Traveling in Packs

LUCY BURDETTE: As Rhys mentioned last week, the Bouchercon conference Jungle Red panel was great fun. We so enjoyed meeting many of you who read this blog! I’ve been thinking since then about how much I love being part of this pack. (And you know if you are reading this, you are part of our pack!)

But I recognize that not everyone finds comfort in a group. And not every writer needs one. What makes one person thrive in a group, while another might warily keep her distance? This is probably oversimplified, but even though women are sometimes characterized as catty and backstabbing, I think we might be better with groups then men. And I think for me, having a sister only 11 months older who was utterly welcoming set my mental framework. I started out in a little pack and since then, have always sought one out. How about you, reds and red readers—are you happier trav’ling life in a pack? Or do you manage better on your own?

JENN McKINLAY: I am definitely a pack animal, but I also need lots of alone time and am a-okay with traveling alone, so I think I have one foot firmly planted in each camp. Like you and your sister, my brother is only 11 months older than me and we did everything together as kids so I definitely am used to having a pal or hooligans by my side. That being said, I need to be alone to let my imagination loose. While at Bouchercon, I attended many events with friends, like dinner with the Reds, but I also cut out for a few hours on Saturday morning to go to the top of the CN Tower by myself and stomp around Toronto on my own. I am an active sort and I like to walk at my own pace, eat what I want, loiter where I choose, and people watch without having to converse, but then when I want a pack I go find one.

HALLIE EPHRON: Pack animal here, guilty as charged. Particularly at a conference where alone I feel so self-conscious and anxious. In high school, my greatest dread was lunch because I did NOT have a group I belonged to. So I drifted trying to look busy, like I was going somewhere rather than admit that I was eating alone. I suppose if that's the worst thing that happens to you in high school, you've gotten off easy. Now I treasure my friends and a twosome or more some is my preferred way to spend leisure. Writing I like to do alone.

DEBORAH CROMBIE: I am a bit of both. I'm perfectly happy traveling by myself and doing things on my own, and I'm very seldom uncomfortable. (Although I have to admit when I did a Michelin-starred tasting dinner in the Cotswolds last month, I was the only single diner in the restaurant. Only about halfway through the dinner did it occur to me that other people might think it odd. I was perfectly happy--and I got to eavesdrop on the other diners!) 

But I'm also very social and love doing things with friends. I think it's a perfect mix. The extrovert fuels the introvert needed for writing and long stretches of time alone.

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: Huh. That's a great question. I am often alone during the day, and that's more than fine. (Happy, too, when Jonathan comes home.)  I am happy by myself exploring a strange place,  happy with dinner by myself out of town. It's fun now, and I guess I learned it by begin a big loner in high school and college.  But now I also adore being in a pack, hanging and flowing with pals.  Dinner with a pal or two? Bliss.  The Jungle Reds-in-motion? All wonderful, and our connections at Bouchercon still bring tears to my eyes. 

INGRID THOFT: I have three older sisters, so I grew up traveling in a pack.  These days, I like a bit of both:  Time spent with others, but also plenty of time on my own or with the hubby.  I'm not wild about coordinating travel itineraries with others because I think that everyone has his or her own travel style, and it can be hard to mesh them.  Do you like to get to the airport really early?  At the last minute?  Do you ever check a bag?  What kind of accommodations do you prefer?  I think it's great to meet up for meals or other events, but also to build in time for recharging my batteries without having to worry about anyone else's preferences.  

RHYS BOWEN: I'm definitely a pack animal too. Having been a solitary child, growing up at the big house in the country, I relished being in college and doing things with friends. I still do.  I have had the same groups of hiking friends for thirty plus years. We have taken many fabulous trips around the world together and always have such a good time. However, there are times when I have overload and need to be on my own for a while, just to re-charge. 

JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: I'm on the same part of the spectrum as Debs and Ingrid. I'm very sociable, and love being with friends. One of the things I'm being mindful of, since Ross passed away, is getting out of the house and meeting a friend or friends at least once a week. On the other hand, I enjoy time spent by myself: I love solo travel and what is nicer than staying by yourself in a good-quality hotel room?


One of my most cherished escapes is spending a working week at my agent's house in Nantucket, all alone during the off-season. I'll see a couple of friends while I'm on the island, but most of the time, it;s just me and the book - and I like it that way. But when I'm at a conference or vacationing, I want to be surrounded by my people all the time. What's the point, otherwise?

LUCY: And Julia, we cannot wait until you are traveling with the Red pack again soon! Red readers, are you a pack animal, or do you prefer to go it alone?

The Reds Take Malice

LUCY BURDETTE: If you've been to a conference with Jungle Reds on the program, you'll know that we've moved away from traditional panels and toward--game shows! Family Feud several years ago was a huge hit, and even included our honorary Red, Julia's hub, Ross.  We've done Balderdash, and Jeopardy. We bring prizes and encourage silliness. This year at Malice Domestic on May 2 in Bethesda will be no exception!

The game this time around is called 50 SHADES OF RED--and we have the most adorable buttons to help celebrate. Only four of us are able to attend this time (Hallie, Hank, Rhys, and Lucy), but we've wrangled an amazing guest moderator: Charlaine Harris!

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: So, This year's game is called 50 Shades of Red because we thought it was funny. But here's the secret--it means nothing. And that's funnier, right? But we're basing or new (and original) game of on that 1970's game Fact in Five. Remember that? Where you have an infinitesimally short amount of time to name--five countries that begin with W. Five dogs with colors in their names. And on and on. Lots of competition, lots of suspense. And lots of bluffing.

But the Reds have tweaked and polished and this year at Malice, we're making it all about mysteries!  Two of us Reds versus the other two. We'll face off to name as many things as we can--in twenty seconds--in a category given by the amazing Charlaine.  And then the opposing team will try to do better.
We're still working on the rules--plenty of time!--but we know some audience members will definitely be involved. So come prepared to play--and win!
And now--even if you aren't attending Malice!--we need your help.

HALLIE EPHRON: First: WE NEED CHALLENGES! Submit them as comments. Remember, these are facts in fives...

So I'll start:
Name five mystery novels with RED in the title.
Name five mystery novels that involve trains.
Name five clues in Sherlock Holmes stories.
Name five sleuths with dogs (or dogs with sleuth.

Your turn!

HANK:  I'll say: Nancy Drew's dog Daisy.  Pause, pause.  Are you wondering: did Nancy Drew have a dog name Daisy.???  And the answer is no! Because I am bluffing. (Not very well, but it's just an example.) So in Fifty Shades of Red, a player can bluff. But the opponents can challenge!! Wen there's a challenge, the timer stops, and the audience votes on who is right. The loser forfeits three hard-won points.

So how about:

Mystery novels set in London.
Detectives with children.
Mysteries with animals in the title
Series with more than five installments
Actors who play detectives in the movies
Mysteries that have become TV series
RHYS BOWEN:What my fellow Reds didn't mention yet is that we'll be choosing audience members to join our teams. If you'd like to help us out with your superior knowledge (and you really do know the name of Nancy Drew's dog)--you need to be wearing a special limited edition Jungle Red "I READ RED" button. We'll be choosing our panel members from the audience from  those who are wearing the buttons..and we will be handing them out at Malice! So make sure your find one of us..and get your I READ RED button so you can participate.  It'll also make you eligible for wonderful prizes! 

LUCY: Okay red readers, we'd love your ideas now--tell us your category ideas! Just put them in the comments. 

And if you're coming to Malice, please come to the funny farm--errr, panel--at 12:30 on Saturday.

"Oh, Kaye!"

                Yes, well - the whole world has heard by now what stars The Reds were at Boucherson!  Let's give them one more huge round of applause!!!!!  And as proud as I am of them, I'm still being a little pouty.  Just take a look at this picture - - -

What do you see?

A group of really beautiful, really smart, really talented women, right?  And, oh yes, one adorable Red Husband who I hear was quite the hit.  Jan, however, wasn't there, nor was I.  Waahhh. 

See those scrumptious red pashminas? 

harumph.

Jan - did you get one of those?

If I had known about those scrumptious red pashminas I would have been there!  (well, that's probably not really true, but can I whisper the word "covet" here?  I did want to be there, even before I knew about the pashminas. . .)  Maybe next year.

sigh.

So.

While some of The Reds are kicking up their heels in Cleveland, having a grand ol' time I'm sitting on my bed in Boone, NC writing about angels while wearing a cheap flimsy knock-off red pashmina.

(sob)

But,

Somebody has to hold down the Sunday Red Fort and this Sunday that would be me.

And, as usual, I'm tickled pink (pink is a shade of red, right - there are lots of shades of red.  Maybe 50. . . . ) to be a part of this group.

(RED Angels wear tiaras rather than halos)

They are truly angels. 



We’ve all heard about angels who walk the earth disguised as humans.

Many of us are lucky to have met a few. 


I have. 


Many of them came to me through the
mystery community – including the women
here at Jungle Red.

I’ve brought yet another angel along with me today.  Some of you will already know him.  For those of you who do not, please allow me to introduce you to Earl Staggs ( http://earlwstaggs.wordpress.com/all-about-earl/ ).   A man I love.  Yes, yes – not to worry - Donald is totally aware of the fact that Earl is in my life – and in a very big way. Nowadays while I’m writing and pondering over a particular phrase or problem I will run it by Donald. He’ll think it over and he’ll offer suggestions.  And follow it up by saying, “Run it by Earl.”  I love that.

I met Earl a few years ago through DorothyL.  I don’t remember exactly how it all came to pass, although Earl may (I think I’m older than he is, so his memory should be a little better).  We discovered that we both grew up in Maryland – me on the Eastern Shore and Earl in Baltimore.  We started sharing stories and strolling down Memory Lane and realized we both had spent a lot of time in Ocean City, MD.  Our hope is to one of these days get to spend some time there together along with my Donald and Earl’s much adored better half, Carol.  We almost made that wish come true a couple summers ago, but you know how it goes – best laid plans going astray and all that.  But we haven’t given up – we still want to mosey and meander down that boardwalk along the beach with the ocean breeze blowing.  Snack on Dolle’s popcorn, fudge (chocolate for me, peanut butter for Earl) and saltwater taffy.  Eat Thrasher’s French Fries and go visit Laffing Sal in the little Ocean City Museum.  A lot of that part of the Ocean City Boardwalk is pretty much just like it was when I was going there as a kid with my mom and dad.  I loved it then and still do. Those are lovely memories.  I still ride Trimper’s carousel when we visit, and I can always hear my dad’s laugh when we walk through Playland. 

               
As time went on as Earl and I were getting to know one another and eventually become good friends I read his book MEMORY OF A MURDER which remains one of my favorite books to this day and one I buy to give to friends.  It takes place in Ocean City and here’s a little story that give me goosebumps.

 A few years ago Donald and Harley and I went home for a vacation.  A girlfriend I grew up with lives in Ocean City now and she and her husband own some rental property.  She offered one of the condos to me and Don for the week.  When we were driving down Ocean Highway looking for the right building I was brought up short when it became evident that we were moving into the building that was on the exact same spot as the home of Earl’s protag, Adam Kingsley, in MEMORY OF A MURDER.  I loved that, but it was a little bit spooky, truth be told.

(For those of you who have read "Memory of a Murder," one of those condo units in the photo on the left is where Adam lives.   The photo on the right is his view)

  Earl’s first writing love is short stories, and I must say – I think he’s a master. 

He’s been the recipient of the Derringer Award two times. You can read two of his stories at his webpage – The Day IAlmost Became A Great Writer and White Hats and Happy Trails.  You may be able to guess who White Hats and Happy Trails is about - a hero to many of us.  Roy Rogers.  And this is Earl's story about meeting that great man.

Earl is a person who finds it easy to give heartfelt compliments and encouragement and the next thing I knew I was trying my hand at writing a little bit and Meanderings and Muses was born.  Looking back, I now know this sly friend of mine had guided my hand towards writing. 


Next thing I knew, I had two pieces being published in regional anthologies.  Projects I will always be proud to have been able to be a part of.   I was a happy gal writing those types of memoir and opinion pieces, and I think blogging was born with my name on it – it was where I found my voice and where I share my heart.

Zip forward to my retirement and it not taking long for me to start getting a little bit bored.  So what did I do?  I said to myself  “I think I’ll try writing some fiction.  It’s time.”  It’s now two years later and I’ve written my first novel.  I’m in the process of polishing the 47^th draft (okay – the 6^th – I think).    But it would never have happened without Earl Staggs who is, absolutely, one of those angels walking this earth disguised as a human. 

He’s basically given me a one-on-one 2 year writing course.  If I had had even a clue as to what I did not know, it’s doubtful I would have ever started this adventure.  Seriously. He’s kept me motivated and he’s kept me writing when I was pretty close to saying I don’t want to do this any more.  He’s told me when things weren’t working, but oh so gently.  He’s praised the things that were.  He’s tried to teach me the rules and he’s corrected my grammar and punctuation and tried to re-teach me those rules – many of which have been long forgotten, I’m sorry to admit.  He’s suggested moving huge scenes from here to there.  Some of them right out of there into a place called “For the next book - maybe.”  Or “Trash.”  He’s taught me how to trust my “voice.”

I have never worked so hard.  It’s been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done and I am enormously proud of myself and the novel.  It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.  I do know that.  And honestly?  I don’t care.  I have written a novel.  And it’s a story I love filled with characters I love.  That in itself is something to be proud of.  Any of you out there on the same journey I am – do not EVER let anyone try to dismiss or diminish your accomplishments.  Take it from me – there are those who will try.  I promise you – they’re out there.  You’ll be quite surprised where they pop up from.  Be prepared.  But.  At the same time, there will be many more who are going to applaud you along the way.  Many who will go out of their way to help and support you.  Embrace them and maybe you’ll find your own angel, just like I did.  We all deserve angels in our lives.


Earl gets to wear a halo - of course.  As he's helped me make this journey as my friend and mentor/teacher and editor, he's been tough.  But he has also been immensely fair.  And his applause and words of praise have been balm to a sometimes wounded soul.  His fairness has kept me going.


There’s a delightful story Earl’s told about giving a  talk about writing to a kindergarten class.  You should read it - http://earlwstaggs.wordpress.com/2012/06/11/my-kindergarten-challenge/ .  And after his talk, those little kids who had fallen head over heels in love with Mr. Earl, just like everyone who has ever met him, gave him the ultimate accolade – a loud and rousing ‘WHOOP! WHOOP! WHOOP! FOR MR. EARL!”  and in my heart, I join them in that cheer. 


And now, HERE'S Earl - - -

 Kaye, I’ve been called a lot of things, but I don’t recall angel being one of them. Before you change your mind, I’m going to go out and get fitted for a halo.  I may even take up playing a harp.

In the meantime, thanks for letting me tag along on this visit to Jungle Red. It’s exciting to be in the company of so many talented and beautiful ladies, but I promise to behave.  I wouldn’t want to tarnish that angel image.

I can even earn my visitor’s pass with some facts.  First, you said you think you’re older than me. Not true. I’ve turned a few more calendar pages than you.  How many?  Well, in keeping with the spirit here, let’s keep that a mystery.

Next, I remember exactly how our friendship began.  A few years ago, I’d recently joined the DorothyL list when you posted a link to an old picture of your parents.  What a surprise to see a snapshot of your parents standing in front of Memorial Stadium on 33^rd Street in Baltimore. I dredged up the courage to write you a personal email explaining that I’d spent most of my life in Baltimore, including many Sunday afternoons in that stadium watching my beloved Colts play before the team was whisked away in the middle of the night to Indianfrickinapolis. (No offense to anyone from that fine city, but it still hurts.) I thanked you for triggering many warm memories and asked if we shared the same hometown. You were kind enough to respond that you were from Cambridge on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, but you and your family visited Baltimore often.

Well, that triggered about a jillion emails between us comparing memories of Maryland and, in particular, of Ocean City, and swapping news of our families, mine revolving about Carol and our daughters, yours of Donald and Harley.

You even shipped me boxes of fudge, straight from the Boardwalk. Yum! (Angels are allowed to eat fudge, aren’t they?  Sure they are.)

The thing that never strayed far from my mind was your unique voice.  Whether in a post on DorothyL or an email, there was a sparkle and vivacity in the way you strung words together.  To use one of your own signature phrases, “Boy Howdy,” was there! I said you were a natural-born writer, you said, “No, I’m just a reader.”  Finally, my nagging wiggled through a crack in your resolve and you created Meanderings and Muses, starting with your own writings, then blossoming into a popular guest spot for some of the best-known writers around. 

And now, you’ve written a novel.  I was honored to see WHIMSEY develop along the way.  I offered some  knowledge of the craft of writing I’d picked up over the years, but the voice, the style, and the characters are pure Kaye Barley.

My advice to everyone is to watch for the publication of WHIMSEY. It’ll be a big hit.  Boy Howdy, will it!

As for me, I’ll be working on that angel stuff.  I think I have most of it down, but the flying part worries me some.



See There!  He is an angel!  For real! 

And now Reds, it's your turn!  Who are your angels? Have they kept you on your feet during difficult times and made sure that, above all things, you continue believing in yourself and what you're doing?

Reds Poised to Take Cleveland!

HALLIE EPHRON: For the second time ever, almost the entire Reds gang is going to Bouchercon--the annual World Mystery Convention. Our panel is Friday (10/5) at @2:45 and we are attempting the never before mastered: Game Show!

We're talking Family Feud, and when the "survey sez..." it will be our friends and followers who get their say. So whether you are going to Bouchercon or not, run(!) right over to  and TAKE OUR SURVEY -- Please!! As usual, we want to hear what you think.

If you can't come to the Bouchercon panel, you'll have to wait until the week after to find out the results - we'll post them right here on JRW along with photos.
We are, by the way, coming to the panel dolled up in a way that I will not divulge, but trust me it has generated plenty of controversy among us and separated the clothes divas from the clothes whor... um, horses.

There's a great tradition of this, dressing up at mystery conferences, because authors are shameless and will do anything to promote their books. It's legitimized at the New England Crime Bake with a costume party which has featured several Sherlock Holmeses (memorably Joseph Finder), a scary Goth Lisbeth Salander (Nikki Bonanni at left), and at least one lobster (Stephen Rogers, I think). Malice is famous for its hats, and I remember a panel of authors who came dressed in rubber gloves carrying feather dusters; another with pink feather boas and tiaras. Trench coats and shades abound at Bouchercon and Thrillerfest.

Among us we've probably been to hundreds (and hundreds) of mystery conferences. Any memorable moments involving feather hats, feather dusters, or trench coats?

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: Remembering, of course, that we always ask ourselves "WWSGD?" And wouldn't wear anything that Sue Grafton wouldn't wear.  Rosemary and I are, however, angling for elbow-length gloves.

DEBORAH CROMBIE: Rhys, Louise Penny, and I contemplated dressing up in togas and garlands for a Three Goddesses panel we did (where was that? Baltimore?) but, thankfully, we abandoned the idea.

HALLIE: I could not find a photo of Sue Grafton in opera-length gloves. Or a toga, for that matter.

LUCY BURDETTE: I'm definitely in for the toga party. In fact I love costumes of all kinds--love the New England Crimebake costume party and banquet. Last year I came dressed as Nancy Bartholomew's country western singer character, which gave me an excellent excuse to wear my blond wig and my cowhide skirt:). We don't get too many chances to dress up as adults so I grab them when they float by:).

ROSEMARY HARRIS: I generally ask myself ..."would Hank wear this?" I don't always answer yes, but it has kept me from making a few truly unfortunate choices. I think Nancy Martin and I once had a conversation about the black pants and black jackets that are trade show staples...who knows maybe I'll break out of my rut this time...I know ALL the reds are trying. I don't think I'll be wearing this outfit (this pic is from Crimebake's Vampire Ball) but you never know...

HALLIE: Rosemary, you were tasteful, indeed!

And oh, how lovely would it be if we all showed up at Bouchercon in Armani. You'll have to show up at the panel to find out.

We hope to see lots of friends there. In the meanwhile, TAKE THE SURVEY!
CLICK HERE!  or enter this link in your browser http://tinyurl.com/dxcs6dy.


And share your costume experiences. And if you know Cleveland, share with us what we should be sure to do/see/eat while we're there.

THIS JUST IN: as promised, Hank as Harriet Vane--with Nikki as Lisbeth Salander and Margery Flax as Emma Peel!