One of the great things about modern technology is that we can get together virtually, even if travel isn’t feasible. Zoom and other technology has been essential during these pandemic years, and the fact is, it’s a versatile, efficient way to connect. As you probably know, there’ve been several really excellent virtual crime fiction conferences in the past year, and more are coming up. That makes sense, too, if you think about it; it allows people from all over the world to be a part of conferences and other get-togethers that they might not otherwise be able to attend. And it allows authors from all over the world to share their work and their experiences.
Case in point: The Maple Leaf Mystery Conference, that’s coming up next month. This is a virtual conference for all mystery fans, whatever sub-genres you love. It is a Canadian conference, but you don’t have to be Canadian to be a part of it. Wherever you live, you’ll have the chance to attend panels on all sorts of topics, and you’ll be able to go behind the scenes as some top authors talk about how they do what they do. Here are some of the authors who’ll be interviewed at the conference: Ian Rankin, Maureen Jennings, Rick Mofina, Vicki Delany. And here are some of the great panels being offered: It Really Happened/True Crime; New Voices in Mystery; Cozy Corner; Thrilling and Chilling; and Deadly Laughter. Those panels will give you the chance to hear from authors you might not yet have ‘met.’ There’ll also be a virtual bookshop, so you can pick up some of those all-too-tempting books by attending authors. If you’re a writer, this is also a chance for you to learn from some of the best in the business, and to get some good ideas.
Interested? Here’s the information you need:
Dates: 24-28 May 2022
Location: Online! So….hotel expenses – 0; airline cost – 0; number of suitcases needed – 0; airport hassles – none; shoes – not required.
Cost: Can$25.00, so quite reasonable
Want more information, and to register? Want to know who’ll be there? Want your questions answered? Check it all out right here. And you’ll want to check back, too, as the conference takes its final form.
The Maple Leaf Mystery Conference is sponsored by/the brainchild of Writers First, which is a company that provides services and supports to independent authors. Full Disclosure: I’ve never done business with Writers First. But I am an independent author, and I support independent authors and publishers.
*NOTE: The title of this post is a line from Joni Mitchell’s Woodstock.
Crime Writer Margot Kinberg 
I’ve never really been into attending book festivals and talks, but I think virtual ones are a great addition for people who can’t physically attend for any reason, be it health related, cost or simply distance. It’s a bit like being able to see plays online – it opens things up to a much vaster audience.
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That’s how I feel about it, too, FictionFan. For both readers and writers online conferences and festivals allow so much flexibility. And they make it possible for people to meet authors and hear about books (ahem – and sell them) even with a shoestring budget or, as you say, health or other issues. It’s one way in which technology comes in handy!
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Margot, like Fiction Fan I’ve never really been attracted to these sort of events. I don’t know why exactly. I hope it’s a success though.
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Thanks, Col, I do, too. And the thing is, no event, no book, no film, no anything is for everyone.
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