Kate McGarrigle

partly cloudy, mild, temps plus 2

Everything's melting, a little slushy, but quite nice actually.

Heard the news today that the wonderful Kate McGarrigle has died of cancer at the age of 63. She and her sister Anna formed The McGarrigle Sisters and were a huge part of the folk music scene internationally - a great accomplishment period, but even more so since they were born in a small Quebec village just north of Montreal.

What a loss. I never met them - which is quite an achievement in itself since it would be almost impossible for us to have missed each other. But, sadly for me, we have. I was a fan of theirs.

We've had a hectic day...one of those days where the messages never stopped...and everything seemed to need responding to. Events, books, information, requests. Feels a little overwhelming. This has been the big shock about being a published author - all the 'other' work. But this wouldn't happen if people didn't like the books - so it is the territory.

As is something else that happened today. What a funny life. yesterday I got the news about being nominated for the Dilys, and today, over breakfast, got the news I was not nominated for the Edgar. In past years I knew it was a faint hope and so while slightly disappointed it did not hurt much.

Today it hurt.

Not because I expected to be - but I genuinely thought both A RULE AGAINST MURDER and THE BRUTAL TELLING had a good shot at it. So this stings. Not anything I won't get over. And I feel better already. And I debated whether to even mention anything to you...but then I realized this is part of the process. part of playing in the big leagues is occasionally getting the stuffing knocked out of you. I could sit quietly on the sidelines and not run this risk.

When good stuff happens I feel it and celebrate, and tell you about it. When bad stuff happens I also need to tell you - so you'll know the ups and downs of this business. I feel the sting, but then let it go...after wishing horrible things on the judging committee, but not the nominees. Since I know how thrilled I'd be if I was nominated, I could not help but be very happy for them.

And speaking of which, one of my favorite writers, and people, was nominated in the Best First Novel category - Stefanie Pintoff for her wonderful book, IN THE SHADOW OF GOTHAM. Well done, Stefanie. I'm about to email you privately as well. So richly deserved.

Running around like mad here with last minute stuff...and then we take off. Counting the sleeps.

Stefanie Pintoff

steady rain, foggy, cool, temps 12

We need the rain, so while it's sort of dreary this is actually very good. This is the cod liver oil of weather.

Sat in front of the fire place, editing...very relaxing. This part of the process is. I think it must be like getting into shape. At first it's horrible and frightening and discouraging...and tempting to quit. That's what a first draft feels like. Also, that it will never, ever lead to anything worthwhile. Folly.

But after a long while it gets earlier...and easier. And now the book is in shape (i however have basically sat on a sofa for five years, so I am also in shape, but it looks like a pear) - and it's just fine tuning now. A buff book.

As you might know, I was supposed to go to Connecticut for a couple of events this Friday but cancelled because Michael's having eye surgery. Could not possibly pass up a chance to boss him around. But this meant cancelling a couple of very important events - and I feel terrible about it.

But the wonderful Stefanie Pintoff, another Minotaur author, has agreed to step in for me. She won the 2008 St Martin's Minotaur/Mystery Writers of America Best First Novel Award for her stunning debut IN THE SHADOW OF GOTHAM.

So if you are anywhere near the New Canaan Library in Connecticut this Friday at noon you must see her speak. She's terrific. She's also drop dead gorgeous.

Had fabulous news...People Magazine is planning to run the review in the issue that goes on sale Thursday!! And - even more exciting - they say it is the lead review. Now, clearly, anything can happen and they change their minds...but so far the news is beyond fantastic!!!

A great way to start the week.

Also want to remind those of you in the area...the official Canadian launch for THE BRUTAL TELLING is this coming Sunday, here in the Townships. Danny and Lucy, of Brome Lake Books, are organizing a special brunch - that is also a fundraiser for the local Yamaska Literacy Council. I'll be giving a talk, taking questions, doing a brief reading from THE BRUTAL TELLING and of course, signing books. Great way to pick up early Christmas gifts!

Now, to be honest, I don't know if Danny and Lucy have any tickets left. The event will be held at the local Lakeview Hotel...but you can call them. Their number is: 450-242-2242.

Am off to Knowlton, actually for a breakfast meeting with Danny and one of the organizors of the very young local literary ferstival. After that I have a 1 hour taping with the local radio station, and Kate Wisdom - who is brilliant. Then home to write the October newsletter.

I find if I don't keep on top of things, it all comes crashing down...Some people are amazed when I respond immediately to emails, but I find if I don't, then suddenly I have 100, and am overwhelmed...or things get forgotten.

It's a great life...and long as you keep moving...