Next week at Maine Crime Writers there will be posts by Susan Vaughan (Monday), Al Lamanda (Tuesday), a guest interview with Gayle Lynds (Wednesday), Dorothy Cannell (Thursday) and John Clark (Friday).

In the news department, here’s what’s happening with some of us who blog regularly at Maine Crime Writers:

We’re thrilled that two of our regulars, Vaughn Hardacker and Kate Flora, along with alum Paul Doiron, are Maine Literary Award finalists for crime fiction. And we once again thank another alum, James Hayman, for advocating with Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance to add a crime fiction category to the awards. The awards ceremony is at the Space Gallery in Portland on May 28th. In our book, all these writers, along with the other nominee, D.A. Keeley, are winners. Have any of you ever wondered why Maine is such fertile territory for crime fiction? Got any theories?

Next weekend, if you’re inclined to visit with us, there may be a special post on that wondrous staple of Maine spring: rhubarb. Yes. Seriously. You might not want to miss this.

Lea Wait: Busy week here! Many of you know my husband, Bob Thomas, is an artist: and he has two openings this week. The Stable Gallery in Damariscotta opened May 15, from 5-7 p.m., and will be open seven days a week for the rest of the summer. And Bob is a featured artist at Studio 53 in Boothbay Harbor beginning with the May 23 opening, 5-8 p.m. in the Harbor. All welcome! Bob and I will be at both events. I’ll be spending most of Wednesday, May 20, with students and staff at Lincoln Academy in Damariscotta (and participants from other schools) who’ve read my UNCERTAIN GLORY. Them Friday, May 22, I’ll be speaking at an author luncheon at the South Freeport Congregational Church. For details, check with the church office. The luncheon starts at 11 a.m.

An invitation to readers of this blog: Do you have news relating to Maine, Crime, or Writing? We’d love to hear from you. Just comment below to share.

And a reminder: If your library, school, or organization is looking for a speaker, we are often available to talk about the writing process, research, where we get our ideas, and other mysteries of the business. Contact Kate Flora: mailto: kateflora@gmail.com