other writers, learn what they’re up to, see old friends and meet new ones. Editors, too. Depending on the conference, the traditional publishing houses also send some of their people to meet up with their authors and perhaps find new ones.
The conferences also help writers learn more about their craft, since there are usually a lot of panels to see where other writers reveal their writing secrets. Maybe. But at least they talk on specified subjects that might be of interest to an attending writer.
And speaking of those panels, if you’re a published author you’re often assigned to be a speaker on one or more. At Bouchercon, my panel this year is: Mysterious Creatures: Wild Animals and Pets. I’m really looking forward to it. And yes, in case you’re not aware of it, I write a lot about creatures and pets in my stories, primarily dogs.
How about you? Do you attend writing conferences? How do you decide which ones to attend? What do you hope to get out of them?
Oh, and by the way, I’d love for you to comment on this but I can’t promise when I’ll be able to respond–although I’ll try while I’m still at the conference.
The Writers in Residence 
Enjoy the conference.
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Thamks!
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I went to a few of the conferences when I lived in California. I enjoyed them and did many panels while I was Speakers Bureau Director for Sisters-in-Crime in L.A. Those were always fun. Being able to talk to readers and writers is always good for all concerned. You were on several of the panels I did and you were always so good. I have many of your books on my shelf. I know you will be enjoying Bouchercon.
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I intend to! And I enjoyed those panels.
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I’ve been to Bouchercon and Malice, but have most enjoyed the Suffolk Mystery Authors Festival in Virginia. Linda, I believe you were there for its first year in 2014. It’s grown by leaps since, but is still a small, one day conference where authors and readers can easily connect.
Enjoy Bouchercon!
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I really enjoyed the Suffolk conference when I was there. Glad it’s doing well, Maggie.
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Very timely, Linda, and thanks for pointing out ( and reminding writers) the benefits of these conferences. I used to go to major ones, especially on the west coast when I lived in CA. Over here, on the other side, there seems to be less importance given to conferences. I pan to attend Crime Bake in Boston, and probably Bouchercon next year. Our local library offers an annual StoryFest, with panels, etc. but I haven’t been able crack its code to be invited on to a panel despite several nudges! Maybe next year. Enjoy your event, Linda.
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Thanks! And sounds as if you do have some conferences in mind for the future. Keep us informed!
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Like Gayle, I used to attend far more conferences in California, Bouchercon in Long Beach and in San Diego. I was at Bouchercon in Alburquerque last year – but that was not really ready after the Covid shutdown. They are slowly coming back – and I miss seeing writer friends from all over the world at these events. But I am not rushing to spend all that money again. Maybe later….
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Keep them in mind, Rosemary. They certainly can be fun and informative. I sort of figured out how to respond to comments here so I am taking a short break to do a little responding.
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Miko here. I have attended conferences in the past, before I was published. I haven’t for many years, but your reminder of the many benefits of attending has got me thinking I should.
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Give it a try, Miko!
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Enjoy! I loved catching up and visiting friends I mostly connected with online…I remember rooming at a conference with Marilyn Meredith and we laughed all night… You’ve brought back some fond memories…thanks, Linda!
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I’m home now, and I had a great time at the conference! I’m also glad I was able to respond to at least a few of the comments while I was gone. Thanks for your comment, Madeline, and glad I helped bring back some fond memories for you.
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Oh I am so envious! I LOVE conferences. I can honestly say 90% of my friends are authors who I met at conferences. Now I live in England it’s a bit far to travel but I am with you in spirit! Cheers!
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That would be a bit of a distance to travel to a conference like this Bouchercon in San Diego, Hannah, but I’ve made good friends at conferences too, and certainly enjoyed this one!
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