Wednesday, May 05, 2010

Report on the Festival of Mystery

By Annette Dashofy


Monday was the annual Festival of Mystery in Oakmont. It was tons of fun, as always. I mean, what’s not to love. A room crowded with book groupies…MYSTERY book groupies at that! It just doesn’t get much better.

Except when my dear friend and fellow Working Stiff Paula Matter puts in a surprise appearance. She had her husband’s camera and was snapping away, so check back tomorrow for PART TWO of the report from the festival.

The Festival doors open promptly at 4PM. I happened to be hanging out with some of my Sisters in Crime way too close to the entrance and was nearly trampled. Thankfully, we were given just enough warning and managed to duck out of the way.

Here’s a shot of our own Martha Reed (she of the recently finished manuscript…GO GIRL!) chatting up Nancy Martin.

And here’s lovely new mom Kathryn Miller Haines with her beautiful boy.

Paula again, this time with fellow Stiff, Joyce Tremel.

Then Paula snapped this one of me with Alan Orloff. Seems like we’ve known each other for ages online, but this was the first time we met in person.

That’s one of the things that’s so great about the Festival.

Two other things are Richard and Mary Alice of Mystery Lovers Bookshop, which is where we all descended for the After Festival Pizza Party. Either the pizza was super yummy or I was super hungry. Or both.
Can’t wait until next year. Mystery Lovers Bookshop and the Festival of Mystery ROCK!

14 comments:

Martha Reed said...

Hi, Annette. Yes, you're right it was another great Festival - I came home with a happy mystery buzz from all the author interviews and great conversations. We're having quite a month! Can't wait for PennWriters next week.

Laurissa said...

Nice photos, Paula. Thanks for sharing them, Annette. It was a great Festival and it was nice to meet you, Paula!

Annette said...

I wouldn't say that I "can't wait." I have so much to do before next week's Pennwriters Conference that just thinking about it triggers a panic attack.

Joyce Tremel said...

Ack! That photo is why I never let anyone take my picture.

Joyce Tremel said...

Sandy Parshall wrote about the Festival on Poe's Deadly Daughters today, too.

Wilfred Bereswill said...

Looks like you had a good turnout and it looks like fun. And, BTW, Joyce, you, Annette and Paula look lovely.

Jenna said...

I wanna go! Waaah!

Annette said...

Laurissa, Paula will share her photos tomorrow. These are all mine except for the one I'm in. Granted, I was using the cheapie camera instead of the Nikon, but these'll do.

Joyce, you're too hard on yourself.

Thanks, Will. See, Joyce! Will says you look lovely. I agree.

Jennie, you do sooo need to try to make the Festival next year. It's a blast. Then stick around for the Pennwriters Conference, which will be back in Pittsburgh in 2011, too.

Patg said...

I've heard so much about this event after Malice, I can't imagine not attending afterwards. Do you know anything about those 'wagon (car) trains' that trail blaze between Malice and the Festival?
Patg

maryalice@mysterylovers said...

Thanks......couldn't do it without the time and effort of our mystery pals......thanks SiBS

Paula Matter said...

Aww, Annette, you're so sweet. It was fun surprising you. Now, take down that damn photo of me. No, it's okay, 'cause I just remembered Joyce agreed when I said a camera adds 40 pounds.

Laurissa, I am so glad I met you and was able to apologize in person!

Jennie, you should definitely go!

Aww, Will, you're sweet, too. Your wife has trained you well.

Paula

Alan Orloff said...

Hi Annette,

It was great meeting you in person (and Paula, and Joyce, too). Three Working Stiffs, all in one place! It was a terrific event (and the pizza was super yummy). Hope to see you again next year, if not sooner! (Thanks for posting that pic, too.)

Tamara said...

Annette! That black balloon makes a great hairpiece for you.

The festival was fantastic as usual. Great seeing all of you.

Annette said...

Tamara, it looks like my Mickey Mouse ears slipped, doesn't it???