Of bestseller lists, calendars, SUGARPLUMS AND SCANDAL

Sugarplums and Scandal, Avon’s holiday anthology featuring mystery and romance writers is out now!  This collection contains the historical short story I’ve been blogging about, “The Lords of Misrule,” featuring Margaret Chase, a character who’s appeared in my Emma Fielding books.  The story is set in 1722 London, it has murder, romance, and Christmas presents—what could be better?  Okay, how about five more stories by fantastic writers Lori Avocato, Mary Daheim, Cait London, Suzanne MacPherson, and Kerrelyn Sparks?  I’m very excited to see my first short story in print. 

And even more good news…Ashes and Bones was on the IMBA (Independent Mystery Booksellers Association) “bestsellers” list for September!  This is so exciting to see, especially after such a tough summer.  Hurrah! 

 You’ll recall a couple of posts back that I mentioned the New England Chapter of Sisters in Crime put together a calendar of many of our members in various crime scenes photographed by Roger Leo.  You'll find me, Lisa Kleinholz, Leslie Meier, Margaret Press, and Leslie Wheeler as March’s “Jail Bait.”  Unlike the movie Calendar Girls, we have our clothes on, but just like in the movie, I’m now heading out west, first to San Diego, and then on to Los Angeles.  No, it’s not to be on Leno—not this time—but it is another Sisters in Crime event, this one geared to teach us how to pitch our books for movies and TV.   Sure, it’s a long shot, but it will be a fun learning experience and if nothing else, I’ll get to hang out in the warm weather, with my friends and Sisters.

I’m heading first to San Diego on Wednesday (yikes, that’s tomorrow!) and a visit to Mysterious Galaxy, one of my favorite independent mystery (and SF) bookstores.  Then Donna Andrews and I will be dropping by stores in LA.  Friday is the start of the SinC event, Saturday we’ll be at Mysteries to Die For, and Sunday is the wrap-up of the Hollywood event.  Hope to see you somewhere in my travels!