My Malice Weekend

I know I’m very late posting Malice things. We have family in the DC area and just drove home today (through rain and over the mountains!). On the way there, the highway was lined with blooming redbuds and dogwoods, just like last year. I checked in on Thursday and caught up with a few folks.

Saturday, I was pleased to find all of my novels in the bookstore! I was even more pleased on Sunday when I went to offer to buy back the unsold copies and Kathy Harig put her hand on my stack protectively and told me that those were hers. How nice!

Malice Go Round was the usual breathtaking speed date affair. Well, breathtaking for the authors, and for the listeners when we learned about some great new books we took note of to read.

The Guppy lunch on Friday was well attended. That afternoon was a whirlwind for me. I met my agent, Kim Lionetti in the bar and am once again impressed by her and how much she’s doing for me and how much she cares about my whole career, even beyond the contract she secured for me. Right after that was the panel I was on, for the nominees for Best Historical Novel. 

Harriet Sackler and me on Best Historical panel--Laura Oles

And right after THAT, the Guppy Steering Committee met in the bar (with boas) for an official meeting. We discussed some business in person that probably would have taken days by email. And right after that were the opening ceremonies where I was presented with my certificate for being a nominee. Then was the dinner at Ruth’s Chris given by my next publisher, Berkely Prime Crime. This made me miss the live auction, but my item, a name in a future Fat Cat book, went for a very good price.

Saturday morning started out with the Sisters in Crime breakfast. All the Guppies wore boas by prearrangement. Some people didn’t understand, but that’s OK--we did.  I wanted to attend the 9:00 panel, but missed it and didn’t want to go in late, so instead waited until time to head for my signing at 11:00. 

Signing: Amanda Flower, Christina Freeburn, and me--Dru Ann Love

In the afternoon, my agency treated us to an elegant wine and cupcake reception. (That was probably the best cupcake I’ve ever had!)

I got a big surprise at the Saturday Guppy lunch, so I’m very glad I decided to attend. KB Inglee instituted a brand new award, given by her, called the Cadaver Award. She decided to bestow it on the author whose book she had recommended the most times in 2013. It was my DEATH IN THE TIME OF ICE! And what a fun award: a handknit cadaver who has had an autopsy. I was able to stick it in my name tag badge and wear it the rest of the day.

Me and Cadaver (and Laura Oles)--James M. Jackson

The awards banquet was at 7:00. My family came and helped me cart my goody bags down. Actually, my son in law carried all 8 of them. My table was very fun, with my hubby and daughter and son in law and a bunch of friends and fans. Here’s a link to the nominees and winners. 

Some of my Malice Banquet table--Teresa Inge

The New Authors’ Breakfast came very early on Sunday, then I was actually able to attend some panels, check on my books, and pick up my extra bookmarks before the tea.

Man, was I exhausted after all that!

PS. Thanks to people who sent me some photographs--I didn't take my camera to Malice!