Friday was my last day in New York, and the last at BEA. I started the day with a quick meeting with publicist Wiley Saichek, and spent the day doing exhibits, attending a couple programs, and catching up with authors. Terrific way to end the conference.

I was lucky. When I took books to the shipping area, I double-checked the schedule for the day, and found that Rick Bragg was signing his new book of short stories, My Southern Journey. He’s always so kind, and professed to remember the Lee County Reading Festival.

Rick Bragg

I stopped by Mystery Writers of America’s booth a couple times, once to catch up with Lucy Burdette (aka Roberta Isleib), and later to meet Toni Lo Tempio. And, I ran into Hank Phillippi Ryan, Reed Farrel Coleman, and M.J. Rose.

Lucy Burdette

Toni LoTempio

I’m glad I ran into Hank. She mentioned a mystery panel on one of the stages, so I followed her to hear it. Jeff Abbott moderated with authors Brad Meltzer, Chris Holm, Michael Koryta, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child.

(Now, no one lecture me, asking why there were no women on the panel. I didn’t set it up, and I am a member of Sisters in Crime. I don’t know.)

But, I did get a picture with one terrific author, the former President of Sisters in Crime, Hank Phillippi Ryan.

With Hank Phillippi Ryan

And, I stood in line to see Linda Fairstein whose forthcoming book is The Devil’s Bridge.

Linda Fairstein

I caught the end of a panel about Marvel comic books, and there was one author on it I recognized. So, here’s the perfect picture that sums up the last day’s breaking news. James Patterson announced he was starting an imprint for kids, called Jimmy Patterson. And, all of his profits will go towards projects and programs that encourage kids to read. I’m all for that.

James Patterson

I flew out on Friday, and drove home from Nashville. I had Saturday to do laundry and repack. And, Sunday I headed to Ohio, so I could pick up my sisters. We’ve all headed back to New York City for tourism and more Broadway.