The 2017 Cape Cod Writer's Conference

Finished up a terrific weekend at the The 55th Cape Cod Writers Center Conference, in Hyannis.

What a wonderful time. 

Here's the sign-in with Barbara Eppich Struna, President, CCWC Board of Directors on the left, and Nancy Rubin Stuart, Executive Director of the CCWC on the right.

Along with their staff, they did an awesome job of keeping things running smoothly and well for everyone.

 Arlene Kay, fellow member of Sisters in Crime and author of some fun mysteries, who was instrumental in recommending me to the program. Don't think she was sorry...

To see an interview with Arlene, click here

 The bookstore was open- check out my books displayed alongside those of Marcella Pixley and Best-seller B. A.  Shapiro

 

Here's Bobbie Carlton, who sat in on a class of mine. 

She has a PR Marketing biz that helps writers get the word out.

We had a Meet and Greet reception, with tasty snacks

 

 Then came the gathering and introductions of award winners and faculty

 Nancy takes the mic

Folks getting nice things and recognition

Next morning, I was teaching classes on Building a Mystery (here's the attendees)

And Secrets of Thriller Writing

The classes went well, with lively discussions, and folks said they got a lot from the course.

My breakfast buddy (simultaneous mealtimes, completely by accident) was Kate Klise, a children's book author and accomplished speaker 

That night members of the faculty gave short readings from their works.

Let me tell you, what an honor to be among these talented writers. 

I get to hang out with pros of prose!

Here's  Danielle Legros Georges

  James M. Lang

 Marcella  Pixley

 Me, reading from the first chapter of A Sharp Medicine, my just-released fifth Zack Taylor mystery

Michelle Hoover, offering a prize of one of her books (I snagged it!)

 Ray  Field, reading from a cellphone

 

My other mealtime buddy, Richard Hoffman.

 Ron  MacLean, a fellow trouble-maker

The next night, it was the student's turn to read. I was one of the faculty offering feedback, and the talent shown by these writers was amazing. It's obvious the writer's center there is doing a tremendous job of mentoring and improving the quality of writing for that region.

Arlene was the emcee and kept the readings on time so we could finish before it got too late.

We still had time for chatting in the lounge, discovering new stories, making new connections, and winding down from the long days.

We got to sit in on other classes. Sunday brought Michelle Clark, a Medicolegal Death Investigator for the state of Conn. 

She had the best class, telling us gruesome tales of death scenes, complete with pictures- all before lunch! 

 Here's Michelle with students from my mystery class, Carol and Gail

Other classes included another Michelle, this one from Grub Street- Michelle Hoover. 

I sat in on a few others, notably the one by Lou Aronica, and wish I'd been able to listen to the entire thing.

So sad to see it end. It was an incredible experience, and highly recommended for those who want to improve their writing!

I hope to make return visits in the future!