Saturday, May 6, 2023

The Reds Salute Hank #MaliceDomestic

DEBORAH CROMBIE: As you've probably heard, our fabulous Hank was the Guest of Honor at Malice Domestic this year! We Reds were asked to write a piece for the program book, and we thought you might enjoy the results--along with some fun photos!



LUCY BURDETTE: I first met Hank Phillippi Ryan when I was working on a New England Sisters in Crime calendar in 2003. Several of us traveled across New England with a photographer to take small group shots of our members. One of these was at Hank’s home. She was warm and welcoming and immediately impressive, taking charge of the photo shoot, and insisting we redo it until it was perfectly professional. She was a founding member of the Jungle Red Writers blog (now going on 15?? years and still writing!) She is the biggest engine behind our success, always insisting that we put our best foot forward, welcome all readers and writers, and produce excellent content every.single.day. She is a brilliant brainstormer, an indefatigable supporter of other writers, and the hardest worker in the business. She is known and loved across the country for her twisty suspense novels, her wise advice, and her warm friendship. I knew at that first meeting that I was in the presence of a whirlwind.


HALLIE EPHRON: I met Hank way back when she was working on her first crime novel (PRIME TIME), but here in New England she was already legendary as an investigative TV reporter with shelves full of Emmy Awards. “Help me Hank” was a phrase that thrilled her readers and terrified the targets of her investigations. I was in awe of her glamor and polish, her savvy and her smarts. Her debut novel, PRIME TIME, featuring (what else?) an investigative TV reporter, won the Agatha Award for Best First Novel adding a Teapot (Agatha Award for Best First novel for PRIME TIME) to her shelf of awards. Soon our roles were reversed and she was helping me come up with the perfect title for a story or wrangle a misbehaving character or amp suspense (her forte). To repeat a theme: GENEROSITY! That should be her middle name. I’d be surprised if there’s even a single author at Malice who hasn’t been, like me, been boosted by Hank.



JENN MCKINLAY: There is no greater supporter of other writers in the publishing world than Hank Phillippi Ryan. She is generous with her time, her wisdom, and her enthusiasm, all of which she has in abundance. Truly, between her award-winning investigative journalism and bestselling thriller writing - she is a force of nature! When I joined the Jungle Reds seven years ago, Hank welcomed me with open arms (as did all the Reds) and it’s been a joy having that friendship grow into a real sisterhood. 


(Hank's GOH interview with the lovely Robin Agnew.)

RHYS BOWEN:  Hank and I bonded late one night after an award ceremony where we were both nominated and both didn’t win. I have to say we clicked immediately.  Until then I had been rather in awe of this impeccably polished person with the incredibly high heeled shoes. But once you get to know Hank you discover a warm, generous, funny, witty person who will be your biggest cheerleader. I count her as one of my dearest friends, and certainly the person I could turn to if I needed help, advice or cheering up.

Her support for other authors is legend. That she would give up so much time every week to host upcoming authors on various platforms is beyond commendable. What’s more when she goes out of her way to make her guests look good. I am thrilled that she is being honored at Malice.

DEBORAH CROMBIE: I'd never met Hank Phillippi Ryan when I was invited to join the Jungle Red Writers blog more than a decade ago, and I have to admit I was a little intimidated by this very accomplished and always elegant woman. What I've since discovered is that Hank is THE most generous and supportive person in the mystery community, and that, yes, she really is that nice. Her energy and enthusiasm seem boundless, but even amid her busy schedule she always has time to offer a word of encouragement or advice. I count myself as very fortunate to be her friend, and I can't think of anyone more deserving to be honored at Malice Domestic. Brava, Hank!

JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: If Hank were a character in one of her delicious cat-and-mouse suspense novels, you'd be very suspicious of her. Who is this woman asking penetrating questions as if you're the most interesting person she's ever met? Why is she always doing selfless things for others? How is it her hair is always perfect? She must be the villain, right? That's the shocking twist - beneath her striking looks and groaning shelf of awards, she's still the same gosh-darn nice girl from the Hoosier State. Sharp, funny, utterly loyal and with a deep well of love for everyone and everything in the genre she's made her own. She'll take you to lunch, offer you the ballet flats in her purse, feature you on one of her many book promotion platforms, and if you asked how to repay her, she'd be utterly befuddled. Guest of Honor is great, but if Malice Domestic ever decides on a Queen, Hank Ryan has the title sewn up.


Congratulations to our Hank! Any Hank stories that you would care to share?



70 comments:

  1. This is lovely . . . Congratulations, Hank --- this is an honor so well-deserved.

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  2. Congrats, Hank! Very well deserved.

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  3. What wonderful tributes. Congratulations on both being Guest of Honor at Malice and on leaving such a wonderful "trail" everywhere you go. Such a testament to the person you are.

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  4. What you all said! Hank, you earned the honor and more.

    I first met Hank at at SINCNE meeting at Ruth McCarty's home maybe sixteen years ago, and I think Prime Time had recently come out. Everyone else was dressed fairly casually and in walked this woman with, well, you all know Hank's fabulous style. But, I thought I - a complete newbie - detected a little bit of nervousness and wondered why. Now I realize she was a relative newbie in the crime fiction world herself.

    A few years later I dropped out of being high bidder at the Malice live auction for a Hank critique. She came up to me afterward and said, "Edith, you didn't need to bid on that. Send me your first fifteen pages, and I'll critique them." I did. She did, with the big comment of, "But nothing happens." Oops. She was right, of course, and I fixed it. Thank you, dear Hank!

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  5. Lovely tributes, all. Was at a memorial service this week for a truly good, kind, and accomplished man. That made me inspired to try harder to be kinder and work harder. This does, too.

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  6. Hank, you deserve all the honors you accrue and more. Not only are you welcoming to authors on several platforms, you also welcome readers. I consider myself lucky to have found you here on JRW. Hank, you ROCK! One day in person.

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  7. HANK: Congratulations on being the Malice GOH this year! The lovely tributes by the Reds highlight why you deserve that honor.

    I remember meeting Hank in person for the first time at the 2017 Toronto Bouchercon. I had been a reader/commenter on JRW for several years. Hank gave me a big hug when she saw me with my name badge.

    Fast forward to the 2022 Minneapolis Bouchercon when I lamented on FB that I arrived too late for the TOR/FORGE book giveaway of HER PERFECT LIFE. I had been a super-reader earlier in the year and had hoped to get a book. Hank messaged me right away and sent me a signed copy of HER PERFECT LIFE. FYI, mailing a hardback book to Canada costs as much as the price of the book! Generous, hard-working, kind, that's HANK!

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  8. Congratulations Hank! Great interview with Robin

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    1. Oh, I was so honored to have her interview me! xxxx She was incredible, I agree!

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  9. I would like to add to the testimonies as a reader and a commenter.

    On my first writer’s convention , Bouchercon 2017 in Toronto (there by myself, a little shy), I’m in line to have a book signed by Hank.
    When it was my turn, I said to Hank: I’m Danielle-momo , I comment occasionally on JRW. She got up spontaneously and came around the table to give me a big hug. I was so surprised. This woman was not only talented and sophisticated , she was spontaneous and warm. I’ll never forget it.
    Danielle

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  10. If you all think Hank is generous and a big cheerleader towards other authors, imagine how amazing it is that she extends that same support to a goofball like me? She sat for an interview with me, has introduced me to authors she's interviewing at book events like I was actually someone important and called me out any number of times in front of other book audiences including that time in my hometown library in front of my senior year English teacher.

    Considering I'm not an author of a book or even have my own website to support my reviews and such, it is always a surprise when this literary rock star takes the time to make that kind of effort.

    And all of this largesse comes based off that one time at an Ingrid Thoft book signing where I leaned over to her in the audience and said that I loved her work.

    Again, Hank just flat out rocks!

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    1. She really does, Jay, and I'm delighted to hear your Hank story!

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    2. Aww...I love these memories! xx. Thank you!

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  11. Congratulations Hank on a well-deserved honor. Such a lovely tribute by the Reds. In my limited experience as a commenter on this blog, I have found Hank to be consistently enthusiastic and kind to all of us. I'm lifting my morning cup of Yorkshire Gold to you, Hank!

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  12. Amen to everything already said. Hank’s kindness, generosity, and practical good sense is the model for all of us. —btw, when I first “”met” Hank was watching her on the news when I was a student in Atlanta. Debra H. Goldstein

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    1. Debra, it always makes me smile to meet someone who knew Hank from "Help Me, Hank," and her other (lauded) reporting. I got to know her as a writer before I had registered the reporter side of her, and so for the longest time she was, "Hank, the author who had a side gig as a new journalist," which would be a surprise to the millions who saw her on TV!

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    2. SO funny to think of you watching me on Atlanta TV! Whoa. SO long ago!

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  13. As a reader and commenter on JRW, I'd like to add that Hank comes across as genuinely down-to-earth, friendly, and warm. She's not putting on a show for the mortals down here, what she reveals is the real Hank. Funny, a little goofy (me, too!), honest and sincere always. Brava, Hank, you deserve all the accolades that come your way!

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  14. Congratulations! Well deserved and even though I've never met Hank, it's amazing how her personality shines through even in her writing both in her books and here on this blog.

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    1. Thank you! That is so fascinating to hear! Love love love

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  15. Congratulations on a well deserved honor, Hank! In my own experience I know Hank to be warm, generous, and very enthusiastic! How lucky we all are to have her in our lives!

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  16. I had been watching Hank on TV for years when her first book was published. I attended a signing at the late, great Kate’s Mystery Books in Cambridge. Hank was a gracious and interesting speaker, but the two most memorable things from the event: she can really rock those stilettos and her husband was so supportive.

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    1. Oh, Jonathan is the unheralded star behind Hank. He just radiates pride in everything she does.

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    2. YES! YAY Jonathan! Absolutely no question about it! SOmetimes where he is lugging around my book cartoons, I say-you know, for THIS you graduated from Harvard Law School. :-)

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  17. I first met Hank at Malice Domestic and she has been kind enough to host me on the Reds on more than one occasion. Each time, she has been a cheerleader and a champion of my latest book. A truly generous spirit who also happens to write great suspense novels and always looks as if she stepped out of the pages of the latest fashion mag. Kudos Hank!

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  18. Congratulations, dear Hank, on a well deserved recognition!

    I can't even remember how long I've known Hank online, but it goes back to the Lipstick Chronicles days. She knew I was going to be at the Indianapolis Bouchercon and insisted we get a cup of tea while we were both there in person.

    A group of us backbloggers from TLC have been keeping in touch via email for almost 15 years. It started as a weight loss and exercise support group, but has evolved into a deep friendship for about six of us. At one point, 10-11 years ago, we decided to have a book club and we invited Hank to interact with us via email about one of her books. Instead of the original six-hour window we planned for the back and forth, Hank continued to answer questions for almost two days, above and beyond, as usual.

    Whenever we have met in person it always feels like seeing a lovely, longlost bestie, thanks to Hanks generous warmth. XOXO, dear Hank.

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    1. Aww..I remember this so well! AND I just hung out with Sarah Strohmeyer at Malice! xx

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  19. Congratulations, Hank.
    I, too, have noticed how genuine you are in your replies to the comments here at JRW, how you gush over the work of the authors you profile, and how you seem to be everywhere (here, FCF, Crime Time).
    Discoverability seems to be the gold dust for new authors and you go out of your way to make that happen. You deserve the Malice honor.

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    1. That is incredibly kind of you--isn't this community wonderful?

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  20. Hank is a force of nature! When I received my first publishing contract, the publisher put me in charge of collecting author blurbs. I was new, green, and knew no one. With trembling fingers I sent a request to Hank. All I knew about her was that I loved her books. She graciously agreed to blurb this newbie's book and I still use her blurb today! Thank you Hank!

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  21. Congratulations, Hank! You deserve ALL the awards and honors!
    I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Hank twice. The first time, it was at a bookstore where Hank was speaking, and there was a luncheon. As soon as I walked into the store, I spotted Hank. I overcame my shyness to go up to her and introduce myself. Her response was “Deb! You came!” as she was giving me a huge hug!
    I consider myself blessed to have met her and to interact with her here on JRW.

    DebRo

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  22. I only wish I could have been there at Malice to stand up and applaud. So thrilled that she's a Jungle Red.

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    1. Awww..it has been a long time, hasn't it? SInce that day in my office? Awwww...

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  23. I met Hank in 2014 at the MWA-U in Chicago. I was a newbie writer with my first published short story. She joined me for the buffet lunch, recommended an independent editor, and we talked about her TV news career. In 2021, I attended the virtual career authors workshop and Hank was my small group instructor, who put me through several rounds of revisions the week after the workshop. And just a few weeks ago, I signed with an agent. My thanks to Hank for being a part of my writing journey.

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    1. Congratulations, Margaret! Best wishes as your writing journey continues!

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  24. I stayed with Hank and Jonathan after a nearby event once, and after we got home (late) we got talking about some JRW stuff. Hank had some ideas and sprang out of her chair to type them into her laptop. It was midnight, and I was on my way to bed! That's when I figured out how she got everything done. (PS she was up earlier than I was, as well!)

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  25. Wonderful post today!

    First memory in person was seeing Hank at my first Malice Domestic in 2016. Trying to remember if I met Hank in person. I met so many people that weekend and I also had an allergic reaction to whatever was in that hotel. Always looked elegant. I remember thinking "how can anyone walk in high heels?" then I remembered there was a time when I could do that. I think it takes practice.

    Always a joy to read Hank's comments and posts here on JRW.

    On another note, is anyone watching the Coronation today?

    Diana

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    1. I awoke at 4 am and stayed up to follow the Coronation and Enthronement first on the BBC, then on ABC and BritBox. I felt my age because I could remember the now King Charles when he was a young man.

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    2. HA! High heels! I think I got used to it at my reporter job--part of the equipment, right? And thank you so much for your kind words!

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  26. Ack! My earlier comment flew off to outer space. I saw Hank at the Dallas Bouchercon and introduced myself. I love how Hank says things are hilarious. One of my best friends from way back in high school also uses that term a lot. Whenever hilarious appears, I think of both of them! With all the things Hank does for readers and writers when does she squeeze in her beloved Jonathan? Here's to Hank!

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    1. Jonathan is always top of the priority list! And aw..I say that? That's...uh-oh. I almost said it again! xxx

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  27. Hallie, I WAS at Malice to stand up and applaud Hank, and I did it with great pleasure. The interview Robin Agnew did with her was terrific, and her panel on journalists as detectives was excellent. I'm grateful to her for giving me tips when I was trying to set up a bookstore event in the Boston area to promote SONS AND BROTHERS. Thank you, Hank!

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    1. SO wonderful to see you! It was so surprising to see on your nametag that your name was not Kim HaysBern. xxxx

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  28. Julia, did you actually see her sleep? I have some real doubts that she does that.

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  29. A little late. Between virtual CrimeCONN and Derby, yesterday was a dead run, but I didn't want to miss my chance to say how delighted, tickled, and stoked I am for Hank and her successful heart career as an author. Congratulations, Hank! With mad respect and much love.

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  30. Hank is the model of excellence - in every way - that we all need. ♥️

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  31. AWww...Kathy, you are such a dear pal. xxxxx

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  32. And I am laughing--aw. That was a fun night. xx

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  33. Hank has always been an innovator. We were reporters together in Atlanta when we were in our twenties. She produced a serries for our tv station called Main Street about how the economic woes of the time were affecting small towns in Georgia. She had her photographers shoot it differently than was customary. Everything about it was at another level. I knew then that she was unlike the rest of us. She still is. But after 50 years, we’re still friends and I own all 14 books!

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  34. I don’t know Hank, but I believe that she’s never met a stranger. She is fun, generous, brilliant and is a joy to follow on social media.

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  35. Gracious, warm, lovely friend, guide and guardian of books. I do not know how you do it all, but I'm so glad you do, and have such fun doing it. Tuesday's highlights are First Chapter Fun and The Mighty Blaze, and your books will always be at the top of Mt. TBR. <3

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  36. Every single compliment, plaudit, and cheer Hank gets in relation to her own writing and support of readers and authors is immensely deserved. She is also an incredible human being. I mean it quite literally when I say that she saved my life; when I had a serious medical issue and needed to find a specialist doctor in a hurry, I called Hank. Within an hour (on a Saturday), I was on the phone with exactly the doctor I needed. She is, without a doubt, the hero we need, and we are beyond blessed to have her.

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  37. Congratulations, Hank! You are amazing!

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