Saturday 26 March 2011

Dilys tonight

sunny, cold, temps minus 5

Winter just keeps clinging on. But the sunshine really does make it easier.

We took advantage of our new hair cuts, and the fact we were actually dressed at 6:30 last night, to go to the Bistro on the Avenue for dinner. I had a hankering for steaks frites. Off we went - love that restaurant, on Greene. Feels very much like a Parisian bistro, though because it's in Westmount most people speak English.

We both had grilled ribeye, but instead of frites we had vegetables. And then shared the most wonderful slice of key lime pie.

We absolutely love our Montreal apartment. It's small, but perfect for our needs. And the location is wonderful, as you can tell. Walking distance to all sorts of great restaurants, and food shops and a bookstore, and the metro (subway). In the summer we can even walk to the Musee des beaux arts if we wanted. But not in the winter. We're far too delicate for that.

Tonight, in Santa Fe, the Dilys Award is being given out - and Bury Your Dead is on the shortlist! It's awarded at Left Coast Crime, which is an annual gathering of crime readers and writers, on the west coast. The Dilys is a particularly meaningful award since it's voted on by booksellers. It's for the book the Independent Mystery Booksellers across North America most enjoyed selling last year. Here's the complete list of nominees -

LOVE SONGS FROM A SHALLOW GRAVE, Colin Cotterill
THE LOCK ARTIST, Steve Hamilton
MOONLIGHT MILE, Dennis Lehane
BURY YOUR DEAD, Louise Penny
ONCE A SPY, Keith Thomson
SAVAGES, by Don Winslow

An amazing list of nominees - and again, it really is enough to be on the list, especially when you consider all the great books that were published last year.

By the way, the forecast for Santa Fe is sunny with highs around 55 degrees. I'd have thought it would be much warmer, but I guess not.

Have just finished the writing for today - wish I could tell you what's happening...but that would be a mistake.

Heading back to the country in an hour or so. Taking pizzas and chicken wings to Pat and Tony, to thank them for looking after Trudy and the house.

I'll let you know what happens at the Dilys. Fingers crossed!

10 comments:

Jeanine Cronin said...

Sending prayers and good wishes your way for the Dilys Awards tonight. I feel very confident that you will win. Bury Your Dead was such an outstanding book!

So you weren't able to talk Michael into pizza last night -- LOL.

Joy in Kabul said...

Waiting with bated breath!!! Love and best wishes.

martha said...

It would be wonderful for you to get the award, but as you say, "it really is enough to be on the list." That is the true spirit! It is almost like winning, really! But, you still might...

lil Gluckstern said...

Good luck with the Dylis(sp), fingers crossed for you. As always it is fun to dine with you, and see different places. I gather your apartment is in one piece again? So wonderful that you are happy with your new book.

glenys said...

Keeping my fingers crossed for you - even though it does make typing hard! Winning the Dilys would be wonderful, but just being on the list is a terrific accomplishment.Certainly, Bury Your Dead is a terrific book!

Marni said...

Everything in NC is crossed for a Dilys to add to your award shelf--let us know!

Envious of your pied-a-terre` and your dinner out~

Brenda Buchanan said...

Wishing you all success with the Dilys tonight, Louise. I hope you get a congratulatory phone call and do a little jig around your kitchen. Bury Your Dead was your best yet, well-deserving of its many accolades.

Best,

Brenda B. in Maine

Margaret said...

Louise -- we were in the room tonight when the Dilys was awarded to YOU! Believe me when I say that there was great joy all around. Yes, those other authors are formidable -- marvelous writers all, but you, and "Bury Your Dead" are truly special.

Congratulations! I do wish you'd been here -- this was a marvelous conference.


Margaret Howland

Diane said...

Congratulations! How wonderful for you and what a boost when you're writing another book!

Chris said...

I finished Bury Your Dead yesterday, the 26th... a coincidence, considering your nomination in Santa Fe. Again and again I linger over your books, not wanting to finish! Shared your book list with the little Greensboro Library (VT). I hope your next writing project will be shared soon! I'm in waiting!