Cloudy, flurries, temps minus 5
Yippeee!!!!
Hope Dellon, my editor and Andrew Martin, the publisher of St. Martin's Minotaur called late yesterday afternoon with the news I've dreamed of all my adult life...for 30 years or more.
'You've made the New York Times Bestseller list with A Rule Against Murder!'
I started trembling then and I don't think I've stopped. However, the shrieking has died down...a little.
This is what's called the 'extended' list - which is for the top 35 hardcovers, and it's the list for February 8th (don't know wny it's a week ahead, but I suppose that's what makes the New York Times great...they see the future. Perhaps they're also built on a cliff). A Rule Against Murder is number 33.
We did it. You and I. I wrote it, you read it and told your friends - and over the course of the 4 seasons we've built the series. I am so grateful to you. Thank you, thank you, thank you for giving me this amazing gift. I will never, ever forget sitting in the living room in Quebec City, in front of the fireplace, clutching the hot water bottle (I think we've bonded) - and getting the call. Frankly at first I was confused about why both Hope and Andy would call. I figured it was either wonderfully good news, or horrific news. Since they probably wouldn't be the ones to tell me someone I love died or Michael or I have cancer I figured the news couldn't really be all that bad. Could it?
Andy even asked, 'Do you know why both of us would be calling?'
I think he presumed I knew it would be the Times - but since it has never happened to me before, it was so far from my expectations I honestly had no idea.
And then they told me. I might have shattered their ear drums with the scream. I know Michael came running.
Wow. Thank you for this. I really hope you feel the thrill too. You're as much a part of this as me. All my life I'll remember this moment.
On other news - the storm hit! Michael and I were exploring the Plains of Abraham, where the definitive battle between the French and English forces happened in September 1759 - and suddenly it started snowing...then more, then more. We ducked into the Cafe Krieghoff on rue Cartier for lunch and by the time we came out the blizzard was in full flight. What distinguishes blizzards from smily heavy snow is the wind.
The snow was hurtling sideways, and getting into our eyes, ears, under our collars. We have about 2 kilometers to walk...so, heads down, off we went. It's actually quite exciting. We were well dressed and there was never any fear we were in danger.
then arrived home to this terrific news.
Now need to rush out - breakfast, then I have a 10am meeting at the Literary and Historical society, just up the street on Saint-Stanislas to talk to Patrick Donovan about where the skeletons are buried. I love research.
Did I mention about the New York Times??? I feel like running through the streets laughing - proving to Quebec once and for all that Anglos really are nuts. Happy - but nuts.
Showing posts with label A Rule Against Murder. Show all posts
Showing posts with label A Rule Against Murder. Show all posts
Thursday, 29 January 2009
Thursday, 22 January 2009
Home
I'm sitting in the New Jersey airport, waiting for my next flight. Caught the red-eye midnight flight out of Phoenix. Great trip. Got the exit aisle - no one at all on my row. As soon as we got up I laid down with the pillow and blanket, plugged into my iPod. And dozed. Wonderful.
The plane was almost empty. Everyone was flaked out. And now one more short flight, then home.
Had a fab time in Phoenix. Gorgeous city. Palm trees, cacti (?), flowers in bloom. Temps over 80 - though apparently that's very unusual for January.
Had a long but lovely day Wednesday. A woman named Evelyn picked me up at the hotel and took me to the Mesquite library for a noon event. Very warm people - lots of thoughtful questions. And the librarian so generously gave me a pen - which I needed since all of mine ran out of ink simultaneously.
Then Evelyn whizzed me 40 miles away to Glendale, Arizona and the Velma Teague Library. Lesa Holstine, who has a wonderful, intelligent, fun blog is also the head librarian and had set up a really terrific event. Again lots of thoughtful questions - and Lesa (God bless her) gave me an Obama pin, a mug, and - get this - a bag of gummi bears!!! Is it any wonder I love Arizona?
Then it was back to Scottsdale and the taping of a 55 minute TV interview for 'Criminal Calendar' with the lovely host, Barbara Peters. She'll let me know what the link is so you can see it if you like. Barbara really is a natural. More like a conversation than an interview. Hope you like it.
Then we went to Trader Vics for dinner - and back to the Poisoned Pen for a last event.
Then Barbara dropped me at the airport. If I was pooped I'm sure she was even more exhausted. Always harder to be the host than the guest. But I plied her with Shirley Temples, and I think that revived her.
Had wonderful news when I turned on the blackberry here - The Cruelest Month, just out in mass market paperback made the bestsellers list in the US!
Must be off - next flight leaving soon and have a newspaper reporter coming to the Montreal apartment for a noon interview.
Thank you, Phoenix - I feel we all gave book 4 a powerful launch!
The plane was almost empty. Everyone was flaked out. And now one more short flight, then home.
Had a fab time in Phoenix. Gorgeous city. Palm trees, cacti (?), flowers in bloom. Temps over 80 - though apparently that's very unusual for January.
Had a long but lovely day Wednesday. A woman named Evelyn picked me up at the hotel and took me to the Mesquite library for a noon event. Very warm people - lots of thoughtful questions. And the librarian so generously gave me a pen - which I needed since all of mine ran out of ink simultaneously.
Then Evelyn whizzed me 40 miles away to Glendale, Arizona and the Velma Teague Library. Lesa Holstine, who has a wonderful, intelligent, fun blog is also the head librarian and had set up a really terrific event. Again lots of thoughtful questions - and Lesa (God bless her) gave me an Obama pin, a mug, and - get this - a bag of gummi bears!!! Is it any wonder I love Arizona?
Then it was back to Scottsdale and the taping of a 55 minute TV interview for 'Criminal Calendar' with the lovely host, Barbara Peters. She'll let me know what the link is so you can see it if you like. Barbara really is a natural. More like a conversation than an interview. Hope you like it.
Then we went to Trader Vics for dinner - and back to the Poisoned Pen for a last event.
Then Barbara dropped me at the airport. If I was pooped I'm sure she was even more exhausted. Always harder to be the host than the guest. But I plied her with Shirley Temples, and I think that revived her.
Had wonderful news when I turned on the blackberry here - The Cruelest Month, just out in mass market paperback made the bestsellers list in the US!
Must be off - next flight leaving soon and have a newspaper reporter coming to the Montreal apartment for a noon interview.
Thank you, Phoenix - I feel we all gave book 4 a powerful launch!
Tuesday, 20 January 2009
Dawn
Phoenix, sunny, temps 78
5am - wide awake
6am - shower
7am - watching local TV shows - they show a live picture of Washington, and people arriving for the Inauguration of Barack Obama. And I'm in tears. Already. Indeed, I'm crying writing this. I wonder why I'm so emotional, so soon. But I think I know why.
Later, the tears might be for joy, but I think right now my early morning tears are relief. Relief that day has broken, after a very long night.
8:45am - a stunningly beautiful day here in Phoenix. Palm trees, pool, fantastic hotel room right by the pool. Had a lovely email from Hope Dellon, my US editor with St Martin's Minotaur, congratulating me on having the launch of A RULE AGAINST MURDER on this Inauguration day.
Funny, but for all I love this book and for all that it took a year of my life to write - it suddenly pales compared to what this day really means. But lovely to have the two events forever linked, if only in my mind.
Watching President Bush and President- elect Obama getting into the limo at the White House. 9:10am - all these smiling people - beaming - who are members of the cabinet and others who will hold high positions. To see their faces as they emerge onto the stage and see the crowds - their eyes widen, they smile - many say 'wow'. Hardened, probably many cynical - left in awe. 9:25am - the Clintons have just been introduced.
9:30 - the children are being introduced. Oh, dear - now I really wish I hadn't had all the coffee! Very poor planning. Those children are so beautiful.
9:40 - just put the 'do not disturb' on the door. Hate to have a vacuum going now!
I miss Michael - wish we were together for this. But you know, I know we're together in every important way in this moment.
Together first with Michael - but also with everyone I love and like and even dislike - and everyone I know, and have never met. Around the world.
9:49 - Obama introduced. Have burst into tears. (Me, not him).
9:55 - Pastor Rick Warren giving invocation. I have so many gay friends I so struggled with this one, but finally came to understand what Golda Meir meant when she said, 'a hero is someone who turns an enemy into a friend.' What a beautiful invocation - by Golda Meir and by Rick Warren.
Dear God, I'm crying again. Will be dehydrated at this rate.
10:05 - wow, look at the look of joy on the face of Yo-Yo Ma. Does it get more heavenly than this? This man transports himself, and me.
10:09 - President Obama.
10:30am - I can't speak. Why speak? Not a time for the head - but the heart and spirit. What would we do when the levees break? Run forward to help, run away? Take people in or lock the door?
10:32 - Elizabeth Alexander - words matter - wonderful poem.
10:35am - benediction. Perfect. Beautiful.
10:45am - throughout the morning a couple has been in the hot tube by the pool. Smooching. Newlyweds, I imagine. Note to self: do not use that hot tub.
10:55am - just finished the TV interview with KAZ tv and hosts Lou and Tonya. Great interview - very fun hosts - but who was watching? Honestly. Oh well. Still, it was fun.
11:20am - now sitting on the terrace outside my room on this huge double lounger. Inauguration on tv on one side - smooching couple on the other. Beautifully hot out here! So glad I didn't mix my bags up after all! Not in a bathing suit (wouldn't want to scare the horses) but am wearing a very light flannel. Kidding. Am in a light cotton nightdress. Not kidding. Reading the NY Times. Bliss. So glad to be here on this day.
1pm - just heard a commentator say of Barack Obama, here's the new President. Took me aback. Like being introduced after my wedding as Michael's wife. Felt good and right.
1:01 - Senator Kennedy seems to have been taken ill. Very worrisome
1:24pm - they're reviewing some marching bands now. My God, Michelle Obama's beautiful. Great dress too.
1:35pm - Obama's in his new car now. I suddenly felt as though I'd also been Inaugurated. I feel very excited - but also very calm at my centre. Perhaps because I finally feel as though we're all in good hands.
2:10pm - he's out of the car and I'm crying again. I wonder if I'll ever stop? But I can't help worrying that Michelle must be freeeezing!
3pm - actually have had to get clothes on. A sundress! Yay. Turned off the TV and am meeting Lee from Poisoned Pen who's driving me to the first event of my day - a talk at the Tempe Library.
9:15pm - back in the hotel room after an eventful (literally) day. Did the library then had dinner with Lesa, Patti, Kay and Barbara - then did the event at Poisoned Pen. It was recorded and is up on YouTube - will give you the address tomorrow.
Must call Michael. It's almost midnight back in Montreal.
What a great day. President Obama and A Rule Against Murder - both launched.
Sweet dreams.
5am - wide awake
6am - shower
7am - watching local TV shows - they show a live picture of Washington, and people arriving for the Inauguration of Barack Obama. And I'm in tears. Already. Indeed, I'm crying writing this. I wonder why I'm so emotional, so soon. But I think I know why.
Later, the tears might be for joy, but I think right now my early morning tears are relief. Relief that day has broken, after a very long night.
8:45am - a stunningly beautiful day here in Phoenix. Palm trees, pool, fantastic hotel room right by the pool. Had a lovely email from Hope Dellon, my US editor with St Martin's Minotaur, congratulating me on having the launch of A RULE AGAINST MURDER on this Inauguration day.
Funny, but for all I love this book and for all that it took a year of my life to write - it suddenly pales compared to what this day really means. But lovely to have the two events forever linked, if only in my mind.
Watching President Bush and President- elect Obama getting into the limo at the White House. 9:10am - all these smiling people - beaming - who are members of the cabinet and others who will hold high positions. To see their faces as they emerge onto the stage and see the crowds - their eyes widen, they smile - many say 'wow'. Hardened, probably many cynical - left in awe. 9:25am - the Clintons have just been introduced.
9:30 - the children are being introduced. Oh, dear - now I really wish I hadn't had all the coffee! Very poor planning. Those children are so beautiful.
9:40 - just put the 'do not disturb' on the door. Hate to have a vacuum going now!
I miss Michael - wish we were together for this. But you know, I know we're together in every important way in this moment.
Together first with Michael - but also with everyone I love and like and even dislike - and everyone I know, and have never met. Around the world.
9:49 - Obama introduced. Have burst into tears. (Me, not him).
9:55 - Pastor Rick Warren giving invocation. I have so many gay friends I so struggled with this one, but finally came to understand what Golda Meir meant when she said, 'a hero is someone who turns an enemy into a friend.' What a beautiful invocation - by Golda Meir and by Rick Warren.
Dear God, I'm crying again. Will be dehydrated at this rate.
10:05 - wow, look at the look of joy on the face of Yo-Yo Ma. Does it get more heavenly than this? This man transports himself, and me.
10:09 - President Obama.
10:30am - I can't speak. Why speak? Not a time for the head - but the heart and spirit. What would we do when the levees break? Run forward to help, run away? Take people in or lock the door?
10:32 - Elizabeth Alexander - words matter - wonderful poem.
10:35am - benediction. Perfect. Beautiful.
10:45am - throughout the morning a couple has been in the hot tube by the pool. Smooching. Newlyweds, I imagine. Note to self: do not use that hot tub.
10:55am - just finished the TV interview with KAZ tv and hosts Lou and Tonya. Great interview - very fun hosts - but who was watching? Honestly. Oh well. Still, it was fun.
11:20am - now sitting on the terrace outside my room on this huge double lounger. Inauguration on tv on one side - smooching couple on the other. Beautifully hot out here! So glad I didn't mix my bags up after all! Not in a bathing suit (wouldn't want to scare the horses) but am wearing a very light flannel. Kidding. Am in a light cotton nightdress. Not kidding. Reading the NY Times. Bliss. So glad to be here on this day.
1pm - just heard a commentator say of Barack Obama, here's the new President. Took me aback. Like being introduced after my wedding as Michael's wife. Felt good and right.
1:01 - Senator Kennedy seems to have been taken ill. Very worrisome
1:24pm - they're reviewing some marching bands now. My God, Michelle Obama's beautiful. Great dress too.
1:35pm - Obama's in his new car now. I suddenly felt as though I'd also been Inaugurated. I feel very excited - but also very calm at my centre. Perhaps because I finally feel as though we're all in good hands.
2:10pm - he's out of the car and I'm crying again. I wonder if I'll ever stop? But I can't help worrying that Michelle must be freeeezing!
3pm - actually have had to get clothes on. A sundress! Yay. Turned off the TV and am meeting Lee from Poisoned Pen who's driving me to the first event of my day - a talk at the Tempe Library.
9:15pm - back in the hotel room after an eventful (literally) day. Did the library then had dinner with Lesa, Patti, Kay and Barbara - then did the event at Poisoned Pen. It was recorded and is up on YouTube - will give you the address tomorrow.
Must call Michael. It's almost midnight back in Montreal.
What a great day. President Obama and A Rule Against Murder - both launched.
Sweet dreams.
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
Snow storm???
mainly sunny, but clouding over tonight. cold
There're 30 centimeters of snow in the forecast for the area between Toronto and Montreal tonight! 30 centimeters...that's alot. Fortunately Toronto will get far less. And happily I just need to walk to my 8pm reading at the IFOA tonight, though we do have a dinner before that to go to.
Had a hoot at the festival cocktail party last night. It was sponsored by Hello Magazine Canada, and they took our picture and did a mock-up of a cover, with Michael and me pretending to throttle each other. I've email the editor and asked her to send us the photo, so we can use it on the next newsletter.
Speaking of which, I had a terrific conversation with the head of marketing at St. Martin's Press in New York about really promoting A RULE AGAINST MURDER. We're going to be doing a whole lot of book give-aways through the website beginning in December, so tell your friends and check it out!
Back to the cocktail - met Colin and Justin there...you know, from Colin and Justin's Home Heist...they're a Scottish pair who had a few really popular shows on BBC TV - decorating and design shows. Then they moved to Toronto and now have a popular show here. We discussed cross-promotiong - and putting a body in one of the homes they're re-decorating. Or perhaps they could come to Three Pines and try to tart up Ruth Zardo's place. Or the B&B. Can just see the clashes with Gabri.
Rehearsing the readings for tonight and co-ordinating some marketing issues.
Teresa emailed from London to say the deal's in place for the audio book of THE MURDER STONE, so that's nice.
I need to write the newsletter...by the way, if any of you reading this happened to have been at one of the launches in Knowlton or Hovey Manor, could you please email me any photos you have? We'd LOVE to use them for the newsletter and the website. You can send them to the Contact email through the website.
Thank you!
Wish me luck for tonight - will tell you about it tomorrow. Maybe we'll get snowed in.
There're 30 centimeters of snow in the forecast for the area between Toronto and Montreal tonight! 30 centimeters...that's alot. Fortunately Toronto will get far less. And happily I just need to walk to my 8pm reading at the IFOA tonight, though we do have a dinner before that to go to.
Had a hoot at the festival cocktail party last night. It was sponsored by Hello Magazine Canada, and they took our picture and did a mock-up of a cover, with Michael and me pretending to throttle each other. I've email the editor and asked her to send us the photo, so we can use it on the next newsletter.
Speaking of which, I had a terrific conversation with the head of marketing at St. Martin's Press in New York about really promoting A RULE AGAINST MURDER. We're going to be doing a whole lot of book give-aways through the website beginning in December, so tell your friends and check it out!
Back to the cocktail - met Colin and Justin there...you know, from Colin and Justin's Home Heist...they're a Scottish pair who had a few really popular shows on BBC TV - decorating and design shows. Then they moved to Toronto and now have a popular show here. We discussed cross-promotiong - and putting a body in one of the homes they're re-decorating. Or perhaps they could come to Three Pines and try to tart up Ruth Zardo's place. Or the B&B. Can just see the clashes with Gabri.
Rehearsing the readings for tonight and co-ordinating some marketing issues.
Teresa emailed from London to say the deal's in place for the audio book of THE MURDER STONE, so that's nice.
I need to write the newsletter...by the way, if any of you reading this happened to have been at one of the launches in Knowlton or Hovey Manor, could you please email me any photos you have? We'd LOVE to use them for the newsletter and the website. You can send them to the Contact email through the website.
Thank you!
Wish me luck for tonight - will tell you about it tomorrow. Maybe we'll get snowed in.
Thursday, 25 September 2008
Deep six in Amazon
clouding over, lovely day, temps 16
Just clouding over now but for the morning it was stunning. What a gorgeous September we've had!
Went off to Knowlton with Michael for breakfast. Such fun having bowls of cafe au lait, scrambled eggs with melted brie and fresh herbs, and catching up with friends who kept dropping in for their own breakfast or coffee.
Had wonderful news today from the agent and publisher. The paperback version of THE CRUELLEST MONTH has gone into a second printing just a week or so after it's release. And it's a very big printing. So everyone's thrilled.
We're counting the days until the launch of THE MURDER STONE! I think it must be similar to the opening night of a play for the actors. You feel both excited and nauseous.
Just finished doing today's editing on book 5. Want to be finished in a week. Then print it out, give it to Michael and my brother to read, then - with luck - send it off to my agent in London.
Had a disconcerting email from a reader in the States who has ordered A RULE AGAINST MURDER - which is the US version of THE MURDER STONE. It's coming out in January. But Amazon.com has messed things up a little and is telling people A RULE AGAINST MURDER is no longer available. The publishers in NYC investigated and found out it was a glitch on Amazon's part. The good news is that Barnes and Noble website has it correct. And you can, of course, order it through your independent bookstore.
Need to write October's newsletter...an exciting one. And not forget the october giveway which has to do with Christ's College Cambridge.
Talk to you tomorrow.
Just clouding over now but for the morning it was stunning. What a gorgeous September we've had!
Went off to Knowlton with Michael for breakfast. Such fun having bowls of cafe au lait, scrambled eggs with melted brie and fresh herbs, and catching up with friends who kept dropping in for their own breakfast or coffee.
Had wonderful news today from the agent and publisher. The paperback version of THE CRUELLEST MONTH has gone into a second printing just a week or so after it's release. And it's a very big printing. So everyone's thrilled.
We're counting the days until the launch of THE MURDER STONE! I think it must be similar to the opening night of a play for the actors. You feel both excited and nauseous.
Just finished doing today's editing on book 5. Want to be finished in a week. Then print it out, give it to Michael and my brother to read, then - with luck - send it off to my agent in London.
Had a disconcerting email from a reader in the States who has ordered A RULE AGAINST MURDER - which is the US version of THE MURDER STONE. It's coming out in January. But Amazon.com has messed things up a little and is telling people A RULE AGAINST MURDER is no longer available. The publishers in NYC investigated and found out it was a glitch on Amazon's part. The good news is that Barnes and Noble website has it correct. And you can, of course, order it through your independent bookstore.
Need to write October's newsletter...an exciting one. And not forget the october giveway which has to do with Christ's College Cambridge.
Talk to you tomorrow.
Monday, 16 June 2008
Orange Alert
Mainly sunny, mild, temps 22
Storms blew in yesterday and cut the heat and humidity. Today much less savage.
We're having a lovely, quiet day in Toronto. Michael's interviewing a former colleague for his book on the neuroblastoma study, up at the Toronto Hospital for Sick Kids.
I had a massage. So we're even.
Watched the US Open last night - wow - amazing. Michael's rooting for Tiger, but like much of the rest of the world I'm rooting for Rocco. I normally cheer on Tiger, but this Rocco's story is just too good. 45 years old - never won a major tournament (perhaps never any tournament) and he finds himself in the playoff round today with the best player perhaps ever!
Spent much of today relaxing and wandering around. Thanking the people at McArthur publishing for being so fabulous. And spotting orange people all over the place. I remarked on this to Ann Ledden from McArthur who said she'd noticed the same thing. People who seemed to be tanned but are the colour of (as Ab Fab would have it) and old man's scrotum.
And not just one person - but a whole bunch. men and women. Then Ann twigged to it. There's also a bodybuilding tournament on at the convention centre - the orange people must be body builders who, having decided steroids weren't screwing up their bodies fast enough, they needed to do something to their skin to turn it orange.
I wonder what these people see when they look in the mirror? Obviously something attractive. But they're probably saying to each other, 'Do you see all those soft, pasty people? Who can they be? What can they be thinking?'
Am back in the hotel room now. Have a 2:30 conference call with St Martin's Minotaur to discuss the publicity campaign for book 4 - known as A RULE AGAINST MURDER in the States. It's coming out in January, and I'm very excited.
We're off to Sutton and acres of moose poop tomorrow. Ah, home.
Storms blew in yesterday and cut the heat and humidity. Today much less savage.
We're having a lovely, quiet day in Toronto. Michael's interviewing a former colleague for his book on the neuroblastoma study, up at the Toronto Hospital for Sick Kids.
I had a massage. So we're even.
Watched the US Open last night - wow - amazing. Michael's rooting for Tiger, but like much of the rest of the world I'm rooting for Rocco. I normally cheer on Tiger, but this Rocco's story is just too good. 45 years old - never won a major tournament (perhaps never any tournament) and he finds himself in the playoff round today with the best player perhaps ever!
Spent much of today relaxing and wandering around. Thanking the people at McArthur publishing for being so fabulous. And spotting orange people all over the place. I remarked on this to Ann Ledden from McArthur who said she'd noticed the same thing. People who seemed to be tanned but are the colour of (as Ab Fab would have it) and old man's scrotum.
And not just one person - but a whole bunch. men and women. Then Ann twigged to it. There's also a bodybuilding tournament on at the convention centre - the orange people must be body builders who, having decided steroids weren't screwing up their bodies fast enough, they needed to do something to their skin to turn it orange.
I wonder what these people see when they look in the mirror? Obviously something attractive. But they're probably saying to each other, 'Do you see all those soft, pasty people? Who can they be? What can they be thinking?'
Am back in the hotel room now. Have a 2:30 conference call with St Martin's Minotaur to discuss the publicity campaign for book 4 - known as A RULE AGAINST MURDER in the States. It's coming out in January, and I'm very excited.
We're off to Sutton and acres of moose poop tomorrow. Ah, home.
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