On Thursday, May 31, Crime Writing Month came to a close
with a HUGE day of excitement for me. A quadruple day!!
My article was in the National Post’s Afterword, entitled “It’s
A Mystery”. Afterword: It's A Mystery
My Tips for Writers appeared in CBC Canada Writes. CBC: CanadaWrites
The Instant Cash episode with my daughter and me appeared on
television. Instant Cash, Episode 18
I was so busy organizing the Arthur Ellis Dinner for Crime
Writers of Canada that I couldn’t find a second to go and look. But then came
the best moments of all.
Mary Jane Maffini, one of my idols, read out my name as the
winner of the Best Short Story. I
immediately began to cry. Completely undignified.
I had given all the finalists instructions about
having a 2 minute speech ready, so I had to follow my own rules. This is the
speech I read/squeezed out between tears.
“Thank-you to NorthWord Magazine for giving my story a home.
To the Arthur Ellis judges for picking mine from all the fabulous stories on
the final list. I’m sure it was an out-of-the-hat kind of choice. To my family,
friends, and Crime Writers of Canada colleagues, I wouldn’t be standing here if
it weren’t for you, especially my husband Vince. This story is about a teacher
and a child, so I dedicate my award to all teachers and to the children who
have made my life spectacular.”
Later, the President of Crime Writers of Canada presented me
with the Derrick Murdoch Award, for outstanding contribution to the
organization. Once again, I read the speech, since I didn’t trust myself to be
able to remember it.
“Thank-you from the bottom of my heart, especially to Garry
Ryan. I feel like an interior decorator who gets credit for the beautiful
house. Meanwhile there are so many people in this room who built the
foundations that are unseen but which hold everything together. Next were the
electricians and the plumbers who had to weather sparks and floods to ensure
that everything worked. I came along and added some furniture, paint and
accessories, and this year, I’m getting the credit for that. Luckily, this
house that Crime Writers of Canada built has no roof. We can continue to climb
skyward and I have no doubt that we will. Melodie and Alison, I would go out
and engrave your names next to mine, but I have a feeling that you’ll get your
own some day.”
Oh what a night!!! Next to the birth of my children, one of
the best ever.
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