We have so much fun with our “Stick With The Wickeds” contests. This year’s winner was Mark Baker. Mark is an avid reader and reviewer of cozy mysteries and has a wonderful blog Carstairs Considers! So here are some pictures of Mark’s adventures.
Mark takes in the view from his hotel room. 
He spots Wickeds Liz Mugavero, Kim Gray, and Julie Hennrikus and stops to pose for a picture. 
Donna Andrews jokes around with Mark. 
Whoa, is that Dorothy Cannell? Mark rushes over for a photo op. 
Shawn Reilly Simmons, one of the new Level Best editors, stops to pose with Mark. 
Mark heads to a panel. 
After the panel Mark runs into Jungle Red Writers, Hallie Ephron, Hank Phillippi Ryan, and Lucy Burdette.
Authors Marni Graff and Leslie Budewitz greet Mark.
Mark meets debut authors Sherry Harris, Cheryl Hollon, and Michelle Dorsey.
Mark takes a quick water break before heading back out to meet more people. 
Mark is happy to run into Wickeds Barbara Ross and Sheila Connolly.
Mark rushes over to meet author Kate Flora. 
Then he spots author Peter Abrahams aka Spencer Quinn. (Let us say Peter was a bit startled by the fan on the stick but gamely posed for a picture, followed by a lovely conversation!) 
Mark takes in another panel.
After the panel Mark finds lots of people hanging out — first he runs into Wickeds Jessie Crockett and Liz Mugavero. 
Jessie and Liz are joined by G.M. Malliett, Edith Maxwell, and Ruth McCarty.
Soon Mark finds himself in a large group of writers and readers. 
Mark goes to the new author panel.
It’s time for the banquet. Mark spots Toni L.P. Kelner with her husband Stephan Kelner and, of course, Sid.
Next he finds Phryne Fisher (Edith Maxwell) and Hercule Poirot (Cheryl Hollon).
After the banquet Mark poses for a picture with the Wickeds.
After a wonderful time at Crime Bake, Mark needs a bit of rest. 
The next morning before heading back to Southern California Mark goes to Starbucks and meets Lily. 
Readers: Do you have a favorite author fan (pun intended) moment? Is there an author you hope to meet some day?
You’ all are so silly. I didn’t recognize Mark, but I recognized Sherry Harris’s dog right away. Who could forget that adorable side kick?
True!
Thanks, Elaine — I think Lily is adorable too!
Mark, it looks like you met a lot of terrific people. I hope you had a great time. I enjoyed seeing all of your adventures. Maybe one of these years you’ll actually be able to attend.
It is a fabulous conference!
Mark, you were clearly one of the most popular people at Crime Bake!
He was everywhere!
What fun! I don’t think you missed anyone there!
It’s so fun asking people if they mind having their photo taken. Some of them have seen are stick people before and others are a bit startled!
Reblogged this on Brand Fearless ~ Kim Fleck.
Thanks, Kim!
I am sitting here with a huge smile on my face. Thanks so much for taking me along. I hope I was a great traveling companion.
But it was no wonder I was so tired on Monday. Yikes! I did so much.
LOL. You were rocking that conf, Mark! We were careful – I hope you noticed – not to ply you with liquor, though. We knew you wanted to absorb every minute. ;^)
You were a first-rate travel companion. You never complained about the food or the accommodations. You were always up for meeting new people and you were extremely photogenic. Thanks for coming along!
It was great to have you at Crime Bake! Someday maybe you’ll be 3D!
Yep. There were two prominent west coasters at Crime Bake this year. Elizabeth George and Mark Baker.
You were a great travel companion and didn’t complain once! Thanks for going with us! I had a lovely conversation with Peter Abrahams that I wouldn’t have ever had if it wasn’t for you.
You had a great time! I was jealous of everything you accomplished! Thanks for coming along!
That’s fantastic.
Twas a delight to see you, Mark — you really know how to work a con!
What fun! A great conference it was.