BSI and Friends Weekend in NYC

by Dana

Last weekend I was in New York City for my first official trip to the Baker Street Irregulars and Friends Weekend.  I say “first official,” because I dropped by the dealer's room last year to see friends and get copies of A Study in Sherlock signed.  If you haven't read A Study In Sherlock, an amazing collection of Holmesian pastiches, go now.  I'll wait.  But even after that brief hour or so, I knew I had to come back.  For those of you who aren't familiar, the BSI (and Friends) celebrate all things Sherlockian.  It is non-stop Sherlock—The Canon, books, television, movies, Victoriana, scholarship and fandom.  It is a ridiculous amount of brainy fun, steeped in tradition.

The Distinguished Lecture was given by Kim Newman.  He focused on the connection of “diabolical geniuses” in fiction, including books, movies, comics, and other popular fiction.  (The connection is:  they are all Moriarty.)   The cocktail party (there were many!) was tremendous fun, because the best part of any weekend is the people.

(L-R:  Carla Coupe, Nancy Holder, Jan Burke, Kathy Harig, Jacquelynn Morris)

I was delighted to learn that Jan Burke was invested as a member of the BSI as “The Most Winning Woman,” and it was terrific to celebrate her with Carla Coupe and Kathy Harig.  I got to see S.J. Rozan and hear about her forthcoming book; I chatted with Les Klinger, Dan Stashower, and I met the amazing Nancy Holder in person (we knew each other from online groups).  I caught up with Jacquelynn Morris, who's invited me to present at The Scintillation of Scions in June.  I ran into other folks I knew from Malice Domestic and other mystery events.   That's the terrific thing: there's always cross-over with my other interests, whether in mystery, urban fantasy, history, Dr. Who.  Even just geeking out over the choices Martin Freeman makes in the opening scene in "The Reichenbach Fall" of BBC's Sherlock.  It is a happy Venn diagram of so many of my fannish interests.

I did sneak away to the MWA board event at Mysterious Books.  Here we see Dan Hale (right, Executive Vice President) and Charlaine Harris (left, President); I got to chat with so many wonderful folks, but especially enjoyed discussing historical fiction and short stories with Frankie Bailey and Jeri Westerson. 

There was also time—there had to be time!—to do some book business, meeting with my amazing agent Josh Getzler and folks at my publisher, 47North.  We are all very excited about the launch of Seven Kinds of Hell in March.  Below is the cover art, by the talented Christian McGrath.  I ADORE this cover!

So to my friends (old and new) at the BSI and Friends Weekend:  thank you for a wonderful weekend and I'll see you next year!

Comments

[Nancy Holder]

I loved finally meeting you. We have The Great Detective to thank for many things, no? Congrats on all your success. You are awesome sauce.

[Kelly Saderholm]

Sounds like an awesome time! Thanks so much for blogging about it and sharing. I'm also loving the Geek Venn Digram and how Martin Freeman is in the center! Very very cool.

[Dana Cameron]

Nancy, thank you! It was so cool meeting you in person! Absolutely: my hat (a bonnet or topper) is off to Sherlock for making a wonderful weekend.

Kelly, it was a terrific time! I LOVE the overlap of so many cool things, to share with many cool folks!

[Mary]

That looks like the ultimate party for mystery people. Great photos of everyone, too. What fun!

[Dana Cameron]

Mary, I had the best time! And I was so happy I could get everyone together for the shot at the top.