Sunday 2 May 2010

Agatha - Yippeee!!!!!

Who cares what the weather is - I WON!!!!

Nothing subtle about me.... yay! I woke up with a sore face from smiling, and laughing and just being absolutely joyous.

the whole evening was magical. Michael and I hosted a table with eight really nice people - gave them all hardcover copies of a fatal grace, handmade chocolates from Muriel, in Sutton, and a perpetual calendar - one of the new ones Lise designed. Ordered a couple bottles of wine for the table and settled in for a nice evening.

Mary Higgins Clarke spoke.

William Link spoke.

Parnell Hall spoke.

Rhys Bowen was hilarious and moving and gracious as the master of ceremonies.

And then the awards...the Best Novel is at the very end.

One of the great tragedies in the Malice Domestic community in the past year was the death of one of it's long time directors, and a personal friend of mine - Louise Leftwich. Her brother and sister were invited to speak about her. And then her brother and sister-in-law were asked to give out the awards.

It was simple and dignified and lovely and deeply moving.

When he read our names we all were asked to stand. Donna Andrews, Lorna Barrett, Rhys Bowen, me, and Hank Phillippi Ryan.

And then she read the winner....The Brutal Telling. I was frankly shocked. I totally expected Rhys to win. Indeed, all the novels were terrific and anyone could have won...but I really thought Rhys's was outstanding. But then they called The Brutal Telling.

I remember bringing my hands to my face, covering it. Almost wanting to hide. Not out of fear - but a surfeit of delight. I didn't want that moment to end. But I eventually dropped my hands, and went to the front, veering slightly to hug Rhys, who whispered 'Congratulations'...and gave me a huge smile.

then up to the podium. And what terrible joy to give Louise Leftwich's brother and sister-in-law a hug and kiss.

And then to stand at the podium and look out at 500 people, smiling.

This is my home - my family - with people who celebrate each other...and have been so kind to me. Oh, I need to say too, that it was an astonishing evening for Canadians...how inclusive and generous the americans are!!! They'd give two awards to Canadians...and so embrace us.

The terrific Alan Bradley won for The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie.

Mostly, while up there talking, I wanted to thank Michael...for always telling me I was beautiful and brilliant, and loved. No matter what. And I believed him. And I wanted to thank all the people at Malice for embracing not just me, but him too.

Off home later today. What a trip! Thanks for coming along. We didn't see much (anything) of Washington - but it's a trip I'll never forget! And - to add to the amazement and the generosity of the community - this is the first time in history an author has won three Agathas for Best Novel in a row! And i'm here to tell you - it never gets tiring!!!

Did I mention I won the Agatha!!!!!

44 comments:

Ayo Onatade said...

Congratulations Louise! I am really pleased that you won!
xxxx

Lesa said...

Sally Fields accepted the Oscar saying, "You like me, right now, you like me!" We love you, Louise. We really do love you and Gamache."

Congratulations!

Mason Canyon said...

Congratulations and you so deserve to be doing the "happy dance" right now. Have fun, enjoy and congratulations again.

Mason
Thoughts in Progress

PlumGaga said...

Congratulations! Well-earned!

Anonymous said...

Louise, I'm so very pleased for you. Congratulations!! You are a marvel and I'm so looking forward to the new book this fall. Hugs to you!!

riverview said...

Dear Louise, How grand. Everyone loves your work. How marvelous. So happy. xxoo

whalewatcher said...

Dear Louise,
I was very happy for you to read the news in your blog this morning that you had won. Felicitations!
Trudy will be so proud : ) Safe journey home and keep riding that high of love and support!
Kathy

Kaye Wilkinson Barley - Meanderings and Muses said...

Heartfelt Congratulations!!!!!!!!!

Jodi Kaplan said...

HOORAY!!!!!!

Doing the happy dance with you (and getting funny looks from my cat).

Can't wait until the next book comes out!

7 Criminal Minds said...

A huge congratulations, Louise!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, you definitely deserve to win, not that the others don't, too, but since only one winner is chosen, I'm so happy it was you, and I loved the book!

In case you don't read the cartoon strip, Pearls Before Swine, today's strip made me think of you, during your creative process. In a funny way, of course. :D

http://comics.com/pearls_before_swine/2010-05-02/

Cece said...

Wonderful news! Congratualtions. Oh...and thanks for beating the Caps.

Dana said...

I had been watching Facebook all morning and no news. Was beginning to worry and then the wonderfulness of lines of comments and finally the post about the Agatha. Congratulations! And thank you for the pictures. You looked beautiful, and I finally recognized Michael - truly one of the most outstanding men of his lifetime.

Jeanine said...

Congratulations, Louise! I am so happy to hear the news. (As if I ever thought it would be otherwise!)

We are all celebrating with you.

Maureen Harrington said...

BRILL!
XXXXX

Linda said...

How many ways to say"Congrats!"? You've definitely earned this award. What a world you've created in Three Pines! Take a (mini) rest now.
Woo Hoo!!

Pierre said...

Congratulations for a well deserved award!
(I have a secret for you: This is not your last award...)
Pierre from Cowansville
X

Virginia said...

Congrats, I was rooting for you. Can't wait to read the next one in the fall.

A. Wright said...

So deserved, the book was breathtakingly brilliant!

Larry Marshall said...

Congratulations, Louise. The award couldn't have gone to a nicer and more deserving person.

Cheers --- Larry

Unknown said...

Woo hoo - that's wonderful news! Congratulations :)

Darlene said...

Best congratulations, Louise, for an award that is hard earned and well deserved. You must feel like you're floating above the moon. Enjoy!

bgpringle said...

What a wonderful and well deserved honour. Many congratulations.

Pam said...

I have not been in touch for a while Louise but follow your writing escapades everyday.Liz and I are thrilled beyond words of your super achievement.You will soon have as many teapots as I do!!Congratulations again and we are both looking forward to your next book. Love to Michael.
Pam Blance- Liz Lindsay
AKA Jamie Tremain

Diane said...

Wow, wow, wow!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations, I'm so glad your book won and what a delightful description of the evening. Thanks for your generous sharing.

Marjorie said...

Woo hoo! If anyone wants to see the full list of winners, cut and paste this:

http://www.classicmysteries.net/2010/05/agatha-award-winners.html

--Marjorie from Connecticut

Debbie said...

Congradulations on 3 in a row. You certainly deserve them. Can't wait for the new book.

Cool City Stitcher said...

Oh, I'm SO very happy for you! Now I'm hoping that I'm one of the early-reader winners, so I don't have to wait until September. Congratulations!

Bev Stephans said...

Congratulations Louise! The Brutal Telling was an excellent book and deserving of the award.

Linda Campbell said...

But I can't believe there was ever any doubt about who would win!! ....or who will win next time! Your stories are wonderful, Louise......'nuff said.

Ruthie from NH said...

Congratulations! So very happy for you. You deserve all the accolades and more for your excellent books.

Anonymous said...

Wow WOw WOW WONDERFUL!!! Congrats & you totally deserve it!!!!!!

Unknown said...

Dear Louise,

Unknown said...

Dear Louise,

What wonderful news for the woman who changed all of our lives!

Vive Gamache!

Brenda Buchanan said...

Hooray Louise! Such wonderful news! Congratulations!

Brenda B. in Maine

Sharwest said...

Congratulations! I so enjoy your books, blogs and newsletter.

Sharon W. in California

Audrey said...

Dear Louise -
That powerful combination of three Canadian icons -- Louise Penny, Armand Gamache and Emily Carr --cannot be outmatched. And we fans must add "We told you so!" Congratulations on your well-deserved recognition.

xx said...

Congratulations Louise! Your delight in having won (for the third time) is indicative of how truly deserving you are. Your love and passion for the craft of writing shines through your work. Enjoy!

Anonymous said...

Louise,
So very glad that you are getting the kudos you deserve and are feeling very affirmed for it--just so long as you keep writing such wonderful fare.
Very many congratulations!

Donna K. said...

Holy Crap! My island curse worked!!
Seriously, congratulations! Who you are is in your books and you get to us in our very souls. People want to LIVE in Three Pines and are inspired to be a part of everyone's lives there.Celebrate and take a break..how deserving!
Donna K.

Louise Penny Author said...

Hi all,

I felt you with me all weekend and as I walked to the podium - filled with wonder and awe and gratitude. Not simply that I won - which amazes and thrills me - but that I get to do what I love, and have you all in my life because of it. How hollow all this would feel without Michael and without you and your kindness and support.

Thank you!!! Yipppeeee!

Anonymous said...

What? Erica... did you just give away the ending? I haven't read it yet, so I hope not... oi.

syaprods said...

Congratulations!!!!!!!

I knew you would win;)

Just to let you know, every single person to whom I've introduced your Gamache series has since become a fan, read every book, and is eagerly awaiting October. That says something. I, personally, have never experienced a series catching on like this.

Bravo, Louise.

Suzanne

Jeff B said...

Congratualtions on a well-deserved honor! Can't wait to read the new book.