sunny, cooler than usual, temps 13
Hi There: A note - I've taken down a paragraph from this post because I announced something that shouldn't, as yet, be announced. Not for a few days yet...but here's the rest of the post!
It's slightly below seasonable, but wow is it ever great to see the sun. The grass it very long and because of all the rain Wayne can't get the tractor/mower into the field. It's now covered with dandelions. Very pretty, actually, but we'll soon all be out there like Mrs and Mrs Grim Reaper, with scyths. Tony actually still cuts with one on occasion. I swear, if anything disasterous ever happens (that meteor hits) I'm heading over to Pat and Tony's. They're the only people I know who could survive without any of the mod-cons. Though they'd probably eat us.
Had wonderful news later yesterday-
A RULE AGAINST MURDER (THE MURDER STONE) has just been named one of Booklist's top 10mysteries of 2009! Seemed a little premature to me, but their year goes from May to May...so it's all books reviewed between April 2008 and May 1st 2009. Among the others on that list are the wonderful Louise Ure, Lee Child, John Harvey and Ian Rankin.
Yippee!!
I wonder how this sounds to you? I hope it doesn't feel like 'same old, same old.' It sure doesn't to me. I hope I never reach the stage where I just shrug and carry on as though these honours were trivial. I never forget how hard it was to get here, and how many wonderful, talented writers are out there. And what a blessing it is to be recognized. It really is amazing.
How many people would love to have the good fortune I've had? Lots. So how horrible not to know how lucky I am? I never want good luck to be wasted on me.
I also know the only reason most of these honours come my way is because you've read the books, and tell others. I am so grateful. I was so excited last night when I read about Booklist (and especially seeing the other names there).
Unbelievable!
Took Trudy to the vet this morning for her regular heart worm medicine and something for her chronic ear infection (goldens!) but also because we were suddenly concerned she wasn't seeing very well. We'd toss the ball and she wouldn't run, wouldn't follow it with her eyes or head. And when it fell behind her the noise surprised her. She might have been like this for a long time but when we had Maggie perhaps we weren't quite as focussed on this...or maybe Trudy just reacted when Maggie reacted and so it wasn't obvious.
The vet did the 'cotton ball' test. had her sit quietly in front of him. He dropped a cotton ball on the left side of her vision - she immediate looked at it and watched it fall. But on the right there was no reaction...until about the third time. So either she just wasn't interested, already knew what it was, or didn't see the cotton ball - it isn't clear. The great news is her eyes looked fine in examination, and she didn't seem hesitant or timid, nor did she stumble...so she might be fine.
Still, we've made an appointment at the vet hospital, which is a teaching hospital, in a town about an hour away, for next week.
The other great news is that even if something's wrong with her right eye, her left seems perfect...better than nothing.
Had her shaved for summer - she now looks like Stuart Little.
Tuesday, 12 May 2009
Monday, 11 May 2009
Whodunnit?
mainly sunny, breezy, cool temps 8
Much cooler than normal, but I'm beginning to appreciate there is no 'normal'. the great news is when I took trudy around the pond we saw a whole hot ot bees. Phew. bouncing up and down on the dandelions. Last year there weren't many at all, so this is a relief. have to make sure we don't step on them, or eat them (trudy).
Did the first 'new' writing today. 2,000 words. felt good...a relief. and I like what I did. It's getting to that complex stage where all the threads need to start coming together. But in what order? And how to make it seem natural? And while it's necessarily complex when you're reading it I want it to feel as though this is the only way the events could possibly have happened. I want it to feel simple. But rich. Like ice cream. There, I said it. My books are edible.
A dear friend, Bob Knightly, wrote to say his first crime novel, Bodies in Winter, is coming out (under the name Robert Knightly) in the UK in August and the US in November. He's a great guy. Michael and I met him at the wonderful Black Orchid mystery bookstore (with Bonnie, the legendary owner) a few years ago. The bookstore has since closed, and Bob had moved to Albany. He's a retired Brooklyn cop. A lovely, kind man. Like John Lamb, a former cop who does that wonderful Teddy Bear mystery series. Only Bob's writing tends to the more noir.
And heard from another friend today - Mike Harding in Winnipeg. His wife Leslie is raising money for Habitat for Humanity...going on a 1,000 mile bike ride, through North and South Dakota. People do amazing things for other people! I think we'll give a modest donation.
Am off now - make lunch. Feels good to be back writing. Always afraid it won't happen and I'll be left with a book 3/4th finished...and you'll have to figure out the rest for yourselves! Doesn't seem worth the money.
Speak tomorrow.
Much cooler than normal, but I'm beginning to appreciate there is no 'normal'. the great news is when I took trudy around the pond we saw a whole hot ot bees. Phew. bouncing up and down on the dandelions. Last year there weren't many at all, so this is a relief. have to make sure we don't step on them, or eat them (trudy).
Did the first 'new' writing today. 2,000 words. felt good...a relief. and I like what I did. It's getting to that complex stage where all the threads need to start coming together. But in what order? And how to make it seem natural? And while it's necessarily complex when you're reading it I want it to feel as though this is the only way the events could possibly have happened. I want it to feel simple. But rich. Like ice cream. There, I said it. My books are edible.
A dear friend, Bob Knightly, wrote to say his first crime novel, Bodies in Winter, is coming out (under the name Robert Knightly) in the UK in August and the US in November. He's a great guy. Michael and I met him at the wonderful Black Orchid mystery bookstore (with Bonnie, the legendary owner) a few years ago. The bookstore has since closed, and Bob had moved to Albany. He's a retired Brooklyn cop. A lovely, kind man. Like John Lamb, a former cop who does that wonderful Teddy Bear mystery series. Only Bob's writing tends to the more noir.
And heard from another friend today - Mike Harding in Winnipeg. His wife Leslie is raising money for Habitat for Humanity...going on a 1,000 mile bike ride, through North and South Dakota. People do amazing things for other people! I think we'll give a modest donation.
Am off now - make lunch. Feels good to be back writing. Always afraid it won't happen and I'll be left with a book 3/4th finished...and you'll have to figure out the rest for yourselves! Doesn't seem worth the money.
Speak tomorrow.
Sunday, 10 May 2009
Creeping up on the book....
overcast, cold, rain temps 5
Dear God - is it ever cold! And damp - and rainy. Torrential downpours yesterday - we now have three 'lakes' around our home - thank heaven Trudy's a water dog. So are we, now.
Still, it's not bad at all. I love this stage of writing (except for the cold terror). Sat by the fire today, sipping cafe au laits, eating cereal, and writing. Actually, for the past 2 days I've been editing. Have been away for 10 days and that's really hard at this stage in a manuscript. Took 2 days to get caught up on paperwork - then started in on the book yesterday.
I was frightened. Wanted to do anything but work on it. Afraid I'd lost the thread. Afraid I'd lost the desire. Afraid I'd get back to it and discover it really was crap.
So I decided to be kind to myself...to creep up on it. So I put up the previous 4 chapters and started by reading/editing them. To get back into the world I'd created. The characters. Remind myself where I was with the plot and sub-plots. It worked and I think I'm back to spped. What I think I'll do now is speed ahead with the main story line, and finish that. Drive it home. Then in the first revision pick up the threads of the sub-plots.
That's the plan.
Books, of course, never go to plan. Remember that wonderful Somerset Maughm quote - There are five rules for writing great novel. Unfortunately no one knows what they are.
Set up the screen porch Friday night - put out the table and chairs, rocking chairs and uncovered the sofa. Had a wonderful breakfast out there yesterday - then the rains came. Our porch roof has leaked for a year now...almost ruining last summer which was warm but rainy so we couldn't eat out there.
Fingers crossed it gets fixed soon...Gary's coming Thursday so we hope this is it. Frustrating for him and for us.
God - it's raining again.
Exercised today - always feels good and now Michael and I are curled up in the TV room watching the Players...they're all bunched up together, within a couple shots of each other. Very exciting!
Will try to blog tomorrow...I feel like I'm finally getting back into my routine. Terror level down to amber.
Dear God - is it ever cold! And damp - and rainy. Torrential downpours yesterday - we now have three 'lakes' around our home - thank heaven Trudy's a water dog. So are we, now.
Still, it's not bad at all. I love this stage of writing (except for the cold terror). Sat by the fire today, sipping cafe au laits, eating cereal, and writing. Actually, for the past 2 days I've been editing. Have been away for 10 days and that's really hard at this stage in a manuscript. Took 2 days to get caught up on paperwork - then started in on the book yesterday.
I was frightened. Wanted to do anything but work on it. Afraid I'd lost the thread. Afraid I'd lost the desire. Afraid I'd get back to it and discover it really was crap.
So I decided to be kind to myself...to creep up on it. So I put up the previous 4 chapters and started by reading/editing them. To get back into the world I'd created. The characters. Remind myself where I was with the plot and sub-plots. It worked and I think I'm back to spped. What I think I'll do now is speed ahead with the main story line, and finish that. Drive it home. Then in the first revision pick up the threads of the sub-plots.
That's the plan.
Books, of course, never go to plan. Remember that wonderful Somerset Maughm quote - There are five rules for writing great novel. Unfortunately no one knows what they are.
Set up the screen porch Friday night - put out the table and chairs, rocking chairs and uncovered the sofa. Had a wonderful breakfast out there yesterday - then the rains came. Our porch roof has leaked for a year now...almost ruining last summer which was warm but rainy so we couldn't eat out there.
Fingers crossed it gets fixed soon...Gary's coming Thursday so we hope this is it. Frustrating for him and for us.
God - it's raining again.
Exercised today - always feels good and now Michael and I are curled up in the TV room watching the Players...they're all bunched up together, within a couple shots of each other. Very exciting!
Will try to blog tomorrow...I feel like I'm finally getting back into my routine. Terror level down to amber.
Friday, 8 May 2009
When we grow up...
overcast, some rain and some sun highs 14
Really quite warm when the sun is out. Continuing to find it blissful to be home. We're so lucky with the people in our lives...since we've been home we've had a parade of people coming by to help us fix things...the pool has a leak and digging needed to be done, the computers crashed and a bunch of other things so it sometimes feels like a train station, with cars and trucks lined up in the driveway!
But they're all friends, and all doing us favours, and it sure is fun to see them. We're so thankful - honestly, I sometimes feel like an insurance person (what's the name)who calculates how long people might live. I'm constantly hoping I go before anyone else, because without them my life would be a misery!
Went off to Richford, vermont, for gas and to mail a bunch of packages to people in the States. Young US border guard asked all sorts of questions. I could feel myself blushing...I'm a blusher. Always feel, and look, guilty. Of course, sometimes I am. Happily, not this time and after a brief search he let me through.
Now doing a hundred odds and ends, some to do with the books and some to do with our move...downsizing in Montreal to a smaller apartment. Better located too. Looking forward to it!
Have been fielding appearance requests and have had to decline almost all...just not enough time anymore. But I did say yes to Bear Pond Books in Vermont - for sometimes in october. Will be doing it at same times as a bookstore in Norwich, Vermont. And, I also wanted to tell you about an event coming up in Toronto. It's at the Toronto Referecne Library on June 2nd at 7pm.
A bunch of mystery writers will be having their works read by local celebrities. Also there will be Maureen Jennings, Vicki Delany, Linwood Barclay, Gail Bowen and Susanne Kearsley.
My best friend from high school will be reading an excerpt from THE MURDER STONE (A RULE AGAINST MURDER). Wendy Mesley. I can't tell you how thrilled I am she's doing it. I'm already so moved at the thought of her up there reading...and remembering all the hours and hours we sent together, dreaming of what we'd be doing when we grow up. And here she is, perhaps the most respected journalist in Canada. And as kind as she is clever.
Can hardly wait.
And it's open to the public, so if you'd like to come it would be such fun to see you! And all the authors books will be for sale and we'd all be happy to sign.
Off to respond to an email from the Japanese translator for The Cruelest Month. She's marvelous...always wants to make certain she understand the references.
Really quite warm when the sun is out. Continuing to find it blissful to be home. We're so lucky with the people in our lives...since we've been home we've had a parade of people coming by to help us fix things...the pool has a leak and digging needed to be done, the computers crashed and a bunch of other things so it sometimes feels like a train station, with cars and trucks lined up in the driveway!
But they're all friends, and all doing us favours, and it sure is fun to see them. We're so thankful - honestly, I sometimes feel like an insurance person (what's the name)who calculates how long people might live. I'm constantly hoping I go before anyone else, because without them my life would be a misery!
Went off to Richford, vermont, for gas and to mail a bunch of packages to people in the States. Young US border guard asked all sorts of questions. I could feel myself blushing...I'm a blusher. Always feel, and look, guilty. Of course, sometimes I am. Happily, not this time and after a brief search he let me through.
Now doing a hundred odds and ends, some to do with the books and some to do with our move...downsizing in Montreal to a smaller apartment. Better located too. Looking forward to it!
Have been fielding appearance requests and have had to decline almost all...just not enough time anymore. But I did say yes to Bear Pond Books in Vermont - for sometimes in october. Will be doing it at same times as a bookstore in Norwich, Vermont. And, I also wanted to tell you about an event coming up in Toronto. It's at the Toronto Referecne Library on June 2nd at 7pm.
A bunch of mystery writers will be having their works read by local celebrities. Also there will be Maureen Jennings, Vicki Delany, Linwood Barclay, Gail Bowen and Susanne Kearsley.
My best friend from high school will be reading an excerpt from THE MURDER STONE (A RULE AGAINST MURDER). Wendy Mesley. I can't tell you how thrilled I am she's doing it. I'm already so moved at the thought of her up there reading...and remembering all the hours and hours we sent together, dreaming of what we'd be doing when we grow up. And here she is, perhaps the most respected journalist in Canada. And as kind as she is clever.
Can hardly wait.
And it's open to the public, so if you'd like to come it would be such fun to see you! And all the authors books will be for sale and we'd all be happy to sign.
Off to respond to an email from the Japanese translator for The Cruelest Month. She's marvelous...always wants to make certain she understand the references.
Thursday, 7 May 2009
Home
rain, cool, temps 15
HOME! Oh, does this feel wonderful. Everything is emerald green and young and fresh and achingly beautiful. And home, home, home.
It feels like such a long time away...and sorry I couldn't blog sooner, but very glad not to have taken the laptop along...so busy anyway.
Love that it's raining here, and I don't care. Indeed, want to lay a fire, and lie in front of it this afternoon, reading and relaxing, drinking tea and snoozing. Plan to take next couple of days away from writing to get caught up. Loads of emailing and mailing of books and other things. Feels like a mountain. You know what it's like - getting back to work after time away. Still, one thing at a time and it all gets done.
Had a blast in Pittsburgh, and the road trip with Marcia Talley, Elaine Viets, Rhys Bowen, Mary Jane Maffini and GM Maillet. We laughed and laughed. And I got a chance to listen to Elaine and Marcia (whose car I was in for about 10 hours or more) talk about their experiences as mystery writers, and the community. Hilarious at times, but also very informative.
And had more great news...THE CRUELEST MONTH has been shortlisted for a Macavity Awards, which will be given out at Bouchercon in october. It's up for Best Novel. GM's book, DEATH OF A COZY WRITER is up for Best First. And Rhys Bowen's A ROYAL PAIN is up for Best Historical. Very fun...and fun to be with that group.
And now I'm going to head off...more correspondence and interviews to do. Before breakfast, after walking Trudy, I went into the cutting garden and got a whole lot of stunning tulips. Will return shortly for daffodils.
What a life. Hectic, buccolic, peaceful and frantic. Wonderful.
HOME! Oh, does this feel wonderful. Everything is emerald green and young and fresh and achingly beautiful. And home, home, home.
It feels like such a long time away...and sorry I couldn't blog sooner, but very glad not to have taken the laptop along...so busy anyway.
Love that it's raining here, and I don't care. Indeed, want to lay a fire, and lie in front of it this afternoon, reading and relaxing, drinking tea and snoozing. Plan to take next couple of days away from writing to get caught up. Loads of emailing and mailing of books and other things. Feels like a mountain. You know what it's like - getting back to work after time away. Still, one thing at a time and it all gets done.
Had a blast in Pittsburgh, and the road trip with Marcia Talley, Elaine Viets, Rhys Bowen, Mary Jane Maffini and GM Maillet. We laughed and laughed. And I got a chance to listen to Elaine and Marcia (whose car I was in for about 10 hours or more) talk about their experiences as mystery writers, and the community. Hilarious at times, but also very informative.
And had more great news...THE CRUELEST MONTH has been shortlisted for a Macavity Awards, which will be given out at Bouchercon in october. It's up for Best Novel. GM's book, DEATH OF A COZY WRITER is up for Best First. And Rhys Bowen's A ROYAL PAIN is up for Best Historical. Very fun...and fun to be with that group.
And now I'm going to head off...more correspondence and interviews to do. Before breakfast, after walking Trudy, I went into the cutting garden and got a whole lot of stunning tulips. Will return shortly for daffodils.
What a life. Hectic, buccolic, peaceful and frantic. Wonderful.
Sunday, 3 May 2009
YAY!!!
rainy, misty
We won!!!! The Agatha for best novel!!! I was absolutely floored and still am. Stunned and staggered. And thrilled. It was such a strong field. Not certain what I said in my speech except, somehow, I remember saying something about Anne perry's facial hair. Dear Lord. Well, not her actual hair, but they put a photo of her up on a screen and the screen had a semi-circular smudge, right at her upper lip. Looked exactly like a moustache.
Wish i hadn't said that. Just spoke to her now and made certain she knew it wasn't meant as an insult. She really is lovely.
Other winners of Agatha's were:
GM Maillet, Best First Novel, for Death of a Cozy Writer
Kathy Lynn Emerson, Best Non-Fiction, How to Write Killer Historical Mysteries
Dana Cameron, Best Short Story, The Night things changed
Chris Grabenstein, Best Young Adult, The Crossroads
Congratulations to everyone.
I'm still trembling. I was no expecting it, which helped. meant I was totally relaxed. Michael and I were hosting a table. We'd taken hardcover copies of The Crulest Month and handmade chocolates from the chocolate place in Sutton. And were just having a fun time. Unlike me, really, not to be nervous. But when The Cruelest Month was read out I brought my hands to my face and paused there a monent. Then kissed (almost up on assualt charges) everyone in my path - whether they wanted it or not. Poor Michael I almost pawed.
The publisher, Andy martin, sprang from his chair, ran across the room, hugged me and whispered. "I can't believe it!'
Actually, I know what he meant. I can't either.
Michael's on his way home...but just emailed from the airport to say the plane has been delayed almost 2 hours! Yech. I go home Tuesday, but at the rate he's going I might get there first. I'll be happy when he phones and emails to say the plane has landed...always feels better.
Off to do a few more things then check out of the hotel.
But, one more things to do...
YIPPPPPPEEEEEEE!!!!!!
We won!!!! The Agatha for best novel!!! I was absolutely floored and still am. Stunned and staggered. And thrilled. It was such a strong field. Not certain what I said in my speech except, somehow, I remember saying something about Anne perry's facial hair. Dear Lord. Well, not her actual hair, but they put a photo of her up on a screen and the screen had a semi-circular smudge, right at her upper lip. Looked exactly like a moustache.
Wish i hadn't said that. Just spoke to her now and made certain she knew it wasn't meant as an insult. She really is lovely.
Other winners of Agatha's were:
GM Maillet, Best First Novel, for Death of a Cozy Writer
Kathy Lynn Emerson, Best Non-Fiction, How to Write Killer Historical Mysteries
Dana Cameron, Best Short Story, The Night things changed
Chris Grabenstein, Best Young Adult, The Crossroads
Congratulations to everyone.
I'm still trembling. I was no expecting it, which helped. meant I was totally relaxed. Michael and I were hosting a table. We'd taken hardcover copies of The Crulest Month and handmade chocolates from the chocolate place in Sutton. And were just having a fun time. Unlike me, really, not to be nervous. But when The Cruelest Month was read out I brought my hands to my face and paused there a monent. Then kissed (almost up on assualt charges) everyone in my path - whether they wanted it or not. Poor Michael I almost pawed.
The publisher, Andy martin, sprang from his chair, ran across the room, hugged me and whispered. "I can't believe it!'
Actually, I know what he meant. I can't either.
Michael's on his way home...but just emailed from the airport to say the plane has been delayed almost 2 hours! Yech. I go home Tuesday, but at the rate he's going I might get there first. I'll be happy when he phones and emails to say the plane has landed...always feels better.
Off to do a few more things then check out of the hotel.
But, one more things to do...
YIPPPPPPEEEEEEE!!!!!!
Saturday, 2 May 2009
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.
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.
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