Out and about...but not in a boat! by Cathy Ace

Business: How have you changed the way you promote and support your work, and generally go about the business of being an author, since “Lockdown Life” began a year ago? Anything you’ve learned that will remain in place as we move forward?

This month we’re talking about THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM…indeed, we’re examining it in detail. March 13^th will mark my personal one-year anniversary of being at home. I cannot recall a time in the last thirty years of my life when I’ve gone two months without someone handing me a boarding pass, so – yes – my life and way of working has changed significantly over the last twelve months. Just like millions of others.

At least a part of my office is tidy now - because the world gets to see it quite often! (NOTE: the paintings on the far right of this photo were all done by my late father - he's with me as I go out and about around the world!)

However, I’m luckier than most: I have an office in my home, and we live on acreage…so I can continue my writing quite easily. And I’ve been doing that (as well as decorating the house!). But this week’s question is specifically about the BUSINESS of being an author which – to me – is all the bits that aren’t writing/editing.

And I’d say that this has been a year of downs, and ups.

Promoting my work has never been more difficult – nor “easier” at the same time. No face-to-face events in bookstores or libraries, no conventions or festivals, which is a great shame…but access to so many more online opportunities to reach readers/potential readers around the world that just never existed before. (As an aside – as a reader I am LOVING the access I am getting online to authors I admire!)

A fabulous example of NEW channels to reach readers: it's free to join the Facebook group, and you get to hear Hannah and Hank read the first chapter of a possibly-new-to-you book twice a week!

I’ve participated in free-to-view events like panels and more social “noir at the bar” type events, as well as some that have required a payment. Oddly, the not-free ones have been better attended than the free ones – not sure what that says, except that, maybe, if a person commits even a small payment to attend an event they actually attend. I know I’ve intended to watch panels, but something’s come up at the last minute (as things do when we’re all at home all the time!) and I’ve had to watch later. That element – the being able to watch at my own convenience – has been the biggest thing for me. So maybe the “watch later” attendance for the free events is where the numbers have crept up.

I’ve been invited to contribute to more podcasts and radio interviews than in the past, which is great, and I have some wonderful events lined up throughout April and May (check my website for details!) where I can at least “mix” with some old friends. To be honest, it’s been bittersweet watching Zoom sessions with people I wish I could be hugging at conventions, but I also know I’ve seen people more often online than I could have done in real life, so that’s wonderful.

Fellow Criminal Mind Catriona McPherson interviews me at Left Coast Crime 2019
(photo thanks to Dru Ann Love)

I think the inaugural Gwyl Crime Cymru Festival – taking place online from April 26^th to May 3rd – is an excellent example of me grabbing an opportunity that might not have been possible otherwise: I am pinching myself to know I’ll be taking part in the first ever panel for Wales’ first ever international crime writers’ festival. Not something I could have imagined – and you’re invited! Check out the fabulous authors who’ll be taking part here: CLICK TO CONNECT

At Malice Domestic: I interviewed Martin Edwards when he was the recipient of the prestigious Poirot Award in 2017. Here we're being served afternoon tea by our maid - the wonderful Verena Main Rose. Martin and I will be on the inaugural panel of Gwyl Crime Cymru Festival in April this year, with GB Williams

I, personally, would like to see all future conventions and festivals retain the digital access they’ve had to create for their 2020 and 2021 iterations – every author wants to reach their WORLD of potential readers, and these online opportunities are great at doing that.

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

Swag: what do you do about this knotty question? Have you wasted money in the past? What works best for you, and why? Do you have an annual budget?

Oh my – SWAG! The eternal question of “To swag, or not to swag?” I’ve seen a lot of swag. I’ve been tempted to purchase a lot of swag – and some swag can be extremely tempting. I’ve loved most of my book covers over the years, and the idea of seeing them printed on mugs/tees/posters/matchbook covers/earrings/necklaces/shoes/candies/chocolates/teab-labels etc. etc. can be extremely appealing. Then I tell myself it’s all hubris, and I can’t afford it…and move on!

An idea of the swag handed out at Malice Go Round - the fabulous "speed dating" event at Malice Domestic

That being said, the idea of using something other than a bookmark to promote my books at conventions and books signings is something I give thought to with every book. I can absolutely see the point of having something relevant made with either my name and website address on it, or maybe focusing on the visual images on/connected with my book…but then I come back to practicalities.

Living in Vancouver, Canada, means I’ve had to fly to every convention I’ve ever attended – except Left Coast Crime, held in Vancouver this year. This means I would have to put swag into my suitcase, have it be acceptable to customs as I cross into the USA or the UK, need it to weigh “almost nothing” as I always reach my limit with packing as it is, and be used up so I don’t have to bring it all back to Canada again. 

Every author here just gave you a two-minute pitch, and gave you something to take home - how does an author "stand out"?

The way I look at it is this: the purpose of anything I give a new reader (with a book purchase), an existing reader (as a thank you), or a potential reader (as a reminder of my work when they are building their TBR pile) needs to work in terms of being appealing/useful to/for the recipient, and meeting its needs from my point of view. Printed sticky/note pads, pens, pencils, keychains etc. can all be useful to the recipient…but will they say “thank you” loudly enough, or will they remind the recipient about my work in the future?

I tend to use most swag when I am participating in one of those wonderful “speed-dating” events at conventions – where two authors table-hop around dozens of groups of readers…you have two minutes each to pitch your work, hand out swag…then move on. Now I’ve never been a recipient at one of these, but I can sense how overwhelming it is for readers to have twenty pairs of authors tell them about their work over 90 minutes. I think it’s vital to have some sort of leave-behind, or those who take notes won’t have a reference point, and those who don’t take notes will be totally at sea. 

With Vicki Delany at Malice Domestic 2018

But…I have always stuck with a bookmark. That’s it. I see a bookmark as useful for readers (they are all readers!) and the print space allows for both my series of books, my collections of short stories and novellas, and my standalones to ALL be featured – using their lovely cover art – as well as my website address. And that’s it for me.

The previous iteration of my Cait Morgan bookmark

As for budget? Yes, I have an annual promotional budget. Conventions are expensive (always over $1000 per convention); advertising is expensive (you could spend a fortune, or not buy any at all); living in Canada means mailing a book to one person can cost around $15…so I budget $20 per book, and I sent out 40 with the last launch; swag can cost any amount of money. I just had 2000 new bookmarks printed and they cost me around 19 cents each (inc. artwork & delivery). I’m sure there would be cheaper ways to get them printed, but I trust the printer I use and they get them done fast for me…which is good, because I always seem to need them in a hurry! (Yes, I get through about 2000 bookmarks per year.)

So, at this time (unless I win the lottery) the only swag you should expect from me should be a bookmark – informative and useful. And I always collect up the unclaimed ones at the end of every event where I use them, because each one costs almost 20 cents, and that can add up very quickly!

One side of my current bookmark

 

The other side of my current bookmark

If money were no object? Oh, now let me think…

Even though I cannot pass you any swag through this screen, maybe you'll consider reading my books? Click here to get straight through to my website.

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

 

Eenie Meenie Miney Moe To Which Convention Do I Go?

There’s only so much time, and there’s only so much money, while the opportunities are plentiful. How do you decide which writing conferences and conventions to attend? (ie, what are your criteria?)

by Paul D. Marks

Funny you should ask, since I spent this weekend at the California Crime Writers Conference in Culver City, CA (Los Angeles). In fact, I’m writing this the night I returned home from the conference – so that’s one I decided to attend. It’s put on by the Los Angeles chapters of both Sisters in Crime and the Mystery Writers of America. I’m on the board of the latter and have been on the board of the former (a long time ago). That sort of helps in determining whether or not to go 😉 . However, I would go anyway. This is one hell of a good conference that’s put on every two years by these groups. It’s local – well fairly local for me. And that helps. But one still has to pay for the conference and maybe the hotel.

My Panel at CCWC this past weekend:
The Long and Short of It: Short Stories and Novellas vs. Novels

L to R: S.W. Lauden, Me, William Kent Krueger, Kate Thornton, Travis Richardson

As the question says, there’s only so much time and so much money and tons of conferences and conventions. And, while I might like to attend many conventions/conferences, one necessarily has to limit the ones we go to. If the event is local that certainly makes it easier to decide to attend. No airfare. Though sometimes even for local events I might stay in the hotel where it’s being held. It’s just easier than going back and forth, especially as we live kind of off the beaten path.

Bouchercon, Long Beach

Another thing that might make me want to attend is if I’m nominated for an award. But sometimes you don’t know that by the time you have to register. Sometimes it’s the city where the event is being held that draws you in, besides the event itself. I really wanted to go to Bouchercon in New Orleans. And we’d made reservations but due to the usual “circumstances beyond my control” I had to cancel. It would have been nice to hit Left Coast Crime in Hawaii too. Luckily those are both places I’ve been to a lot so I didn’t feel totally let down not going.

Bouchercon 2015 - Raleigh
L to R: Elaine Helms, Paul D. Marks, Art Taylor, Tara Laskowski, Janet Hutchings, Rick Helms

The Edgar Awards are always in New York and are the Big Kid on the Block of mystery/crime awards, akin to the Oscars in Hollywood. I didn’t know if I’d ever have a chance to go to them, but luckily I did get to go to the last Edgars a few weeks ago since I won the Ellery Queen Readers Award and was EQ’s guest at the Edgars. And I would love to go again…especially if I’m ever nominated 😃.

The quaint house we bought in Albany during the 2013 Bouchercon.
See, you never know what'll come of going to a convention 😉 .

And Bouchercon is the Big Kid of mystery/crime conventions/conferences. I’ve been to a few and really enjoyed them all. Love being able to connect with people I’ve met online, or people I don’t get to see in person that often, and to meet new people. We went to Bouchercons in Raleigh, NC and Albany, NY, two cities we might never have visited if not for the convention. And while we enjoyed Bouchercon we also booked a couple of extra days so we could explore the “neighborhoods,” and enjoyed them both. We’ve been to other Bouchercons as well, but in cities we already “knew.” There’s also the ITW convention, which I’d like to attend someday. And Malice and so many others. It really is hard to choose.

The Food Truck Day Celebration, right outside the Bouchercon hotel in Raleigh.
Who knew?

Even if you’re an introvert, you still might want to check some of these out. Most people are friendly and the writing community is very supportive. It might be uncomfortable at first, but eventually you’ll become part of the flow.

Hanging out at the bar -- a Bouchercon tradition.

My wife, Amy, usually comes with me. It gives us a chance to get away and spend time together. And we always have a good time.

Amy, on our way home from Left Coast Crime in Monterey, CA.

Of course, I’d like to attend as many conventions as I could, for the comradery, the networking, fun, adventure, excitement! And the food. But it’s impossible, so it really does come down to where they are, how much they are, how well suited to my writing style they are. Possibly if I have a book coming out that also would motivate me to want to hit the road.

I doubt you’d go wrong attending any of the established conventions/conferences. There’s always something to learn, people to meet and places to explore. Have fun!

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And now for the usual BSP:

My story Twelve Angry Days is in the May/June issue of Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, on sale at newsstands. Or click here to buy online. If you like food and you like mysteries, I think you might like this story.

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www.PaulDMarks.com

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