Shoes, clothes, bookmarks, business cards ... into the suitcase

I'm getting ready to head off to attend Mayhem in the Midlands in Omaha, Nebraska. I try to plan ahead, but always, there is the inevitable last-minute "toss into the suitcase" business. At least, this time, I've remembered to include a camera and a notebook (so I don't have to scribble random notes on random bits of paper). My plan: take some pics and some notes and post next week with "tips" gleaned from the conference.

People sometimes ask me: Why go to a conference if you don't have a new book out yet? Isn't that a waste of time and money? In my view, it's never a "waste." I always come away with more insights into the business and with more books to read (natch!) by authors new and familiar. And, most of all, I get to submerge myself into the "world of mystery books and those who love them" ... readers, librarians, authors, booksellers ... (am I missing anyone?? :-) ).

I look at it this way: Some people drop a bundle on Disneyland, and get a charge out of riding Thunder Mountain and seeing the Magic Kingdom. Me, I get a charge out of being around books and talking with/listening to the people who read/write/sell them.

If you are going to Mayhem, be sure to look me up and say hello. I'm in three (!three!) panels on Friday, covering historical mysteries, strong women protagonists, and settings.

I will be well-armed with bookmarks, LEADEN SKIES chapbooks, and chocolate, and I don't want to take ANY of it home (after all, I have to make room for the books I buy!).