Weekend Road Trip: Bouchercon

I dedicate a lot of my time to traveling the countryside attending writers conferences, workshops, and other events. I love them all. I enjoy the intimate retreats, the hulking expos, and everything in between. However, while most conference goers are spending their time attending workshops and visiting with friends and colleagues, I’m usually teaching, answering questions, or preparing to teach and answer questions. I hardly ever get the opportunity to sit back back, relax, and visit with fellow writers. That’s why I simply love it when I’m able to attend conferences, such as Bouchercon, where I don’t have to do a thing except enjoy the company of some of the finest people in the world, my fellow writers.

Here are a few of my wonderful friends enjoying their time in Baltimore (more photos tomorrow).

Me and the extremely talented Alafair Burke.

Alison Gaylin, Karen Olsen, and Lori Armstrong (That’s Joyce Tremel in the background).

Chris Roerden signing for a fan.

The hardboiled queen of noir, Christa Faust.

Jonathan Hayes and JD Rhoades.

Joyce Tremel and Annette Dashofy.

Julia Spencer-Fleming and her husband, Ross,

The amazing Laura Lippman. I sat beside Laura today during our book signings. Obviously, my line was much shorter than hers, because I had plenty of time to photograph Laura and talk to her fans while they patiently waited in line.

Ever wondered what it’s like to be Laura Lippman during a book signing? I took this shot while seated beside Laura. This was the line of her fans waiting to have their books signed.

Roberta Isleib and Nancy Martin.

Robin Burcell, Michelle Gagnon, and Jason Starr.

Twist Phelen and Meg Chittenden.