Interesting Interview: Ann Andriacco

This week's Interesting Interview is with the fabulous Ann Andriacco!  You've probably seen her at a million events, whether it's behind a vendor's table with her amazing creations, overseeing the Gaslight Gala during the January Birthday Weekend, or a million places in-between.  No matter where you see her, you can guarantee she's enjoying herself and if you're lucky to spend some time with her, your day will always be better!

Ann is a stalwart within The Beacon Society, now overseeing two large competitions each year.  She is married to the editor of The Baker Street Journal, Dan Andriacco, and it's plain to see that they both enjoy Sherlockian events, but enjoy each other's company even more!  Ann is a smart and friendly person to be around, and if you're one of the few folks out there who don't recognize this face, get ready to get to know one of the warmest people in our hobby!

How do you define the word “Sherlockian”?

I would define “Sherlockian” as someone who walks in the footsteps of Sherlock Holmes and inhabits his world.

How did you become a Sherlockian?

I read Sherlock Holmes in 9^th grade English class and my mom was a big fan of the Basil Rathbone movies. I would often sit and watch them with her late at night.

Then in high school I met a guy who was immersed in Sherlock Holmes named Dan Andriacco. (It was a blind date arranged by my brother.)

What is your profession (or previous if you are retired) and does that affect how you enjoy being a Sherlockian?

I have had several professions in life. I believe I enjoyed using the stories the most in teaching science to 7^th graders. I am big on process skills and often had activities which used Observation vs. Inference. My students had to collect data, analyze what they were doing, etc. Once, much to the principal’s chagrin, I had a crime scene set up in my classroom with yellow tape, an outline of the victim on the floor, and clues scattered about. (I was not aware that my room was used for the Education Commission meetings. It apparently was quite a lively discussion that took place that night.) The students processed the scene, collected items, did fiber burn tests, checked fingerprints, interviewed people, analyzed statements, and finally had to conclude what happened with their team. They were so involved (and came up with two different ideas) that we then had a trial to see if they could decide if there had been a murder and who the perpetrator was.

What is your favorite canonical story?

I think The Hound of the Baskervilles. It is creepy, gothic, and draws the reader in to the story. I say this after having visited Dartmoor and seen the area in person. I do feel sorry for the Hound, though.

Who is a specific Sherlockian that you think others would find interesting?

I would pick Glenn Miranker. At the “Sherlock Holmes in 221 Objects” exhibit in Bloomington he chose one object out of his collection and dove into where it came from, who owned it, how he tried to find out about it, etc. It all began with a stamp on the front cover and took him down a fascinating rabbit hole.

What subset of Sherlockiana really interests you?

Since I am an artist, I like the foggy streets, the atmosphere, the characters, and the period.

How does being married to another Sherlockian enhance your experience in this hobby?

We look at the stories and process them differently. Dan, being a writer, has a different mindset from mine. So, it is good to hear a different point of view. Plus, I don’t ever have to buy a book or go someplace to look something up! The answer is generally in our house some place. He does have a FEW books. I personally like Sherlock Holmes objects. For Christmas a few years ago, I bought him a miniature Persian slipper which then needed a fireplace, which then needed a wall which had to be wallpapered. Before I knew it, he had a miniature replica of 221B down to the bearskin rug and newspapers of the period scattered around. 

You've been head of The Beacon Society's Awards Committee for a few years.  What are some highlights from your tenure in this position?

I spent all my “careers” working with children and challenging them in some way.  I have been involved with writing contests in the past. It seemed a natural transition to take over the Awards Committee. We oversee the R. Joel Senter Writing Contest and recently added the Nancy Springer Pastiche Writing Contest as two of our projects. 

Joel Senter was my professor for a class at the University of Cincinnati when I was 19. We then met Joel and his wife Carolyn in the Sherlock Holmes world and a wonderful friendship began. It seemed right for me to help carry on his name and introduce others to his love of Sherlock Holmes stories.  (I was a Fine Arts major and Dr. Senter taught Psychology. It wasn’t in my field but sounded like an interesting class. When I did Statistics with another professor—also not in my major area—we used the book he had written for our class. I asked him to autograph my copy. He was shocked that I still had it!)

What book would you recommend to other Sherlockians?

I would choose the Canon itself. I enjoy the stories themselves. Find an area you really enjoy, whether it is analysis, chronology, pastiches, etc. But I can put a plug in for a writer I know named Dan Andriacco….and he did not tell me to say that. I am his last reader before publication, and I do enjoy his stories.

Where do you see Sherlockiana in 5 or 10 years from now?

I see younger Sherlockians coming in and falling in love with the stories now, and I see that continuing if we promote the world of Sherlock Holmes. And of course, It is always 1895.