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!!!!!

Company

Beautiful, sunny day - calm - temps minus 4

Doesn't feel nearly that cold. The sun and lack of wind make a huge difference. The long driveway is a skating rink...need to be careful walking Trudy.

Woke up and invited Michael for breakfast in Sutton...to the former chez Camil's...never remember the new name. This has a few purposes...I realized I had a package at the post office that needed fetching, we have a DVD that needed to be returned (2012 - never did see it since the blue ray wouldn't work in our blue ray machine) - and I suddenly - and happily - remembered my resolution.

Have More Fun.

I was in danger of tipping over in stress...and taking myself and what I do FAR too seriously. And becoming a stress bucket. or at least, lose perspective.

This would not be good, if for no other reason than writing would stop being fun. It's hard work - and stressful - and frightening - but it can also be fun...and I can't afford to lose that.

So - off we went for breakfast. Michael, as you might have gathered, rarely needs to be asked twice if he'd like a meal out. trudy came too and curling up in the back seat - the windows open a crack.

We had bacon and eggs - a couple cups of surprisingly good coffee (it isn't always) - then headed out. unfortunately both the post office and DVD store were still closed. But we put the disk through the slot and I'll have to call them later and tell them there might be something wrong with either 1) the disk 2) us.

Got home and went right to work on chapter 3. paul, our upholstered, came to measure the chair arms for sleeves. We remembered that cotton had given us a tin of home-made ginger cookies (a very happy moment in our day).

I just finished chapter 3. A few hesitations...I suspect some will come out in the first big edit (second draft) - but for now it does what it is meant to do. Fun to start building the house.

So - 2-thousand more words today. Up to 9,000 for the week.

What is a little disconcerting is that I don't know where the next chapter will begin. I always try to end when I know how to start the next day. But I know for sure something will present itself.

We're meeting Bal, Linda and Bethany in Knowlton for breakfast tomorrow. As you can see, breakfast is my social meal of choice.

And - speaking of which - The five writers nominated for the Best Novel Agatha have decided to meet for breakfast on the Friday of Malice Domestic in Washington. I genuinely like Rhys, Donna and hank - and while I don't know Lorna we have exchanged emails and she sounds lovely.

I would much rather have a community than an award. And yet, I'm very, very competitive. I wonder if this comes with age, and realizing I can't call a statue when I need help. I can't turn to an award for comfort or company.

Besides, I know it's possible to win awards and be a good, decent person at the same time. It's also possible to lose awards and be a good decent person.

I would - like all of them - prefer to prove the former.

But in the meantime, we will meet for breakfast and get caught up - and enjoy each other's company.

Malice

overcast. mild - I think

We're in the hotel in Washington - having a great time at the convention...but not getting out except to walk to a local restaurant for dinner. No time to see Washington, though we've done that before. It's an odd feeling - being here but we could be anywhere.

Had a really fun lun with Michael and Jim Huang of the Mytery Company bookstore in Indianapolis. He's organizing bouchercon this year...that's the huge mystery readers/writers convention.

Did the panel this morning of the writers shortlisted for the Agatha for Best Novel. Rhys Bowen, Donna Andrews, Anne Perry and me...Julia spencer-fleming is also nominated but she couldn't make the convention.

This is loads of fun but exhausting...always feel 'on'. At the end of the day we just collapse. As you know, I'm not naturally sociable. I like people a lot, but in small doses...and these huge gatherings are exciting and invigorating but can also be draining. I suspect most people feel as I do - that it's nice to be with others, but it's also nice to have quiet time.

Tonight is the banquet where they're announcing the Agatha winners. I'm hosting a table. have brought handmade chocolate from the village and hardcover copies of The Cruelest Month, for those at our table.

Michael flies home tomorrow...I have a breakfast with Andy martin, my publisher at Minotaur Books and Sarah Melnyk, the publicist. Then a few events - and heading out to the B&N for tomorrow night's events.

This feels like a travelogue and not very interesting...but lots of fun things are happening...I think I'm a little overwhelmed and a little tired. But surrounded by friends.

Will try to blog tomorrow with the results. I think Anne Perry will win, and I know everyone on the shortlist should win, so there's no shame in losing to any of them.

Hope you're well...talk later.

The spirit of Agatha Christie

sunny, hot, highs 80

stunning day in washington, again. Michael and I went for a walk outside - first time outside in two days! lovely. Met Julia Spencer-Fleming - a terrific writer who has a new book out in June. I'll be giving away 6 signed Advanced Review Copies for her latest - through the newsletter. If you haven't signed up for it yet, you might want to. It'll be the May edition.

Having a fun day. Just got back from lunch with hope Dellon - my editor at St Martin's Minotaur. Went to a tapas restaurant. I'm not all that familiar with Spanish cuisine so this was a treat. It also gave us another walk outside. Bliss.

This morning Michael and I went to the new authors breakfast here at Malice Domestic. Each author is interviewed by the MC for about 3 minutes. I remember doing it last year. Very scary. There must be 250 people in the room - that alone is enough to make you want to throw up - but then also needing to make sense and only having a few minutes. I have such respect for these authors who did such a great job.

Then at 9am I had the panel for the writers nominated for the Agatha for Best Novel. Also on the panel were:

Donna Andrews
Rhys Bowen
Margaret Maron

Elaine Viets would have been but she couldn't make the conference.

And moi.

Amazing company. Tonight is the bnaquet - and I completely expect to applaud when someone else's name is called. And you know, I'm just fine with that. I'd love to win an Agatha - but I genuinely will be happy no matter who wins. There have been awards I've been up for where I kinda thought maybe I should/could win. But not this one. This one I'm just delighted to have been on the shortlist.

Tonight lots of authors have been asked to host a table of 10. I'll be doing one - and my fabulous and attractive assistant Lise worked hard to design and get mugs for everyone at our table. But at the last minute the company said they'd be late! poor lise. After I finished whipping her we decided to give everyone signed copies of STILL LIFE and a small box of handmade chocolates from Muriel's Maison du Chocolat in the village I live in. Some of you might remember there's also - by sheer co-incidence - a Muriel's Maison du Chocolat in the books! What are the chances?

So I'll let you know how it goes tonight. And thanks to all the people who sent good wishes - I really appreciate it!

We head back to Montreal tomorrow morning so I'll probably write tomorrow afternoon.

Take care.

Malice Domestic

Sunny, hot, highs 80

Gorgeous outside. Very nice inside too. The conference Malice Domestic has started, though the first day is always a little quiet. Had a nice buffet breakfast - meeting lots of people we know from last year and from other mystery conferences like Bouchercon.

It's great to ease into it. I always feel shy at first. But as the day goes on I feel more and more comfortable. I think it's about belonging.

They do a thing here called Malice-go-round - there are 15 tables of 10 seats. First time authors each sit at a table with 9 readers/fans. They have 3 minutes to tell the people at the table about their book - then they move to the next table. I did it last year when Still Life was just out in the States. Very exhausting and intimidating.

This year I went as a 'reader' - to support the new authors. It is so moving to be part of their excitement. And there are a lot of very talented new writers out there.

Then they did a Malice-go-round for the other veteran authors like me. So for two hours we did the rounds of the tables - 3 minutes at a time. Introducing ourselves and talking about our books.

Quite exhausting, but exciting and invigorating too.

Now we're on a quiet time - a two hour break in our room to read the programme and make plans. Actually, we have to rush out now for the official opening ceremonies. they'll be introducing the Agatha nominees. Thrilled to be among them!!!

tomorrow is an early day - there's a new authors breakfast. I did that last year too - so it's nice to go and support this years new crop.

Speak to you tomorrow!

Bye London - hi Washington

Sunny, warm, temp 22

We're in Washington! Wanted to do a quick post just to let you know. I should really give the temperature in Fahrenheit but don't know it...22 celcius would be about 70 - 75? Anyway, it's gorgeous here. Rain in London when we left.

The flights was great - very easy check in. Since we've flown a gazillion (approx) miles on British Airways we qualify for the BA lounge. Wonderful. Had breakfast there - read the papers, watched the flights, and the rain. Then walked to the gate. The plane was a 747 - love them. Those are the ones with the two levels. Was hoping we were on the upper level, but nope. Actually, last time we flew one was a Qantas flight from Syndey to Los Angeles last fall. We were on the round the world tour - first class!!! and we requested row 1. The very best seats since no one is around you...and it's in the very nose of the plane. The pilots are up above. And since it was first class we all, in effect, had our own little cabins. Absolutely amazing experience. I joined Michael for dinner someplace over the Pacific...in his 'cabin'. They set up a table, with linen and silver and china, and I sat facing him, and we looked out the windows on the clouds below. Beyond magical. I'll never, ever forget it.

This flight wasn't magical. We were paying, so the best we could do was World Traveler Plus - which is slightly above economy and well below business...and not in the same galaxy as First. But - one trick I've learned...always ask for the emergency rows - especially in economy. Way more leg room, and the people in front can't put their seats back. Or, failing that and perhaps even better, always ask for the first row in your section. Again, lots of leg room. That's what we had. Extremely easy flight.

And now we're in Washington for the malice domestic convention. Wonderful. Unpacked, picked up soft drinks, had a Shirley Temple in the bar (Michael had a diet coke) - no one makes really good Shirley Temples anymore, do you find? Michael averted his eyes when I ordered one, as though my clothes had just fallen off - or I'd made what Gordon Ramsey called a 'bum burp'.

Had fun in London - but am exhausted. Not keen on returning anytime soon. Really feel quite drained by the whole experience. I think trying to promote one book, edit the next and write yet another - and try to have fun in one of the world's great cities, might have been at least one thing too many. Really kind of disenchanted by the whole thing - but I think I'm just pooped. Feels like forever since I actually had a holiday and I think I was going to London thinking this might be one - but of course it wasn't. happy to work - especially promoting - but trying to do it all felt like being yanked in all directions. And I can't honestly remember the last time I had two days 'off' in a row. Not writing, not promoting, or traveling, or editing, or giving speeches.

All these things I love - and am genuinely grateful for. But sometimes I just want to curl up and cry. Feel like that in the last couple of days.

But I adore Malice Domestic - so this will be a tonic.

Speak soon - will let you know what the conference is like tomorrow. Right now we're back in the hotel room and will nest. Bliss.