2. They say it might hit 90 today. I’m thinking they are wrong. but it’s warming up.

3. So much writing to do that I feel guilty taking 30 minutes to run. But it’s my sanity. And therefore a MUST.

4. Jen’s voice on the phone this morning. Gosh, I love her.

5. Stage week for the girls dance showcase. Late nights. Short tempers.And last minute runs to the store for hairnets, bobby pins, and so on.

Scrapbook of Secrets didn’t win the Agatha for best first novel. I know everybody says this—and so it appears a little cliche and maybe fake—but truly, I was honored to be on that very short list of authors.

Here they are— with apologies to the photographer for no credit. This picture was going around on Facebook and I could not figure out who the original belonged to.

From left to right: Stephanie Jay Evans, Erika Chase, Duffy Brown, Me, and Susan Boyer

In fact, I was just thrilled to be in the same space as Louise Penny, Laura Lippman, and so many other writers whose work I’ve admired through the years. Besides the writers, the readers make the event really magical for me. Imagine someone knowing your characters and your plot and coming up to you and saying “I think Beatrice should do so and so.” I mean, really? You can’t ask for more than that as a writer.

At Malice, I participated in the famous “Malice-Go-Round.”  Authors go from table to table and pitch our books to readers. We are timed and have to keep it within 2 minutes. I had a fabulous partner in Linda O. Johnston, who was also my roomie at the hotel. They say to think of this event as “speed dating for writers” and it is really like that.

Here we all are (once again, I have no idea who this photo really belongs to) :

The Festival of Mystery is Pittsburgh is a bit like that , too. It’s organized and hosted by the fabulous Mystery Lover’s Book Store in Oakmont, Pa. Readers are already lined up to get in to the festival when we arrive. Here’s some shots of the crowd waiting outside the building:

And when they enter, they are eager to chat with writers—and to buy our books. The other part of the festival is that the authors are interviewed on a stage where they, of course, get to talk about their books.

Here’s a shot of the audience:

By that time, I was a bit pooped, I must admit, and forgot half of what I wanted to say. But I think I did well—because I signed some books and talked with readers after that.

Connecting with readers is really what events like this are all about. Next on my schedule is a reading with two other mystery authors in Staunton, Va., a neighboring town. Hope to meet more readers there. And after that, New York!

This year, SCRAPBOOK OF SECRETS is up for the Agatha Award for the Best First Novel of 2012, so I will be attending the awards banquet on Saturday night. Of course, I’m extremely honored to be included on the list of nominations and I’m humbled by the group of writers that are also on that list.

After Malice Domestic on Sunday, I’ll be driving a group of writers up to the Festival of Mystery in Oakmont, Pa., which takes place on Monday, May 6.

If you are attending Malice, I hope to see you there. Here’s my schedule of events —but I will be attending as many panels as possible.  By all means, if you spot me at a panel in the audience, or in the hallway, or at the bar, introduce yourself. I love chatting with readers!

Friday

Malice Go Round at 10

Opening Ceremonies at 5

Reception at 9

Saturday

Panel at 2 “New Kids on the Block: Our Agatha Best First Novel Nominees”

Book signing 5:00 in the atrium

Awards banquet: 7:00

Monday: The Mystery Lover’s Festival, Oakmont, Pa.

2. Blowing pink blossoms falling into puddles. Pretty.

3. Malice Domestic is NEXT WEEK!

4. Shopping. Grrrr.

5. Pollen, pollen, everywhere….Ah-choo!

2. Pink, white, and yellow blossoms popping against the dark sky.

3. Can’t wait for Malice Domestic. So excited—and nervous!

4. Edits on DEATH OF AN IRISH DIVA. Enough? Not enough? So hard to tell!

5. One foot in front of the other. Feet on pavement. Breath in lungs.

2. Tonight is my 50th b-day party. It’s going to be so much fun. I think.

3. Water is a great thing. I want some.

4. Perfect cool morning for a run. Warm sun. Cool breeze. Ni-ice.

5. Should start everyday with a bit of chocolate. Yep.

2. Have I told you about the new title we are kicking around for book #3 in the Cumberland Creek Mysteries? Death of an Irish Diva. Fingers crossed that we use it!

3. It’s a bit windy. Sometimes I’m running against the wind–which reminds me of that Bob Seger song. Every time.

4. So much to work on–where to begin???

5. I love getting hot and sweaty and feeling the cool breeze against my skin.

A few days ago, I was interviewed by WVTF’s Sandy Hausman about my books. Here is a link to that interview.

This weekend, I’ll be attending the Virginia Festival of the Book. I’ll be on a panel with other mystery authors. “Who Knew this Job Could Be So Dangerous?”

The festival is a great opportunity for readers to learn more about and meet their favorite authors. For more about the festival, click here.

I hope to see some of you there. It’s a fantastic event.