MYSTERY CONVENTION TIPS

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