I’m so glad to be back with you, my dears. This past week was full of fun and travel and maybe even a little glamor, but I’m home now from New York, grateful and a bit weary. If you’re an introvert like me, you know what a mixed blessing travel can be. There are those moments of worry and feeling overwhelmed, mixed with a kind of euphoria when you realize, “Hey, the world can be a very cool, fascinating place.”
On Wednesday, I was at the Edgars symposium, on a panel about creating villains in crime fiction. Then the Edgar Awards banquet took place on Thursday night. My short story, A Paler Shade of Death, was a finalist, but the Edgar went to the legendary Lawrence Block. I can’t think of a better writer crime writer to lose an Edgar to. You may not believe it, but I was way more worried about presenting the Best Novel Award. I couldn’t even tell you that I was the chairperson of the Best Novel Committee. Talk about secrets! Our committee looked at well over 500 books, and we weren’t even allowed to comment on them over the year. It was almost impossible to choose, but I think we came up with a great list of finalists. Noah Hawley won for his novel, Before the Fall. You can check out the other finalists’ books here. They’re all worth a closer look.
I always overpack for trips and end up being irritated with myself because I hate trying to manage too much luggage. So this time, I packed light. That meant I couldn’t bring my SLR camera with me, and was limited to my iPhone camera. My phone photos never come out very well. (Probably because I’m too lazy to figure out how to make the most of it ; ) But I did manage to take a few.
A face in a door near our hotel.
Despite the fact that I booked the hotel room in my name, and through my loyalty account, they were apparently expecting my husband. 🙄
See? When I use an iPhone flash, even food looks like a mugshot. At Bill’s Bar and Burger near Rockefeller Center.
Somehow appropriate that Zeus hangs out at Rockefeller Center.
Mercury too.
So glad the rain stayed away so I could wear my pewter Tieks.
Who knew the city could smell so good? The scent of hyacinths was heady and refreshing.
With Short Story nominees Megan Abbott, and Lawrence Block (winner). I guess Joyce Carol Oates and Stephen King were busy. 😕
Bathroom selfies are kind of weird, but I had to show off my two ribbon badges!
The adorable and generous Hank Phillippi Ryan was the only other dual-ribbon nominee I saw. I love her and her writing!
My dynamite agent, Susan Raihofer–You know her as Agent Susan. (Darn it. Seeing this, I think I should’ve gone for the Spanx. Have I mentioned how I hate them?!)
From inside the Flat Iron building.
At an Eric Kayser boulangerie. To. Die. For.
So many blossoms.
I spent Saturday morning in Chinatown. This seller had a huge basket of in-season soft shell crabs. I took a video, but forgot to take a still shot. You can see the video on my Instagram.
I like to think that the shrimp I had for lunch on Saturday came from here.
Said shrimp with a brilliant, spicy garlic sauce for dipping.
Shanghai cuisine across from Columbus Park.
We visited the September 11th museum. It was an unforgettable experience that I don’t think I could ever repeat. The quilt is deeply touching.
May 1st Words
Journal: 350 words
Long fiction: 0 words
Short fiction: 125 words
Non-fiction: 0 words
Blogging: 614 words
Exercise: Not today. Back on the pony tomorrow.
So glad to have you back!!!
Thanks, doll! 💜
You were certainly missed! Your pictures are wonderful, too, and you look stunning in that fabulous dress. I loved the shot of the 9/11 quilt and so man other wonderful scenes of NYC! Thanks for sharing; your trip was a major success, too; now how many people get close to this distinguished award.
You are so nice, Skye. Thank you! It was a grand week, indeed. 💜