YAY!!!

rainy, misty

We won!!!! The Agatha for best novel!!! I was absolutely floored and still am. Stunned and staggered. And thrilled. It was such a strong field. Not certain what I said in my speech except, somehow, I remember saying something about Anne perry's facial hair. Dear Lord. Well, not her actual hair, but they put a photo of her up on a screen and the screen had a semi-circular smudge, right at her upper lip. Looked exactly like a moustache.

Wish i hadn't said that. Just spoke to her now and made certain she knew it wasn't meant as an insult. She really is lovely.

Other winners of Agatha's were:

GM Maillet, Best First Novel, for Death of a Cozy Writer
Kathy Lynn Emerson, Best Non-Fiction, How to Write Killer Historical Mysteries
Dana Cameron, Best Short Story, The Night things changed
Chris Grabenstein, Best Young Adult, The Crossroads

Congratulations to everyone.

I'm still trembling. I was no expecting it, which helped. meant I was totally relaxed. Michael and I were hosting a table. We'd taken hardcover copies of The Crulest Month and handmade chocolates from the chocolate place in Sutton. And were just having a fun time. Unlike me, really, not to be nervous. But when The Cruelest Month was read out I brought my hands to my face and paused there a monent. Then kissed (almost up on assualt charges) everyone in my path - whether they wanted it or not. Poor Michael I almost pawed.

The publisher, Andy martin, sprang from his chair, ran across the room, hugged me and whispered. "I can't believe it!'

Actually, I know what he meant. I can't either.

Michael's on his way home...but just emailed from the airport to say the plane has been delayed almost 2 hours! Yech. I go home Tuesday, but at the rate he's going I might get there first. I'll be happy when he phones and emails to say the plane has landed...always feels better.

Off to do a few more things then check out of the hotel.

But, one more things to do...

YIPPPPPPEEEEEEE!!!!!!