Month: March 2013

Events Alert: Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival’s “Creative Thursday”

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festival logo

festival logo

I’ve just heard that bookings are now open for the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival’s creative writing course for aspiring writers – Creative Thursday. Held on Thursday 18th July 2013, and running from 9am to 6pm, it’s a fabulous opportunity for those interested in writing crime.

This day-long programme of workshops and seminars gives aspiring crime and thriller writers access to bestselling crime writers, publishing industry professionals and real-life crime experts.

The workshop will cover topics including:

  • Learning from the Greats
  • Constructing Character and Plot
  • Interactive Session with the Forensic Science Society
  • Plus the return of The Dragons Pen – Dare you enter and pitch your novel idea?

In addition, a lucky few Creative Thursday participants with a completed concept for a crime novel will get the opportunity to pitch their book to two agents

The Creative Thursday workshop costs £99.

To find out more, pop over to the Festival website here: http://harrogateinternationalfestivals.com/crime/creative-thursday/

Or to book your place, contact the festival office on 01423 562 303 or email crime@harrogate-festival.org.uk

 

 

A wonderful launch: C&R Crime

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C&R Crime launch

C&R Crime launch

 

Wonderful publishers Constable & Robinson launched their new consolidated crime imprint C&R CRIME on the 28th February.

I was really excited to be invited to the launch party, held at the fabulous location ‘The Crypt’ just off Trafalgar Square, London. It was a fabulous evening with loads of authors, the C&R Crime team, book bloggers and reviewers all mingling and chatting.

M.C. Beaton gave a speech in honour of the occasion, and it was revealed that she is just about to have her 106th novel published – a simply amazing feat.

C&R Crime have got some great books out at the moment including The Poacher’s Son by Paul Doiron (reviewed on this blog in February) and The Circus by James Craig (which I’m currently reading).

I’m also really looking forward to Quentin Bates’ new novel that’s coming out in April.

 

To find out more about C&R Crime head over to their website at http://www.crcrime.co.uk/

Deadly Cupcakes: murderously good

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Deadly Cupcakes!

Deadly Cupcakes!

Aren’t these cupcakes simply fabulous?

I spotted them at the Transworld Crime Scene event that I attended earlier this week, and managed to take a quick photo before they disappeared.

I especially love the ‘dagger cake’, although I’m not entirely sure how would be best to eat it!

Sometimes you just need a bit of DEXTER

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Dexter books

Dexter books

Things have been a bit hectic with the ‘day job’ of late.

I don’t know about you, but when I’m feeling knackered and in need of a ‘pick me up’ I have a few favorite novel series that I turn to. And one of those series is DEXTER by Jeff Lindsay.

The deliciously deadly Dexter, and his complicated life of serving Blood Splatter Analyst (by day) and Serial Killer serial killer (by night) is always a joy to read about. The quirky voice of the character immediately pulls me into the story and lets me forget the world for a while. And sometimes we all need that, right?

Of course, if I’m feeling more like watching than reading I can always dig out the series box set (I have them all!) and watch a few episodes too.

Perfect to chill out to, don’t you think.

What’s your ‘chill out’ book or series?

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Attending the (Transworld) Crime Scene

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Transworld Crime Scene poster

Transworld Crime Scene poster

On Wednesday I was really excited to be heading over to the first ever Transworld Crime Scene event at Transworld Publishers, Ealing.

Special guest for the evening was Cath Staincliffe, author of the Scott & Bailey novelisations, who was interviewed by Rachel Rayner, Commissioning Editor for Crime and Thrillers.

Cath spoke about her latest book in the series BLEED LIKE ME and about how she ensures that the novels dovetail in with the television series and also work as stories in their own right.

With the Scott & Bailey series, plus standalone novels and radio plays in production, Cath sounds like she never has a dull moment.

When asked about her writing process, Cath revealed that she always writes her novels out in longhand first before typing them onto the computer. To make sure the procedural details and technical aspects are correct, she checks them with a police adviser before the final draft.

After the interview, Cath signed copies of her new book, BLEED LIKE ME, and there was plenty of time to chat to the Transworld editorial crime team, bloggers, competition winners and the folks from Dead Good Books.

It was a fabulous evening.

As well as the Scott & Bailey series, Cath also writes standalone crime novels for C&R Crime. Her next standalone book BLINK OF AN EYE will be published next month.

BLEED LIKE ME by Cath Staincliffe is available now (watch this space for a review coming soon).

New website for Agent Hunting

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Agent Hunter website

Agent Hunter website

 

If you’re an author aspiring to publication and you’re hunting for an agent, you might want to check out the new Agent Hunter website that’s been created by those clever people over at the fabulous Writers Workshop.

 

Agent Hunter is a site packed with details of agents, agencies and publishers which allows you to personalise your search to find the ideal ones for you (you can specify agents who handle authors of crime fiction, for example). You can sign up for a free trial, and if you like it  you can take out a yearly subscription for £12 a year.

 

I’ve had a nose around the site and I found it super easy to navigate and packed with useful info.

 

So, if you’re on the search for an agent or publisher you might want to hop over to http://www.agenthunter.co.uk/ for a look see.

 

How awesome is this book shelf?

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Sliding Book Case (photo: The Random House Group)

Sliding Book Case (photo: The Random House Group)

I so need one of these!

This sliding book shelf has to be the ultimate design in space-saving book storage.

[This photo was posted on Facebook by The Random House Group – you can check them out here at http://www.facebook.com/therandomhousegroup ]

This week I’m Loving: Homeland Season 1

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Homeland (TV series)

Homeland (TV series) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

So, I got into this series rather later than most people I think – it was one of those series I kept hearing great things about but never got around to watching. Well, last week I addressed this by buying myself the season one boxed set.

And wow!

What a fabulous series. High-speed action: check. Complex, believable characters: check. Twisting, turning plotlines: check. Great acting: check. Edge-of-seat tension: check.

Amazing.

I’m just really sad I’ve finished it. I think I’ll have to get Season 2 now!

I know you’ve probably already seen it but hush, don’t tell me what happens …

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The Rough Guide to Crime Fiction by Barry Forshaw

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cover image

cover image

This excellent book is a must-read for all serious fans of crime fiction.

Charting the history of the genre, it’s both highly educational and hugely entertaining.

With a foreword by Ian Rankin, each chapter goes on to chronicle a different sub-genre from classic mysteries, through noir and pulp, and visiting with cops, PIs, amateurs and serial killers along the way. It delves into psychological thrillers and criminal protagonists, and takes a peek at organized crime, espionage, and the worlds of historical and translated books.

Highly recommended.