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Kathleen Ernst

Special Edition: Bouchercon World Mystery Convention, Alaska, 2007

Artwork by Rebecca Lyon

I often tell people that I have the best job in the world. I dreamed of being a full-time writer for many years before achieving that goal, and it just keeps getting better! As a novelist, I often get to travel to new places, meet new friends, explore, see new sights, get new ideas for stories. I got to do all of that--and lots more--when I attended Bouchercon 2007 in Anchorage, Alaska.

The Alaska Chapter of Sisters in Crime, which hosted Bouchercon 07, put together a wonderful convention. I was particularly pleased that a panel about writing mysteries for young readers was included on the schedule. That isn't always the case! The panelists and attendees had a good discussion about the challenges and pleasures of writing for children and teens.

I had the pleasure of attending a variety of sessions about writing, publishing, and the mystery world. It was a great chance to hear some of my favorite authors speak!

Kids Love a Mystery! panelists (left to right): Me, Shirlee Matheson, Kathy Hughes, Karen Laubenstein

While the conference was still in the planning stage, the organizers asked for volunteers to participate in an Authors to Schools program, intended to connect authors with school kids who rarely, if ever, have the opportunity to meet a professional writer. I signed up fast. (Truly fast. When one of the conference chairwomen announced the program at the 2005 Chicago Bouchercon, I shoved my business card into her hands, saying "Pick me! Pick me!") My assignment was the community of Delta Junction, in Alaska's interior.

On Sunday, September 30, I collected a rental car and headed north. The shot at left was taken not long after leaving Anchorage, along the Glenn Highway. I sat and watched bald eagles fishing at this spot.

My Alaskan friends had advised me to take precautions, as the road would likely be deserted for long stretches. It was! But despite clouds, rain, and about an hour of snow, the scenery was spectacular. The drive took me about eight hours (with frequent stops to take in the sights.)

After so many hours of solitary driving, it almost seemed odd to arrive in the community of Delta Junction! The town sits at the end of the Alaska Highway, near Fort Greely Army Base.

The school district is large, and includes the three schools I visited: Delta Elementary, Fort Greely Middle School, and Delta High School. About a third of the students are recent immigrants, with many families coming from the Ukraine and Russia.

I had a wonderfully warm welcome everywhere I went. (Note the poster!)

Librarian Edie Wichert, me, and librarian (and mayor) Mary Leith-Dowling.

And at every school, I found terrific young writers! At the elementary school, kids as young as second grade created descriptive poems about the first snowfall of winter. The middle schoolers had wonderful questions, and are already developing their own writing. And at the high school, students did some brainstorming and developed plots for their own mystery stories.

Here I am with Liliya.

Some of the talented young writers at Delta Elementary School, all set to go!

These girls are signing "B-O-O-K."

Ilya and a friend are already writing and illustrating their own stories.

Of course, I saved a little time for exploring. Two historic roadhouses have been preserved in the area. This is Rika's Roadhouse.

Lara Fahnlander, the elementary school art teacher, kindly let me stay with her while I was in Delta. She took me for a walk so I could see some of the tundra plants. Knowing that I am a vegetarian, she also found a tavern with a chef who served me a sesame-crusted tofu salad!

People kept telling me that the mountains surrounding Delta were beautiful. I'll take their word for it, since I never really saw them!

I did have one free day before flying home to Wisconsin, though. And the sun came out! These two photos were taken in Seward.

My sincere thanks to the Alaska chapter of Sisters in Crime for making this adventure possible. Thanks also to Edie Wichert, Mary Leith-Dowling, Tiki Levinson, and Lara Fahnlander for their hospitality, and to all the kids and teachers who rearranged their schedules so I could visit. I had a wonderful time!