The Girl’s Guide to Edgar Week

So some of you have asked me over the last little while why I won’t be in town for Edgar Week. The answer basically goes like this:

  1. I won’t be able to eat anything.

  2. I won’t be able to drink anything, unless I decide to smuggle in my own booze, and then I’d just get a worse reputation than I already have.

So I have to give it a pass, but based on previous experiences and the Mystery Writers of America’s Jubilee Edition schedule, here’s my take on what to expect:

TUESDAY

Unlike previous years, the annual Agents & Editors Party has been

moved to the Tuesday, and will be held on a cruise ship docked at

Chelsea Piers which will circle the harbor during the allotted time (4:30 to 6 PM.) But if it’s anything like previous years, the ship will be crowded as

hell, so be warned. And for god’s sake, don’t pitch anyone in a

bathroom…

Also, the Mary Higgins Clark Award will be given out during the party, so remember to congratulate the winner because for some reason, she (and it’s usually a she, even if some men have been nominated in years past) is usually forgotten amidst the other awards given out a couple of days later.

Once that’s done, get yourselves off the boat and further up the East Side over to Black Orchid where Bonnie and Joe will host their annual pre-Edgar bash. The main attraction is Donald Westlake as he signs his latest Dortmunder novel, but you’ll have a chance to hobnob with many a mystery novel in a more relaxed setting — especially if the weather’s nice and the crowd spills outside.

WEDNESDAY

Wednesday is the MWA Symposium day, and the full schedule is available here in PDF format. Once you’ve had your fill of the panels, make your way to the New York Yacht club for the 60th anniversary birthday bash, but unless you want to be thrown out, don’t bring cameras, put out your cigarettes and turn off your cell phones.

At lunch, there are a couple of options: for those forking over cash, there’s the children’s editor/agent/publisher lunch, and for those not so inclined, head over to the Borders on 57th and Park to meet and get books signed by Grandmaster Marcia Muller (who got a very nice writeup over the weekend in the LA Times.)

And if you aren’t going to the big bash or feel it might be a bit too crowded, make your way downtown to Partners & Crime for their lower-key version of the Nevermores for fun, food and schmoozing.

THURSDAY

Thursday afternoon’s devoted to the Ellery Queen symposium,

and then awards night starts with cocktails at six. Dress up, because

when are you going to get another opportunity to do so all year? And if

you want to stand out, wear a color other than black and a style no one

else does but which actually works for you. Even if it turns out to be a size too small a year after you bought it (as in the case, alas, with the blue chinese-style frock I wore last year. *sob*)

So how much does this all cost? Um, quite a bit actually, but if you’re a member, you likely got it discounted. And if not, it’s still worth the price.

So for those attending who are up for awards — I wish you all the very best of luck. And remember, if you lose? You tied for second place. Trust me.