My First LCC: Lisa Alber

Here’s what I remember most about my first Left Coast Crime in Monterey, 2014: delirium. Utter and total over-stimulated and overjoyed delirium.

Why? Because that week doubled as my first LCC and launch week for my first novel, Kilmoon. Talk about a week of firsts! I was a happy wreck. Book launch time is hectic for most writers, and since it was my first book launch, I was by turns thrilled and terrified as I participated in my first panel, called “Murder Far Afield”–

Cue inner monologue: What if the moderator asks me a question I’m not expecting? I’m not so good on-the-fly when it comes to public speaking … Hope I don’t sound stupid … I’m going to be asked why I chose to set the novel in Ireland—so why did I? Huh, I don’t know anymore! … oh no … 

–in addition to so many other firsts: the first book signing, the first selling out of books at a venue, the first hug from Louise Penny, the first heady moment a reader approached little old me as me the author.

The good news is that my nerves were all for nothing. I did just fine on the panel, and when I did draw a blank with one of the questions (sigh …), our wonderful moderator, Jeffrey Siger, talked me through it. No biggie, after all. I think it was Lori Rader-Day in her post a few weeks ago who said that the audience is on our side. And it’s so true.

There’s nothing but support and camaraderie and hugs to be had all over the place at LCC.

LCC is something of a reunion for most of us, isn’t it? We don’t see each other often, and we look forward to catching up. That said, the support and camaraderie and hugs include you, the dear readers, too. The more, the merrier, I say!

Please introduce yourself. And if we’ve met before, or are already friends on Facebook or anywhere else, please forgive my uncertain expression. I may need a gentle reminder. It’s nothing personal. Because, hey, I’m a lot like you may be: At heart, a bookish introvert.

And at heart, Left Coast Crime is where bookworms, crime fiction bookworms, come to flock like a murder of happy crows. What could be more fun than that?

In my LCC—no, in our LCC—everyone’s a friend. I can’t wait to see everyone!
_________________________
Lisa Alber is a Hibernophile whose first novel, Kilmoon, was nominated for the Rosebud Award for best first novel. Lisa is the recipient of an Elizabeth George Foundation writing grant and a Walden Fellowship, and was recently included in the bestselling anthology, Eight Mystery Writers You Should Be Reading Now. Next month she’s off to Ireland, where she’ll probably drink too much Guinness—all in the name of novel research, of course! Whispers in the Mist will be released by Midnight Ink in August 2016.

My First LCC: Eloise Hill

In September of 2011, I published my first mystery and in April 2012 decided to attend Mining For Murder in Sacramento, CA, three days before the conference. Despite the late registration, I was fortunate to book a hotel within a few blocks of the event. Unfortunately, I caught a virus the day before Left Coast Crime and had to bring it with me, along with my reluctant but gallant significant other who could see I was incapable of making the two-hour drive to our state capitol.

I arrived for the Friday morning New Author Breakfast late, out-of-breath, and feverish. I was so addled I wandered over to the only empty chair I could see at the back of the room—at author, Sally Carpenter’s table—and asked if I could have a seat. I was quickly informed that I, as a debut author, had my own table and was ushered to it by MC Mike Befeler, to find several fans/writers already seated and eager to discuss my inspiration for a tarot mystery series. It was then I found out I’d be given the opportunity to present a pitch for the book which, in my current state, I was totally unprepared for.

Due to the brain-eating properties of the virus, many of the events of the weekend are now a blur to me including whatever book summation I may have managed to stammer out. But I do remember Lee Goldberg’s comments on the burgeoning impact of YouTube on mystery films and Kelli Stanley’s advice on being diligent when researching historical mystery . . . and Rhys Bowen’s hilarious comments about writing for ardent anglophiles. And Jess Lourey chipping in for the remainder of my raffle ticket when, in my weakened state, I couldn’t produce the exact change.

I came away inspired and informed by the talent represented, impressed by the amount of hard work that went into producing the conference, and with a new appreciation of what the LCC community had to offer writers and fans alike. And four years and a second book later, I’m back to participate—hopefully, this time bug-free. Looking forward to seeing you all in Phoenix!
_________________________
Eloise Hill is a Bay Area nurse, writer, and psychic who has been in love with the Tarot, and all things metaphysical, since she picked up her first Rider-Waite deck at the age of eighteen. She is the author of The Eight of Pentacles and The Queen of the Barley Moon, books one and two in the Eileen McGrath Tarot series, set in and around Oakland, CA and inspired by her 30+ years as a psychic/Tarot enthusiast.

My LCC: Maryglenn McCombs

What better time to reflect on why I love Left Coast Crime? I’ve just finalized my travel plans for Left Coast 2016 in Phoenix and frankly: I can’t wait.

I’ve been attending book/mystery conferences since—gasp!—the early 1990s. In the past 20 plus years, I’ve attended events all over the country: New York, Chicago, St. Louis, Long Beach, Indianapolis, Nashville, South Florida, Raleigh, D.C., Los Angeles, and last year, even made my way to Bristol, England for Crimefest.

My first Left Coast Crime, Monterey in 2014, stands out as one of my all-time favorite conferences. Granted—Monterey is gorgeous, and I had the good fortune of driving from San Jose to Monterey as the sun was coming up. (The word “spectacular” doesn’t do that view justice.) But what made Left Coast Crime 2014 so special was the people I met—Sarah Williams, R.M. Cartmel, Philip Donlay, Brenda Chapman, Chantelle Aimee Osman (we quickly bonded over our love of large, fuzzy dogs and shared photos and tales of her Standard Poodle Paladin, and my Old English Sheepdog, Majordomo Billy Bojangles), Matt Coyle, Lesa Holstine, Otto Penzler, Jeffrey Siger, Ken Kuhlken, Rochelle Staab, Joel Fox, Stan Ulrich, Lucinda Surber, Dave Putnam….and the list goes on.

Left Coast 2014 was also a great chance to see and catch up with people I’ve known and worked with for years – Tammy Kaehler, Robert Rosenwald, Mark Troy, Con Lehane, Doug Lyle, Deni Dietz, Julia Musha… In some ways, Left Coast felt totally unfamiliar—new faces, and definitely a new place—but in other ways, it felt wonderfully familiar.

When I look back at conferences I’ve attended in the past, the thing that stands out most is the people who are there. That’s what makes a conference great. Left Coast Crime brings together an incredible assortment of writers, industry professionals, and people who love mysteries and value good writing. The Left Coast Crime attendees are among the most welcoming, helpful, generous, and wonderful people around. It’s important to note that Left Coast’s programming is also terrific—and I have to give a nod to one of the most entertaining panels I’ve ever sat in on: Matt Coyle moderating an LCC 2014 panel about writing the “Mean Streets,” featuring Dave Putnam, Mark Troy, Ken Kuhlken, and Baron Birchter.

From a professional standpoint, I wouldn’t think of not attending. Left Coast Crime is a great networking event—and it’s also so much fun. I’ve noticed a curious thing about mystery conferences, Left Coast being no exception: seems most of the work gets done in the bar. I’m certainly not complaining. After all, there are few things more entertaining than hanging out and listening to some of my favorite writers do what they do best: tell stories.

Sometimes, it seems almost criminal—perhaps, appropriately—that I get to call this “work.
_________________________
Maryglenn McCombs has actively worked in the book publishing industry for over twenty years. After starting her own publishing company in 1995, Maryglenn transitioned into the role of book publicist in the late 90s. As a book publicist, she works to create media exposure for books and authors through various print, online, and broadcast media outlets. Maryglenn focuses primarily on titles in the mystery/suspense/thriller genres. A graduate of Vanderbilt University, Maryglenn serves on the board of the Nashville Humane Association. A South Central Kentucky native, Maryglenn lives in Nashville with her husband, Tim Warnock, and their Old English Sheepdog, Majordomo Billy Bojangles. 

My First LCC: Dru Ann Love

I love attending reader/fan conventions, and this year will be my first attendance at Left Coast Crime in February where on the east coast it will be winter cold. Oh, how I can’t wait to spend a few days on the west coast in warm spring-like weather.

I have heard so much about this conference, and I’m looking forward to experiencing this west coast venue. Like all conferences, there will be panels, outside activities and of course socializing with all the authors in attendance.

What I’m most looking forward to is the intimacy of a smaller crowd than Bouchercon which boasts at least 1,400 people and Malice which boasts at least 500 people. Perhaps LCC is the same size as Malice, but I suspect those who attend will be more varied.

What I like best is exploring different city locales, and just being in Phoenix should be fun. I hope to see the Grand Canyon and other attractions that make Phoenix unique. As always I’m looking forward to arriving in Phoenix, volunteering, the opening ceremony, the panels, the multiple receptions, the new author breakfast, the Discover Mystery breakfast, and of course, awards night. But mostly I’m looking forward to seeing my friends again, meeting authors who I have never met before and those who I know on Facebook, but most of all discovering new-to-me authors.

It’s going to be a great four-day party weekend of laughter and socializing, and I can’t wait for all of us to gather at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix where the bar will be hopping and the drinks a’flowing with no rest for the weary.

So Left Coast Crime 2016, here I come!
_________________________
Dru Ann Love is owner/writer at dru’s book musings and at her daytime situation is a research analyst. A New Yorker, born and bred, Dru Ann is an avid reader who writes poetry, quilts, and loves attending reader/fan conventions. Dru Ann may not be a mystery writer, but her name has appeared in several cozy titles, and she has even blurbed a book or two. Her blog dru’s book musings was a 2015 Anthony Award Finalist.

My First LCC: Lori Rader Day

My first Left Coast Crime was in Monterey, California, in 2014. It was also the first year I could be considered an official author, though my book launch was still a few months in the future when I was asked to moderate the debut authors panel.

I’m not exaggerating when I say that our panel launched some careers. The group of us—M.P (Martha) Cooley, Sherry Harris, Carlene O’Neil, Holly West, and I—had not met before. Several of the panelists had never been on a panel before. But something about our absolute novice status gave us permission to have the most fun we could.

We laughed, we had a giveaway, we each read a snippet of one hundred words from our books. When we could manage to make eye contact with people out in the audience—friends and some of our writing heroes, coming to see us!—we could see that the audience was laughing with us and enjoying and applauding our work.

The thing that I suspected and had confirmed at that panel was that, at mystery reader conferences, the audience is on our side. They want us to succeed. They want to hear our work and learn about us because they’re readers just like us, looking for their next favorite read. They want to have fun, too. Left Coast Crime is one of my favorite mystery conferences, not in small part because of that panel, that generous audience, and those talented women. Martha, Sherry, Carlene, Holly, and I have remained friends. We have supported each other through the eventual launch of all our first books and the great things that have happened for all of us since. When we see each other at Left Coast or other mystery events, it’s a reunion of that panel and that first, amazing year of our publishing careers. And if anyone ever wants to enlist us for that reunion in panel form, we’re in.

 _________________________

Lori Rader-Day, author of The Black Hour and Little Pretty Things, is a two-time Mary Higgins Clark Award nominee and the recipient of the 2014 Anthony Award for Best First Novel. She lives in Chicago, where she serves as the president of the Mystery Writers of America Midwest Chapter. Her third novel, An Elegant Hand, will be released by Harper Collins William Morrow in spring 2017.

My First LCC: Barb Schlichting

I’ve attended two conferences, which I’ve thoroughly enjoyed and have found everyone friendly and helpful. Hopeful is the main word that I could use to describe the conferences.

I sat with one published author who gave me a whole lot of editing advice, which I put to good use.

She suggested that I read my manuscript out loud, to see how it sounds. I did just that once I returned home.The following conference, I shared with another online friend. This person had beta read for me a few times and was more than willing to help me with my pitch. I had signed up to pitch to an agent, and because of her advice, it went better than expected. This conference also had time set aside to meet in groups with agents to work on our pitches before the assigned time. It was great to meet other struggling writers.

I also sat in on many panels and learned how to give strength to secondary characters or where to look for poisonous plants among the weeds. I also look at crime scenes a lot differently than I ever did. I’m getting good at locating clues in the movies, too. It was also great to meet friends from yahoo lists and other social media. Everyone expressed good wishes with my unpublished series.

I’m looking forward to my first Left Coast Crime Conference. It’ll be great to renew acquaintances, and learn more about the craft of writing.

_________________________
Barb Schlichting lives in Bemidji, MN, in the land of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. She graduated from Bemidji State University with an undergraduate degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in special education. She has two grown boys, a husband, and five grandchildren.