Friday, October 30, 2009

Bouchercon 2009

October 14 was my mother’s birthday, and I spent it flying to Indianapolis for Bouchercon 2009, the premier event for mystery lovers. (Don’t worry about Mom. I called her and sang “Happy Birthday” over the phone during my Memphis layover. Good thing I can sort of actually carry a tune because several people stared at me like I’d sprouted a second head.)

Anyway, my flight to Indianapolis was relatively uneventful. Except for losing my boarding pass somewhere between Mobile and Memphis...on the freaking plane. I guess the gremlins stole it. Regardless, once I arrived in Memphis, I found my departure gate, explained what happened to the very nice clerk working the desk, and she printed a new pass for me. Next stop, coffee shop! I positioned myself where I could people watch while I waited for my next flight. People watching in an airport is a favorite hobby. I like to try to figure out where people are going, where they’ve been, what their life is like, etc. based on the way they dress and what luggage they bring with them. Yes, even when traveling, my mind is ever in the creative author mode.

After arriving in Indianapolis, and suffering through a sudden fit of coughing while at the baggage claim (Note to the security guard and other travelers who kept eyeing me during this time: I was not and am not contagious! Dust from the baggage carousel got caught in my throat.) The ride from the airport to the hotel was strange. Indianapolis is a big city and I’d expected to see more traffic on the roadways during the middle of the week. The streets were strangely empty. It was kind of freaky, actually.

The hotel was great. The lobby was a huge open-air atrium deal with glass elevators. I loved riding the elevators because I could easily see who was milling around in the lobby before I arrived. It was a helpful perk when searching for my pals Kelli Stanley, Rebecca Cantrell, Andrew Peterson, and Laura Benedict.

This was my first ever Bouchercon and I had a blast. Not only because I was able to reconnect with a lot of my friends or make new friends but because everyone was so friendly. I also didn’t have any panels, sessions, or workshops to prepare for so that left me completely free to enjoy myself and the company around me.

In addition to having a great time at Bouchercon, I was able to hang out for a bit with the fabulous Charlaine Harris and some of her fans, which I am at heart ‘cause I totally love Charlaine! (Thanks, Debi and Becci, for inviting me to join the festivities! I had a great time and look forward to seeing y’all at Romantic Times in April.) I also went on a forced march, uh, make that “self-guided walking tour” of downtown Indianapolis with Rebecca Cantrell and Tana Hall. We saw some amazing architecture, had a lot of fun, and walked...and walked...and walked. The most important fact is that we had a lot of fun.

Another great thing about Bouchercon was that I got to see my wonderful editor. We talked about BLOOD LAW, “Book 2”, and cover art. (Yes, it’s on the way. As soon as I get official word it’s available for release, I’ll post it. Patience, minions, patience.) Also, another of Ms. Editor’s authors, Brett Battles, won a Barry Award for Best Thriller (The Deceived) at Bouchercon. Congrats to Brett! He’s an outstanding author –- a well-deserved win.

Bouchercon was wrapped up on October 18 and I flew home the following day. Once again I had a layover in Memphis. I admit I was people watching again in hopes of having a “sighting” of a certain singer, but alas...

Next year’s Bouchercon will be held in San Francisco, home to my good friend and author extraordinaire, Kelli Stanley. I’m hoping to attend but haven’t fully committed yet. It’s still a year away so I have a little time. :)

So, that pretty well wraps up my report of Bouchercon. Next up, a quick lunch break and then I’ll be back for more catching up.

10 comments:

Sophie Littlefield said...

Jeannie, how did I miss that forced march? Next year I'm going to tag along... :)

Anonymous said...

You forgot the part about the disappearing swag! Definitely chomping at the bit for RT myself!

Debi Murray said...

I am so glad you had a good time at the Charlatan Party. We usually have good food and great door prizes (gotta love the bondage vibrating duckies!) and wonderful friends to visit with. Not to mention her greatness, Charlaine Harris.

It is true....the BLOOD LAW swag disappeared at an alarming rate every time Jeannie dropped it off in the freebie room. This is a very good thing. :-D

Jeannie Holmes said...

Hey Sophie! The forced march was on Sunday afternoon. Everyone had started to disappear by then but you would've been welcome to tag along. We had Stuart Neville with us for a while, which was a lot of fun. Next year, we'll be sure to track you down before we leave.

By the way, I tried to find A BAD DAY FOR SORRY in the BCon book room. They were completely sold out! Way to go!! But I found it when I came back to Mobile. Looking forward to reading it. :)

Jeannie Holmes said...

T' -- Hmmm, I did leave that out didn't I? Oops!

Jeannie Holmes said...

Debi -- I had a blast! The vibrating bondage ducks are hysterical! (I know what you're doing tonight, by the way.) it's always a fun time hanging out with Her Greatness. I totally heart Charlaine. :) I was also happy to finally meet Toni. I've talked to her online a few times but was glad to finally meet her in person.

Yes, the BLOOD LAW swag kept disappearing. Who knew that candy synthetic blood would be so popular? ;) RT is going to be a challenge. I have no idea what to do for swag. *sigh* I'll figure something out.

Anonymous said...

You know the rule. If there are no pics, it didn't happen. Must see bondage duckies!!

Debi Murray said...

T....if you sign up as an official Charlatan before RT...you could WIN your own vibrating bondage duckie...PM me for the link.

Jeannie Holmes said...

Debi... Does the sign-up extend to everyone, including past party attendees (like me)?

Debi Murray said...

Oh, yes, you also can sign up to be an "official" Charlatan, which entitles you to many perks that can be, ahem, fun! The RT party is usually bigger...with more and varied prizes.;)