I’ve had a massive amount of hits on my blog since last week. I think it must be because of this article, which ran in our local paper. I’m out of the closet now. Anyone who thought I was at home waxing floors while my kids were at school now knows the truth of what I’ve been up to.
The Arthur Ellis award winners are listed here. And no, my manuscript is not on the list. But that is just fine, because the whole experience has been fantastic.
Here is a list of things I now know, that I did not know one week ago when I arrived in Toronto:
1. Being nominated for an award and sitting through a banquet dinner is a recipe for indigestion.
2. Some truly amazing books were nominated, but did not win.
3. Some truly amazing books were not even nominated.
4. Canadian mystery writers are a fun, generous and welcoming bunch of people.
5. If you ever need inspiration for character development, just hop on the street car on Queen Street, preferably late at night.
6. If you pitch to a big name agent, they might listen, ask insightful questions and give you valuable advice for your next pitch.
7. Or they might try hard not to roll their eyes, and then get away from you as fast as they can.
8. There are many roads that lead to being a published mystery writer with a well-written and well-edited book available in major Canadian bookstores.
9. Very few of the above-mentioned avenues would allow a writer to quit their day job.
10. All of the above-mentioned avenues involve getting to work on the next book – right now.
All in all, a worthwhile trip I’d say.
Fun to meet you in person. Good luck with the book.
Thanks for including us in your journey. I am enjoying the trip! =)
I didn’t need that article to know that you did not entirely spend your time waxing floors! Phew, what a trip, what a lesson! As Casey mentioned above, thank you for including us in your journey.
Good luck in all aspects of your life, good luck with the first manuscript (some higher powers should be invoked as well), and with the second book. Now you know!
Love
Doina
Sounds like you had fun. Good mystery fiction can be a hard thing to come by and any chance to get out and about with other writers is always a good thing.
Glad to hear that you had a good trip. There’s a special spot in my heart for the Queen Street streetcar. Though, on a crazy Saturday night, the College Street streetcar is pretty entertaining.
Thanks everyone for your comments. It was fun having you along for the ride!
I’ll have to try College st. next time E. Did not make it for bicerin this time…but had some pretty fantastic poached eggs.
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