Bouchercon 2006

I recently attended Bouchercon, the mystery writer's conference, which was held in Madison, Wisconsin. I didn't really know what to expect but I was advised that it was the place to be to start promoting my novel.

I first met Gary Phillips. I had talked to Gary a couple times on the phone and exchanged several emails. One of the only other men of color at the conference, standing something like 6'4, and the size of a small building, with a deep booming laugh, he was easy to spot. We hit it off right away and I soon found out you have a lot more fun at the conference hangin' at the bar than at any of the dozens of panels.

I met plenty of other authors including, Robert Ward, Lee Goldeberg, JA Konrath, Michele Martinez, Stephen Torres, Twist Phelan, Lee Child, and the list goes on. What impressed me the most was the fact that everyone made me feel so welcome. I was a member of the club. A crime fiction writer.

I particularly hit off with Twist, a tall, sexy and very sarcastic blonde. Bob Ward was quite a trip and made me laugh a lot. Two authors I was seriously interested in meeting were Ken Bruen and Jason Starr, whose work I'm a big fan of. I met Ken first and we clicked big time. I ended up spending a large part of the next couple of days hanging with Ken and Jason, doing a bit of drinking, and laughing more than I have in years. Rolling with those two was worth the whole trip Madison.

It's funny that all these authors who write about murder and torture and killing and all sorts of nasty crimes, were incredibly warm and very friendly. Though I was there mainly to promote my novel, I ended up making friends with really talented people who I respect and admire. It doesn't get any better than that.