Writing Conferences - Let The Research Begin

After reading through last week's comments, I'm even more convinced that I'd like to go to a conference. But which one?!?

Seeing the current genre I'm trying to sell my work in is mystery, I decided to check out Mystery Writers of America's website to see what's coming up.

Here's what I found so far:

Bouchercon World Mystery Convention, October 15-18, Indianapolis, Indiana
In my quick review of the website, it seems like the convention is more geared toward writers interacting with fans, but it looks like a lot of fun (and not too scary). Plus the schedule is full of breakouts and all sorts of activities.

New England Crime Bake, Nov 13-15, Dedham, Mass
Featuring Sue Grafton, NECB is what I'd expect from a writing conference with manuscript critiques, private pitch sessions and "master classes." This one has some promise. Plus, I think I could drive there in 13 hours...

Okay, so next I checked out Sisters in Crime's website, which is where I found the Sinc Into Great Writing, which is a one day workshop before Bouchercon that features seminars by Donald Maass, Hallie Ephron, and Chris Roerden, and dinner with keynote speaker Nancy Pickard.

Hmmm.... I dunno, Bouchercon looks pretty cool, but then again NECR has Sue Grafton. And it's smaller. AND I've always wanted to visit New England.

What do you guys think? Have any of you been to these conferences? I'm not dead set on going to a mystery writing conference (get it, dead set), so any other suggestions would be awesome.

Happy Tuesday

Writing Conferences - Whatcha Think?

Lately there's been some buzz in my brain regarding writing conferences. Jessica Faust blogged about "Her Most Interesting Conference Experiences" on Monday and since then, I've been really thinking about giving it a go. Only problem is I'm not sure where I want to go, or which one I should choose.

Have you ever been to a conference? How did you decide which one to go to? Everyone I talk to seems to have had really positive (albeit slightly terrifying) experiences. To me, the rewards pay for the anxiety - at least that's what I'm told.

Oh, Oh, and then I got another really exciting idea. A group of us should all pick the same conference and attend together!!!!! Wouldn't that be awesome. We could hangout talking shop (instead of typing it) while our spouses commiserate our writing obsessions over drinks. Doesn't that sound like good times?!?

Okay, totally being serious. I really want to go to a conference and I think it'd be fun if we got a group of people together. In truth, it makes the whole process seem a little less intimidating and oh so much fun. Whatcha think?