Love Is Murder, But this Conference was Heaven

[Patrick Balester]

I attended my first writer's conference about a month ago, and I have to say, I'm really glad I did. I met a lot of writers whose books and stories I have read for the first time in the past year, as well as publishers and editors. They were all friendly and willing to answer questions from a newbie like myself, and I'm sure some of my questions were dumb. But no one let on. They were a lot of fun. I don't know what I expected, since I was pretty nervous. Tess Gerritsen, Joe Konrath, Alison Janssen, Thomas Keevers, Libby Fischer Hellman and Dana Kaye are only some of the writers who I had the pleasure to meet. There were more, but i'm better with faces than I am with names.

So if you've never attended a writer's conference, I highly recommend doing so, and this is a great one to start with.
There were multiple panels every hour, and my only regret is that I couldn't attend all of them. I definitely plan to return next year. I learned a lot, as both a writer and a fan.

Besides, I caught the napkin that Joe Konrath threw into the audience, and I still have it. Think he'll autograpgh it for me next year if I ask him?

[Patrick Balester]

Thanks MaryAnn. I'll keep my eyes open for you. The weather was terrible, but I never left the hotel...no reason to with so many interesting people around.

[Maryann Mercer]

I'm sorry our paths didn't cross at LIM, but it was a great time, weather and all! Joe is definitely a great guy, so just ask him :o) I'm there next year too, so I'll be reading badges so I can rave about your book because I WILL read it :O)

[Patrick Balester]

I hope so! He shook my hand too, and I haven't washed it in a month (just kidding!)

[Carol Exline]

How exciting! A writers' conference is next on my to do list. Of course, Joe will sign your napkin.