The purpose of Left Coast Crime is to host an event where readers, authors, critics, librarians, publishers, and other fans can gather in convivial surroundings to pursue their mutual interests.
This year, Left Coast Crime was awarded the Raven Award from Mystery Writers of America. This award recognizes outstanding achievement in the mystery field outside the realm of creative writing. Go, Left Coast Crime! Left Coast Crime wants to thank the hordes of volunteers and the amazing teamwork of the local and national committees that have allowed us continue the Left Coast Crime tradition.
Sadly, with all that's going on this year with COVID-19, Left Coast Crime: Murder's a Beach was in full swing this week in San Diego, when it was shut down abruptly by San Diego County. Nevertheless one full of panels and meetings, new authors breakfast, snacks, and treats took place. Hats off to the Organizers of this year's conference: Stan Ulrich, Lucinda Surber, Lisq Brackmann, Kim Keeline, Maryelizabeth Yturralde, Tammy Kaheler and all the local committee and volunteers. They put in years of planning and hard work to ensure a terrific convention.
Lefty Awards: Do not fear, the Lefty Awards will be voted on and the winners announced in the near future. New procedure this year due to the cancellation of the convention.
All things being what they are, join us at Left Coast Crime: Southwest Sleuths next year in Albuquerque, NM, April 8-11, 2021. See you there!
6 comments:
I was following William Kent Krueger and his wife as he journeyed to San Diego. How disappointing.
Glad you were able to get in at least some of the planned conference and to see mysterious friends...
I signed up March 2019, and spent the last year looking forward to it. Bought some new clothes! But I cancelled on the Sunday before out of concern for border crossing issues (I live near Toronto, Canada). I have already signed up for Albuquerque, so fingers crossed. My heart goes out to all the volunteers who worked tirelessly for 2-3 years on this. I know firsthand, having been a volunteer for Bouchercon Toronto, how much is involved behind the scenes.
The LCC conference organizers did an excellent job, starting well before the event, of keeping everyone informed -- not just about the coronavirus situation -- but about all the little things as well. I've attended a lot of conventions/conferences put on by various groups over the years and this was one of the best, even in its truncated form.
This was my first LCC convention and I went with high anticipation of what I would learn, whom I would meet, and all that was included.
Sadly, it was cancelled. I got my books from the book room, thankfully, the hotel did not charge me for the two unused nights and I came home with my 30th LCC pin which will be significant in the future, I'm sure. I feel for all those who traveled great distances to get there. I can see this is an event I will look forward to down the road. Thanks to all who made it happen.
Thank you to all of the LCC community. Things moved swiftly and the committee tried their very best under extremely stressful circumstances. I am personally thankful to the community for their patience and understanding about all that happened. I am still devastated that an event I planned for three years ended up happening on the week when our lives have been changed by this virus--and where I can't see when they will return to anything like normal. I can only be grateful for all of the wonderful people I've met through LCC and look forward to next year which I hope will go much more smoothly.
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