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Yep, you guessed it - Edgar nomination time…and the fur is already flying. But then, you’re not surprised, are you? I’m sure as hell not.
And - as usual - some of the whiners haven’t a brain between them, and trying to detect some logic in their complaints is like fighting with a one-armed man. Naturally, it’s the same old story line - favorite’s weren’t nominated and should have been, yada, yada, yada. People seem to forget that the Edgar’s is not a popularity contest. But the major bitch - again - and this was in several places - was that of the fifteen slots in Best Novel, Best First Novel, and Best Paperback Original - only three women were nominated. Oh, please. I mean, can’t we get past this? Isn’t it time to stop with this nonsense and lay off the judges? I mean, come on here - it should be obvious by now that judges are acutely aware of the ’gender bias’ screaming that would ensue. Don’t you think they all felt that swinging sword hanging over their heads as they read over 500 submissions? Can you imagine what that felt like? If you’ve ever been a judge, then I know you do. If you haven’t, then don’t cast stones, okay? I guarantee you they worked like hell to be fair and objective, and deserve a vote of thanks for giving up damn near a year of their free time.
And how - you may ask - do I know this to be true? Easy. I was one of the judges…one of eight for Best Novel. So if you still feel a need to complain, you know where to find me. And I’m also an ITW judge this year for Best First Novel. When that list comes out - you may not like that one either. So, like I said…you know where to find me. But not yet, okay? We’re not even ready for a short-list.
Something else to keep in mind - judges have their favorite writers and books just like you…so your favorite writers didn’t make the cut? Well, maybe some of our personal favorites didn’t either. Ever think about that? What it all boils down to is that the books are eventually short-listed because of their excellence…voice, originality, execution and plot. No agenda, no smoke-filled back room, no politics, no cliques, no diabolical plots, and no playing favorites. So, like my pal, F. Paul Wilson said when we discussed this very issue at the first Thriller Awards banquet (when we were both judges) - “It’s what’s between the pages, not between the legs.”
The new story, at least to me, is how many members of Dorothy L and 4MA had never heard of many of the Edgar nominees! Now, these are a pretty savvy group of readers - 4,000+! Many of whom are reviewers, authors, indy booksellers and librarians. That alone tells me all the Edgar judges did a hell of a job in selecting books based on what they deemed merit and not author popularity, gender, or promotion buzz.
So - let’s just wish all those nominated our congratulations for being singled out by their peers…and remind them…and everyone else…that win, or lose, the nomination alone is a great honor and they should all take a bow.
And so should all the judges for a difficult and time consuming job.
What’s more important than complaining about who was, or wasn’t nominated - is that we should be concerned about the health of Mysteryville. With folks worried about the economy - book sales are already plummeting, indies are closing shop and print reviewers are dropping like flies. Looks like a stormy year ahead for the book biz, kids. So if your sales are down, don’t take it personally, don’t scream at your publisher, your agent, your dog - or doubt yourself - it’s just life right now. Will the boom days return? Hell if I know.
Publishers Lunch said they reported 6,500 new deals in 2007! Granted, that figure includes non-fiction, and, no doubt, new contracts for established writers, but when you include the slew of new writers joining the fold every day (don’t get me wrong, that’s not a bad thing) - you gotta wonder just how much of the pie is left, huh? Methinks the slice days are over - so grab what crumbs you can, tour where the cost won’t kill you, and keep a smile on your face. It could be worse. Yeah, it could - folks might go back to watching TV instead of reading. :)
ANYWAY…
I was going to add a ‘GENTS I LIKE TO DRINK WITH’….but I changed my mind. Purely selfish reasons. If I told you who they are, there might not be room for me at that cozy table in the bar. So you’ll just have to find out on your own. 
And - no LADIES YOU’D LIKE TO LUNCH WITH this month. I’m on a diet.
I’LL BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW DEPT:
Got this from the latest Smithsonian - Marmosets display ‘unsolicited prosociality‘. This means they give without expecting something in return. Kinda nice, huh? And this can also be exhibited by humans now and then. Think Patry Francis. Several of her writer gal pals did a mega blog blitz on January 29th talking up her debut book - THE LIAR’S DIARY. Patry, as most of you know, has been seriously ill and unable to get out and promote. So, kids - give her a try, okay?
Going to LOVE IS MURDER? Got some advanced scoop for ‘ya. Be sure to check out what will probably be one of the funniest damn panels ever devised - ‘FRIENDS OF DAVE’. Yep, you read that right. David Montgomery will be moderating what I’ll bet is gonna be a hilarious roast. Oh, the friends? Well, how’s Barry Eisler, Paul Guyot and Lee Child? Okay, you guys - I’m expecting photos from that panel for the March column!
People are talking about Amazon’s Kindle. And so is Consumer’s Report. They aren’t crazy about it at all. If you’re thinking about laying out $400 for one, I suggest you pick up a copy.
This one cracked me up - and Allison Brennan will probably hit me over the head with her new lap top for telling you - but Ballantine is promoting her as “Thomas Harris meets Julie Garwood”. I love it because it’s true. She’s that good.
SPOTLIGHTING…
The one and only Michael Palmer. Why did I say ‘the one and only’? Because he is not just another NYT writer who keeps us glued to his books - he’s a rare man who, besides giving us thrilling plots - still finds time to work part time for the Massachusetts Medical Society as an Associate Director of their physician health program, helping doctors put their lives together as they suffer with physical and mental illness - and - sadly - substance abuse. A round of applause, if you please, for a dedicated humanitarian!
Michael’s latest - THE FIRST PATIENT - is out now and you’ll never guess who gave him this blurb: “An exciting thriller that is full of surprises and captures the intense atmosphere of the White House, how the medical system works, and how the 25th Amendment could be brought into play. I thoroughly enjoyed it!” Give up? Bill Clinton. Yep, you read that right. Not bad, huh? But then, neither is Michael.
And then there is C.J. Lyons - yet another angel of mercy. Besides working full time as a pediatric ER doctor, C.J.’s debut book - LIFELINES - finally comes out March 4th. Admid all of this - I still don’t know where C.J. found the time to chair the first ThrillerFest in Phoenix. Talk about a workaholic! Best wishes to you, C.J.!
One might call Sharan Newman an ‘angel of mercy’ as well. I mean, if you read the Da Vinci Code. :) Thanks to Sharan’s best seller - THE REAL HISTORY BEHIND THE DA VINCI CODE - a lot of misinformation was finally cleared up. The book is ingeniously in encyclopedic format and gives information on various topics mentioned in DVC. And now, Sharan - who is a medieval historian, a Macavity and Bruce Alexander award winner - has a new page turner for us - THE SHANGHAI TUNNEL. Oh, what you’ll learn about Portland, Oregon’s history!
INDEPENDENT BOOKSELLER’S CORNER…
Vicki Lane generously gave me a list of her favorites…of course, you need to be in North Carolina to drop in…
Malaprops, 55 Haywood Street, Asheville, NC
Accent on Books, 854 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC
City Lights, 3 E. Jackson Street, Sylva, NC
Osondu Booksellers, 184 N. Main Street, Waynesville, NC
AND CONGRATS TO…
Nick Stone - KING OF SWORDS is gonna be a movie!! TA DA!! This really is one hell of a book. Just remember to keep the lights on when you go to bed.
Carl Brookins - the first book in his new series - BLOODY HALLS - is out now, and is based on his years of working in academia. Ouch.
Barbara Fister - finally, this terrific writer has a new book coming out in April - IN THE WIND. I’m telling you about it now because I want you to be sure to make a note to buy it. And, well…my office is a mess and I might lose the note.
Evil E’s Interrogators - Julia Spencer-Fleming is joining our intrepid team!
Steve Brewer - whose birthday is…TODAY! Happy Birthday, Bubba!
AND NOW…FOR THE SERIOUS STUFF…
We left our team deciding there was no point in BEATING THE BABUSHKA, so instead they trode on IN COLD PURSUIT of DEADMAN’S SWITCH hoping to catch up with ROBBIE’S WIFE who would, they thought, reveal WHO IS CONRAD HIRST? But some of the team held little hope - feeling certain they were in for a series of HEAD GAMES. Nonetheless, with THE WHOLE WORLD WATCHING, they knew THE STAKE was worth their efforts and they’d do what was necessary. Even in THE HEAT OF THE MOMENT - they knew ALL SINS FORGIVEN would be something to hang their hats on. By nightfall, they found MOTHER BRIMSTONE who pointed them to ANGOLA SOUTH - and that was one hell of a RUDE AWAKENING! All this time - and they’d been going in the wrong direction? No! It was impossible! Man, these guys were ready for THE SCREAMING ROOM about now - but - tough as they were - and not ignoring this latest reality check - they still felt as if they’d been hit with a SUCKER PUNCH even though THE SCENT OF BLOOD was still fresh. THE COMMISSION must go on, and while the road ahead was dangerous with DRY ICE, they had THE HUNTER’S MOON to guide them, on this, THE DARKEST EVENING OF THE YEAR.
The DEAD DON’T LIE was an UNSPOKEN truth between them, so they headed back toward THUNDER BAY and CHILLWATER COVE in hopes THE WIDOW’S MATE was still hanging out by WRECKER’S KEY. They found the ACCIDENTAL SLEUTH instead. He was living in REDUCED CIRCUMSTANCES, so they gave him some SPARE CHANGE for THE DEATH LIST he’d snitched from THE CHINESE ALCHEMIST, and then headed back to their REFUGE in MAGIC CITY to regroup and make up a new plan of attack and a better RECIPE FOR TROUBLE. Alas, and alack - as they rode the current DOWN RIVER, they saw THE ALIBI MAN on the shore waving his arms and shouting about a DEEP STORM heading their way. It was too late to turn back by then - THE FIRST WAVE had already hit them. Their only chance of survival was hoping THE NAVIGATOR could steer them to THE EDGE, and hope to hell they could avoid THE DROP EDGE OF YONDER. Luck was with them when…
AND NOW - OUR PERSON OF INTEREST!
A slight change this month…thought you might get a kick out of a few snippets from ’On The Bubble’ interviews I did some months ago. Just for the hell of it, you know?
I asked this of JLW - aka James Lincoln Warren - who is, you no doubt know - one of the most talented short story writers out there.
“My spies have reported that your plans to take a production of “The Full Monty” to Bouchercon this year is on the back burner now that Paul Guyot has dropped out. I mean, this stellar production has legs! Have you found a replacement yet?”
And he said…
“Nothing could replace Paul. I mean it. Nothing is the absolute perfect replacement for Paul. The biggest problem I’m having with casting is that all my friends at mystery conventions, quite naturally, are sublimely attractive women and no matter how hard I try to convince them otherwise, none of them want to play skanky male strippers.”
Ian Rankin was one of my first guests at On The Bubble - and was a great sport to play along with the off beat questions I posed…
Especially this one…
“Is it really true that Rebus’s chair has been stolen and the thief is threatening to list it on eBay unless you write him into the next book as the hero who saves Rebus’s life?”
And he said…
“If Rebus’s chair were stolen, the lazy sod would lie on the floor rather than go buy a new one. Me, too, come to that. But I do write real people into my books all the time. Problem is, they have to pay charities for the privilege. Stealing my mate’s chair isn’t going to make me write anyone into my book. And if they don’t like that, well, they can sit on it…and rotate.”
Tess Gerritsen has got to be one of the loveliest ladies around - and it was great fun having her ‘On The Bubble’ - this is one of my favorites…
So, Tess, I asked…
“Everyone has a Walter Mitty dream, what’s yours? ”
And she said…
“Brad Pitt decides Angelina Jolie just isn’t hot enough for him anymore, and then his gaze meets mine across the room, and… No, honestly, I’m already living my Walter Mitty dream. I still can’t believe I’m getting paid so well just to make stuff up.”
There are many more - and maybe every now and then I’ll throw a few in just for the hell of it. Jim Rollins was a hoot, Dylan Schaffer drove me nuts, Gayle Lynds was a riot, and then there’s Barry Eisler, Cara Black, P.J. Parrish, Alex Kava, Donna Moore, Jim Born, and so many more great sports, so - like I said -I’ll add one or two on occasion.
NEXT MONTH’S PERSON OF INTEREST - ON MARCH 3RD - WILL BE THE ONE AND ONLY OTTO PENZLER. I GUARANTEE YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS THIS ONE!
So, before I leave your wonderful company - I’d like to offer a few scintilating quotes…
Josh Billings (1819-1885) said… “About the most originality that any writer can hope to achieve honestly is to steal with good judgment.”
Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) said…”I was working on the proof of one of my poems all morning, and took out a comma. In the afternoon, I put it back again.”
Robertson Davies (1913-1995) said… “The world is overstocked with people who are ready and eager to teach other people to write. It seems astonishing that so much bad writing should find it’s way into print when so much good advice is to be had.”
See you next month…or not.
Until then…stay safe, stay warm and be nice to one another.
Recently:
- And Final Jeopardy goes to Val McDermid! What is it about Scotland that produces such brilliant artists??
- A funny thing happened in the middle of Laura Lippman’s career…
- The Marvelous Michael Connelly & The Perils of Polished Stairs!
- SUTTON’S LAW
- I DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU, BUT…
- WELCOME TO THE NEW EVIL E!
- AND WHAT A NIGHT IT WAS…
- MAY I HAVE THE ENVELOPE PLEASE?
- THE GOOD OLD DAYS…
- IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR AGAIN…
Comments
This entry was posted on Friday, February 1st, 2008 at 7:44 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Another fantastic column Evil E! And…can I borrow this line some time? “It’s what’s between the pages, not between the legs.”
Huh, huh?? Pretty please??!!
What a marvelous surprise to discover that you, Ms. Flinn, are Evil E! I’d heard about this blog from friends, and after reading the past entries, it took me a moment to realize that it is yours.
What great entertainment! Thank you. Your runninng story using book titles has become a ‘must read’ for me. They are incredible fun, and such an original concept!
It was a great pleasure to read your comments about the awards judges and how difficult it must have been to have to winnow so many gifted writers down to five. I agree they have been much maligned, and unfairly so. Thank you for speaking up in their (and your) behalf. I see now where your lovely character, Molly Doyle, gets her spirit! It is refreshing to see such passion and honesty. Speaking out as you have today, is, I am certain, risky. How much easier it would have been to simply ignore the ‘whiners’. But you didn’t, and good for you. I have been a fan of your series, and now, I am proud to say, I am one of yours.
ELAINE A GRA
Terrific post
You are truly an Irish soul
Feisty
Funny
and best of all
Not afraid to tell it as it is
I’d share a bar anytime with you and be grace-d to do so
You rock girl
bheannacht
Ken
Hi Elaine,
Greetings and Happy February!
The great thing about the Edgar nominations is that Ken Bruen is up for Best Novel (for the superb Priest). The baffling thing is that Laura Lippman hasn’t been nominated for the equally outstanding What the Dead Know.
Of King of Swords - The Movie: it’s been optioned by Martin Campbell (who directed Casino Royale, Goldeneye, and a superb, ground-breaking UK crime drama called The Edge of Darkness). I am, of course, over the moon about this … although I know quite a bit about the film industry and how things usually never get made.
But, for now, I’m smiling.
My favorite part of the Edgars is bitching about the nominees. Really, that’s where the fun is! (I’ll confess: I couldn’t even tell you who won last year. Now granted, I have a terrible memory…) Isn’t arguing about books fun? So much better than talking about the fat hayseed who yodeled on American Idol last night.
The other thing to keep in mind about the awards is that even the judges bitch about them. Sit down in a room with 7 other people and put together a shortlist of 5 books. You think they’re going to be your Top 5 choices? Uh uh. The winner is going to be #7 or #8 of everybody’s favorites. That’s just the way it works out.
I’m reading KING OF SWORDS now and can confirm that Nick Stone is a real talent on the rise. He’s quite obviously demented, but I mean that in only the best possible sense.
Great post! All I needed was yet another Have-To-Read blog. Your comments about the Edgars are so perfect — and a refreshing change from all that whining heard elsewhere. Blessings to you and all those who take on the daunting task of being a judge.
Hey, EE!!! Thanks so much for the mention of LIFELINES–and alongside a great guy like Michael Palmer, I’m honored! Not sure anyone’s ever called me an “angel” before, though, lol!!
Love what you said about the Edgars–hope folks keep that in mind when the Thriller noms are announced. I’m on the PBO committee and an almost done–150+ books to read. But I’ve found lots of new authors and so many wonderful stories!
One good thing that David alluded to is that anytime you get a discussion of books going, books will get sold and new authors discovered. So maybe we need to work on generating more controversy and more discussion….
Thanks again, great column!
I don’t think I’ve ever agreed with the Edgars, at least not for the past 5 years. My suspicion used to be that some sort of politics was invariably involved. Of course, I may be wrong. Reading for contests and awards is not much fun. It’s hard work. I suppose you bring your personality to it whether you want to or not.
In any case, I sought out Benjamin Black and was hugely underwhelmed. Strange, I liked THE SEA (he’s also John Banville, literary award winner). Though even there I mainly responded to his language. But my personal taste has always strayed from the accepted norm, so pay no attention.
God, you’ve done your share of judging/awards panels, haven’t you? I’ll bet you’re looking forward to a year when you can just sit back and read whatever you want — and then bitch about the finalist lists like the rest of us.
Wish I was there to see the FRIENDS OF DAVE panel. What a howl.
Wretched Soul?
As for borrowing the line - you’ll have to ask F. Paul Wilson (of Repairman Jack fame)- it gloriously belongs to him. I laughed my you-know-what off when he said that…and still do. I mean, it says it all, doncha think? Thanks for stopping by…
What a handle! I’ll bet you’re just the opposite too.
Oh, my gosh…Russell Trainor! How nice of you to drop in. I had no idea you were out there reading Evil E.
My thanks for your compliments-you’ve got me blushing.
And yes, I could have zipped up about this whining - and if it had been intelligent, I would have. And you’re right about my comments being ‘risky’ - I could easily lose readers. But when speaking your mind becomes ‘risky’ - it’s time to pack it in. And I ain’t ready to do that just yet… 
Ah, Ken A Gra!
I’ll see you in the bar at the Edgar’s, yes? Slainte!
I might have been Irish in another life - but in this life it must be my Italian genes.
Just thought you’d like to know that instead of “The Full Monty”, we’ve decided to stage “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”, but not the Stephen Sondheim version, which is like, so fifteen minutes ago. No, we’re doing the 1847 version by George Dibden Pitt. That’s much closer to my heart, being 150 YEARS ago.
And thanks for the sly reference to my story “Mother Brimstone” (AHMM, Jan/Feb 2007).
Holy Moly! Great responses, kids - here…and the many emails that came in this morning and are still pouring in. So, I’m going to combine my thanks to those who have posted here - hope you won’t mind - and then get back to the 59 messages awaiting. Yep, you read that right - 59! Some folks are shy /and/ or heisitant about airing their thoughts on the net -and I understand. This annual Edgar brouhaha never fails to rouse emotions.
So -
Nick! Thank you for dropping in! Considering the time difference, I’m very grateful. And yes, Ken’s book is up and there were many favorites that that several of us…well, I’m not supposed to talk about what went on. Except I can say that the final five were the top choices of an initial list of the top ten. And, as far as King of Swords making it to the big screen - hell, with a super guy like Max Mingus, voodoo and Miami?? And the director of Casino Roayle? It’s a cinch!
David!
But you’re right about how the process often works. Um,that’s all I can say about that. And yeah-Nick is a little demented, but he sure as hell can write. 
Oh, I can’t think of anyone I’d rather bitch about books with. if only the world knew how much we do! And you had time to watch American Idol last night? With Guyot, Eisler & Child to hang with?
C.J.
It was a pleasure to ‘Spotlight’ you. And keep your chin up when the Thriller noms are announced. I’ll be there with you waiting for the first wave…
I.J.
You crack me up. But I’m glad to see that you no longer feel that politics are involved in the ultimate decisions. And yes, it is hard work - but so rewarding to be able to read the enormous spectrum of talented writers.
Louise!
I wish I’d been at the FRIENDS OF DAVE thing too. Just think what fun it would have been for us to sit in the front row and make faces at Dave.
As busy as you are touring - many thanks for taking the time to drop in! May you sell a zillion, kiddo! Yeah - I’ve done my judge thing for a time. I was on four different committees for 2007 books. I’m not sure which committee I should send the bill for my new glasses to.
And Vicki-
Thanks again for the list of indies. I hope more of them will be coming in from readers.
Hey, JLW!
It was a pleasure to include “Mother Brimstone” - it worked out perfectly!
So-tell me about the cast for the new version. I can’t wait!
Thanks for the nice comments about my books. You’re very generous with your blog space. I sympathize with you on the complaints about the Edgars. The last time I did best novel we were all determined to choose a West Coast woman. What happened? We wound up with five men, including three Brits. That’s how you tell that the committee is honest. Those were the books all of us agreed on. I thought the choices were excellent and am glad that writers who aren’t yet well known are getting some attention, especially, I hope, from their publishers.
Sharan
EE, you’re just lucky that my evil Thomas Harris side doesn’t show up more often . . .
On judging. One word: UGH.
Seriously, there are a lot of great books out there. Great books got nominated. Have I read all of them? No. Most? No. Two? Yeah. But truth is, I’m sure they are all quality books as well as some who didn’t make the cut. Every time there’s bitching, all I think about is the nominees–because they’re essentially being told that someone else deserved the nomination. How does that make them feel? Crappy, I’m sure. As a judge, past and current, I can honestly say that it’s not easy. When I was judging Best Novel for the Thrillers last year, there were easily 8-10 books that I thought really, really deserved the nominations. But we can only nominate five. Did my favorite make it? No. But I’m still pleased with the final outcome. And I’m sure the Edgar judges feel the same.
Off to write murder and mayhem . . .
Hi, Sharan-
I love what you write, and especially for clearing the air about that dumb DVC!! And now that I’m a fairly new Oregonian -I’m dying to hear all the scoop about early Portland. It’s a great pleasure to have you here - so thank YOU.
I’m especially glad for your comments about being a judge - you’ve ‘been there’ and it’s great to have some back up here.
Thanks again - and please come by often. Next month - with Otto Penzler should be interesting.
Oh, Alllison!
You’re just an old softie - no evil side to you. But you sure can fool those who don’t know you. I mean, your books, naturally.
And thank you, as well - being a judge yourself - you know what it’s like - and how disappointing it is for us not to see OUR favorites make the grade. But, as you so perfectly said - the most damaging aspect of all the complaining - is how those short-listed must feel when they hear all the damn grousing.
So, you know what I say to those harridans? Right. You got it.
No question but that all of us are grateful for awards, especially juried awards. We get little enough chance to shine otherwise. So my thanks to readers everywhere.
I will be working my way slowly through the list. I see Ken Bruen’s PRIEST is there. Now if that’s a Jack Taylor novel, that could just be a winner for me. And yet, there are others still to sample. Another positive reaction to awards.
CORRECTION NOTICE!!
F. Paul kindly reminded me that his brilliant (and now world-wide famous) quote should have been:
“It’s what’s between the COVERS, not between the legs.”
Damn, but I hate messing that up…again.
And Ingrid (aka I.J.) - I’m confident you’ll enjoy all of the nominated books on Best First. Really, you will.
It’s between the pages, not the legs? Oh crap. Oh well, I suppose it’s back to being a porn star for me.
Nice column.
Gee, thanks for mentioning BH. One more bitty thing (having also been an Edgar judge) that everybody seems to lose sight of. For a variety of reasons not every book from under the broad umbrella of Crime Fiction gets submitted. If the book isn’t submitted, no judging!
And no “yes buts” please. It is juste plain fact that not every book gets submitted.
Oh, Sam! You excell on both fronts. Er, excuse me…what I meant was…
You’re right, Carl - and no - we won’t go into that - but even though - there were some ‘missing’ entries that would have been from qualified publishers. Why? Beats the hell out of me.
I couldn’t understand some parts of this article , but I guess I just need to check some more resources regarding this, because it sounds interesting.
Well, speaking about this contest is really thrilling because everyone presents their best jobs and it’s a hard job to select the best one really! So, perhaps, we should be a bit more patient and tolerant.