Left Coast Crime: A Librarian's Take
A first-time attendee mingles with authors at the Left Coast Crime conference
By Teresa Jacobsen, Solano County Library, Fairfield, CA -- Library Journal, 04/08/2010
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It paid to do my homework, so that when Rachel Brady’s badge swung into view, I could pleasantly inquire about her book (Final Approach). (“You’re a debut author, aren’t you?”) Brady, like so many others, has learned her elevator speech well and can launch into a personable pitch without a misstep. Point of information: She writes in the Pearland Branch of the Brazoria County Library System, TX—the staff loved it when they matched her cover photo with her! Before I knew it, others gathered in our little section—self-published author and Blog Talk Radio host C.J. West, Donna Kuyper (still writing, going for YA crossover), and Brett Battles (The Cleaner, one of my favorites). The Look
Female panelists tend to wear high heels, black suits, and look really good. The rest of us could be attending an AARP convention: canes, walkers, and sensible shoes. Did the young authors realize how much of their readership is boomer and preboomer based? They seem to “get it” and embrace the coveys of book groups and fans.
A tip of the hat goes to good moderators. I’m so relieved when the moderator knows her/his panelists’ bios, doesn’t talk about himself, and makes sure even the shyest author has a chance to speak. Kudos to David Corbett and Denise Hamilton (LA Noir 2), the delightful Harley Jane Kozak (the clown wigs were inspired), and to mentor-like Eric Stone. Grateful am I for these talented people who can transport us through their writing. Why wouldn’t I want to join the legions of attendees listening raptly to Gregg Hurwitz interviewing Lee Child (Reacher rules!), or learn more from Jan Burke responding to questions from Michael Connelly? As a reader-librarian I can sit and enjoy, but clearly the newer authors (not always young) were listening for insights. Writers were willing to share some of their mistakes and miscalculations—and then laugh a bit.
Hometown Authors as Tour Guides
The sign-up lists for walking tours filled up quickly: the L.A. Flower Mart with Naomi Hirahara, or other downtown settings with Gary Phillips or James Scott Bell? The real coup was getting to ride the funicular Angels Flight™ Railway, listen to the USC jazz band and Michael Connelly (pictured, left), while eating a complimentary box lunch. It was a mob scene and oh-so-fun!But of course it’s not all sweetness and light in this genre. What advice did the authors who wrap their books around weighty issues have? Sandi Ault said first and foremost, “it’s all about the story.” Editor Ann Aubrey Hanson cautioned the audience to keep their ideas fresh and to “stay away from the cause du jour.” Much as I like justice in my fiction, I was happy to scuttle off to the panel entitled LOL. Clown wigs! All six panelists decked out in clown wigs, thanks to pressure mounted by moderator Harley Jane Kozak.
The Freshman Class
Bright-eyed debut authors had two panels at LCC. I was impressed by the one I caught on Saturday. These folks were dishing advice and sharing their prose: Eric Beetner, Sharon Rowse, Rebecca Cantrell (pictured, left, with her Alexander Award), Gabriela Vazquez, and Rachel Brady. When asked about their promotional responsibilities, Beetner compared it to being in an indie band. I loved hearing them read a passage from their books. Must go buy their first editions now. Long Day’s Journey into Night
After listening to three days' of author panels/presentations, braving that lunch crowd, and buying way too much in the book room (superbly anchored by local Mystery Bookstore and the Colorado-based Rue Morgue), it was tough to keep our ballroom crowd engaged through a frenzied but lengthy auction. And what an auction it was: top dollars went to a signed set of Mickey Spillane novels (thank you, Lee Child)—going toward the LAPL Adult Literacy Program and the Crime Lab Project Foundation. But it was definitely worth staying for the awards:
- Dilys (the title booksellers most enjoyed selling): Alan Bradley's The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
- Lefty (most humorous): Rita Lakin's Getting Old Is a Disaster (a deserved nod to geezer lit)
- Alexander (historical): A Trace of Smoke, Rebecca Cantrell's historical set in 1930s Berlin
- The Panik (LA Noir: a special tribute to the late Paul Anik, LCC 2010 chair) to Linda Richards's Death Was in the Picture
