I’m having a great time at the world mystery conference. It’s the 40th one and is in Indianapolis this weekend. I love the fact that it’s so close to me. I drove home last night to pick up a second shipment of my biography of Anthony Boucher (which is great, considering that means the first shipment sold out!)

My panel was yesterday and we had a nice crowd. I love being able to spend an hour talking to such knowledgable people about the things I love the most. I could listen to Les Klinger talk about Holmes for hours. Having Doug Greene in the audience only made things more fun.

Then of course, there’s the bookroom. I texted home and asked if I could max out the credit card. There were several gorgeous Craig Rice first editions with beautiful dust jackets. Of course, the cheapest was $445 and the most expensive $800. Momentarily I thought of selling my collection! I found some first edition Clayton Rawsons, and of course several Erle Stanley Gardners.

Second only to the hotel bar is the bookroom for seeing all the people you want to see. Mystery Scene has a table there. I’ll be manning that table from 12-2 on Saturday, and I hope to catch up with even more of you then. I understand that Barb Damato is signing books there at that time.

Getting to spend time with Kate Stine is always fun. Margery of MWA always makes me smile. John and Alice Ann of Grave Matters brought by a pamphlet on Erle Stanley Gardner with a wonderful photo of a young Gardner on the cover. I was so touched.

Tomorrow night is the Anthony Award reception. Even after 11 times, I have butterflies in my stomach about the nomination. My agent will thankfully be there for moral support as well. I’ll be sure to let you know what happens. Until then, I am having such a wonderful time that it’s sad this only comes around once a year.