From the moment I arrived at Killer Nashville 2015, I felt like I'd come home again. The group at registration are so sweet to let me hang out with them on Friday morning. They do all the hard work of fielding questions and being there for the entire conference. And they're all volunteers!
The hostess with the mostest: Jaden (Beth) Terrell |
View on Amazon |
I barely had time to say hello to my pals Paula Benson and Debra Goldstein, but someone did snap a pic or two of us with the anthology. I had some face time with C Hope Clark, another SEMWA board member, which was nice.
This year I found myself on three panels, two for the conference and one for the new BookCon. We had good attendance at all the panels and lots of questions about our topics of mysteries and genres.
Booklover's Bench founder, Terry Odell, posed for a quick pic with me |
From left, Rae James, Terry Odell, Maggie, and Jenna Bennett |
Deni Dietz of Five Star and Maggie take a selfie |
From left, Diane Kelly, Maggie, Jenna Bennett |
Right after that, I headed over to the BookCon, where Jaden Terrell posed questions to Jenna Bennett, Phyllis Goebell, and me on the topic of "Cozy Mysteries and Writing Across Genres."
Saturday afternoon I facilitated for Clay Stafford's interview of John Gilstrap.
The Southeast Mystery Writers of America reception preceded the banquet, and we had a great turnout for the SEMWA reception. The banquet was amazing, as always, with great food and live music. Next came speakers and award announcements. This year I was honored to announce the Silver Falchion Award for Best Mystery, which I won last year. And the winner was: Hunting Shadows, Charles Todd.
The conference continued for another day, but I was homeward bound. Lots of hugs and see you next year's came as I was leaving. I totally love coming to this conference and seeing my mystery writing friends.
Oddly, people kept approaching me to meet me, as if I was a big celebrity or something. I didn't know what to make of that and felt like Candid Camera might pop out from behind a column to reveal the prank. Whatever. I can pull off being a celebrity for a few days, if that's what's needed. But man oh man, am I glad to be home and comfy cozy.
View on Amazon |
Maggie Toussaint
aka Rigel Carson
My Series
Mossy Bog Series (romantic suspense)
Cleopatra Jones series (cozy mystery)
Dreamwalker series (paranormal mystery)
Guardian of Earth series (dystopian thriller)
It was wonderful to have the chance to see you, Maggie. You are a big celebrity! So delighted to share space in the anthology with you!
ReplyDeletePaula, I think everyone must be a celebrity! I am glad to have had a few moments to say hello. Next conference maybe I won't be running around like a headless chicken.
DeleteI'll have to get to that conference one of these days. Glad for your recap, helped me experience it vicariously.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, Nancy. The conference has grown from under a hundred people to over 400, so there were lots of people I'd hoped to connect with that I never even saw. I also was too busy to casually attend panels or even the great forensic/law enforcement track they have at KN.
DeleteSounds like a fun and productive conference, and always one of my favorites, too. You'll always be a celeb in my book, Maggie. PS: you look lovely in pink!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun and productive conference, and always one of my favorites, too. You'll always be a celeb in my book, Maggie. PS: you look lovely in pink!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed seeing you again, Maggie. Too little time to see too many friends, but it was a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteI do like to read about your adventures. I know you all have a great time, too! P.S. Did you tell that woman from Five Star that one thing on bucket list was to get a hardback with Five Star? Haha. Just kidding. You know how proud I am of you.
ReplyDeleteDang, I should've mentioned that. Now that they don't publish romances, you'll have to write a mystery. I'm sure a mystery set in your Texas countryside or city would fit the bill! Thanks for stopping by, Celia. Life is truly and adventure, and I'm glad to share it with you.
ReplyDelete