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!).

BCP (Blatant Chocolate Promotion) results

I'm taking a break from "Letters: Windows to the past" to announce the results of my informal chocolate survey.

The 19 respondents voted as follows:
13 -- dark chocolate rules
2 -- milk chocolate preferred
2 -- white (is that really chocolate?) chocolate
2 -- none of the above

So, based on this admittedly unscientific sampling, I'd say I'd better stock up on dark chocolate, but not neglect the other types, when I take to the road to promote Leaden Skies.

And for the two who said none of the above, perhaps a non-chocolate something-or-other. Hmmm. Being that the book comes out in July, probably something non-melty might be a good idea. . .

BCP

BCP is not "bizarre charged particles" (a la science) nor "booze, crime, [and] politics" (a la Leaden Skies) but

Blatant Chocolate Promotion

You see, I give away chocolate when I promote my books (if there's any left over after a signing, they often don't make it home!). So, I'm wondering what kind people like.

Hence, the survey. Over there, to the left. No, further to the left, under my photo. (If you're like me, you probably focused on the chocolate photo and went no further .... :-) ).

Yes, yes, I know, this is a lightweight post. But it's the weekend, and I'd love to see the numbers.

For tomorrow, I have an Absolutely Marvelous Map (AMM) to share with everyone. So be sure to check back then ...