Tickets are now on sale for the International Agatha Christie Festival and the planners have posted the events available. I'm one of them, so I guess this is really happening!

There is a wide range of interesting topics and an impressive list of Christie experts who will be presenting. I have not actually met any of them although I read their books and listen to their podcasts. These are big names in the Agatha Christie world and I feel very much like a Johnny-come-lately.

Interestingly, that phrase, "Johnny-come-lately," perfectly describes me. Not only does it refer to one who has only recently joined the group, it is an American adaptation of an earlier British term, "Johnny Newcome," which describes a new sailor who joins a ship's crew. As an American, joining an established British crew, and who revels in the obscure meanings of words...Well, you can't get more apt than that!

Naturally, I'm veering between excitement and dread. I've heard that everyone at the Festival is very, very nice and I do want to meet the Christie experts whose work I already know quite well. More importantly, I'm really looking forward to meeting lots and lots of fellow Christie fans! If you are also going to the International Agatha Christie Festiva and you see me wandering around, please stop and say "hello." And if you would come to my talk on "Lost Lingo," that would be even better! I hope to see you there!