Malice Domestic — Saturday, 26 April 2008 — Day 2
Saturday saw us getting up bright and early for the drive to Crystal City, VA for another day of Malice Domestic. By that I mean that the day was bright and the time was early; however, the brain of yours truly was only half awake — until I got my cup of coffee. Then of course, the angels sang and it was glorious.
First thing we did when we arrived was to take photos of some of the baskets for the Silent Auction. We even bid on three items but alas (for us) we didn’t have the highest bid. Luckily, for the charity, others bid the items up higher than we were willing to go.
Next we checked out the dealers room. You’d think reviewing books for Gumshoe Review that I’d have my fill of reading material. It would make sense that that would be true but again it’s not. So, after a significant outlay, there are now more books to stack on my To Be Read Pile. The books purchased will fill in some back stories in several series that I’m reading and add some new authors that I hadn’t had a chance to read yet. After taking several photos, we moved on to attend a panel.
Touch of Woo-Woo: Paranormal. Panelists: Lillian Stewart Carl, Elena Santangelo, Carole Nelson Douglas, Maria Lima (Moderator), Casey Daniels, and Lorna Barrett. The panelist talked about what they know about their characters that may not make it into the book. The melding of paranormal themes and myths in a story. There was a lot of give and take on character development, would the story be the same without the paranormal element, and why a paranormal element anyway. These types of panels really offer some insight into the thinking, planning, and research that goes into writing a book.
Lunch break: Malice Domestic, unlike a lot of conventions that we have attended, actually has a break in the schedule so that people can go eat and not miss a panel or talk. The hotel is connected to the Crystal City Mall and there’s a food court and a lot of restaurants — so food is available without having to travel very far.
Next was You’re History!: The Past and Its Mysteries. Panelists: Sharan Newman (Moderator), Dana Camron, Kathy Lynn Emerson, Aileen Baron, Kate Gallison, and Sally Wright. Since I’ve always loved historical mysteries, I thought this would be a great panel to sit in on. It was. Unfortunately, and with a bit of embarrassment, I have to admit that I haven’t read any of these authors (but see above about the dealers room), that is shortly to be remedied. Another reason to attend the panels is to listen to authors talk about their works (without giving any plot points away). One of the interesting questions the panel was asked by the moderator was to list one thing about the time period that they write about that they think most people don’t know or have wrong. Among other items, we learned that Griffith Park in LA has a curse on it. There was also a bit of hilarity about 1812 — the year, the time, and the overture. The authors also talked about how when writing historicals you are doing as much world building as a science fiction or a fantasy author. That an author has to make the time period accessible to modern readers while remaining true to the time period. When asked if they would change a fact if it upset the plot, they unanimously stated they’d change the plot rather than ignore a known historical truth. I found the discussion and the answers fascinating and really will follow up on all these authors.
Guest of Honor Interview: Charlaine Harris interviewed by Toni L.P. Kelner. This hour just flew by. Charlaine is as charming, forthright, and entertaining as any of her characters. We learned how she got into writing. A bit of the background and an update on True Blood, the HBO series based on the Sookie Stackhouse books. Upcoming works and some background on the Lily Bard and the Aurora Teagarden series and well as her Harper Connelly books.
International Guest of Honor Interview: Lindsey Davis interviewed by Robert Barnard. I’d read a few of the Falco books and wanted to listen to the author talk about her characters and the Roman Empire. The interview was another where the time just flew. We learned how Davis got into writing, why Rome, how Falco came to be, and about her life and background. I expected Lindsey Davis to be well informed and charming but I didn’t expect the wit and humor — obviously I just don’t pay attention.
So, home again and missing the banquet where the Agatha Awards will be presented but we should have the list of winners for you tomorrow.
Hyperion here. We’re beat and lacking in the required brain cells to do a proper job on today’s photos. We’ll try to get a set packaged up and added in tomorrow. Of course that will be in addition to tomorrow’s photos. Oh well, nobody said walking amongst the stars like giants was going to be an easy task. Till tomorrow … UPDATE: It’s tomorrow and just look, we got a few of them in, just like we promised. We still have a couple left to do, but that will have to wait until after today’s events.