Wednesday, June 17, 2015

My Vicarious California Crime Writers Conference Wrap-Up

by Holly West

The last couple of weeks I mentioned that I recently attended the 2015 California Crime Writers Conference in Culver City, CA. Unfortunately, I didn't attend any panels because of my duties at the registration table (my choice--there were plenty of people who volunteered to help at the desk so I could take a break), but I've enjoyed reading about other people's experience of the conference.

Here's are a few wrap-ups of note:

For my part, I was given the honor of introducing one of our speakers, Anne Perry, for her Sunday keynote speech. Travis Richardson kindly took a photo:


I was also on a social media panel with moderator Terry Ambrose, Diane Vallere, and Lee Nelson. Going into it, I was a little apprehensive because even though I'm very active on social media, I wasn't certain I had anything new to say about it. It was really an opportunity to re-iterate my cardinal rules of social media:
  • Engage! Remember, social media is called "social" for a reason.
  • Don't use social media only to promote yourself. That gets boring fast.
  • Restrict or abstain from posting about politics or other controversial matters unless you're willing to participate in a conversation or polite debate about such topics.
  • There is not necessarily a direct correlation between book sales and social media. Rather, it's part of an overall strategy to get your name out there and to define your platform/brand. I could definitely do a better job at that part of social media, as my brand seems to be defined by me saying whatever I happen to be thinking or feeling at a given time.
So, with all that said, I'm looking forward to the 2017 California Crime Writers Conference. Co-Chair Sue Ann Jaffarian has already roped me into being the registrar and manuscript consultation coordinator for that conference. And so, I leave you with this:

2 comments:

Terry said...

Holly, thanks for posting this. You know I love CCWC, and this one was the best yet!

Holly West said...

I don't remember the last time I had so much fun at a conference. Really, it was just great. I'm so glad you and Susan make the trip down for it.