Malice
Domestic, a popular mystery convention, is just a few weeks away, and the MWA Edgar
Week Symposium, which is like a
one day mini-conference, is even sooner. They are followed by several other mystery
conventions, including Bouchercon, the biggest. This is not
about which event to attend –contact me if you’d like advice on that- but the
really practical tidbits.
Although
they offer different topics
(some focus on writing business, others fan interests) and programs, and
some are in one place (Malice in DC) and some offer a chance to travel ( Bouchercon in Toronto last year, St.
Petersburg this year, Dallas in 2019) they all have a few things in common.
Here
are my tips for making the most of the event, learned over many Malices,
several Bouchercons, and one Left Coast Crime.
Packing:
Dress
for comfort. You will have long, busy days.
A
sweater, a warm stole or both – the hotel meeting rooms are often freezing.
Shoes for comfort, not style– you will walk miles, even
if you never leave the hotel
Banquet
clothes – if there is a formal banquet, don’t stress over what to wear. (Ok,
maybe if you are an award nominee, you can stress) If you want to Dress to Kill, the Edgar banquet slogan, fine. However, office suitable attire will do. Mystery
writers and fans are informal
folks. (At romance events, you
might see prom dresses, though. And definitely costumes at science-fiction cons)
And, I've never been in a banquet room that wasn’t freezing!
Scheduling:
You are spending
money and time to be there so you must attend an event every single
moment, right? Wrong. It took me awhile
to learn that I don’t need to run around madly trying to squeeze in an activity
for every time slot. Some of the best experiences I’ve ever had were in the
hospitality suites, just seeing who came by and making some friends. The bars are
always lively spots, too.
You
will hit a moment or two when the crowds, the rushing around, the constant
socializing, the hotel size all be come too much. It is ok to chill in your
room! Nap, read, work, order room service. If you need it, do it.
Socializing:
Definitely,
definitely do it. Writers are
there to hang out with their tribe and meet readers. And there aren’t many
writers- maybe none - who don’t enjoy hearing “I love your books.” Even famous
ones.
Talk
to everyone. Fans are there to talk about their favorite books. They will talk
to you! You may make a new friend.
Remember, you have something in common with every single person there.
Of
course use common sense. If you see a writer you idolize and he or she is deep
in conversation, it’s rude to interrupt. Following someone into the rest
room? Bad idea! (Yes, it’s happened). And yes, it is true
that even among mystery writers, a notably friendly bunch, there are some
famous ones who really only want to hang out with other famous ones, and no one
else. But not as many as you might fear.
Have
fun! That is the first rule. And always remember the hotel
will ship home the excess books you buy
