partly sunny, nice day, temps 20
really, a very nice day, especially in comparisson to the last few. Wayne arrived bright and early to cut the grass. He's such a nice man...fun to see him bouncing along on the trwctor with his cowboy hat...when he goes behind trees and bushes and we get glimpes of him we can almost imagine him on a horse.
Geese come and go. Wayne report that this morning while cutting out by the pond the parents and goslings were on the slope...they ran for the pond when they spotted Wayne, but the little ones got their big goose feet all tangled up and they someraulted into the pond. No one hurt...a few feathers ruffled.
Wayne called his wife Shirley to come and take a picture of them for the local fair. So she was out there for about half an hour.
signed the last of the books - need to call ups. Then did exercise and put a load of laundry in.
A few other things - small and fun - to do today. Michael is plugging along on the page proofs of The Brutal Telling. I have to say, I adore this book. Hope you do too.
Talk tomorrow!
Thursday, 11 June 2009
Wednesday, 10 June 2009
A life in bloom
heavy misty rain, then clearing, temps 15
Atmospheric day. Feel like Wuthering Heights here. Heathcliff!!! Cathy!!!
Took Trudy for her morning walk through the misty rain. We had four geese and at least eight, maybe 10 babies, all on the pond. Lovely sight...though walking around the pond is no longer a bare-footed event. Cannot begin to tell you the amount of you-know-what on the lawn.
Why am I surprised. It was about time for another event.
Still, this one is worth it. Very nice to have such life on the pond. But, by the time we went out later, they'd gone. Apparently mom and dad goose carry the babies on their backs. Never seen it, but heard it described. Either way, they're all gone.
Lise and Donna came today. The garden looks fabulous.
Janet and Bob arrived from Pittsburgh and are now in the guest cottage.
Am madly signing books for the US launch of The Brutal Telling. This is never a hardship - though there must be a thousand of them. Everyone I sign I think of you, handing over money you worked hard for, to read my book. And I'm filled with gratitude. That you'd do it. And that this is my job!
We have the fire on today. Michael's reading the proofs of The Brutal Telling, trying to catch all the small errors. Dear Man - he had plenty of his own work to do, but he reads my proofs.
Sent off an endorsement for a book, and a critique of the first ten pages of another one.
I've agreed to read another manuscript, with a view to endorsing it...but it will have to stop there, so I can catch my breath. Will also be doing a feature interview with Alan Bradley - author of The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie. He's a Canadian, with an amazing success story...in his 70s! The interview is for Mystery News. Great publication...and I love being able to promote other writers, where possible.
Also have a novella for literacy to write. I'm thinking of making it an 'early' Gamache...when he first joined the force...perhaps even his first murder. This is not book length, but longer than a short story and is both a fundraiser for adult literacy and a book meant to be read by adults reading at about a grade 4 level.
Am hoping to get everything done by the end of the year. And some things need to be done considerably before that. But if I pace myself it's not hard.
the rain has stopped. Will walk trudy, stroll the gardens (lupins up, irises exploding, alliums in bloom - roses in tight bud as are the peony. The clematis has climbed up the posts and is winding itself around the birdhouse. And the huge mature honeysuckle bush is in full bloom - yay lise!!!) Then off to Sutton for food, home to exercise, then flopping on the sofa with a movie.
Hope your day is going well!
Atmospheric day. Feel like Wuthering Heights here. Heathcliff!!! Cathy!!!
Took Trudy for her morning walk through the misty rain. We had four geese and at least eight, maybe 10 babies, all on the pond. Lovely sight...though walking around the pond is no longer a bare-footed event. Cannot begin to tell you the amount of you-know-what on the lawn.
Why am I surprised. It was about time for another event.
Still, this one is worth it. Very nice to have such life on the pond. But, by the time we went out later, they'd gone. Apparently mom and dad goose carry the babies on their backs. Never seen it, but heard it described. Either way, they're all gone.
Lise and Donna came today. The garden looks fabulous.
Janet and Bob arrived from Pittsburgh and are now in the guest cottage.
Am madly signing books for the US launch of The Brutal Telling. This is never a hardship - though there must be a thousand of them. Everyone I sign I think of you, handing over money you worked hard for, to read my book. And I'm filled with gratitude. That you'd do it. And that this is my job!
We have the fire on today. Michael's reading the proofs of The Brutal Telling, trying to catch all the small errors. Dear Man - he had plenty of his own work to do, but he reads my proofs.
Sent off an endorsement for a book, and a critique of the first ten pages of another one.
I've agreed to read another manuscript, with a view to endorsing it...but it will have to stop there, so I can catch my breath. Will also be doing a feature interview with Alan Bradley - author of The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie. He's a Canadian, with an amazing success story...in his 70s! The interview is for Mystery News. Great publication...and I love being able to promote other writers, where possible.
Also have a novella for literacy to write. I'm thinking of making it an 'early' Gamache...when he first joined the force...perhaps even his first murder. This is not book length, but longer than a short story and is both a fundraiser for adult literacy and a book meant to be read by adults reading at about a grade 4 level.
Am hoping to get everything done by the end of the year. And some things need to be done considerably before that. But if I pace myself it's not hard.
the rain has stopped. Will walk trudy, stroll the gardens (lupins up, irises exploding, alliums in bloom - roses in tight bud as are the peony. The clematis has climbed up the posts and is winding itself around the birdhouse. And the huge mature honeysuckle bush is in full bloom - yay lise!!!) Then off to Sutton for food, home to exercise, then flopping on the sofa with a movie.
Hope your day is going well!
Tuesday, 9 June 2009
Oh, Gary, just one little thing...
driving rain, temps 10
Blech. Still, we're home and that is wonderful!!! We had planned to stay the night in Montreal and drive back this morning, but the forecast was so horrible we decided might as well face the rush hour traffic out of the city and get back to Sutton. Which we did, and happy for it!
We got back to Montreal mid afternoon Sunday after a terrific Bloody Words conference in Ottawa. Loads of fun. Extremely well organized. This is actually an annual convention and is normally held in Toronto, but they're trying to expand it...hence the Ottawa locale this year...back to Toronto for next year. But the year after is very exciting...it will be in Victoria, British Columbia.
Bloody Words is really very fun, and if you can make one it's well worth it! You can go to their website for more info.
One important thing I forgot to mention about the Arthur Ellis awards - indeed the MOST important thing - is that Michael got to present the award for the Best Unpublished First Novel. This is an award he and I helped found a few years ago, but is the first time we've actually been at the ceremony. He looked stunning in his suit...one actually made by a Monsieur Gamache...his tailor and the initial inspiration for Armand. Interestingly (at least, I find it interesting) by our bed in the hotel room there was a piece of art signed by the artist. Gamache.
Gamache is not a common name, so this was quite surprising...and actually sort of neat.
But - back to Michael. I just wanted to say what a very beautiful job he did. Dignified, warm, thought...he made certain everyone knew what a big night this was for those on the shortlist for Best Unpublished Crime Novel. (the entrants send in the first 3,000 words and if shortlisted they send in their entire book to be judged by editors and agents and other writers.)
He did a wonderful job!
Well - just had a power outage - started this blog at 11:30 and it's now almost 6pm. and power finally on again.
Just also wanted to thank everyone for their support over the past couple of days! And nice comments.
yesterday we started on our apartment move...Gary came and took down the light fixtures and curtains and moved them to the new place. We adore the new place! Thrilled we're making the move. But it's a lot of work getting packed up, and co-ordinating things. Thank God for Gary. Poor man is going to start screening our calls...it's always something not very fun. Septic tanks exploding, dogs throwing up in electrical sockets, roofs ripping off, balconies either collapsing or verandahs leaking. And now having to take down and put up curtains.
Nancy, who fixes our computers, and I were talking about it this morning...how people ask for favours and feel if they put the word 'just' into the sentence it sounds easy. And, actually, it might be easy. But multiply it by the 150 people asking for favours that day and suddenly it isn't so easy. It feels bad to have to say no to people - especailly since they feel their request isn't so unreasonable. Just a little favour.
I wonder if Gary feels like that with us?
Well, we are more than just a little grateful to him. As we are to all the people who help us. Like Lise and Donna. Nancy, Pat and Tony, Wayne. Deanna. Ken and Mary. And Gary, of course. In the summer it looks like a theme park sometimes, with trucks and cars everywhere. I'm not even sure what most of the people are doing, but I do know they're doing more than I am.
Have the week in Sutton to relax. Was planning to watch wall-to-wall videos and eat gummi bears, but the TV stopped working 20 minutes into CNN last night. Serves us right. Then with the power failure even if we'd had TV it wouldn't have worked. So we drove to US - got gas, mailed some books, had lunch in the 1950's at The Crossings restaurant...hot beef sandwich.
Now home.
Talk tomorrow...
Blech. Still, we're home and that is wonderful!!! We had planned to stay the night in Montreal and drive back this morning, but the forecast was so horrible we decided might as well face the rush hour traffic out of the city and get back to Sutton. Which we did, and happy for it!
We got back to Montreal mid afternoon Sunday after a terrific Bloody Words conference in Ottawa. Loads of fun. Extremely well organized. This is actually an annual convention and is normally held in Toronto, but they're trying to expand it...hence the Ottawa locale this year...back to Toronto for next year. But the year after is very exciting...it will be in Victoria, British Columbia.
Bloody Words is really very fun, and if you can make one it's well worth it! You can go to their website for more info.
One important thing I forgot to mention about the Arthur Ellis awards - indeed the MOST important thing - is that Michael got to present the award for the Best Unpublished First Novel. This is an award he and I helped found a few years ago, but is the first time we've actually been at the ceremony. He looked stunning in his suit...one actually made by a Monsieur Gamache...his tailor and the initial inspiration for Armand. Interestingly (at least, I find it interesting) by our bed in the hotel room there was a piece of art signed by the artist. Gamache.
Gamache is not a common name, so this was quite surprising...and actually sort of neat.
But - back to Michael. I just wanted to say what a very beautiful job he did. Dignified, warm, thought...he made certain everyone knew what a big night this was for those on the shortlist for Best Unpublished Crime Novel. (the entrants send in the first 3,000 words and if shortlisted they send in their entire book to be judged by editors and agents and other writers.)
He did a wonderful job!
Well - just had a power outage - started this blog at 11:30 and it's now almost 6pm. and power finally on again.
Just also wanted to thank everyone for their support over the past couple of days! And nice comments.
yesterday we started on our apartment move...Gary came and took down the light fixtures and curtains and moved them to the new place. We adore the new place! Thrilled we're making the move. But it's a lot of work getting packed up, and co-ordinating things. Thank God for Gary. Poor man is going to start screening our calls...it's always something not very fun. Septic tanks exploding, dogs throwing up in electrical sockets, roofs ripping off, balconies either collapsing or verandahs leaking. And now having to take down and put up curtains.
Nancy, who fixes our computers, and I were talking about it this morning...how people ask for favours and feel if they put the word 'just' into the sentence it sounds easy. And, actually, it might be easy. But multiply it by the 150 people asking for favours that day and suddenly it isn't so easy. It feels bad to have to say no to people - especailly since they feel their request isn't so unreasonable. Just a little favour.
I wonder if Gary feels like that with us?
Well, we are more than just a little grateful to him. As we are to all the people who help us. Like Lise and Donna. Nancy, Pat and Tony, Wayne. Deanna. Ken and Mary. And Gary, of course. In the summer it looks like a theme park sometimes, with trucks and cars everywhere. I'm not even sure what most of the people are doing, but I do know they're doing more than I am.
Have the week in Sutton to relax. Was planning to watch wall-to-wall videos and eat gummi bears, but the TV stopped working 20 minutes into CNN last night. Serves us right. Then with the power failure even if we'd had TV it wouldn't have worked. So we drove to US - got gas, mailed some books, had lunch in the 1950's at The Crossings restaurant...hot beef sandwich.
Now home.
Talk tomorrow...
Sunday, 7 June 2009
Phew
mainly sunny, temps 20
It's early Sunday morning. We're packing the suitcases - somehow we've accumulated a huge amount of stuff. Happily much of it is candy! Not at all sure why, but very kind people are giving me gummy bears. Life blood. As well, the organizors of Bloody words had a couple of wonderful candy packages sent up from Laura Secord.
Yum.
As anyone who has been to these conventions for mystery readers and writers knows, they're fuelled on candy.
Last night was terrific - loads of fun. Normally I write a speech and memorize it, but this time I decided, what the hell, I'll do my best but basically I'll just read it. Much less stressful and makes the weekend and the dinner a lot more fun. So that's what I did.
Barbara Fradkin - the local guest of honour - gave a wonderful speech...then dinner...then I spoke and finally Denise Mina, the international guest of honour. Her books are quite noir, but she herself is not only charming, but very, very funny.
And, of course, the amazing mary Jane Maffini was delightful as Master of Ceremonies. She - earlier in the day - had the best line. she likened writing a first draft of a novel to having a daily colonoscopy. I howled with laughter and still laugh when I think of it. Perfect description!
Michael was a big hit - not only charming and handsome, but everyone loved his bowtie. Such fun to be on his arm.
Well, we're packed. heading back to Montreal. Gary is coming to the Montreal apartment tomorrow afternoon to take down the curtains and lighting - and put them up in the new place. Bob and Janet arrive at the guest cottage - must remember to ask Pat to unlock the door!
Thanks for accompanying Michael and me to Bloody Words in Ottawa. Hope you had fun.
It's early Sunday morning. We're packing the suitcases - somehow we've accumulated a huge amount of stuff. Happily much of it is candy! Not at all sure why, but very kind people are giving me gummy bears. Life blood. As well, the organizors of Bloody words had a couple of wonderful candy packages sent up from Laura Secord.
Yum.
As anyone who has been to these conventions for mystery readers and writers knows, they're fuelled on candy.
Last night was terrific - loads of fun. Normally I write a speech and memorize it, but this time I decided, what the hell, I'll do my best but basically I'll just read it. Much less stressful and makes the weekend and the dinner a lot more fun. So that's what I did.
Barbara Fradkin - the local guest of honour - gave a wonderful speech...then dinner...then I spoke and finally Denise Mina, the international guest of honour. Her books are quite noir, but she herself is not only charming, but very, very funny.
And, of course, the amazing mary Jane Maffini was delightful as Master of Ceremonies. She - earlier in the day - had the best line. she likened writing a first draft of a novel to having a daily colonoscopy. I howled with laughter and still laugh when I think of it. Perfect description!
Michael was a big hit - not only charming and handsome, but everyone loved his bowtie. Such fun to be on his arm.
Well, we're packed. heading back to Montreal. Gary is coming to the Montreal apartment tomorrow afternoon to take down the curtains and lighting - and put them up in the new place. Bob and Janet arrive at the guest cottage - must remember to ask Pat to unlock the door!
Thanks for accompanying Michael and me to Bloody Words in Ottawa. Hope you had fun.
Saturday, 6 June 2009
Bloody Words
sunny, mild, lovely, temps 20
Anotehr gorgeous day...happily we had a chance to go out into it for lunch. Met a group of Quebec and East Coast Canadian crime writers for lunch along Sparks Street, at a pub called the Cock and Lion...it has an outdoor terrace. Beautiful to sit out there, chat, visit, have a burger.
Bit of a busy day. Like most of these writers and readers conventions, most of the 'stuff' actually happens in the hallways. Meeting a lot of old friends, but the most fun is meeting readers and getting a chance, albeit brief, to talk.
The event last night, in which I was interviewed in front of a live audience by Jerri Southcott - a radio and TV host in Ottawa - was fabulous. Not because I was so great but Jerri had done her home-work (interviewing is by far the harder of the jobs) and made it feel more like a thoughtful conversation. And the room was full, which is always wonderful and a bit of a surprise. By 9pm Michael and I were tucked up in bed and had ordered room service.
At 4am there was a commotion in the hallway. The hotel was host to a grad night prom. And the entire prom seems to have decided the 10th floor was the place to be. Not great for sleeping, but I remember doing similar things in my youth, so this seemed like delayed karma. We went back to sleep.
Today, after lunch, I did a half hour Mystery Cafe...which means sitting in a room and reading and talking for half an hour. Standing room only - which felt very good. And terrific questions. Vicki Delaney - a marvelous Canadian crime writer who sets her books in British Columbia - introduced me.
Am back in the room for a shower, then a panel between 5 and 6 - then the gala dinner in which i must speak starts at 7. need to practice, or at least read over, my speech. Blech. I love being interviewed - hate giving speeches.
Still, I need to remind myself I'm among friends, and really, as long as I don't throw up or wet myself, how bad can it be?
Must run - 15 minutes to the panel and I'm still in my bathrobe. this is how bad it can be!!
Anotehr gorgeous day...happily we had a chance to go out into it for lunch. Met a group of Quebec and East Coast Canadian crime writers for lunch along Sparks Street, at a pub called the Cock and Lion...it has an outdoor terrace. Beautiful to sit out there, chat, visit, have a burger.
Bit of a busy day. Like most of these writers and readers conventions, most of the 'stuff' actually happens in the hallways. Meeting a lot of old friends, but the most fun is meeting readers and getting a chance, albeit brief, to talk.
The event last night, in which I was interviewed in front of a live audience by Jerri Southcott - a radio and TV host in Ottawa - was fabulous. Not because I was so great but Jerri had done her home-work (interviewing is by far the harder of the jobs) and made it feel more like a thoughtful conversation. And the room was full, which is always wonderful and a bit of a surprise. By 9pm Michael and I were tucked up in bed and had ordered room service.
At 4am there was a commotion in the hallway. The hotel was host to a grad night prom. And the entire prom seems to have decided the 10th floor was the place to be. Not great for sleeping, but I remember doing similar things in my youth, so this seemed like delayed karma. We went back to sleep.
Today, after lunch, I did a half hour Mystery Cafe...which means sitting in a room and reading and talking for half an hour. Standing room only - which felt very good. And terrific questions. Vicki Delaney - a marvelous Canadian crime writer who sets her books in British Columbia - introduced me.
Am back in the room for a shower, then a panel between 5 and 6 - then the gala dinner in which i must speak starts at 7. need to practice, or at least read over, my speech. Blech. I love being interviewed - hate giving speeches.
Still, I need to remind myself I'm among friends, and really, as long as I don't throw up or wet myself, how bad can it be?
Must run - 15 minutes to the panel and I'm still in my bathrobe. this is how bad it can be!!
Friday, 5 June 2009
Linwood wins!
beautiful, sunny day, temps 20
Gorgeous day, and fun evening. As perhaps you've gathered, I didn't win the ellis award, but a fine writer did! Linwood Barclay. Indeed, the field was so strong I felt relaxed knowing whoever won would deserve it.
There's no doubt I would always prefer to hear my name, who wouldn't. But I also know I've had way more than my share of good fortune. The sun shines on Linwood today, and someone else tomorrow and maybe me another day...and all I can do is keep walking outside and doing my best. and knowing even rainy days are blessings.
Our friend Flora joined us at our table for the dinner. a lovely, supportive, woman.
Had huge fun yesterday - lunch on the Rideau Canal, at the National Arts Centre with our friends Vicky and Howard. Listening to funny stories, getting caught up. then Michael and I took the boat cruise along the canal. Beautiful day for it!
it was a bit crowded with kids...the boat before and after were near empty, but ours was full. Not exactly tranquil, but it could have been worse. No loss of life, or temper. Again - things beyond our control. No use stewing, though I try...for a while. But it's not that much fun, so soon give it up in favour of having a good time. Often the scream in my head is way worse than anything happening externally. the good news is, I can turn that off.
Today is splendid - working on my speech for tomorrow night and having lunch with friends...then either off to the war museum or a nap. Am quite tired. And since I'm one of the guests of honour at Bloody Words (the Canadian Crime Writers conference)I have a feature interview tonight, from 7:30 to 8:30 I suspect it will be me, Michael and the interviewer. If I wasn't the interviewee, I wouldn't be there! Oh well. More things I can't control. Actually makes life quite relaxing.
Take care and thank you for all your good wishes regarding the Arthur Ellis. I'm so proud to be a Canadian Crime writer, and the award would have been a treasure, but perhaps another year.
Gorgeous day, and fun evening. As perhaps you've gathered, I didn't win the ellis award, but a fine writer did! Linwood Barclay. Indeed, the field was so strong I felt relaxed knowing whoever won would deserve it.
There's no doubt I would always prefer to hear my name, who wouldn't. But I also know I've had way more than my share of good fortune. The sun shines on Linwood today, and someone else tomorrow and maybe me another day...and all I can do is keep walking outside and doing my best. and knowing even rainy days are blessings.
Our friend Flora joined us at our table for the dinner. a lovely, supportive, woman.
Had huge fun yesterday - lunch on the Rideau Canal, at the National Arts Centre with our friends Vicky and Howard. Listening to funny stories, getting caught up. then Michael and I took the boat cruise along the canal. Beautiful day for it!
it was a bit crowded with kids...the boat before and after were near empty, but ours was full. Not exactly tranquil, but it could have been worse. No loss of life, or temper. Again - things beyond our control. No use stewing, though I try...for a while. But it's not that much fun, so soon give it up in favour of having a good time. Often the scream in my head is way worse than anything happening externally. the good news is, I can turn that off.
Today is splendid - working on my speech for tomorrow night and having lunch with friends...then either off to the war museum or a nap. Am quite tired. And since I'm one of the guests of honour at Bloody Words (the Canadian Crime Writers conference)I have a feature interview tonight, from 7:30 to 8:30 I suspect it will be me, Michael and the interviewer. If I wasn't the interviewee, I wouldn't be there! Oh well. More things I can't control. Actually makes life quite relaxing.
Take care and thank you for all your good wishes regarding the Arthur Ellis. I'm so proud to be a Canadian Crime writer, and the award would have been a treasure, but perhaps another year.
Thursday, 4 June 2009
Mid-week Update
brilliant sunshine, temps 20
Great day here in Ottawa...the Ellis Awards tonight at the National Arts Centre. Very exciting and a bit ennervating.
had a great week so far...on Monday Michael and I drove into Montreal in time to catch Angels and Demons at the theatre. We hardly ever get to the movies, since our closest one in the country is the Princess, in Cowansville...we love it. Hufe screen, sticky floors, old, burgundy plush seats...a time warp! But not perhaps a great selection of filsm...though as you see, our standards aren't all that high!
Loved Angels and Demons. I actually really like thrillers and action flicks. I think for me it's just like cartoons...happily the movie, while not exactly Disney, isn't as gory or disturbing as the book - according to Michael. I didn't read it.
Then drove to Toronto Tesuday morning...we leave at 5:30am to miss rush hour...arrived around noon in TO. Stay at the SoHo Met. LOVE it. Napped, then dressed and headed to the Central Reference Library for the big event - with Wendy.
She was brilliant! Very fun and funny and smart, of course. And gorgeous. She read the prologue and first section of The Murder Stone/A Rule Against Murder. I found myself in tears. My childhood friend, a star, reading from my book - in public. And doing it so beautifully.
It was also, I realized with a jolt, the first time i"d heard someone else read my words. The books are available in audio and apparently the men who narrate them are fabulous - the US one was nominated for an Audie last year. But I can't bring myself to listen. It was a shock, to hear Wendy read it. But a lovely, and terribly moving, one.
Then we snuck out and headed for dinner...her time is so short and precious I'm afraid I was quite selfish. We had a blast.
Then next morning we had breakfast with David Kelley - the wonderful GM of the SoHo Met, and a friend. Terrific man. Then it was off to Ottawa and a 4:40 interview wtih Adrian Harewood on CBC Radio - live in studio.
Smart man - and very personable. I enjoyed it. And always fun to meet CBC people. Them Michael and I wandered Ottawa a bit and found a fun Japanese restaurant. We don't get a lot of japanese in Sutton - so it's a real treat.
And now - it's Thursday. Meeting Vicky Harris and her husband Howard for lunch at noon at the National Arts Centre...then back there tonight for the awards gala. All within an easy walk of the Marriott, where we're staying and the mystery conference, Bloody Words is this weekend.
We really want to see the National War Museum while we're here. We understand it's stunning.
Take care...will report in.
Great day here in Ottawa...the Ellis Awards tonight at the National Arts Centre. Very exciting and a bit ennervating.
had a great week so far...on Monday Michael and I drove into Montreal in time to catch Angels and Demons at the theatre. We hardly ever get to the movies, since our closest one in the country is the Princess, in Cowansville...we love it. Hufe screen, sticky floors, old, burgundy plush seats...a time warp! But not perhaps a great selection of filsm...though as you see, our standards aren't all that high!
Loved Angels and Demons. I actually really like thrillers and action flicks. I think for me it's just like cartoons...happily the movie, while not exactly Disney, isn't as gory or disturbing as the book - according to Michael. I didn't read it.
Then drove to Toronto Tesuday morning...we leave at 5:30am to miss rush hour...arrived around noon in TO. Stay at the SoHo Met. LOVE it. Napped, then dressed and headed to the Central Reference Library for the big event - with Wendy.
She was brilliant! Very fun and funny and smart, of course. And gorgeous. She read the prologue and first section of The Murder Stone/A Rule Against Murder. I found myself in tears. My childhood friend, a star, reading from my book - in public. And doing it so beautifully.
It was also, I realized with a jolt, the first time i"d heard someone else read my words. The books are available in audio and apparently the men who narrate them are fabulous - the US one was nominated for an Audie last year. But I can't bring myself to listen. It was a shock, to hear Wendy read it. But a lovely, and terribly moving, one.
Then we snuck out and headed for dinner...her time is so short and precious I'm afraid I was quite selfish. We had a blast.
Then next morning we had breakfast with David Kelley - the wonderful GM of the SoHo Met, and a friend. Terrific man. Then it was off to Ottawa and a 4:40 interview wtih Adrian Harewood on CBC Radio - live in studio.
Smart man - and very personable. I enjoyed it. And always fun to meet CBC people. Them Michael and I wandered Ottawa a bit and found a fun Japanese restaurant. We don't get a lot of japanese in Sutton - so it's a real treat.
And now - it's Thursday. Meeting Vicky Harris and her husband Howard for lunch at noon at the National Arts Centre...then back there tonight for the awards gala. All within an easy walk of the Marriott, where we're staying and the mystery conference, Bloody Words is this weekend.
We really want to see the National War Museum while we're here. We understand it's stunning.
Take care...will report in.
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