Carrying right on with thoughts on the good influences in a writer's life, leads to mystery conferences. There are tons of them out there, mainly in the U.S. And each has it's advantages and some come with certain disadvantages, too.
In Canada, we're so fortunate to have
Bloody Words! Started by the Bloody Gang inToronto in 1999, this conference has travelled to Ottawa twice, and this year heads out to beautiful B.C. Thanks to an industrious, hard working Bloody Gang in Victoria, it will be held at the Hotel Grand Pacific, on the inner harbour, June 3-5, 2011.Registration costs $190 and that's a bargain. Hotel rooms in the conference hotel (always the fun place to be) are $179 per night, until April 1. So, if you're dithering about attending, better jump in, pay up and snag a room fast.
Why bother attending? It's the IN place to be for Canadian mystery and crime writers. It's your showcase! It's a great chance to meet readers from across Canada. And a lot of Americans attend, too. It's also the place to schmooze with colleagues
you may seldom get to meet. There will be interviews with agents, opportunities for panels, manuscript evaluation, and the famous Bony Pete Short Story Award. And, of course, time to enjoy Victoria!As a reader, the conference is intimate enough that you'll meet and speak to your favourite authors, have the opportunity to attend two days of fascinating panels and readings, signings, shop in the Dealers Room, enjoy a scrumptuous banquet Sat. evening, and maybe get in some tourist time in the beautiful city of Victoria.
Guests of honour this year are: Michael Slade (GOH), William Deverell (Local GOH), Tess Gerritson (International GOH), with Amor De Cosmos (Ghost of Honour) and M.C., the witty Denise Dietz.
It will be great fun...and guaranteed, a positive influence on a mystery writer's
life. Great for readers, too. Check out the website http://bloodywords2011.com/ and take the plunge. Register now and see you in Victoria!Linda Wiken/Erika Chase
Well, I for one can't wait. Springtime and Victoria and the cream of Canada's crime writers. What's not to love?
ReplyDeleteand to add to the love, i'm scheduling an extra 5 days to spend in Vancouver with old dear friends . . .a crying shame to go so far and not take in Vancouver as well as Victoria
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