A Shilling for "The Giant Rat of Sumatra"

by Dana

Yep, that's me.  I'm a giant rat.  I'm The Giant Rat of Sumatra.  And I couldn't be more proud.

Allow me to explain. 

The first time I went to a Baker Street Irregulars Weekend, it was mostly by accident. I was in New York to talk with my agent, Josh Getzler, and hit some museums, when I realized that there would be a signing of A Study in Sherlock. So I got my book signed by some of the contributors, including Neil Gaiman (who was nominated for the Edgar for his contribution, “The Case of Death and Honey”) and the editors, Laurie R. King and Leslie S. Klinger. After the signing, I'm chatting with S.J. Rozan, Jan Burke, and Laurie King, and I realize: I'm hanging out with the Avengers in Stark Tower. I'm kicking back with the Justice League at the Hall of Justice. Then I ran into more friends I knew from the mystery world, including Jacquelynn Morris, Carla Coupe, Dan Stashower, and Kathy Harig. We chatted for an hour (easily!) about Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Who, Victoriana, etc. I had to ask myself: How long has this been going on without me? (I wrote more about the BSI Weekend itself here in 2014, the first time I went to the BSI Annual Dinner.)

Then, this past January, I received my “Irregular Shilling, and was made an official member of the Baker Street Irregulars.

Three newly-minted Baker Street Irregulars: me, Tim Greer, and Jenn Eaken

A few facts. The BSI was founded by Christopher Morley in 1934, a literary society dedicated to the study of Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Victoriana. It's the oldest Sherlockian society in the world; Issac Asimov, Anthony Boucher, Rex Stout, and Jean Conan Doyle were members. There are “scion societies” all around the world, sanctioned by the BSI and generally open to new membership* (my “home" scion is The Diogenes Club of Washington, D.C.).

There is an actual 1895 shilling on the certificate and I was given the investiture of “The Giant Rat of Sumatra.” (You can read more about the significance of both on my blog.)

Investiture certificate!

To say that this is an honor is an understatement. The community of Sherlockians is amazing, and I think the key here is enthusiasm. Being excited about books and history leads to incredible conversations on every topic under the sun, and as exhausting as the weekend is (all that eating and drinking and socializing!), it inevitably leads to inspiration.

Being a Rat is a wonderful thing!

What events or groups get you charged up? What is your favorite experience with Sherlock Holmes--the books, the movies, the TV shows?

 

*Some scions are still men only. 

A fluffier (though much smaller) rat from Fellow Fatale Charlaine

Comments

[Elaine Viets]

Congratulations, Dana. The BSI is a wonderful group -- smart and funny. Have fun matching wits with them.

[Dana]

Thanks, Elaine! I will certainly have to keep on my toes.

[Kathy Harig]

Beautiful words from a Sherlockian friend and damn good author. Congrats! Love ya,Dana. Here's to many more BSI weekends in NYC. Kathy

[Hank Phillippi Ryan]

Wow...sigh. SO wonderful! How did they choose the name, do you know? Off to your blog..

[Dana]

Thank you, Kathy! That means the world to me. <3

[Dana]

Hank, it's up to the "Wiggins," who is the head of the BSI. Oftentimes, the member has some kind of connection to the title. I believe having a sense of humor (as in, not minding being called a rat!) had something to do with mine... ;-) I love that, and I like the associations the reference has in the canon.

[Charlaine Harris]

You are the very best rat ever, Dana.

[Dana]

Aw, shucks, Charlaine--thank you!

[Jerrilyn Farmer]

The honor couldn't have been bestowed upon a finer rat. Is it time to order a case of Sumatran wine?

[Dana]

Thank you, Jerrilyn! You know me, it's always time to order a case of wine. :-) I guess in this case, it would be palm wine (or Sumatran coffee).

[Scott Monty]

Welcome to the club, my murine friend!

[Dana]

Thank you, Scott! I'm bruxing and boggling with happiness.

[Mary S.]

What fun! I love that you get a name and a shilling. Signifies the Quality. :) Congratulations!

[Dana]

Thank you, Mary!

[Mark]

I am woefully unfamiliar with Sherlock. Still, huge congrats to you.

[Jan Burke]

Sharing time with you is always a highlight of BSI weekend. Was so glad to be there for your investiture!

[Dana]

Thank you, Mark!

Jan, it's always great to hang with you. I was thrilled you and SJ were there for the investiture!