The Celebrations Linger On
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| SinC Workshop |
Rather
than transition (our monthly theme) to a new subject matter, I’m going to
continue with the topic Linda Rodriguez so ably introduced on Friday:
Bouchercon 2016, which took place over the last five days in New Orleans. Linda
was very much a part of this special event with her participation in the
Sisters on Crime SinC into Great Writing workshop, Doing Diversity Right. She
and other experts analyzed how writers can make their work more accessible and
meaningful to readers by respecting cultures and disabilities through choice of
words, plots, and character depictions and reactions.
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| Edith Maxwell, Hank Phillippi Ryan, and Ramona DeFlice Long at Sinc Breakfast |
Celebrations
and champagne (served at the Sisters in Crime breakfast, with founder Sara
Paretsky in attendance, and during at least two panels) were in evidence during
the conference. The following anniversaries were recognized: the 75th
year of Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine,
the 30th year of Sisters in Crime, and the 6th year of a
writing critique group including Donna Andrews, Ellen Crosby, John Gilstrap,
Allan Orloff, and Art Taylor.
The audience very much enjoyed sampling a liquid recipe
featured in Ellen’s upcoming novel, The
Champagne Conspiracy.
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| Eleanor Cawood Jones, Alan Orloff, Donna Andrews, Art Taylor, John Gilstrap, and Ellen Crosby |
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| Ace Atkins interviewing Julie Smith |
A
major topic of discussion, in both formal and informal settings, was
transitions in the publishing industry. Ace Atkins conducted an inspiring
interview with Julie Smith, whose Skip Langdon novels were my introduction to
New Orleans. Julie mentioned that she has found a new passion working in
publishing. When asked how that work could be a passion, she explained that she
had helped writers whose series had not been published in a number of years
come out with new work for readers to enjoy.
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| Edith Maxwell, Debra Goldstein, Terrie Farley Moran, PGB, and Lori Rader-Day |
Having the
opportunity to revel in the company of authors and reconnect with dear friends
in a city that truly knows how to party was a fabulously memorable experience.
If you ask me what kind of shoes I’ve been wearing, I’ll have to answer
truthfully, comfortable ones. It takes a lot of walking to navigate Bouchercon
and New Orleans. Many thanks to all the organizers and participants. Now that I’ve
returned home, I can’t help but feel a bit of a glass slipper complex. Midnight
approaches and it’s time to return to normal life. Yet, in my heart, the party
lingers on. Let the good times roll!
It was great seeing you, Paula–and celebrating you and your own writing as well! Look forward to seeing you again soon.
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Art, it was wonderful to see you, too. Please look back again at the message. I finally got my photos posted and there's one of you with your panel. Truly enjoyed hearing how you help and support each other's writing.
Yes! Even better with the pictures—and appreciate you including us!
Paula, all those champagne celebrations were really for your birthday, weren't they?
Linda, I'm going to certainly claim them! Thank you for being part of the celebration!
This is a lovely Bouchercon recap, Paula! Now I know how I missed you. I did not hit NOLA until Thursday, and I did not attend the SinC breakfast. Bosh!!