I’m off today to an unseasonably warm and peculiarly smelly New York, to deliver an address to the assembled Baker Street Irregulars. When Mary Russell first came to the public eye, they were not amused, and although I was embraced by some, many turned a shoulder decidedly cool, at this scribbling female who turned Holmes into a character of romance—and with a young girl, at that.
Time mellows, and also gives reassurance that LRK is not writing romance or thinly disguised porn. Few Sherlockians lack a sense of humor, which helps. So I grasp my lecture, the first time I’ve delivered a talk from paper in I don’t know how many years (high school speech class under Mr. Russau?) It will appear in the Baker Street Journal, and I will ask if I might let it be added to, or at least linked to from, the site, for your entertainment.
Have to say, I’ve had fun writing a tongue-in-cheek academic paper.
I probably won’t be reporting in, as I’m only on the ground there for two days, but I’ll let you know next week how it goes. And if any of the faithful brought overripe tomatoes to the lecture.
Roxanne says
January 10, 2007 at 1:49 pmI am so very happy to be able to say that I will be there for your BSI lecture (sans tomatoes!). And, even though this past Saturday was 71 degrees with Mummer’s Parade viewers sporting t-shirts and shorts, today here in Philadelphia is quite “seasonal”–windy and cold necessitating gloves and hat and scarf. So, unfortunately, I do not expect that NYC will be “unseasonably warm.” Looking forward to tomorrow with great anticipation.
Roxanne
Scott says
January 10, 2007 at 4:21 pmLooking forward to hearing your lecture, Ms. King. I’m sure you’ll play the Game with the utmost expertise.
Maria says
January 10, 2007 at 4:27 pmI won’t be there, I am stuck in the midwest, but I wanted to wish you best of luck! Can’t wait to read the paper too!
bani says
January 10, 2007 at 8:57 pmI’m glad they’ve warmed to you! You deserve it.
Chet says
January 11, 2007 at 12:48 amWhen I saw the title “Holmes (and Mary!) in the Big Apple” I had a spasm of hope. Oh good, I thought, Holmes is going to visit Nero. Anticipation is good. I am definitely looking forward to the next installment of the story of Holmes and Mary.
Frances says
January 13, 2007 at 8:29 pmSeveral members from my local Scion group are attending the BSI. I anxiously await reading your remarks and hearing their accounts of all the proceedings. I agree that most Holmesians have a terrific sense of humor. That and their loyalty to Holmes are very appealing characteristics.
Frances
Anonymous says
January 13, 2007 at 10:44 pmLaurie,
Hope your trip is great. I am holed up with a cold on a very rainy weekend in Ohio. Feeling restless, I went to my bookshelves looking for a friend. I have been immersed in Monstrous Regiment all afternoon (for probably the 20th time), and it is as fresh and wonderful as the first time I read it. Thank you, thank you for this fantastic series. They may not cure the common cold, but they certainly offer a balm!
Kay
Stuart. UK says
January 16, 2007 at 7:21 pmThanks for the reply Laurie. I now have Art of Detection (It’s great)and the signature is proudly in place.Will write more fully soon.