ALA Mystery Day January 8 and a Wooden Pal

The sugar, butter, flour, measuring cups, and measuring spoons have all been put away for now. We're writing, dieting, going to the gym, and being completely serious. Well, within reason.

What's up the road... A head?

Here's my first event in 2011 and it's a pip. On Saturday, January 8, I'll be speaking at Mystery Day at the American Library Association's Midwinter Meeting.

There will be a great line-up of crimewriters all day. After my panels, I'll be signing and giving away copies of my books. Yes! Books. Gratis. Until they run out.

Here are my two panels:

11-11:45 California Girls

Naomi Hirahara, Jeri Westerson, Dianne Emley, Sue Ann Jaffarian, moderator Hank Phillippi Ryan

and:

3-3:45pm Laugh or I’ll Kill You

Vicki Doudera, Jeri Westerson, Dianne Emley, Rosemary Harris, moderator Sue Ann Jaffarian

I'm looking forward to both panels, but I'm really intrigued about being on a humor panel. I've spoken on many types of panels, but never one about humorous mysteries.  All my books are laced with dark humor and I think I have a pretty wicked sense of humor, so this discussion will be an interesting first for the new year.

On Friday, January 7, at 5:00 stop by Mysterious Galaxy bookstore for a meet and greet with many of the crimewriters who will be speaking at ALA's Mystery Day. I'll be there, too. 

About the photo with my watchful buddy... Anyone who knows me knows I can't resist mugging whenever there's a prop around.

Hope to see some of you this weekend.