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April, 2009
The skies were overcast, the hotel was set in a foreboding lava landscape, and there was a small earthquake accompanied by a tsunami warning. Perfect conditions for a mystery convention! Left Coast Crime, Big Island, was one of the longest cons and least attended. 350 people participated and only three tracks were offered. The result was packed rooms, high interest in every panel, and many books sold. Even when the sun finally came out, people chose to stay inside to hear every last panel up until the end of the convention.
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With Neil Placky, Hawaii Five-0 winner for Mahu Fire. |
Headliners were Barry Eisler, who was teased by everyone for his incredible good looks. Lee Goldberg, the writer of the TV series “Monk,” was a terrific emcee and it was decided he should be the Award Presenter For Life. Rhys Bowen sang how she “Wants to be Rich” like authors bringing in the big bucks.
| Kelli Stanley, author of NOX DORMIENDA, with LCC organizer Judy Greber (AKA Gillian Roberts) |
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Janet Dawson with Denise Hamilton |
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With Robin Burcell
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I, along with several other authors, were introduced at a breakfast and got to tell a bit about ourselves. After I spoke, several authors ran up for hugs: Lou Allin, a Canadian crime writer and Sue Ann Jaffarian, author of the Odelia Grey series. I'd featured them both in the Murder Circle and it was great to meet them in person. Lou invited me to Bloody Words 2011, which will be in Victoria, BC.
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With Tim Wohlforth (AKA The Silver Fox) |
| New friends: Donna Andrews and Sue Ann Jaffarian |
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I met Cindy Sample, a Sacramento SinC, and we palled around the rest of the conference. She invited me to speak to her chapter in the fall. She also brought me into the LCC planning committee and I got an inside look at how these conventions are planned.
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Baron Birtcher and his awesome Tropic Noir Kona Coffee. Click here to order. |
| With good friend Deni Dietz |
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Mary Jane Maffini |
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Nadia Gordon
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For me, Hawaii offered an opportunity to see a live volcano, walk through a lava tube, drink lots of Mai Tais and reconnect with friends and make new friendships. I can't wait for us all to get together at LCC 2010 in Pasadena.
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The Canadian duo of Robin Harlick and Vicki Delany
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| Alone with Barry Eisler |
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Pretty in pink with Rhys Bowen |
| With new Canadian friend, Lou Allin |
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Twist Phelan and Jan Burke looking cute |
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Barry's Harem
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Stuck between two hunks: Barry Eisler and Jason Starr |
| Mike Befeler--guess what he writes! |
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Many of these photos were taken by my very talented and supportive sister, Cathy Frazier. She paid for everything--airfare, conference fees, car and hotel (and most of the meals). I couldn't have a career without her help. She says she's my biggest fan, but I believe I'm HER biggest fan!
ALOHA!
Older news pages:
September 2008
July 2007
March 2007
December 2006
April 2006
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