Winning Three Scarlet Stiletto Prizes!

What a weekend! If you haven’t seen me posting all over the internet already, I won three prizes at the Scarlet Stiletto Awards on Saturday night including:

• The Sun Bookshop Third Prize
• The Kerry Greenwood Malice Domestic Award
• The Athenaeum Library Body in the Library Runner-Up Prize

“Lady Loveday Investigates” is about a well-heeled young woman investigating the murder of a party guest with her mother on New Year’s Eve in 1901. Think Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, as narrated by her mother, who is a cross between Mrs Bennet from Pride and Prejudice and Mrs Bucket from Keeping Up Appearances (It’s BOUQUET!).

Basically this picture gives the vibe of the story:

When I found out I’d been shortlisted, I bought a fabulous dress and shoes from Myer (thankyou sales). Rocking up to the Thornbury Theatre on Saturday night, I was a little bit nervous and excited at the same time. It probably didn’t help that I was souped up on democracy sausage and coffee. The red-draped room was full of authors, supporters, feminists and crime fans.

Throughout the night, the fabulous Kate Atkinson and Cate Kennedy both bantered with Jane Clifton. I especially enjoyed Cate Kennedy’s speech about winning the first ever Scarlet Stiletto, and her suggestion to change the trophy to a scarlet scuff attached to a packet of Tim Tams was very appealing.

Given Lady Loveday was so inspired by Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, I was chuffed to win the Kerry Greenwood Malice Domestic Award. When they read out I was from Footscray, there was a huge gasp, as Kerry Greenwood is also from Footscray. And the best part of all was when I got on stage, and someone else gasped “That dress!” I have to say I was a little influenced by Phryne’s style with the sparkling sleeves. One cannot go to a party without some glitter!

Cue me standing on the stage awkwardly as they read my bio out, and there is nothing more mortifying than having to stand on stage while they read your website bio which sounds great on paper, but ridiculously pretentious read aloud. Future shortlistees take note…

But when they let me know I’d won a second prize, I couldn’t believe it. I think I spent the entire night in a state of shock. And after picking up third place as well, I was ready to have a lie down.

It was a wonderful night, and I had a great time chatting with the people on my table, including 15-year-old Olivia De Lesantis who took home the junior category with a story about 1930s girl gangs in Collingwood. I can’t wait to read it.

The next day I couldn’t stop smiling. Nothing was gonna ruin my day, and I rewarded myself with the ultimate in Melbourne indulgences, smashed avocado and a poached egg on sourdough bread. For all of you hoping to win a Stiletto, I had entered the prizes before but hadn’t been shortlisted, so it’s worth trying again!

You can read about all the award winners over on the Sisters in Crime website here.

And for everyone asking where they can read my short story, it’s available in the Tenth Cut anthology of winning Scarlet Stiletto stories at Clan Destine Press. Only $3.95!