The Left Coast Crime (LLC) writer’s conference is over. I’m back to my daily life, sitting at my laptop with my old dog wheezing on the rug next to me and my nearly toothless cat curled up on a chair. I’m surrounded by books and piles of papers that I never manage to tame. My quiet world.
Over the years, I’ve attended many conferences, symposiums, workshops and training events wearing my corporate editor/writer/communications hat. I worked hard, learned a lot, but was more than ready to return to my daily life when it was over.
Something strange happened this time.
After four intense days and evenings of workshops, panels, volunteering and socializing at LLC, I was overwhelmed, overstimulated and exhausted from navigating through 600-plus attendees. And I dreaded it ending.
I was blissed out at all those mystery writers, fans, librarians and experts in the publishing world gathered in one place—all those beginning, mid-career and seasoned writers encouraging each other, sharing how they got started and what to do and not do, what success is like, and helping us to understand all the changes happening in the industry.
A love fest
It was a gathering of people who love books. They love books so much they feel compelled to write them. It was about fans who love books so much they want to celebrate their favorite authors and learn about new ones. Why would anyone want that to end?
Linda Townsdin 
great to see this
It sounds like it was a fabulous conference! So glad you had such a great time.
sounds like a great experience. the inspirational aspect of it alone makes it sound wonderful.
Thanks! It really was wonderful.
What a lovely Post, Linda. We’re so glad you enjoyed the conference!
You were a great co-chair with Cindy. Thanks for commenting. I’m a huge fan of your mysteries.
Hi Linda. Thanks for the post. You totally nailed the spirit of Left Coast Crime. Whether you’re a published writer or not, we are all fans of the mystery genre. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share and learn from each other. People mingle with old friends and make new ones. Robin and I were honored to chair this convention. The smiles on every face were the true reward.
I’m so glad you came to LCC. We need to keep up that energy!
As a book lover, this sounds like an amazing event! And I chuckled at the word picture you created of your wheezing old dog and toothless cat while you sat at your laptop. Nicely done!