Southern California is the largest book-buying market in the United States, and it also has an extensive community of writers. There are many book-related events in town, so after seeing those authors often enough, many begin to feel like family. So it’s always fun when a reunion opportunity arises. Like Saturday at Book Carnival in Orange. Theresa Schwegel and the Orange County chapter of Sisters in Crime hosted a party to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the national organization, which was founded by Sara Paretsky and others to raise the profile of women crime novelists.
Just before the event began, Michael Connelly signed his latest Harry Bosch novel, Echo Park, after which a reception was held for Sisters in Crime members and readers. Among the attending authors were Naomi Hirahara, Steve Hodel, Sue Ann Jaffarian, Darrell and Diana James, Eric Stone, Dianne Emley, Robert Fate, John Morgan Wilson, and Taffy Cannon. It was also a pleasure to meet Colin Cotterill whose novel The Coroners Lunch was an Edgar nominee and the winner of the Dilys award at this year’s Bouchercon in Madison, Wisconsin. Colin is English but he lives in Thailand, so it was interesting to hear his take on various issues including the recent military coup. And check out his Web site. It's handwritten and hilarious. I especially loved his "Dilys" diary.
Also attending the party was intrepid photographer Andrew Klaczak who has chronicled the book signings of many local writers through his pictures. Here are a couple of the shots he’s taken of my events in the past.
At Book Carnival for the signing of Cover Your Assets. There's mom again.
With Ed Thomas, owner of Book Carnival
Thank you Andrew for the great pictures and happy Monday.
The pictures are great, Patty. But thank you especially for the link to Colin's website! What a howl!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the site. Me, too. If his books are half as entertaining as he is in person, all of the accolades are well-deserved. I'm off to the bookstore to find The Coroner's Lunch.
ReplyDeleteFor the record, I'm a proud member of Sisters in Crime, an organization that knows neither prejudice nor bias.
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Anon. I'm a member, too, and I find the members welcoming and supportive.
ReplyDeleteAnd everytime you (or someone else)list a number of these local writers, I fail to recognize 90% of them. I need to go to more book events, or they need to go on the road to do more signings!
ReplyDeleteTom, T.O.
All right so I'm a little late this week. Patty, I see that you had to trot out that lovely mother of yours, just to elicit comments from us!
ReplyDeleteI guess authors know to go with what sells. She's still marvelous!
Marianne, I keep telling Patty that she's gorgeous, but somehow my poise, charm and wit manage to elude her! LOL!
Jeff, better late than never. If I have to trot out me mum to get you to chime in, it's worth it.
ReplyDelete