I've been trying to think of a collective noun for crime
writers. Throttle, suggested by DR MacMaster is the best I've
come across, with "A bloody heap of..." by Mary Dee coming a close
second. I mention this because there was one last night, in Brown's
courtrooms, Covent Garden, when the lovely and talented Dreda Say
Mitchell announced her programme for the 2011 Theakstons Old
Peculiar Crime Festival in Harrogate.
Amongst the throttle was Joanne Harris. No, really, she
was there. And, I'm afraid, has joined the increasingly long list
of brand name authors who think I'm a slightly crazed, semi-drunk
housewife who somehow manages to blag her way into gatherings of
proper writers. In my own defence, whilst there are many authors I
admire, Harris ranks in the stratosphere alongside Stephen King,
Thomas Harris and JK Rowling for me and it was only natural I was
going to be a bit star-struck. Had I known she was going to be
there, I'd probably have prepared a few semi-intelligent questions.
As it was, all I could do was gape adoringly while she and Powerful
One conversed.
We did, though, touch upon the subject of endorsement quotes.
Harris says she was sent ten books last week by editors, each
hoping she'll read and endorse. Even I, slightly crazed housewife
that I am, am starting to get requests and, the three I've read and
endorsed so far have been, genuinely, excellent. But here is the
dilemna. What on earth do I do if I'm sent a book I really don't
like? Politely decline and risk going on a blacklist of grumpy and
difficult authors? Or write something anyway and get labelled an
insincere, attention-grabbing, rent-a-quote tart?
It's a tricky one. Especially as a number of uber famous and
talented authors have been kind and gracious enough to give me
quotes before now.
The Harrogate programme, by the way, looks fabulous and I do
heartily recommend it to anyone who loves crime and lovely northern
cities. Martina Cole, Linwood Barclay, Tess Gerritsen, Val
McDermid,Lee Child, Mark Billingham and Dennis Lehane will all be
appearing. As will the slightly-crazed housewife from the home
counties, but don't let that put you off.
By the way, I almost did become a bloody heap on the way home. I
tripped and fell getting off the train. And, no I wasn't even
semi-drunk by this stage. Just not as steady on my feet as I used
to be.
Joanne Harris pic courtesy of Adrian Lourie.