Seeing in 3D

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by Julie, still recovering from a weekend away

Last weekend I went to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to attend Left Coast Crime. Two years ago, Left Coast Crime was in San Diego, and it lasted less than a day before it was shut down because of Covid. That memory made this year’s gathering all that much sweeter, and appropriately the conference kick-off event for many people in 2022.

Over the past two years, we’ve all gotten used to online events and gatherings. We check in with each other on Zoom chats as a way to connect. As writers, we are able to be on panels that would have been impossible because of geography in person. In many ways, online events are more accessible, since people don’t have to travel or carve out large chunks of time. I also know that I’ve gotten in the habit of having regular Zoom chats with friends I hadn’t talked to in a long time, and I’m grateful for those connections.

And yet, there’s nothing like seeing folks in 3-D, like last week at the conference. What’s the best part? For me, it’s the small things that add up. The ability to have conversations with someone over the course of three days, instead of trying to jam it all in during a twenty-minute call. Giving, and getting, hugs. Taking a walk, getting a meal, grabbing coffee, going to a giftshop–all activities I took for granted until 2020. Now each walk, taco, latte and t-shirt shop I visited last weekend was a shared experience with other people, a gift unto itself.

One of the most important things writers learn early on is that writing is solitary, but you need your community. You need people who understand your journey, people who can celebrate the highs, and support you through the lows. People who can help you brainstorm a new idea, or offer advice. The gift of meeting readers who support you and your work, which is a tonic. Conferences like Left Coast Crime, or next week’s Malice Domestic, are community gatherings that have been on hold for two years, and now they’re starting to come back. We can see each other in 3-D again, and it’s wonderful. And exhausting–I’m still recovering from four days of talking, laughing, and being with people. But it’s mostly wonderful.

I’m grateful for Zoom, which has filled the void. I’m grateful for the volunteer conference committees who have kept the faith, and are ready to go now that people are vaccinated and gatherings can be held again. (Seriously, these volunteers are amazing.) And I’m grateful to see people in 3-D. I don’t think I’ll ever take that for granted again.

Published by Julie Hennrikus aka Julia Henry

One woman, three names, many books. As Julia Henry she writes the Garden Squad series for Kensington. As J.A. Hennrikus she writes the Theater Cop series, and as Julianne Holmes she wrote the Clock Shop series. Click on my profile picture to connect with me on Facebook and Instagram! @JHAuthors

28 Thoughts

    1. Same here, Edith. Eager and anxious. But eager is definitely winning the debate. See you all soon!

  2. Oh darn, I thought this was a post about movies 🙂 Looking forward to seeing everybody at Malice next week.

  4. You are so right. I’m still recovering from the event but it was so great to see, talk, laugh, and dine in person. See you at Malice.

  6. JULIE: Seeing everyone “in 3D” at ABQ LCC is a great descriptor.
    It was lovely to chat with you and take your photo (in action) after a long 2 years+ on Zoom/on the Wickeds blog!!

  7. One hundred percent with you, Julie! Can’t wait to see folks at Malice!

  8. I was out for a walk this morning and thinking about walks early in the Covid lockdown in 2020. We didn’t want to cross paths with people and worried about touching things. There were a lot more people on the paths than normal. This morning I had the place to myself. Violets are blooming, birds were singing, a cardinal flew by. Things I don’t take for granted any longer either.

  9. Seeing people in 3-D what a lovely descriptor. I can’t make it to conferences this year, so please, raise a glass for me and have a great time!

  11. I, too, and thankful for zoom being there to fill in the last couple of years. But there is nothing like seeing people in person for all the reasons you mentioned. I just hope some of the virtual stuff continues for those of us who can’t travel to events or want to hear authors who aren’t traveling to us. Seriously, these virtual bookstore events have been fantastic.

  13. Pingback: Malice Domestic in 3D, plus #giveaway – The Wickeds

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