Tomorrow I'm off to Washington DC to attend the Malice Domestic convention in Bethesda, MD. It's always something I look forward to with my favorite people assembled in one place to talk about the traditional mystery all weekend (oh, and there is quite a lot of eating and drinking too. And laughing.) , Almost two hundred authors are slated to attend and many more fans.

There's only one thing wrong with the Malice Domestic convention--it's on the East Coast. Which means I have to get up horribly early every day and be bright and witty at what is five o'clock in the morning for me. I am not by nature bright and witty in the early mornings.

Apart from that it's all good--dinner with a group of friends (who are also A list writers--Carolyn Hart, Margaret Maron, Katherine Hall Page, and I won't name any more because I know I'll leave someone out) on Thursday, breakfast with a group of fans and friends on Friday. Then I interview Poirot award winner Lee Goldberg. That will be a challenge. Lee is receiving the award for his work in the TV mystery--Monk, Diagnosis Murder, Spencer for Hire etc. He is also one of the funniest men around and really quick witted. So I'll have to be on my toes. Actually erase that image--it conjures me dancing Swan Lake with Lee Goldberg and it's not a pretty sight.

Friday evening is the opening reception at which I am introduced with fellow Agatha nominees. Then I join my fellow Berkley authors for dinner with the publisher (more food). Saturday I have a panel with fellow nominees, then drinks with Jungle Red buddies before the banquet. I'm thrilled that my agents Meg Ruley and Christine Hogrebe are coming down from New York to join me.

Then home on Sunday afternoon. It is my 14th year in a row that I've attended this convention and it never gets stale. I'll keep you updated as we go along and even try to take some candid pix.