Dear Friends and Readers,
My
goodness, a month of 2012 is already gone. February (and in Mobile that
means Mardi Gras) is headed right at us. The truth is that time seems
to unreel while I sleep. There are so many things I want to do—so many
stories I want to write. But I look at the calendar and another month is
gone.
I received my print of Franziska Franke’s
glorious painting of Jitty. It is just so incredible that I can’t
describe it. She has captured the soul of Jitty in a haunting (pun
intended) painting. I love it!
The jolly news is Daddy’s Girl Weekend.
Things are shaping up, and we have some exceptional guests. Dean James,
the reigning Big Daddy, is returning. And don’t forget, Dean’s newest
“cat in the stacks” mystery drops Tuesday! FILE M FOR MURDER.
Dean’s
editor, Michelle Vega, will be one of our special guests at DG Weekend.
Michelle has an eye for talent, and we’re delighted she’s coming south
to Mobile for our crazy celebration of reading and friendship.
My
agent, Marian Young, will also be with us again. She’s marvelous! And
her husband, T.R. Pearson, who is a writer in residence this semester at
the University of Alabama, will also be on hand. He’s giving a special
presentation on pitches. T.R. gave a talk at our first Eugene Walter
Writers Festival that had people screaming with laughter. He’s lethal
when it comes to humor.
Ben LeRoy, publisher with Tyrus Books, is also making a return visit to Daddy's Girl Weekend.
Anton Strout and Deborah LeBlanc
will shed light on some areas of writing and reading that I
love—fantasy, paranormal, mysteries, romance, and thrillers. Who can
resist that?
And of course, there are the candidates for Big Daddy. More about that next month!
Last
year, we all dressed up in peignoirs or smoking jackets for the crowning
of Big Daddy. This year, Dean brilliantly suggested that we dress up as
“what would Jitty wear.” For those who’ve read the books, Jitty has
worn many, many outfits.
Kathy Bergold has made a list of all the costumes from all the books (that is stunning to me!) and I’ve posted them RIGHT HERE
(under the "News and Notes") so you can read through them to get some
ideas. Even if you can’t attend the conference, you can dress up as
Jitty, snap a photo, and e-mail it to SarahBoothDelaney@yahoo.com. We have a great prize for the winner. What
is the prize, you ask? I realize travel is expensive and very
difficult for those who have responsibilities at home. But we don’t want
to leave you out of all the fun. So dress up in your Jitty outfit and
snap a photo. The prize will be a free registration at Daddy’s Girl
Weekend 2013.
Before
I started writing this newsletter, I read over last January’s letter. I
was getting ready to go to Chicago with Alice (we almost lost her in a
snow bank), and I was fretting over the bitter winter for Miss
Scrapiron’s sake. I have to say, not a day goes by that I don’t miss
Scrappy and Zelda. This winter has been much milder, and I’m headed to
Birmingham for Murder in the Magic City next weekend.
School
is back in session, and I have some wonderfully talented students. I
would prefer to stay home and write without interruption, but it is such
a joy to work with these students that I can’t stop. They make me
stretch myself as a writer and a teacher, and I know I’m a better
storyteller because of them. There just aren’t enough hours in the day.
I
have a new lab rescue, Tootsie. She’s just been spayed, and I do believe
she needs a trip to a plastic surgeon for a breast lift! But I’m sure Lab4Recue will find her a loving home and folks who don’t care if she’s got a bit of sag.
I got
reports from Marla, Hope (now Willow), K.C. the boxcar riding dog,
Gabby, and Renfield. Everyone is doing great! One dog and cat at a time.
Until next month—y’all take care and be sure to spay and neuter.
Carolyn