Vancouver Writers Mixer: Author Bill Cameron

Author Bill Cameron speaks Saturday, October 2

Critically-acclaimed mystery novelist Bill Cameron is the author of the dark, gritty mysteries CHASING SMOKE and LOST DOG, both featuring irascible Portland homicide cop Skin Kadash. Skin makes his third appearance in DAY ONE (Tyrus Books), available June 2010. Bestselling Portland author Chelsea Cain describes DAY ONE as "an utterly engrossing page-turner."

CHASING SMOKE received a starred review from Library Journal, and Booklist declared, "it engages the reader on an emotional as well as literary level." It was a finalist for the 2009 Spotted Owl Award for best Northwest mystery. LOST DOG was nominated for the 2008 Rocky Award and was a finalist for the 2008 Spotted Owl Award. His short fiction has appeared in Spinetingler Magazine, the Killer Year anthology, and Portland Noir, as well as on Lit 103.3: Fiction for the Ears. Look for his next story in First Thrills (Forge Books), in June 2010.

Bill lives with his wife and poodle in Portland, Oregon, where he also serves as staff to a charming, yet imperious cat. He is an eager traveler and avid bird-watcher, and likes to write near a window so he can meditate on whatever happens to fly by during intractable passages.

Bill blogs every other Thursday at Criminal Minds (7criminalminds.blogspot.com), tweets at twitter.com/bcmystery or you can learn more atwww.billcameronmysteries.com.

Read Cameron's guest post on Melanie Sherman's blog: Writers are strange people.

The Vancouver Writers’ Mixer was intended as a one time event hosted by Clark College Community Education Teacher, Carolyn J. Rose. She sought to encourage students from her novel writing boot camps to connect with each other and form critique groups. The first mixer was a hit and Rose believed her job was done.

Apparently, she was mistaken.

Badgered by students who couldn’t break the tie to their favorite teacher, she kowtowed to the pressure and planned more gatherings. She recruited Mel Sanders, owner of Cover to Cover Books, who agreed to keep her shop open 5-6:30 PM first Saturdays to support the blatant scheme to encourage local authors.

Now in its fourth year, the mixers continue to meet at Cover to Cover Books,1817 Main St, Vancouver, WA 98660. The monthly events consistently draw 20-30 locals who desire to improve their craft, gain insight into the publishing industry, and garner tips on securing publishing contracts.

It should be disclosed that at each event a contingent of ringers fill the seats who merely desire to revere authors for the 30-40 minutes they speak, lob questions at them for 10-15 minutes, stampede to purchase their books, and publicly beg for autographs.

Presenters are expected to play along.

Both Rose and Sanders are task masters who have kept the guest slate booked with well spoken presenters. They are also experienced in the art of delegation and have passed the baton to a committee who seeks to continue the high caliber of education and entertainment the mixers have provided. These rabid volunteers insure events are entertaining, fast paced (begin and end on time), and of course, offer snacks.

Join us as audience member or if you would like to volunteer for a speaking gig, the committee welcomes all inquiries.

Speakers should be published or work in the publishing industry and are encouraged to bring at least one handout for the approximately 20-30 attendees.

Email Will Glessner for more info.

See you at the mixer!