Networking or not working?

by Dietrich

What an appropriate and timely question by Jim as Bouchercon happened this past week in Dallas. Just coming off a book tour for my latest, I’m sorry that I missed the conference this year. From the photos and comments I’ve seen so far it looked like a good one. Guess I’ll have to content myself with having attended Left Coast Crime held here in Vancouver earlier this year. Great panels, a lot of readers and writers, and best of all, the organizers let me put together the Noir at the Bar which turned out to be a total blast. Like all the conferences I’ve attended it was awesome, although I’m still kicking myself for missing out on the Criminal Minds lunch which included eight of our own Criminal Minds as well a few alumnus.

LCC Noir at the Bar Blake Crouch, Hilary Davidson, Rob Hart, Sam Wiebe, Frank Zafiro, SJ Rozan, Thomas Pluck, Kellye Garrett, Vicki Delany, Lisa Brackmann, Robin Burcell and me.

Now, to the question: As far as networking, I admit I never think of going to a conference in those terms. For me, it’s a party, a chance to connect with some old friends and maybe meet some new ones. 

Once checked in, I start running into people wearing those lanyards in the halls, restaurants, cafes, on the street, at the various panel discussions, and at the ever popular watering holes. So, if attending a conference is networking, then I guess, like a lot of other writers and readers attending, I’ve been working and putting in some serious overtime.

Writers, readers, agents, editors and publishers: throw a scotch on the rocks at the conference bar and you’re bound to hit one. So, if you’re new or just introverted and haven’t been yet, but you want to connect with writers and readers or get in front of somebody on the publishing side of things, there’s no better way to do it. And if you’re just there to party, that’s hard to beat, too.

One tip, if you’re new to it and you’ve got a book out, have an elevator pitch ready. There’s nothing worse (personal experience) than being asked what your book’s about, and standing there going “uh, well, uh …” looking like a deer in the headlights.

Sure, there are other ways to network: social media, writer events, reading groups, associations like Mystery Writers of America, Crime Writers of Canada, Thriller Writers of America. And there are writers’ festivals and events available in just about every city.

Okay, so I didn’t get to Bouchercon this year, but as I mentioned, I did just return from what’s turned into an annual book tour down the coast to California, filled with reading events, a Noir at the Bar, and a two-day writers’ workshop. And I guess as well as catching up with old friends and making some new ones, each event was a new opportunity to network. I even got to ride in a police car – in the front seat this time, doing some research for a story I’ve got percolating. 

And now that I’m back on home turf, I should mention the next Noir at the Bar here in Vancouver is tonight at our usual haunt, the Shebeen Whiskey House. If you’re in town, you can see from the poster, we’ve got an excellent line-up of authors eager to network and read from their latest; it’s going to be one you don’t want to miss.

Over the Moon

What do you remember about the first time you read your crime fiction work in progress or finished novel/short story to an audience?

by Dietrich

Before my first novel Ride the Lightning came out, I was over the moon. I signed a three-book deal with ECW Press and I got a chance to go to my first Bouchercon in September 2013, traveling by car from Toronto to Albany with one of my favorite Canadian authors, John McFetridge. And I met so many great authors while I was there, like 7 Criminal Minds’ own Cathy Ace and Robin Spano. 

E.R Brown, Linda L. Richards, me,
Robin Spano, Owen Laukkanen
(missing: Sam Wiebe)
at Vancouver's first Noir at the Bar, 2014.

Before the release of my book, scheduled for the following April, I went to a reading event in West Vancouver featuring E.R. Brown. I wanted to see how it was done, and I listened as Eric read excerpts from his rocking novel Almost Legal and spoke to the packed room about the writing process. He set the bar pretty high and I learned a lot. 

A couple weeks later I went to another authors’ event at the Vancouver Public Library, listening to Andrew Piper, Deryn Collier and Sean Slater read from recent works, and I came away with more ideas on how it was done. 

So, I felt more or less ready; now all I needed was an event where I could read. I had met Peter Rozovsky at Bouchercon, and he had talked about Noir at the Bar and that sounded perfect for the kind of stories I was writing. 

Vancouver hadn’t had a Noir at the Bar event before, and although I’d never read my work to an audience, I thought why not organize one. So, I called on fellow Vancouverite Robin Spano, along with Eric Brown and I had my first two authors. Robin suggested Owen Laukkanen and Linda L. Richards. And Eric had introduced me to Sam Wiebe at the Arthur Ellis Announcement event that year. And just like that, Vancouver had its first Noir at the Bar line-up.

The amazing Shebeen Whisky House in Gastown hosted us, as they have ever since. And we have been very fortunate to have the support of White Dwarf Books/DeadWrite Books who have come out and taken care of book sales every time since that first event. I can’t tell you how grateful I am to Jill and Walter. Vancouver is truly blessed to be home to this wonderful bookstore. 

So, along with organizing the event, I rehearsed the chapter I would read until I felt I wasn’t going to stumble all over it. I didn’t want to get in my own way and ruin the rhythm of the words. And sure, the nerves were there, but nothing a pint of Guinness wouldn’t cure. Plus, the place was pretty dark, and when I stepped to the mic, I had a book to hide behind. 

That evening drew a good crowd, and when it was over I just wanted to do it again. 

This marks the start of the sixth year of Noir at the Bar events in Vancouver. So, if you’re in the area for our first one on May 1st, please come and check it out, and if you’re an author with a new mystery or crime novel coming out and would like to take part in a future event, please drop me a line at my website.

And if you’re planning to attend Left Coast Crime in Vancouver, make plans for the special Noir at the Bar on Thursday, March 28th at 7:30 PM. 

To confer or not confer, that is the question...by Cathy Ace

At Bouchercon 2017 as many of we Criminal Minds as could gather at once: L to R - Catriona McPherson, Alan Orloff, Terry Shames, Susan Shea, me, Rachel Greenaway, Robin Harlick, Jim Ziskin

This week we get to write about whatever we want. I'm fresh off the plane from Malice Domestic 2018, and I’ve got conferences on the brain…

With a group of fellow members of Crime Writers of Canada and fans/readers at Left Coast Crime 2017, in Honolulu

It’s conference (and awards) season in the crime writing world. Maybe you’ve noticed? Let’s be honest, it’s hard to miss. And you know what, that’s a good thing. If we – within our small, albeit imperfect community – cannot celebrate our own endeavors, connections and achievements, what’s it all about?

With (L to R) Eleanor Cawood Jones (short story author), Dru Ann Love (of Dru's Musings who won the Raven from the MWA in 2017), KSue Anderson (reader) LCC Honolulu

My first book was published in March 2012, and I attended my first convention (Bouchercon in Albany) in September 2013, by which time my second book was also on the shelves. I’d spoken to folks before booking about whether they thought I should go…it was quite an investment…and got a variety of responses. My then-publisher said it was up to me; no one else at the publishing house had ever been to a crime writing convention, so they couldn’t offer an opinion; one fellow author thought it wasn’t a good idea because most things happened in the bar; another said it was a boring and expensive way to spend a weekend. I gave it some thought and decided I would give it a go, and I am so glad I did. 

With the late, great Sue Grafton, Bouchercon Albany 2013

You see, conferences can be life-changing as well as career-changing. If you go, if you keep going, and if you’re prepared to throw yourself into the community and the experience, that is. So I did. 

With Louise Penny at Left Coast Crime in Portland, 2016

Since 2013 I have attended every conference I have been able to (which isn’t all of them by any means, because there are quite a few). I’ve attended Bouchercon, Malice Domestic, Left Coast Crime and CrimeFest (UK) regularly, and they have changed my life, and my career. 

Interviewing Poirot Award winning author Martin Edwards, tea being served by Verena May Rose at Malice Domestic 2017

 

I have made friends with authors who, like me, usually labor alone in a room with a computer and a looming deadline or two. I have learned that, even when I feel I am, I’m not alone…not truly…because I am just one of a huge number of likeminded storytellers who want nothing more than to tap a tattoo that tantalizes and entertains. On my keyboard. 

With Felix Francis at CrimeFest 2017

Like them. I am one of them. We are us. I am no longer a lonely I. That helps, especially when it’s two in the morning and I’m trying to catch up, Billy Joel-like, and running on ice. Thank you to them, and conferences, for that.

With Ann Cleeves who created Vera Stanhope, and Brenda Blethyn who brings her to life on the screen, my tablemates at Malice Domestic 2018

 

I’ve also met readers. People who have actually read my books. And I find it hard to explain how thrilling that is. I know that – conceptually – I hope everyone will read my books and like them, but when you meet someone face to face who really does that, it’s like cocaine for the soul, and I find myself energized, promising them and myself I will write more, write better, and keep telling tales about the characters they - like me – have come to know and love. Thank you to them, and conferences, for that.

With Vicki Delany at Malice Domestic 2018 pitching our books to 160 eager readers, eight at a time!

I’ve met bloggers, reviewers, agents, publishers, publicists, broadcasters and film-makers, all of whom have helped me understand this business of which I have become a part, and some of whom have become my partners in that business world, helping me reach more people, create new characters and tell new stories. And some have become friends. Thank you to them, and conferences, for that.

Malice Domestic 2018, with (R to L) Kristopher Zsgorski (of BOLO Books, who won the Raven from MWA in 2018), Lori Rader-Day (author), Micheal Mueller (Kristopher's husband, and super person)

And let’s not forget the fact that conferences have allowed me to go to places I’d never have seen, meet authors whose works I’ve enjoyed as a reader whom I’d never have met, thank actors who’ve brought characters I’ve loved on the page to life on the screen, and have granted me the chance to gain a new perspective on tapping away in my room on my computer, alone.

With Hugh Fraser, who played Captain Hastings, at CrimeFest UK 2016

It’s wonderful to attend them – and I admit it’s blissful to get back to the peace of my writing room afterwards!  

With Yrsa Sigurðardóttir,Iceland's Queen of Noir, (who is a hoot) at Bouchercon New Orleans 2017

So, if you’ve never been to one before, consider it seriously. Yes, the costs add up, but (if you’re a writer) it’s an investment in all I’ve explained, if you’re a reader it’s a great way to connect with hundreds of authors, all at once. And to realise we’re human beings who love to chat. 

Leading the Crime Writers of Canada's sortie at LCC in Phoenix in 2017

If you fancy coming to Vancouver, in March 2019, I’ll be Toastmaster at Left Coast Crime, where the International Guest of Honor is CJ Box, and the Canadian Guest of Honor is Maureen Jennings. 

With Maureen Jennings at Bloody Words in Toronto in 2014

 

I’ll be honest, when I attended my first Left Coast Crime at Monterey in March 2014 I couldn’t have imagined that I’d be the honored Toastmaster of it in 2019. What a five years it’s been! And maybe – just maybe – this is just the beginning! Lee Child, Nevada Barr, Harlen Coben and Laurie R King have been previous Toastmasters at LCC, and I hear they’re all doing rather well at this writing thing.

Coffee with Lee Child at Bouchercon New Orleans 2017

Maybe a bit of that will rub off on me, but – you know what – even if it doesn’t, it won’t matter, because I have already gained so much from attending conferences, as I think these photos show. 

With LCC 2019 Vancouver organisers Linda McNab (left) and Colleen Glynn, at LCC in Reno 2018

 To find out more about Left Coast Crime Vancouver, click here: http://www.leftcoastcrime.org/2019/

To find out more about Cathy and her work click here: www.cathyace.com

 

Getting out there

by Dietrich Kalteis

Many of us who blog here belong to writerly organizations (like Crime Writers of Canada, Mystery Writers of America, Crime Writers Association (UK), Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers etc.) and some don’t. What benefits do those who belong to such groups feel they derive from their membership, and – for those who don’t belong to any – why have you chosen that route?

I have to admit I’ve let some memberships lapse lately as I’ve become caught up in my own writing and all that goes with it. And I know there are a couple of writers on this blogsite who have spent countless hours working to make these organizations happen, and I can just hear them going tsk tsk if they read that. But, let me say, organizations like Mystery Writers of America, Crime Writers of Canada, and so on, are all worth checking out, especially for any aspiring and new mystery and crime writers. It’s a great way to connect to the local writing community, as well as a good way to network and get yourself and your work known. There are newsletters, opportunities to attend chapter meetings and take part in local writer events, promote books on their websites, and post events on online calendars.

Writing is pretty much a solo effort, so it’s important to step away from imaginary friends and get away from the desk once in a while. And another way to connect with other writers is through the various conferences and festivals that take place each year, like Thrillerfest, Bouchercon and Left Coast Crime. Most of which are also connected with writer organizations. Bouchercon and Left Coast Crime are held in a different city each year, and although traveling and attending can be costly, it’s a fantastic opportunity to network with the mystery and crime-writing community. The first Bouchercon I attended was in Albany NY in 2013, a great experience of meeting authors and readers and taking in author panels. It was also an opportunity to meet with authors in their natural habitat, the convention bar, standing around with a bunch of talented writers having a great time. These conventions are the perfect opportunity to take part in various panel discussions, pitch your stories to agents and publishers, and it’s also a chance to meet and chat with avid readers. One convention I’m looking forward to is Left Coast Crime which will be here in Vancouver in 2019. Although I haven’t been, the Harrogate Festival and Bloody Scotland would be awesome to attend.

Writing associations are also worth checking out. Aside from meeting others who write, you can listen to guest speakers, attend regular meetings, workshops and seminars. Then there are events like Noir at the Bar which are popping up all over. I organize a couple of these events in Vancouver each year, and I’ve attended and taken part in N@B events in L.A., Seattle, Toronto and Raleigh, NC. These events are another great chance to meet, mingle and hear other authors read from their latest works. If you’re an aspiring or debut writer, it’s a shot at joining the line-up and reading your work to a roomful of eager listeners. The events are always well attended, and many talented authors have graced our events with their presence, coming from as far as Toronto, Edmonton, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Denver and Seattle. So, if you’re in the neighborhood, you’re welcome to check out the next one here on Wednesday, November 1st. And as part of a book tour for Zero Avenue, I’m also taking part in a Noir at the Bar in Seaside, California on Friday, October 20th. A guaranteed good time. 

Social media is another good way to network, and I’ve made many connections with writers online who I eventually ended up meeting later on at some writing event. When I started writing, I joined Zoetrope, Frances Ford Coppola’s online workshop, where writers submit their screenplays and short stories and trade peer reviews. And I met some interesting writers there, got valuable help and even ended up having a couple of screenplays optioned through people I met. 

So, whether it’s for inspiration, information, promotion or socialization, it’s important to get away from the desk now and then and hang out with others who do what you do. And it’s amazing how helpful, friendly and supportive people who write about crime and some pretty gruesome stuff can be.

And the best value for promotional investment is....by Cathy Ace

Do the costs to promote a book sometimes equal the advance you got for it, and does that make you question A) writing it or B) doing all that expensive promotion?

Welshcakes for the launch of a book set in Wales

This is a tough one to answer, because it needs to be answered in a couple of different ways. The question implies that an author promotes one book at a time. For me, that’s not the case. I write two series of books, with eight in one series, and the fourth in the other will be published in September in the UK, and January in the USA/Canada. 

If I take my next-to-be-published book as an example, then the only money I’ll spend, that’s specifically tied to that title, would be purchasing copies (I get five free, but they go to family) and mailing them to people. This costs me about $40 CDN each time, for each book; a hardcover book is expensive, even with an author discount, and then postage either within, or more usually beyond, Canadian borders is also a pretty penny for  a heavy book! Oh, and I usually pop in a little gift, something relevant to the book. On top of that are mileage costs as I drive to events for signings etc. There’ll also be one heck of a lot of what would be called “sweat equity”, if I were, say, improving my home. I’ll be organizing blog tours, trying to generate blog reviews etc. so it doesn’t cost me anything but time and effort. Per book, that’s about it…unless I choose to offer treats when I do a signing, which, being me, I usually do! That can add up, too. 

At Left Coast Crime with fellow members of CWC

So there are costs for each book launched, but the main promotional costs I bear each year are the costs which are spread across all my books. That would be maintaining and updating my website, providing books for competitions and draws, and attending conventions. The cost of my presence at conventions is so alarmingly high it has to be set against the promoting of all my books – past titles, new titles and even future titles. I need a website upgrade soon, too, and that’ll take loads of lolly. UGH! Oh, and new bookmarks – artwork and printing costs, oh my! Yes, it adds up, and there’s no question promotion can become expensive – but I believe if I’m going to write, I need to promote. So, even if the promotional costs eat up quite a lot of the income I get from writing, it has to be done. It more than ate up all the income from my books for years, and required a heavy top-up investment, too. Now it’s manageable.

That being said, I’ll tell you a secret. The best money I spend each year? My CWC membership fee! I joined Crime Writers of Canada (CWC) when I was first published (fair disclosure – I am now Chair) because I wanted a way to, for a relatively small annual fee, use their online presence to allow me to reach a massive number of people who visit their website – a group of people I wouldn’t be able to afford to reach without CWC. More than 5000 people visit their website each month, and I know folks found out about my work through that website, and then they met me because I organised events on behalf of CWC, and participated in them. Being a member of CWC costs me $130 per year. That’s just about the same as mailing three copies of a book. I think my CWC membership fee gives me the best value for money I can, or probably ever will, get. I will admit that the more I volunteer and do – on behalf of other members – the better the money seems to work for me; in other words, I have found that by promoting the CWC brand, and the work of other members, my own work has garnered more attention…as I said, best $130 a year I spend! 

(PS: did you know CWC has a free monthly newsletter that everyone can sign up for…full of news about new releases, events, and always with the most up to date version of Cool Canadian Crime…a catalogue of all books published by CWC authors through the year? No? Well, if you’re interested, you can sign up – did I mention it’s free? – here: https://gem.godaddy.com/signups/190284/join  And check out the whole website here: http://www.crimewriterscanada.com/

Cathy Ace is the Bony Blithe Award-winning author of The Cait Morgan Mysteries and The WISE Enquiries Agency Mysteries (#4, The Case of the Unsuitable Suitor will be released in hardcover in the UK in September 2017 and in the USA & Canada on January 1st 2018).  You can find out more about Cathy, her work and her characters at her website, where you can also sign up for her newsletter with news, updates and special offers: http://cathyace.com/