Convention Friends

I'm proposing a new category of friends. There are friends you grew up with, friends you've known since you had children the same age as theirs, friends you go to church with, or maybe drinking friends. Then there are convention friends.

I was sitting at a table with several other writers and a reader or two at some hotel or other somewhere in America. One reader listened for a while and then said, "You sound like you all know each other." We do all know each other. All of us go to from two to four conventions a year, and some of us tour with new books, as well. We're on panels with each other, we sign with each other, we've known each other for years.

(As a matter of fact, last year I  played leapfrog with CJ Box for three weeks. He signed at a store, I'd sign the night after, in, say, Phoenix. Then I'd fly to Portland and his posters would be up in the window to announce he'd be there the next day. But we never met face to face.)

Though we've known each other for years, it's a strictly  limited knowledge. I couldn't tell you the names of Nancy Martin's children, or how Elaine Viets' mother's health is, and yet I'm very fond of both Nancy and Elaine. They might not know the same things about me. But we're friends.

There are some writers whose friendship extends beyond this, of course; there are writers whose kids I could identify at twenty paces. But most of us have huge blank spots in our knowledge of our fellow writers.

We're intensely curious about each others' homes, I've noticed. If I know writer X has spent the night at writer Z's house, I'm sure to ask them what the house was like. It's like seeing a familiar creature in its true habitat. I mean, as far as I'm concerned, Denise Swanson lives in a hotel lobby, and Steve Brewer lives in the bar. That's where I see them.

I've also noticed that at the opening of MWA Board meetings, when all of us have called in and we're chattering before being called to order, one or two of the board members always bring up the weather where they are. This is especially interesting in winter! And I always wish I could see my fellow board members, see them in their own lair. "Hey, guys," I want to ask, "Are any of you in pajamas?" Since our meetings are in the afternoon, that's not too likely, but you never know.

It's part of the great unknown area when you have convention friends.

Comments

[readerdiane]

I am so excited to see that you will be coming to Portland, Or.
Love Sookie.

[Dana Cameron]

This is hysterical, Charlaine--and then there's the fact that we're usually dressed for work at conferences. My archaeology friends never see me in make-up or heels (sometimes even smelling good), and my conference friends have never seen me in boots, a floppy hat, and work clothes, covered in dirt and jangling with tools (smelling like bug spray and sun block).

[Penny Richards]

Charlaine,
We met in Hot Springs last year--I'm your neighbor from Prescott. Have meant to get in touch, but didn't want to impose, and have had a rough year with one thing ant another (son's divorce, etc.) Anyway, I'm contacting you to see if you would be interested in coming to Prescott on Friday evening, June 1 at 6:30 for a reception/book signing. We have a yearly festival--the Chicken and Egg (yeah, I know)--and I had the bright idea to do this and call it CHIK LIT(erature) with 2-3 writers. (Everything is named that way) So far, it's Patricia Springer (Dallas area) who writes true crime and tentatively Lenora Nazworth (Shreveport) who does Inspirational. I am planning to try to get a signing together for earlier that afternoon in Texarkana if you are interested--sort of make a day of it. On Saturday, my Dallas friends (Pat, LaRee Bryant and Sandy Steen--also at conference last year) are going to Hot Springs for another signing (if it all comes together) and you would be welcome to come to that too, or if not, you could just drive home on Friday night OR stay at the house--I have a bed and breakfast that I do when it's convenient :) The whole thing may be too small potatoes for you, but I've done well when I've had them, and Prescott is only about 45 minutes away, so I thought it might be dooable, even though I see your schedule is pretty packed.
Have loved the Sookie books, though I didn't expect too--am touting you throughout Prescott.
I hope you will be able to join us; we'd have a great variety to offer folks then.
Friday aft.: Texarkana
Friday evening: Prescott Library
Saturday morn: Hot Springs
Sat. afternoon: Hot Springs
Sat evening: Dinner at my cabin on Suckles Lake
Sunday Morning: Breakfast at the B&B and go home.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
All best,

Penny Richards