It seems like only yesterday that I was jetting off to the Canadian crime writing conference Bloody Words in Toronto, but it was in fact a whole year ago. And what a difference a year can make!
Looking back, these past twelve months seem to have been all about waiting. Waiting to find out if my manuscript won the “Unhanged Arthur” (it didn’t), waiting to hear back from agents who were reading it (some said no, some others said yes), waiting for the agency contract to arrive and then come back again signed (it did). There were times when I seriously thought I might explode from all that waiting. I’m not a very patient person by nature, but I’m learning.
It is amazing now to look back on a year where progress came in great leaps, followed by relentless periods where nothing seemed to be happening, and to see how far things really have come.
Last night’s Arthur Ellis Awards banquet is a case in point. Last year, I knew exactly one person when I walked into that restaurant in Toronto. (My aunt – she was my date.) Last night, after working as the banquet chair for over six months with an amazing team from the Crime Writers of Canada – it felt like old home week. I had met, or emailed, or Skyped or phoned every single one of the 75 people in attendance, and many others besides. We had a fantastic time celebrating Canadian crime fiction in Victoria last night. Even those who weren’t able to make it said they felt they were there, through live tweets, and photos uploaded instantly to Facebook and Twitter.
Today, Bloody Words 2011 starts. In about an hour in fact. I can’t wait to get there and continue the celebration. No doubt there will be plenty more waiting in the next twelve months, and the twelve months after that, and so on. It seems authors are always waiting for something, which is maybe why this “bloody gang”, as they call themselves, have such a good time at this conference every year. It’s a chance to pause the waiting game, and just enjoy ourselves, each other, and this genre of writing that we all love so much.
Hope to see you there!
You are amazing! Go girl go!
I thought I already commented on this but it didn’t work I guess. You are awesome. It’s been so nice following along your journey this year. Look it at how much you’ve accomplished. I remember when we first started working together. You’ve climbed mountains.
Some times we shall chugalug together. Is Alice Gordan around in your gang? If so, buy her a drink for me. S
Yes will will do that one day, Sheree! I did not meet Alice this time around. Next time we can all close the bar together.
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