clear skies, warm, 75 degrees
Do you like the new banner?? Linda Lyall, who manages the site, put up the photo today. So it's official. Spring is here.
We're in Washington! I'll tell you, after looking at the forecast this morning in Montreal I wasn't at all sure we'd make it out of Montreal, never mind actually land in Washington. But we did and without even a delay. Amazing. There were all sorts of warnings out for Montreal today. Apparently a extremely strong winds hit Ottawa and downed trees and powerlines.
there were severe thunderstorm warnings for much of the East coast of the US, including Washington. So I really did doubt today would be smooth. But it was! Sort of.
I spent the morning writing. then closed the laptop. Very anxiety-making - to leave a first draft for a week. For me it's like leaving a newborn on the side of a road, and hoping it'll still be there when I come back. But, having said that, I'm well into it, have established the place, the main suspects, the characters, the themes. I'm sure I'll be able to get back - though the first day back will be a little stressful. will probably spend that day just editing the previous chapter...and gentle way to re-introduce myself.
then we called a cab and headed to the airport. Got through security etc very quickly, and onto the plane without delay. Amazing. And mainly clear skies all day.
Until we boarded the plane.
We were sitting on the plane, on the tarmac, when the skies opened up - huge rains and winds. And I thought - huh oh. But then it cleared and the plane zipped into the air. Smooth flight, until the last ten minutes, over washington. I thought I'd experienced bad turbulence in the past, but seems I was wrong. Not even sure if what we experienced today was really bad, but it was the worst I'd been in.
It was all incredibly smooth, then we went through a cloud, which is never a big deal, except this time it was like hitting a wall. Suddenly the plane dropped and twisted and jerked sideways. The flight attendant, who was behind me, grasped her way back to her chair and strapped in.
More than anything those few seconds were disorienting. But not, strangely enough, all that scary. Had it gone on more than a second or two I'm sure I'd have been terrified, but as it was, it was over before I had a chance to be afraid. Then, every time we went through a cloud, something similar, though less severe, happened. It was as though the clouds had suddenly become substance.
I grew suspicious of clouds. And quickly developed a dislike of them.
But then we got down low and swooped into Washington, flying right by the White House and the various monuments. So impressive.
the conference - Malice Domestic - is being held this year in Bethesda. Such a pretty drive along the river to Bethesda. The trees are in leaf and in bloom. through the open window of the cab we could smell fresh mown grass. For the first time in many, many months. I'd forgotten what a wonderful smell that is. The sun was out. It was glorious. And warm!!! We arrived, of course, in turtlenecks and jackets and scarves. Stripped down when we got in and are now in short sleeves and light nighttime sweaters.
Bliss to just walk out of the hotel without winterboots or coats or hats.
We met Margaret Maron in the lobby and joined her and Joe for drinks in the bar. Vickie Delany and Rhys Bowen joined us. then Michael and I walked a few blocks to a place called Black's Bar and Grill...for seafood. A few minutes later Margaret and Joe walked in, so we all had dinner together. I had wood grilled peach salad, while michael had half a dozen oysters. Then we both had scallops while margaret and joe shared a cold seafood platter.
Had a wonderful time talking about our all our lives, and hearing Margaret's stories from when she first started writing. Hilarious. And extremely interesting, how publishing has changed.
Got back to the hotel in time to meet Sue Grafton, the guest of honour, and share an elevator.
Off to bed. Will ask for a wake-up, to watch the royal wedding - but not sure if we won't just roll right over and go back to sleep. Watch the highlights later. I suspect we'll be doing that!
I'll be doing an on-stage interview with Janet Rudolph, who's receiving the Poirot Award here. The internew is tomorrow at 3pm. Then at 5 there's the opening ceremonies. And I'm on a panel at 8 o'clock tomorrow evening, of all those nominated for the Best Novel Agatha. So, a long day tomorrow. But not as long as Will and Kate's!
Are you going to watch the wedding? If we were home I definitely would. With my nespresso cafe au lait. Not because I'm a huge royal watcher, but I saw his parent's wedding, and that was fun. And heaven knows, he deserves to be happy. And they seem so much in love.
Off to bed now. sleep tight.
Showing posts with label Washington. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Washington. Show all posts
Thursday, 28 April 2011
Sunday, 2 May 2010
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!!!!!
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!!!!!
Thursday, 29 April 2010
No, no, I'm not from Montreal, the home of the Habs...
Sunny, warm, temps mid-70's.
Wow, what a change. We had to wear our boots just to get to the car. Fortunately (unlike last November) both Michael and I remember to change out of them at the airport. Got away nice and early. By 8am. But we'd already had Tony topping up the swimming pool with water and Gary dropping by.
Gary, Michael and I danced around the mud room shouting, 'Habs!!! Habs!!!'
The Montreal Canadiens (known in Canada as the Habs after the french phrsae habitant) defeated the Washington Capitals 2-1 last night to take their series. Against ALL odds. The Habs were the last placed team and the Caps the first. Wow.
Gary's last word before leaving was, 'For God's sake, don't tell them you're from montreal.'
So what's the first thing I say when asked by the cab driver at the Washington airport where we're from? 'Oh, Montreal.'
he gave us the stink-eye.
As I say, Tony also dropped by
Indeed, we knew Tony was there because we heard what sounded like the biggest mouse in the world scrambling away behind a wall. A bull-mouse. Turns out it was just Tony, trying to attach the hose to the outside tap.
Ken and Mary came late yesterday, to vacuum the pool. I have a photo of them shoveling first, to get to it, after our snow fall. Fortunately most of it has fallen off the trees.
Got across the border easily and did the park and shuttle thing at the Burlington Airport. Twice. Let me explain...ahem... the community radio station gave me an MP3 player to record this trip...so I started recording events this morning...bits and piece, inclduing crossing the border. We got to the airport, jumped on the shuttle, checked in, got through security when I realized I'd left the recorder in the car!
Gack!
Told Michael. Dear one volunteered to go all the way back. But I said, No, let's just leave it, I can record another event for them. But he insisted...so I decided I really should go. (a rare moment of clarity). Went back through security, out the airport, waited for the nice shuttle driver...got to the park and shuttle, got the keys, walked to the car...and found the tape machine...lying on the pavement beside the car!!!
Just lying there.
Gack!
Now this is a terribly expensive machine and I'm not at all sure what lie I'd have to tell them. Mugged in Washington, and the only thing they took as the MP3 player.
But I didn't have to...there it was.
Sooo, back on the shuttle, back to the airport, back through security, who now scrutinized me quite closely as a possible psychotic. And found Michael waiting at the gate. Told him the whole amazing story, and thanked him. he was quite chuffed, and he should be.
The flight from Burlington to Washington DC was about an hour...very smooth and easy, and fast.
We arrived, checked in - dodged dirty looks when people realized we were from Quebec... then went to a local seafood house for chowder and sea scallops. Now will spend the evening relaxing before tomorrow. We've been here at Malice Domestic so often it feels like home. Dear, not sure that sounds so good...
Go Habs!!!
Wow, what a change. We had to wear our boots just to get to the car. Fortunately (unlike last November) both Michael and I remember to change out of them at the airport. Got away nice and early. By 8am. But we'd already had Tony topping up the swimming pool with water and Gary dropping by.
Gary, Michael and I danced around the mud room shouting, 'Habs!!! Habs!!!'
The Montreal Canadiens (known in Canada as the Habs after the french phrsae habitant) defeated the Washington Capitals 2-1 last night to take their series. Against ALL odds. The Habs were the last placed team and the Caps the first. Wow.
Gary's last word before leaving was, 'For God's sake, don't tell them you're from montreal.'
So what's the first thing I say when asked by the cab driver at the Washington airport where we're from? 'Oh, Montreal.'
he gave us the stink-eye.
As I say, Tony also dropped by
Indeed, we knew Tony was there because we heard what sounded like the biggest mouse in the world scrambling away behind a wall. A bull-mouse. Turns out it was just Tony, trying to attach the hose to the outside tap.
Ken and Mary came late yesterday, to vacuum the pool. I have a photo of them shoveling first, to get to it, after our snow fall. Fortunately most of it has fallen off the trees.
Got across the border easily and did the park and shuttle thing at the Burlington Airport. Twice. Let me explain...ahem... the community radio station gave me an MP3 player to record this trip...so I started recording events this morning...bits and piece, inclduing crossing the border. We got to the airport, jumped on the shuttle, checked in, got through security when I realized I'd left the recorder in the car!
Gack!
Told Michael. Dear one volunteered to go all the way back. But I said, No, let's just leave it, I can record another event for them. But he insisted...so I decided I really should go. (a rare moment of clarity). Went back through security, out the airport, waited for the nice shuttle driver...got to the park and shuttle, got the keys, walked to the car...and found the tape machine...lying on the pavement beside the car!!!
Just lying there.
Gack!
Now this is a terribly expensive machine and I'm not at all sure what lie I'd have to tell them. Mugged in Washington, and the only thing they took as the MP3 player.
But I didn't have to...there it was.
Sooo, back on the shuttle, back to the airport, back through security, who now scrutinized me quite closely as a possible psychotic. And found Michael waiting at the gate. Told him the whole amazing story, and thanked him. he was quite chuffed, and he should be.
The flight from Burlington to Washington DC was about an hour...very smooth and easy, and fast.
We arrived, checked in - dodged dirty looks when people realized we were from Quebec... then went to a local seafood house for chowder and sea scallops. Now will spend the evening relaxing before tomorrow. We've been here at Malice Domestic so often it feels like home. Dear, not sure that sounds so good...
Go Habs!!!
Saturday, 26 April 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, 24 April 2008
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.
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.
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