New Orleans readers and writers alike, mark your calendars for Blood on the Bayou, the HUGE Bouchercon [rhymes with ‘voucher’ con] World Mystery Writers Convention held annually across the globe in honor of critic/editor/novelist Anthony Boucher. Over 800 guest authors will attend the Marriott New Orleans event from September 14-18, including superstar authors R. L. Stine, Harlan Coben, Craig Robertson, Heather Graham, and David Morell.
Yes, you read that second line above correctly. Blood on the Bayou is showcasing over eight hundred authors, making a massive amount of writer talent available to mystery fans in the city. Look for the woman behind True Blood and the Sookie Stackhouse Mysteries, Charlaine Harris. Big names abound. Bring your books to be signed by guest authors including Lee Child, Laura Lippmann, John Connolly, and Kelley Armstrong.
Free and open to everyone, the New Orleans Public Library will host a standalone kid-friendly event headlining R. L. Stine. On Saturday, Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the public is invited to the 219 Loyola Avenue branch where Stine, the world-record-breaking Goosebumps author, will offer a free Q&A panel and sign books for fans.
All other events require a paid badge. The deadline for Bouchercon paid registration is September ninth. Each registrant will receive a personalized badge that will admit each person to all events. The registration fee for the 5-day event is $185. and includes a free t-shirt. There will be no one-day passes offered.
Paid attendees can choose from a large selection of author panels throughout the five convention days. Panel topics will cover all aspects of a mystery novel and short story writing, with audience Q&A welcomed. Authors will sign books after assigned panels.
Author panels begin on Wednesday, Sept. 14, at 1:30 p.m. with “New Orleans 101” featuring Heather Graham, Tina Calais, Toni McGee Causey, Pamela Kopfler, and Sue Quiroz.
Thursday events include an onslaught of panels, a Librarian Tea, and a late-afternoon “Minotaur Panel” followed by the official Bouchercon 2016 opening ceremonies.
On Friday evening, a second line parade will lead Bouchercon attendees from the Marriott to the Orpheum Theater where Lifetime Achievement Guest of Honor David Morrell will be interviewed prior to the Anthony Awards Ceremony. Anthony Awards will be presented to nominees in the categories of best novel, best paperback novel, best first novel, best critical or nonfiction book, best short story, best anthology or collection, and more.
Saturday’s Marriott events include the 3 p.m. Born on the Bayou: Louisiana Stories Panel, featuring O'Neil DeNoux, Bill Loehfelm, SW Lauden, Harley Jane Kozak, Jaden Terrel, and moderated by Bill Fitzhugh. A charity auction rounds out a slew of daytime panels. Authors and attendees will then party the night away at the House of Blues.
Sunday morning panels culminate in an All Guest of Honor Panel from noon to 1 p.m. For more information on Blood on the Bayou and ticket and scheduling info on the 2016 Bouchercon World Mystery Convention and Bouchercon for kids, go to www.bouchercon2016.com.
