BOUCHERCON 2024

This conference is one of my favorite mystery and thriller events every year. And it does not hurt one little bit that we were in Nashville this year.

My arrival day took me from a warm bed in Florida at 3 AM, to Bouchercon registration at about noon, then to my panel workshop, followed by a book signing. I was up for eighteen hours and the day is a bit of a blur.

Gaylord Opryland Resort atrium at night.

Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville is a standout destination with an indoor atrium with tropical vegetation, including 44-foot waterfalls, palms, orchids, and banana trees under a glass ceiling. Walking the garden in sunshine and under twinkling lights during breaks was magical. I don’t think I’ve ever been in a prettier conference hotel.

Andrew Child, Jenna Kernan, David Morrell at Bouchercon Nashville 2024 — Bouchercon Mystery Con

Authors Andrew Child, Jenna Kernan and David Morrell in Nashville at the 2024 Bouchercon Conference

Highlights for me were meeting my Sisters in Crime buddies and so many standout authors. The weekend was very inspirational.

One of the funniest things I heard an author say was that, “Only heroes can have cats.” That might make it easier to figure out the villain! LOL

Authors are fans, too, and I was thrilled to meet Andrew Child (Jack Reacher’s new papa) and David Morrell (Rambo’s daddy).

Moderator Nancy Herriman and authors, Margaret Fenton, James D.L. Hannah, me, C. Mathew Smith, and Jason Powell — Bouchercon 2024, Nashville, TN

WRITING ADVICE:
I was pleased to serve on a panel about lines authors would never cross. I told the audience authors should, “Never kill a dog.”