I'm headed to Bouchercon this week.  It's a giant mystery convention that lets authors and fans meet and mingle.  Lee Child, Michael Connelly, Karin Slaughter, and others will slum it with the likes of me.  It's crazy. I'm embarrassed to say that I had no idea what Bouchercon was when I signed up for it last spring.  I spent so much time working on my writing that I was largely ignorant of what happened after the book was done.  Once I signed the contract to sell The Bubble Gum Thief, I started to think that I ought to at least try to attend a thriller convention somewhere, and Bouchercon was only a half-day's drive away, so I signed up.  I'm glad I did. My publisher, Thomas & Mercer, is sponsoring the Bouchercon Opening Ceremonies at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.  It's also taking me out to lunch, and throwing a dinner for all of its authors.  I think I might be signing ARCs of The Bubble Gum Thief in the book room from 12-12:30 on Thursday.  I can't say enough about how supportive Thomas & Mercer is.  They, as demonstrated literally by the venue of the opening ceremonies, but also figuratively by their other actions, rock.  (Note to potential readers of BGT … don't worry, I don't really write like that). Once again, this whole thing feels like fantasy baseball camp.
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