Tales of Music, Murder, and Mayhem, edited by Heather Graham.
The convention anthology took home the Anthony this year. It is filled with amazing stories written by talented authors.
Still, it was disappointing news, not only for our Scattered, Smothered, Covered, and Chunked siblings, but for Murder Neat’s SleuthSayers as well.
After the awards ceremony, writers offered heartfelt “literary condolences” to our Waffle-clan, and I appreciated their thoughtful remarks. Later, as the dust settled on our syrup bottle (so to speak), I reflected on the convention and our amazing contributors with a tremendous sense of gratitude. Scattered, Smothered, Covered, and Chunked may not have won the Anthony, but our contributors won in many other ways.
Connection
At the convention, our Waffle-writers connected with attendees, creating buzz about the anthology and joyful energy. They shared waffle-inspired swag on giveaway tables and at the author speed dating event. Convention-goers wore waffle charms on their badges and recounted personal Waffle House stories. An editor asked if a second anthology was planned because she had a client who wanted to be part of it.
Fifty copies of the anthology in the book room were gone before the conference concluded. The bookstore sold out. And our auction basket, Breakfast with a Side of Crime, was popular, too.
Visibility
During the Anthony mixer, I had a chance to talk about the anthology and was honored to mention each of our contributors.
Leading up to the convention, Tammy Euliano’s story, “Heart of Darkness,” won the Derringer Award for best short story, an award she received at Bouchercon’s opening ceremonies.
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| Waffle Swag with Tammy Euliano |
Sean McCluskey’s story, “The Secret Menu,” was selected for inclusion in The Mysterious Bookshop Presents the Best Mystery Stories of the Year 2025, edited by John Grisham.
We may have lost the Anthony award, but the visibility our authors received and the connections we made with readers were priceless.
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| Anthony awards with Tammy Euliano, J.D. Allen Andrew Welsh-Huggins, & Bonnar Spring |
Very well explained, appreciate the clarity.
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Thanks for the comment and checking out the Waffle Report!
DeleteGreat recap.
ReplyDeleteEveryone who I encountered asked about the waffle pin I had on my badge.
Thanks, Dru, for being our Waffle-ambassador. Appreciate you!
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ReplyDeleteWish I could have been there!
Me, too! Would have loved to connect with you Eve.
DeleteSounds like you had a great time, Stacy. Was any of the swag edible? I'm off to brunch in an hour or so to celebrate my 44th wedding anniversary (no, not at a Waffle House, I don't think we have one in Manhattan), and I'll lift my syrup bottle (or more likely, a chi chi pitcher) in a toast to you as well as my SleuthSayers buddies of Murder, Neat.
ReplyDeleteNo edible swag. Love the syrup-toast! Happy anniversary. What an amazing milestone. I have some extra waffle-swag. I will bring it with me to NYC during Edgars week for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your report Stacy. I am enjoying the stories in the Waffle House anthology, and especially enjoyed chatting with you at Bouchercon.
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