When I go to a conference, there are the panels and workshops I have a role in, and the panels I think will give me useful information about writing or the publishing business. Then there are the sessions I just think sound interesting. I inevitably find myself in one of those, only to find the presenter unlocking a wealth of detail on a subject I know nothing about.And I need to know more.

That was the case when I sat myself down at Left Coast Crime in a panel called Hawaii Crime Series: Policing in Hawaii from Kamehameha I to today. Retired police officer Eddie Croom, who recounted fascinating tales of law enforcement from the days of Hawaiian royalty to the present. He was passionate about the creation of the Honolulu Police Department’s museum, which apparently received generous donations when it was set up, even some from criminals!

He also brought to life Chang Apana, a famed Chinese-Hawaiian detective who served in Honolulu from 1898 to 1932, and who once arrested 40 gamblers on his own, armed only with a bullwhip.

Chang Apana was reportedly the model for Charlie Chan, the detective in the series by Earl Derr Biggers, the subject of another panel at Left Coast Crime. So now I have more books on my to-read list, and another museum I hope to visit on a future trip. A fine conference outcome. #mystery

I’m not a morning person, so the idea of joining a group of other new authors at 7:30 am to talk about our debut novels to a room full of people was a bit daunting. But the audience was kind, I met some very nice people, and I survived.

My morning panel was equally terrifying to start with but we had a fun discussion and, again, I met a great group of people.

The panel was followed by a book-signing session and, what seems amazing to a newly-published author, people had actually bought my book and wanted me to sign it! (I wanted to post that last phrase in caps.)

I relaxed by listening to Catriona MacPherson interview Laurie R. King, and now I’m just going to enjoy the rest of the conference, now that the terrifying bits are done.

Honolulu, Hawaii – what could be better after the horrible winter we have had? Well, how about sharing it with a group of crime writers and a book store filled with tempting crime fiction of all descriptions? If only my suitcase was bigger.

I was excited to see copies of my own book, Murder is Uncooperative, in the conference book store run by Barnes and Noble. 

My morning started out with an exciting round of author speed dating. Pairs of authors rotated among 20 tables, pitching our books to readers at each table. I was lucky to be paired with Elena Hartwell  (@Elena_Hartwell). We got to hear each other’s pitch many times over, so good thing we got along. I will definitely read her book.

And I met the organizers of Left Coast Crime 2019, which will take place in my hometown of Vancouver.

The afternoon ended with Cocktails with Crime Writers of Canada, a large, noisy mingling of writers and readers.

If you love mysteries and other crime fiction, there are two upcoming conventions taking place in Canada. Check them out. #mysteryconvention

Bouchercon 2017 is scheduled for October 12 – 15 in Toronto. This is a huge conference – there are already 1,200 people registered – and it attracts the big name authors you’ll find at the top of bestseller lists. (At my very first Bouchercon,  I met Lee Child in the elevator!) This year’s guests of honour include Louise Penny, Megan Abbott, and Christopher Brookmyre. @Bouchercon

Left Coast Crime’s Vancouver conference isn’t until 2019 but planning is already underway. You can register soon at a much lower rate and get involved as a volunteer. Maureen Jennings will be the Canadian guest of honour and Cathy Ace has been chosen as toastmaster.

Both of these are fan conferences, where readers have a chance to meet their favourite authors, discover new ones, and come home with a pile of books!