I realize linking to last year's edition is phenomenally lazy of me, but really, most of the points don't change from year to year. The crucial difference - at least for me - is that I don't have to watch from the sidelines, and I can go into that hyper-social mode I only seem to access once a year, right around BCon time. Funny how that happens...
What will also remain the same is that Confessions will be a blog-free zone while I'm at BCon (though once I return, and survive Yom Kippur, expect lots and lots of posts.) And something tells me that other folks may not adopt the same stance. And for those who take a picture and need to upload those pictures right that second (and don't have their own Flickr account) The gateway email address I set up last year that will allow for easy uploading of photos to the Bouchercon Flickr site is still valid. The email address is: even17way AT photos DOT flickr DOT com. So store them in your contact lists, cameraphones or whatever you want to use to make your pics available to the public.
What does bear repeating every single year is this: The first ten minutes spent on Bouchercon waters will be confusing, fright-inducing and otherwise weird. And then you will meet someone you know -- probably in and around the hotel bar -- and everything will take care of itself. It always does.
See you in Madison!
I hope you're on the Governor's Club at the Concourse -- if you are, tell the bartender his Wiscon peeps say hi. He made a whole science fiction-themed drink menu last year! I heart Madison.
Posted by: Gwenda | September 26, 2006 at 08:01 PM
I will not be with you this year and I'm tempted to send a cardboard cutout they could stand up in the bar so people could have their pictures taken with it.
(Feel free to make jokes about cardboard characters, being stiff, the cutout having more charm, etc.)
I'm already kicking myself for passing on this.
Have a great time and maybe next year we'll both have a book to push.
Posted by: David Terrenoire | September 27, 2006 at 09:36 AM
Cardboard cutout?? Now there's a thought, Terrenoire! We should have made one together and sent it off!
Have a great time all!
Posted by: Elaine Flinn | September 27, 2006 at 12:32 PM
Anyone familiar with downtown Madison? Where are the best places to buy a snack or meal before the day or between B-con sessions?
Posted by: Adam McFarlane | September 27, 2006 at 03:38 PM
Madison is full of interesting, good little restaurants. Avoid the Italian place a couple of blocks down State St. that comes to a point at the corner -- other than that, you're pretty much golden. The Himalayan place is excellent. But, generally, you can just wander down State or any of the streets right around the Capitol square and find good food and diversions.
Posted by: Gwenda | September 28, 2006 at 03:44 PM
Sorry I won't be there, Sarah. David, I'll miss hanging out with you. Say 'hello' to my friends - I'm sure you'll find them hanging off the bar!
Slainte!
Pat.
Posted by: Pat Mullan | September 29, 2006 at 02:39 PM
Gwenda: Hilarious. Not seeing your admonishment, the Italian restaurant you speak of is precisely where we went! Didn't realize there was a Himalayan place!
Posted by: ed | October 02, 2006 at 01:29 PM