This past weekend I spent time in Woburn, Massachusetts at the New England Crime Bake conference. This was my second visit and I’m loving the time spent there. I really love the small audience size, where else can you sit for an hour or two at a bar talking with authors or chatting at a table or chatting while letting multiple elevator pass us by.
2018 Guest of Honor: Walter Mosley
2018 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient: Kate Flora
Location: Woburn, Massachusetts
Hotel: Hilton Boston/Woburn
Date: November 9 – 11, 2018
The New England Crime Bake is the premier conference for writers and lovers of crime writing in New England. Held every Veteran’s Day weekend, Friday through Sunday. Jointly sponsored by the New England chapters of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America, Crime Bake is a learning experience, a networking opportunity, and a wonderful time. Offering numerous opportunities to meet and network with agents, editors, and authors in a small, friendly environment, Crime Bake is a must-attend for mystery fans and writers.
Thursday, November 8, 2018: Flight landed 30 minutes early but it took so long for the plane to get to the gate and then get our luggage, it was all done by time flight should have landed. Waited to Terri Bischoff to arrive and then we took Lyft to the hotel. We had arranged to meet with Robin Templeton at the hotel’s restaurant, Matador, for dinner. I ran into Mary Angela at the restaurant and invited her to join us. Later Donna Andrews arrived and we had a full table with great friends and wonderful conversation. Then it was time to head to our rooms to begin the next day activities.
Friday, November 9, 2018: After having our breakfast brunch, Robin and I met up with the rest of the gang and we headed towards Salem, MA for fun and exploration. We were heading to the House of the Seven Gables. The place wasn’t open, so we walked around the area and took some pictures. After driving through town, we found ourselves in front of the Pirates Museum, again, the place wasn’t open. So we walked and found a coffee place, Brew Box for some hot beverages. Then the clock struck 10 o’clock and everything open, including the visitor’s center. We took a restroom break and then watched the featured movie. Next stop was the Salem Witch Museum where they have a nice set-up. Then it was running late, so we went to the Village Tavern Salem for lunch before heading back to the hotel to register for 2018 New England Crime Bake. I wasn’t participating in any of the Masterclass, so I headed to the bar and chatted with various friends. Then it was time for our pizza party and dessert and a movie. I didn’t make it to the movie.
House of the Seven Gables
Read what’s on the glass door
Salem Witch Museum
2018 New England Crime Bake tote bag
Saturday, November 10, 2018:
Today was all day panels and in the evening the banquet. I was invited to sit at the head table with Walter Mosley. During the breakfast and welcoming remarks, the one person I most wanted to see, I saw and she looked good. It was so great to see Lea Wait and I gave her the biggest hugs ever. After the panels, I went to Bickford Grille for lunch with Catherine Bruns and her husband Frank. We had a delicious meals and the conversation was great.Then it was back to more panels and preparation for the banquet where the New England Crime Bake honored Kate Flora with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
The photos below represents some of the good times had. . .
The Mystery of History panel
Walter Mosley signing
Frankie Bailey talking with reader
Killer Fun with Fluffy and Fido panel
at book signing table
New England is Murder panel
crowd scene – who can you spot?
Lea Wait moderating the Writing for the Younger Set panel
Writing for the Younger Set panel
Dana Cameron, Alexia Gordon, Michele Dorsey
Crowd scene – who can you spot?
Head banquet table
James Benn wins the Al Blanchard Award
Co-chairs MIchele Dorsey and Edith Maxwell
Sherry Harris, Walter Mosley, Kate Flora
Authors with debut series in 2018
Kate Flora with three who gave a tribute during her Lifetime Achievement Award celebration
2018 recognition of work – either a winner or a finalist – either way, we are all winners.
Terri BIschoff and Lisa Q. Mathews with Donna Andrews in the background
Then there’s the food. . .
Sunday, November 11, 2018:
I had time for breakfast before I found out that my flight was canceled. Didn’t get chance to say goodbye. Until next year.
Me and Walter Mosley
This is on my wish list, if I can ever come up with a short story for the anthology — or book about New England. Thanks Dru and love the pic of you with Walter.
Great recap! Now I want pizza. THAT pizza.
Thank you for posting this, Dru. I loved it the year I was able to attend. It’s small size and great attendess make it a goodie!
Except for the flights, sounds like an excellent conference.Thanks for taking us with you!
The perfect recap, Dru! With Salem bonus.
At the Witch Museum did you sit on the floor or the bench? We sat on the floor and need a crane to get back on our feet. I really need to hit a lottery for a decent amount so I can go with you next year. I would have loved to see Clea.
It was great to see you. I can’t believe I didn’t get one picture of us together.
that’s because your photo op was with Walter
Love your pictures and recap! Thanks, Dru.
I’m so glad we got to spend Friday together. Salem was wonderful, and I love these pictures. Thanks for everything, Dru!
It was great to see you, Dru. Dinner was a lot of fun. Excellent recap and pictures!
So glad to meet you in person, Dru. I’ll post my photos as soon as my phone allows me to (can’t figure it out). Crime Bake was a lot of fun this year, as always.
Great post, Dru — and it was wonderful to see you!
Wow, Dru, I must be living under a rock these days, I didn’t even know about the conference. I live right THERE, one town over from Salem. I go to that Bickford’s all the time on my way home from work. Looks like you really hit the hot spots. Glad you had such a wonderful time. Lea, you look beautiful!!
Hi Dru Ann,
Wish I’d known you were there and had been able to meet you!
hopefully, next time around.
Hi Dru Ann
don’t know if you got this that I just sent. I wish I’d known you were going to be there and that I got to meet you!
hopefully, next year!
sandra gardner
sjgardner6@gmail.com
https://sjgardner6.wixsite.com/mysite
Looks like a great time was had by all! Thanks so much for your blog. You have no idea how many books I’ve read on your recommendations.
thank you Kay