By Sherry reporting in from Bouchercon
Tomorrow, September 7, 2018, is a big day in my life. First and foremost it’s my twenty-eighth anniversary. I met my husband when I’d sworn off men forever, didn’t expect to fall in love, and definitely didn’t have wedding plans. But he changed all that when he asked me to dance one night. (I said no, but the man is stubborn.) Bob is my biggest cheerleader, supporter, and will tell anyone (watch out if you are ever in an elevator with him) about my books. I’m so lucky to have him in my life.
The second big event is becoming president of Sisters in Crime. I’m overcome with emotion just thinking about it. Julie Hennrikus was the first person to tell me about Sisters in Crime. At the time we were both dewy-eyed (okay, slight exaggeration) women with dreams of being published. I followed Julie’s advice and here we are both published with multiple books out.
Sisters in Crime is a big organization but for me it’s all about the personal relationships. I’m a member of two chapters – the New England Chapter, which is the first one I joined, and the Chesapeake Chapter which I joined when we moved to Northern Virginia. I became president of the Chesapeake Chapter and it was a fantastic experience. So I volunteered for a position with National, never dreaming that I’d be asked to serve the three year term of vice president, president, and immediate past president.
Kendel Lynn broached the subject and told me to think about it. But I knew in that moment that I would say yes. I saw a line zing from Sarah Paretsky through all the smart, talented women who have led this organization to me. How could I do anything else?
The first thing I did after talking with Kendel was to call Bob. I knew it would take time away from our family and I’m already busy with writing and promoting. He said, “Go for it. You’ll be great.” To tell you the truth I was scared – what if I wasn’t good enough? What did I have to offer the organization?
I’ve spent the last year learning, learning, learning. Kendel and Diane Vallere have patiently answered all of my questions. Both are amazing examples of what a good leader should be. The women who serve on the board are an inspiration, smart, and talented. Beth Wasson, SinC’s executive director, has also answered the gazillion questions I’ve asked. Beth is our keeper of knowledge and history dispensing bits of wisdom while doing a hundred different tasks. Then there’s Sarah Glass who does so much for so many of us all behind the scenes. And Molly who works tirelessly to bring us the inSinC quarterly. I’ve also talked to past presidents who have been so generous with their information and guidance.
So, as I said at the beginning, tomorrow is a big day for two very different and wonderful reasons.
Readers: Have you ever had two very different events happen on the same day? I’m going to be in a Sisters in Crime board meeting as you read this, but will check in as I can.