I’m sipping a nice glass of wine, and a fire crackles in the metal-ringed pit at my feet. It’s a very good night.
It’s also Edgars night, the annual fancy dress-up party where Mystery Writers of America presents the Edgar Awards to recognize the best in mystery fiction and nonfiction. Some day, I will attend the Edgars in person, but tonight, I’m keeping an eye on the action via Twitter.
I have a special interest in the awards this year. My favorite bookstore, the Raven in Lawrence, Kansas, received the Raven Award in recognition of outstanding achievement in the mystery field outside the realm of creative writing. As if that’s not cool enough, local father-daughter writing team Bill James and Rachel McCarthy James were nominated in the best fact crime category for their book The Man From the Train: The Solving of a Century-Old Serial Killer Mystery, in which they applied modern research tools to the really, really cold case of a traveling axe murderer.
As the moon plays peek-a-boo through light clouds and the barred owl calls its mate back to the old tree, I appreciate the technology that lets me experience the magic of Edgars night virtually. The real deal—trip to New York, little black dress, high heels, and all—is part of my writer’s bucket list, but tonight I’m content to toast the winners from afar in sweatshirt-and-slippers comfort.
My most sincere congratulations to all of the winners and nominees of this year’s Edgar Awards. You can find the complete list here.
Since I’m not much on crowds, and don’t really care for tuxedos and the like, I’d rather be sharing your fire and listening to the barred owls. But, I hope some day you cross the Edgars off your bucket list. I know lots of writers who have gone and enjoyed themselves.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great way to participate in the Edgars banquet. Onwards!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a delightful evening
ReplyDeleteJim - Most of the time, I prefer the fireside to the fancy parties, too. But I do hope to get to the Edgars some day, just to experience it in person. Until then, the owls and coyotes are terrific company on a beautiful spring night.
ReplyDeleteMargaret and Warren - I could do with more lovely evenings by the fire. It's one of my favorite ways to relax.
ReplyDeleteJulie, several of us are gathered at Malice Domestic this weekend. I've heard from several folks how valued Edgar's readers are. Congratulations on this honor and thank you for your service.
ReplyDeletePaula - thank you for sharing that! Malice is ALSO on my writer's bucket list. I'm loving the photos and stories I see on social media this weekend.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you got a good overview of the status of crime fiction today by serving as a judge for the Edgar's! That was a generous contribution of time and energy.
ReplyDeleteI've gone to Malice a few times (loved it!) and perhaps some day will make it to the Edgars ceremonies.
KM - You are so right about that (overview of the status of crime fiction). And I learned a few things for my own writing along the way!
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