Today has been an exciting first day of the 2019 Malice Domestic convention. I started off by putting on my nametag, complete with a green label that says “Press” on it.
I picked up my tote bag that came full of books in it and eagerly walked out the hotel door.
Books in my swag bag!
Heading out to Malice Domestic
The authors in the Malice Go Round: Author Speed Dating
I began the day with an orientation to Malice and immediately after that got in line to attend Malice Go Round: It’s Like Speed Dating, But with Authors. I sat at a table with my aunt, Anne Gewe, who came along for the ride to this convention, and along with six other visitors to the convention, we made the acquaintance of 42 authors in the span of two hours. I filled my new tote bag, fortunately emptied of the awesome books, with bookmarks, recipe cards, pens, and other author swag. Each author had two minutes to present to us about her or his books before moving on to the next table. I especially was impressed by Libby Klein, while my aunt really liked Laura Durham and her books about a wedding planner.
Luci Zahray, the Poison Lady
I next learned all about strychnine, water hemlock, and carbon monoxide poisoning from Luci Zahray, the Poison Lady. She told us that the former two are how to poison someone you really hate because they are the most agonizing ways to die. You would use carbon monoxide for someone you like but want dead because people don’t even usually realize they are being poisoned. I found it fascinating to learn about the characteristics of these poisons and laughed at her genuine urgings to send her water hemlock, which she is sadly lacking.
Following this session, I got to attend a session called You’ve Got Fan Mail in which Donna Andrews, Parnell Hall, and Chris Grabenstein shared with us about fun and interesting fan mail they have received. My favorite answer came from Hall in response to the question about when he first realized he actually had fans. He told a story about moving to New York City and noticing the window of his new apartment was open. He wondered why it was open and thought it would let the cold air out until he looked up and realized, “I’ve got fans!” (Groan!)
You’ve Got Fan Mail: Parnell Hall, Donna Andrews, Chris Grabenstein, and Malice Domestic board chair Verena Rose
I also attended sessions of interviews with the Agatha Awards nominees in the categories of best contemporary mystery and best historical mystery. I really enjoyed learning about their books, especially those of the historical nominees. We must submit our votes on the Agatha nominees by 1 p.m. tomorrow.
I also have spent time getting to socialize with fellow fans, bloggers, and authors. It has been really exciting for me to get to visit with authors whose books I have loved and reviewed and whom I have interviewed. Stay tuned at the end of the convention for an article about authors I have gotten to know during this trip.
It has been an eventful day, and I am having the time of my life so far at this exciting convention!
