Bouchercon

sunny, temps 70

Baltimore! Bouchercon. Such fun. Left home (and Michael) at 9am - drove to the Burlington Airport. First time using it. There are two huge advantages to using it over the Montreal airport - especially for trips to the US. I pass through customs on the road, don't have to do the awful Mtl customs, especially coming back. a nightmare. And it was hundreds of dollars cheaper. Flew AirTran. Direct from Burlington to Baltimore. What are the chances there'd be a direct flight, but there was.

Was a little concerned about AirTran, never having heard of it before. Expected it to be like AirBob or AirLouise. Some guys former cropduster or bush plane. But it's a wonderful airline. Big 717 jet. I got to upgrade to Business for 50 dollars. Which, of course, I did. Also upgraded my hotel room to Club level.

Ah, luxury. Anyway, the flight was smooth, fun. Relaxing. Only took slightly over an hour. Then waited an hour for the luggage. But it finally arrived and I wasn't in a hurry. Didn't have anything until the book signing at the Mystery News desk at 4pm.

The Sheraton hotel seems good. My room is wonderful. Big corner King...21st floor. Windows on two sides - great view. very bright.

I only had time to drop the luggage, register for Bouchercon and head to the dealers room. For those of you who've never been to this convention, it's a riot. Thjousands of mystery readers and hundreds of mystery authors. The authors are put on panels, then sign their books afterward. There's a dealers room filled with mystery booksellers from the US and Canada. It's like a candy store. For anyone who adores mysteries it's heaven. And, of course, being surrounded by people who also adore the books is wonderful.

Did the signing - met up with the wonderful Chris and Lynn who own and publish Mystery News, a real agenda setter in the crime writing community. They also sponsor and organize the annual Barry Aards, given out tonight. Lynn and I are having dinner together tomorrow night. She's a wonderful woman, and someone I'm glad to call a friend.

Next door at Mystery Mikes they managed to get in hardcover copies of The Murder Stone, so I signed three cases for them and they said The Murder Stone was far and away their bestseller today at the convention. I'm thrilled to hear that.

I should be going to the ceremony tonight to open Bouchercon and give out awards but I'm a little tired and tomorrow's a hectic day - so have just ordered a burger and key lime pie.

Talk to you tomorrow.