Lone wolf? Lost in crowds? Feel left out? Shy about
registering for LCC because you won’t know anyone at conference? I know. I’ve been
there.
My passion for writing and reading mysteries prompted me to
attend, alone, my first Left Coast Crime in Los Angeles, 2010. Didn’t know a
soul. Felt like an outsider. Wandered around the Omni Hotel certain everyone
knew everyone else but no one knew me. And yet, I had a blast. I took notes
during panels, cruised the book room, and chatted with a lovely group of
librarians and readers seated at our banquet table during the awards. I bonded
with a writer who looked as lost as I felt—Carlene and I are still friends.
But why do it the long way? There’s a much faster and easier
way to meet people, fit in, and instantly become part of the action—
VOLUNTEER!
Left Coast Crime hums along by the grace of folks who, among
other things, get involved by monitoring panels or book signings, stuffing
registration packets and book bags, handing out badges, or staffing the
hospitality suite. They have a backstage pass to the action and meet everyone!
Throughout the years I’ve had a great time pitching in to
stuff book bags, acting as a panel monitor to hand out nameplates and cue the
moderator for time, and building auction baskets. My conference-buds circle has
grown to a group of writers and readers whose friendly faces I look forward to
seeing in Phoenix.
As a volunteer you’re “part of” instead of “at,” and will
leave with a sense of belonging and accomplishment. Not to mention the new
friends you’ll make.
Consider joining us by emailing the volunteer coordinator at
volunteer@LCC2016.com.
And please make sure to stop and say “hello” to me in
Phoenix. I can’t wait to see you there.
___________________________
Rochelle Staab is the
best-selling author of the Mind for Murder Mystery series, and winner of the LCC
2013 Watson Award.
You say it well. My first LCCC was in Santa Fe. I stood on the mezzanine watching the opening night cocktail party happening below. They all looked like they'd gone to high school together. But at breakfast next day Clark Lohr, great mystery writer from Tucson, talked to me. Like you and Carlene. Clark and I are still friends. I'm volunteering as well. It's fun.
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