Well, as you can probably tell from the title, I've got two things on my mind. First, I just spent a fantastic weekend at my first ever Malice Domestic conference, the meeting place for writers and readers of cozy and traditional mysteries. And second, the nominations for the Tony Awards were announced today. And, you guessed it, I have some thoughts.

Malice first. I always find conferences a little overwhelming (Fellow introverts, do you feel me?) This was the 36th annual Malice Domestic, and the community there is TIGHT. I was surrounded by joyful reunions, inside jokes, and friend groups that had bonded over a mutual love of books. All great things! But as a newcomer, it took me a minute to find my footing. Don't get me wrong, everyone was friendly, warm, and welcoming. Any time I approached a fellow conference-goer or (gulp) a group, they could not have been more lovely. As everyone kept repeating, "Don't be afraid to strike up conversation with anyone." Easier said than done, sure, but once I pushed myself out of my comfort zone (and found a "wing woman" in fellow newbie Lauren Maturo) I made some great connections! It truly is a fantastic gathering of like-minded bookworms, and I came away from the weekend full of new ideas!

As for the Tony nominations...there weren't a LOT of surprises in there. I'm so happy to see so many nominations for "The Outsiders," my favorite new musical of the season, and am rooting for Maleah Joji Moon for Leading Actress. Otherwise, it was great to see the vast majority of directing nominations go to women! (Take note, Oscars!) I'm seeing "Stereophonic" tomorrow night, and I'm guessing it'll be a pretty electric performance based on all the nominations they got!

Pre-orders for THERE'S NO MURDER LIKE SHOW MURDER have been going well, too! If you haven't pre-ordered your copy yet, get one at this link and post in the comments below!