CRIME ON MY MIND

On with the awards!

Watching The Genie awards last night, I thought, we've finally arrived. Canadians do know how to throw a great party to congratulate those working in the film industry. The National Arts Centre was transformed, not that it's by any means a shabby place, but it morphed from the dignified aging lady to a vibrant, hip uptowner ready to strut its stuff.

The female attendees were decked out in glam outfits -- what did you think of Wendy Crewson in her hot pink strapless number? -- both long and short; the guys buffed up real nice in dark suits and tuxes.

The live music, and DJ intros to the film clips, were guaranteed to keep the energy level high. The presenters were easy to look at, well-behaved and did a presentable job. The winners, notably pleased and precise with their speeches. What was not to like? Even "Canadian Icon" William Shatner aced out the MCs in last month's awards ceremonies.

So, how about those Arthur Ellis Awards?

We can do glam up here in Canada, we can make a big deal of our creative types. The Arthur Ellis Awards presented annually by Crime Writers of Canada, should be taking its rightful place along with the Genies, the Junos, the GG's, the Giller...why not?

Crime Writers of Canada is working hard to raise the profile of mystery and crime writers in this country. We've got some terrific ones and this is the place to honour them. So, lets make a big deal out of it. If you live on Vancouver Island or the B.C. lower mainland area, give some serious thought to attending the Arthur Ellis Awards this year. They'll be held on Thurs., June 2nd in Victoria, the night before Bloody Words XI begins.

Tickets aren't yet available but that doesn't mean you can't mark the date on your calendar and start thinking about what you'll wear. The short-list of Ellis nominees will be announced on April 27th. I'll be you know some of those names and I hope you'll have read a lot of the books. Keep on eye on the CWC website for details http://www.crimewriterscanada.com/

Let the celebrations continue! And, don't worry -- it's not really about the glam. Come dressed as you like but do come!

Just wondering, what do you think about awards ceremonies?


Linda Wiken/Erika Chase
Mystery Book Club mysteries coming April 2012,
from Berkley Prime Crime
Murder By the Book