Left Coast Crime 2025

by Catherine Dilts

Even an introvert can have fun in a large group of people, if it’s the right crowd. I stepped out of turtle mode, poking my head out of my shell to attend Left Coast Crime in Denver. My experiences began early Thursday, March 13.

Lee and Leslie Blatt hosted 40 authors at 20 tables for the Author Speed Dating event. I teamed up with Jeff Schmoyer, author of the Snack Sized Mysteries. Two writers pitch their books to a table full of readers. Each is given two minutes to convince people their writing is fabulous. Then you scramble over to the next table. Although I was dreading it, the event was wild, noisy, and actually fun. The clanging of the cowbell left no doubt when your two minutes expired.

Author Speed Dating at Left Coast Crime 2025

After surviving Author Speed Dating, I dove into panels. It was less stressful being on the receiving end of the entertainment. The only problem was, deciding which to attend. A couple times, there were panels I wanted to see in the same time slot.

This was when my writing partner and I would divide and conquer, going to different panels and sharing notes later. Allow me to introduce my co-author and daughter, Merida Bass. We’re working on two projects together, in addition to our individual books and art.

At the Friday breakfast, author Mike Befeler hosted Meet the New Authors. While the audience enjoyed the buffet offerings and coffee – don’t forget the coffee – Mike introduced writers and their brand new books. I enjoyed hearing my former carpool buddy Maria Kelson chat up her debut novel.

At dinner Friday, I was delighted to meet up with fellow Encircle Publications authors. We talked business and future projects. Each is a multi-published and accomplished writer. Mike Befeler has written twenty-five novels, beginning with his Paul Jacobson geezer lit series. BJ Magnani is the author of a four book Dr. Lily Robinson series, using her expertise as a toxicologist and pathologist. CM Wendelboe is a retired deputy and Marine, and the author of over twenty books, including several Western series.

CM Wendelboe, Mike Befeler, me, and BJ Magnani

Participating in events was only part of what made Left Coast Crime a valuable experience. The conference was an opportunity to catch up with other authors, and to meet readers and librarians. It wasn’t all work and no play. Friday evening, the Sisters in Crime carnival was a blast!

Catherine Dilts, Ellen Covairt, and Merida Bass

Saturday, I was on the panel Mysteries with Animals. Although there are animals in almost all my stories, I haven’t written any turtles into my tales. Yet. We had a lively discussion of dogs versus cats.

Moderator Misti Berry, Nancy Coco, Darlene Dziomba, J. C. Eaton, and me

At the Saturday night banquet, I teamed up again with Jeff and author and editor Deborah Brewer. We were surprised to discover two other authors had been assigned to the same table. Not quite what we expected, but we enjoyed handing out swag and talking fiction.

Deborah Brewer, Jeff Schmoyer, Merida Bass at banquet

 
A surprise of the very nice variety was when fellow Type M for Murder blogger and accomplished author Charlotte Hinger sat next to me. She had just learned she was up for a Spur Award from Western Writers of America! Charlotte is a finalist in the Best Western Contemporary Novel category for her book, Mary’s Place, published by Bison Books/University of Nebraska Press.

Charlotte Hinger and Catherine Dilts

The banquet room was, as is typical at these sorts of events, very noisy. I couldn’t hear most of the speakers, although some were quite strident. My turtle self had a bit of a meltdown, so I left early, retreating to my room and retracting back into my shell. I had maxed out my turtle coping abilities.

Left Coast Crime was an intense, fun, inspiring long weekend. Now I am content to crawl back inside my shell until the next professional or social event. Turtle Power!