LUCY BURDETTE: this falls under the category of better late than never... You’ve read a lot of posts on Facebook about Bouchercon and Nashville, but I’ll add a few memories of my own. This time my hub John came with me, and I’d promised him that we would see some of the sights in Nashville. We started out at the Bluebird Café Thursday night. We were both huge fans of the TV show Nashville with Connie Britton. All the up-and-coming wannabe musicians on that show ended up performing at the Bluebird Café. Here's one of the scenes that sticks in my head, and below that, a few photos of the venue. (I was pleased with myself for scoring those tickets as you have to study the times they go up for sale, be ready to click, and not freeze over what seats to choose!)
Of course it was amazing to see friends and soon to be friends from the writing community, including Jungle Red Writers. Here are a few bonus photos including Dru Ann, the gang from Mystery Lovers Kitchen, Hank and Lucy with Liz, my pal Elise Hart Kipness on her first panel with Harlan Coben , and the panel I moderated on amateur sleuths with Ellery Adams, Libby Klein, AVA January, Molly Cox Bryan and cozy guest of honor and lovely person, Valerie Burns. Lots of other red readers came up to say hello, including Pat S, Grace, Lisa from Long Beach, and Maddee. I know I’ve missed some names--so sorry about that. Several people mentioned that they lurk as they are too shy to comment. Please know that we so look forward to hearing from each one of you on the blog!
Saturday night, we saw a show at the Grand Old Opry,
and on Sunday we popped into Nashville proper. The highlight of that day was a stop at Ann Patchett’s Parnassus books. She’s a real hero to me, not only for her books but for her stand on banning books, and supporting indy bookstores.
Huge conferences like this are always a mixed bag because I’m reminded that 50% of me is solid introvert. I tell myself that I don’t have to see everything and talk to everyone—It’s okay to take breaks and also to enjoy the surrounding city. How about you Reds, what are your tips for thriving at a big event? Does a crowd intimidate or invigorate you?
This sounds like fun, Lucy, and it's great that you and John had an opportunity to see some of the sights in Nashville.
ReplyDeleteSorry, but I have no tips for thriving at a big event as I am definitely the intimidated one who is far more comfortable being the proverbial wallflower . . . .
Sounds like a fun trip. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMy tips would be the same - take breaks away, whether that's going out for some fresh air or a nap in your room. I usually come home from a convention invigorated and also not wanting to talk with anyone for a week. Your pictures are great, though!
ReplyDeleteYes, we were tired when we arrived home!
DeleteI'm a little worried about Grace, who hasn't been here in a couple of days. Friend, are you out there?
DeleteI'm here! Thanks for checking....
DeleteYay! Good to see you, Grace.
DeleteGreat photos, Lucy. Did John attend conference events, too? I know that there are some cities that would be fun for me to see with my husband but if I am mostly attending the conference panels...I'm not sure he'd find them as interesting as I do.
ReplyDeleteI am considering attending Left Coast Crime. I am not too shy to introduce myself to authors, but authors are there for different reasons from mine and it's not like we can hang out. I could turn into the clingy fan. Uh, oh.
John had a one-day ticket for Friday and enjoyed seeing some of the panels, including Mick Herron's. It was fun to have him see a different side of my world. I think you'd enjoy LCC!
DeleteLCC is my preferred mystery convention. It's limited to 500 attendees, so I get to meet with authors & friends more easily. The author-reader connections are also a fun way to interact with some fave author(s) & attendees for an hour.
DeleteI will see you both at LCC!
DeleteOh geesh. I’m an ambivert which basically means I am friendly and outgoing, but am also severely drained by lots of stimulation and have a hard time initiating conversations. This leaves me feeling conflicted about attending big events like this. I LOVE attending panels but then typically spend the rest of my time resting but also wishing I was enjoying the social aspects of these gatherings. The struggle is real! I generally like the idea of these events but have to keep my expectations of myself low so that I’m not disappointed in my struggles with feeling left out of the fun. That said, I do go to book fairs (Boston) and author talks. So I will try to attend Boucheron (or another east coast conference) one day.
ReplyDeleteI totally get it Stacia! You might want to try a small conference like the New England Crime Bake. It's much more manageable! Judy and Karen were there last year and might weigh in...
DeleteOh, how I need that t-shirt! :-) What great photos! And I so agree, that an introvert at a huge conference definitely needs some downtime. Friends met me once at a conference in St. Louis--and we went to the zoo--came back recharged and ready to present the next day. One day, I'll attend a conference, just maybe not Boucheron.
ReplyDeleteIt works well sometimes to take a break! I was thinking of the first time I went to a Bouchercon in Wisconsin. I knew NO ONE and I yearned to be published. That one was very hard!
DeleteI’ve been to many Malice Domestics and love hearing my favorite authors at panels and speaking to them at autograph sessions. It’s so gratifying to find that there are few egos present and find a personal connection to people I admire for their creativity. I have registered for Bourchercon in New Orleans and am really looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteSarah, I'm sure some of the Reds will be there!
DeleteI couldn’t agree more, Lucy. Big conferences can be a whirlwind of connections and inspiration, but striking a balance between networking and recharging is important. I love how you paired the event with exploring the local scene—and scoring tickets to the Bluebird Café? That impressive!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ang:)
DeleteThanks for the photos! It looks like a fun time! I always need some downtime when I'm at big events--quiet time to rest and read and recharge.
ReplyDeleteGlad to know I'm not the only one!
DeleteI have been going to Bouchercon since 1992 and find it is harder & harder each year to see authors and online friends. The ginormous Gaylord Opryland did not make it easy this year. As an introvert, I am not intimidated but drained at the end of each day.
ReplyDeleteLUCY: I only saw you and HANK at your panels/book room.
Like you, I went to do other things including touring the Ryman, Country Music Hall of Fame & Musicians Hall of Fame in downtown Nashville. And see a Grand Ole Opry Show on Wednesday with Dru Ann & others. I go to visit the city as much as attending Bouchercon.
The Opryland hotel was HUGE!
DeleteOMG where can I get that tee-shirt?
ReplyDeleteOne of the vendors had it but I can't remember which. Anyone??
DeleteI am still a new enough writer that I love going to the panels where different crime fiction authors give tips on how they write interesting dialogue, research forensics, or create great characters, while I take notes like mad! I also had great fun at this Bouchercon listening to people I admire, like Mick Herron, Rachel Howzell Hall, Harlan Coben, Heather Graham, and Dennis Lehane, talk about their lives as writers. BUT I'm also a new enough writer that I'm very conscious of the need to promote my books, and that makes me very uncomfortable. I'm not bad at walking up to a group of strangers and starting to talk to them---but starting to talk to them about my work? Ugh! I've now been to two Bouchercons, and I have to say that the experience continues to be one of both pleasure and discomfort. If anyone has tips about how to handle this gracefully, please share them!
ReplyDeletePleasure and discomfort describes it perfectly. I would say don't approach a group thinking about promoting--be yourself, interested in others, and the rest will come...
DeleteWhat Lucy said, Kim. And think of how many authors handed you their bookmarks or flyers (I have already read the first in Kathleen Donnelly’s National Forest K-9 series because she handed me a bookmark when we chatted in line at Starbucks!). Just be yourself and you’ll be fine. — Pat S
DeleteSo sad to have missed you! Although Nashville, from all reports, sounded like an especially tiring conference, with such a large venue.
ReplyDeleteI've been to about a dozen or so reader/writer mystery conferences, a mix of Malice Domestic, Bouchercon, one NE Crimebake, and one Magna Cum Murder in Indianapolis. My experiences have taught me a couple things (that I hope I can remember next time):
There are always books to bring home. Sometimes the conference fee includes a bag 'o books that come with your conference-themed bag. (Another tip: don't bother to take a bag.) Sometimes there are free books at signings, but not always. There is usually a book room, where you can buy books you hear about at the conference, or whose authors you have heard and are impelled to read their work. Allow room in your suitcase, or bring an extra one to haul them home with you, if you are flying.
Staying offsite may cost less, but there are tradeoffs for staying at the conference hotel, or at least very close by. All those heavy books can be stashed in your room without leaving the venue. You can retreat to your room for a refreshing nap/face splash/break from peopling. It's easier to change for events like conference dinners, when many dress up. Hanging out in the bar, whether you drink alcohol or fruit juice, lets you find new friends, solidify more established friendships, or deepen previous contacts; having your room close by makes it easier to do this. The camaraderie is a big part of mystery conferences, and it's worth seeking out.
Don't be afraid to chat with strangers. You automatically have lots in common with all the participants, whether they are readers or authors. And authors are people just like you. Nearly all of them enjoy meeting and chatting about books with readers. If they don't, they'll be recuperating in their own rooms.
You don't have to go to every panel session you've picked in advance, if you find your energy flagging, or you decide to go to a different one than you originally planned. Stay loose, because you will learn a lot about authors you've never heard of before, or you might make a new friend who will invite you to join them for a different panel. I went to a panel at Malice once that Catriona McPherson was moderating, on LGBTQI authors and perspectives--something that does not affect me personally, and it was life-changing in understanding different viewpoints.
great suggestions, thanks Karen!
DeleteThanks for sharing. Friends taught me to take breaks at storytelling conferences, a bit of exploring or even a nap makes the active participation more pleasurable and worthwhile. I have fond memories of teaching study skills for a few months in Nashville. <3
ReplyDelete-- Storyteller Mary
Nashville was also unbearably hot this year. It was 100 deg when we landed. (I know, Jenn, nothing to you in Phoenix!)
DeleteMany of us in California too. It has been consistently at least 100 since mid May. Fourteen days in s row of 105+. I live in the middle of the state only thirty minutes from the coast. Our summers used to be low nineties. Summer ends after Thanksgiving.
DeleteThat sounds brutal! Luci
DeleteThese photos are so wonderful, what terrific memories! And it was fabulous to see you and John. My tips… Let’s see. You don’t have to do everything! And be fearless – – if something looks interesting, just try it! Don’t miss the guest of honor interviews, I used to avoid them, and that was so silly. They are often highlights. And wear comfortable shoes. That’s probably tip number one :-) xxxx
ReplyDeleteI didn't get to all of them, but really enjoyed Dennis Lehane, Valerie Burns interviewed by Dru ann, and Charlaine Harris interviewing Heather Graham
DeleteSo many wonderful photos, Lucy!
ReplyDeleteMy first mystery conference was in 2016 though my first writing workshop weekend was at Book Passage in 2014. In 2016 it was Malice Domestic. In 2017 it was my first Bouchercon in Toronto where I met Lucy, Hallie, Jenn and Deborah. I already met Rhys at local book events and Hank in 2016.
Though I always thought of myself as an Extrovert, I do notice that I never was a fan of crowds. Easier for me to talk to three people than to twenty people at the same time.
Sad to have missed Bouchercon this year. I felt that it was too risky to travel before getting the updated Covid vaccine. Hope no one caught Covid at this Bouchercon in Nashville. I visited Nashville several times and I remember Fido's coffee house, which was the only place where I could taste the food - that place was 100 percent non smoking. I do not know what Nashville is like now in regards to non-smoking in public places.
we were worried about Covid too, but got lucky. I didn't see any smoking in public places Diana
Deletethank you, Lucy
DeleteI think it depends on the type of event. Sometimes I find comfort in getting lost in the crowd. I’m terrible at small talk, and hate being asked personal questions.It’s easier if I have a friend with me. If it’s a very small event I might do better. It’s been so long since I’ve been to anything big, and I wonder if I would handle it differently now!
ReplyDeleteDebRo
This was my first time traveling to Bouchercon (since my first ever Bouchercon last year was in San Diego, where I live) and I was able to stay in the convention hotel. It was quite a large hotel and I pretty much visited the areas of the hotel where the convention events were happening. After I was home, a friend who had stayed at the Gaylord for a different convention told me there was a quiet bar called the Library where she would meet friends after her official day ended. Wish I had known that while I was still there!
ReplyDeleteI’m an extrovert and I learned last year that authors are generally happy to have someone tell them they like their books. This year I ended up in line for Ellen Byron’s book with Leslie Karst. We chatted for probably 15 minutes! It was so fun and made me realize that authors are people. (Leslie and I were discussing high school reunions!)
All of the tips previously mentioned are spot on. Comfortable shoes and clothing. Bring a light jacket or sweater to the large ballroom events (which are usually the guest of honor interviews) because they crank up the a/c. And normally an extra bag to carry your new books is a good idea. I wish Bouchercon had contracted with Parnassus Books to be the vendor!
I am thinking about going to Left Coast Crime to see what that’s like. It would be great fun to meet some more Reds and Readers! — Pat S
Pat, I'm registered for Left Coast Crime. Hope you attend.
DeleteHow delightful, Lucy! I truly wish I could have gone this year! Thanks so much for sharing your highlights!
ReplyDeleteI’m definitely invigorated by a large crowd. Just keep in mind that everyone there can potentially help you or you can help them. It’s about making Connections. And it’s always amazing to me how small the world is… 6° of separation over and over again
ReplyDeleteI love the pics, Lucy. It looks like you had a wonderful time. And even though I'm an extrovert, I find the older I get, the more I need to either rest in my room or take a walk outdoors when I'm at a large conference.
ReplyDeleteLucy, I am so sorry that I missed you and Hank, but I was only there until Wednesday afternoon. It was a toe-in-the-water deal for me this year. Dealing with deep grief, I haven't really wanted to do a lot, but I'm desperately trying to get back to my reading and reading activities. I'm still not comfortable with crowds and a lot of frenzied activity. But, this year's Bouchercon was just two hours and three minutes from my front door, and there was the special Laurie King 30th The Beekeeper's Apprentice day on Tuesday. There were friends I made from being an FOL, Friends of Laurie, whom I wanted to see. So, my husband and I drove up to Nashville Monday afternoon and had dinner with my two dearest FOL friends that evening, Alice Wright and Merrily Taylor. I spent all day Tuesday at the Laurie event, which was such a great way to begin a re-entry into book events. Then on Wednesday, it was just perfect. I spent time in the registration area and connected with more wonderful friends I haven't seen for years. And there was dear Dru I found in the main lobby on Tuesday night and on Wednesday sat on a bench with, just the two of us in a lovely little resting place. Teresa Smith Wilson and I grew up in the same place, and we hugged each other for a long time. I donated to the auction this year. It was the Get a Clue basket with all the Clue character Funko Pops, Agatha Christie playing cards, two games based on Clue, a Clue character Christmas ornament, some book pins to wear, a murder of tiny plastic crows, and another mystery card game. The last I knew it was at $250 bid. Lunch on Wednesday was with my dear friend Jen Danna, who is Canadian author Sara Driscoll. We met at my first Bouchercon in Albany and her first Bouchercon, and we've been friends since. There so many people I got to see in such a short time, and it was just the right amount of time. It's a slow process doing social events now, but I am hoping my baby steps lead to more.
ReplyDeleteIn answer to your question about tips, Lucy, I think taking breaks by going to your room for a bit or finding a quiet place to just sit and be still is an important thing to remember. I used to be extrovert, with some introvert moments inserted, but now, I'm about preserving my peace of mind while hitting some events or venturing into the crowds cautiously. I don't know whether I'll ever get back to my old extrovert self, but I'm learning to be satisfied with less.
I am so glad you were able to spend some time with friends doing things that you love! XO Lucy
DeleteIt was great running into Lucy/Roberta. I remember seeing her coming in with John, and then the next time we both said "selfie". I did run into Hank, but didn't get a photo with her. Except for how big the place was and some book issues, I had a good time with friends.
ReplyDeleteLucy, I'm late to the party - but it was so good seeing you with Hank!
ReplyDelete