This past weekend I spent time in Woburn, Massachusetts at the New England Crime Bake conference. This was my third 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. 

2019 Guest of Honor: Ann Cleeves
2019 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient: Hallie Ephron
Location: Woburn, Massachusetts
Hotel: Hilton Boston/Woburn
Date: November 8 – 10, 2019

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 7, 2019: Made plans to meet two sets of people that I’ve met on social media. My friends Marianne A. and Michele O., I’ve known for at least 15 years and this was the first time we’ve met in real-life.  They picked me up at hotel and after hugs, we had lunch at Red Robin and caught up on each others lives and had a delicious lunch.

Later I met another person who is a long-time reader of my blog, Cynthia B. After hugs ensued, we chatted before heading to Reginna Pizzeria/Polcari’s and I had a delicious meal of baked ziti (they call it Baked Four Cheese Penne).

Returned back to hotel and spent the rest of the evening chatting with friends.

Friday, November 8, 2019: A do-noting day spent having breakfast, lunch and dinner with friends. Registration opened up at 2pm and received our badge and tote bag. Our ad that Michael Mueller created is on page 14 of the program book. Kristopher and I took up a position on a booth and we were contemplating naming the corner similar to Lucy’s booth “talk with bloggers for 5 cents.” Got my book signed by Ann Cleeves and before the evening ended, a group of us with to “the Sixth” where drinks and snacks were aplenty.

Saturday, November 9, 2019:
Saturday began with breakfast with Sally G. This restaurant knows how to prepare fried eggs over medium. Attended the panels of the day before heading to the my panel: Book Business Insider with Amy Collins, Kristopher Zgorski, Eddie Vincent and Connie Hambley. The panel was well-received and it was also nice that after the panel, attendees came up to us to thank us for what we said and to ask more questions. More panels and then it was time for the award and banquet. I was once again, honored to be asked to sit at the guest of honor table and bonus was sitting next to Ann Cleeves.

Sunday, November 10, 2019:
It’s always sad to leave a conference, but I always think of the next time I’ll see my friends and meet new ones.  Until 2020. . . I’ll be back.

Kudos to all the volunteers. This is a writer’s conference but readers are welcome and never had I felt like I did not belong.