I just got back from Malice Domestic. It's a big conference in the Washington DC area for readers and writers of the traditional mystery, á la Agatha Christie. I caught up with friends, met Louise Penny and told her about my connection with Quebec (where her series is set), listened to wisdom from the gracious and funny Sue Grafton (A is for Alibi, T is for Tresspass, and so on), and got turned on to lots of new books.
The Agatha awards were bestowed on several excellent writers, including Louise Penny for Best Novel and fellow Guppie Avery Aames for Best First Novel. Other Guppies and brilliant writers lost out, however, including my friends Hank Phillippi Ryan and Sheila Connolly. It was a little odd to realize it's really a popularity contest - the conference attendees vote on a slate of 5 for each award. Mind you, this does NOT mean the winner is not deserving. Just that it's not an impartially juried award. Each winner, besid
es being able to add "Agatha Winner" to her resume, receives a wonderful black Agatha teapot. Here's Hank with her teapot for Best Short Story 2009.It was fun to attend the closing ceremony, which was a full afternoon tea, complete with finger sandwiches, scones, and clotted cream. But I'm not sure I'll go back until I, too, have a book to promote.
Edith thanks for the update on Malice. I hope to go some year soon! Loved your signature line, Edith, They Don't Call me Guppy For Nothing Maxwell.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Donnell!
ReplyDeleteOh, how lovely, Edith! SO great to see you. Malice always goes by so quickly...and the first time is always a little...weird? But the people are wonderful, and the friendships are lasting, and the community is inspirational. I mean--Sue GRAFTON!
ReplyDeleteSee you soon..and xoxo
Thanks, Hank. Great to see you, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your experiences at Malice, Edith. I'm sure seeing everyone was wonderful, but I am mostly jealous you were able to hear Sue Grafton speak. She certainly earned her Lifetime Achievement award.
ReplyDeleteHow did I miss you, Edith??? Did we meet and I don't remember because I was so overloaded the whole time I was there? Hope not!
ReplyDeleteKaye, I think I saw you once but it was a pretty busy conference! Sorry I didn't get over there to introduce myself (and no,you didn't forget).
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