Bouchercon 2009

October 17th, 2009

This was the first time that I’ve attended Bouchercon, and I’ll definitely be back! All of the sessions I attended were excellent. Where else can you attend seminars on paranormal characters, serial murders, and get terrific writing tips pertaining to the mystery genre?
I attended a preconference featuring Donald Maass. He stressed raising the stakes in writing. Heightening drama, increasing tension, and emphasizing the paradoxical were among the techniques that he discussed. He had us write quite a bit in the workshop. I’ve got my notes put aside – I’ll address them in my manuscripts during the coming week.
Another message included the importance of perseverance. We all know this, but it is good to keep hearing it again and again, especially from successful writers. And it was thrilling to be in the same room with Micheal Connelly.
I was amazed at my reaction to the Anthony Awards ceremony. It was almost as dramatic as the Academy Awards. The toastmaster read the nominees in each category and announced the winners in much the same way.
I’ll plan to attend Bouchercon in the future. Socializing with hundreds of other mystery fans was a novel – and wonderful- experience. Kudos to the organizers, facilitators, moderators and speakers.

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