It's Monday morning and I'm back at my desk, struggling against
an almost overwhelming feeling of anti-climax now that the
Theakston's Old Peculier crime-writing festival is over. Because,
in spite of small child's prediction coming true and my not winning
either award I was shortlisted for, I had a fantastic time.
I think what impressed me most about Harrogate, as well as the
slick organisation and sheer number of crime-fiction fans present,
was the relaxed and friendly atmosphere it managed to create, when
readers got to meet (and occasionally grill) their favourite
authors and when authors, who spend much of their year alone, can
hear feedback directly from the people who make our writing lives
possible.
Highlights of the Festival for me included:
The Penned In panel on Friday, when three men,
including Jonathan Aitken, who've spent time in prison talked about
their experiences inside and how writing has impacted upon their
lives since. I was in two minds about it beforehand, I really don't
approve of people making money from (their own) crimes, but came
out of the session a catholic convert. Each man spoke so movingly
about the redemptive power of the written word and about the impact
being able to read and write had upon his time in prison and his
life subsequently.
The Transworld dinner on Friday evening, when I sat on Larry
Finley's right, with Lee Child at the foot of the table and Tess
Gerritsen directly opposite me. I'll admit, I had to pinch
myself.
Meeting and having lunch with American crime writer Lisa
Gardner, whose stellar success in the US has yet to be replicated
over here. It's only a matter of time, she's as talented as she's
charming.
Taking part in The Outer Limits panel on Saturday
morning, brilliantly chaired by Andrew Taylor and featuring some
very clever and funny writers, Patricia Duncker, Sarah Pinborough,
Phil Rickman (as well as me). We concluding that not only is crime
fiction mixed with the weird tale the most challenging of all sub
genres to write, but also the most enjoyable and satisfying to
read. And that God is one of us. (You probably had to be
there!)
Recording a Q & A session with Lee Child, that will shortly
be released onto YouTube and that concludes with, I kid you not, my
asking him if he'd ever had sex in a lift with a ferret.
Champagne tea party at Betty's, with strawberry jam scones to
die for. Belinda Bauer nearly had my eye out when I ate one in
front of her.
Room 101, on Saturday evening, when Lee Child was asked to name
his pet hates of crime fiction (sidekicks, snarky reviews, mirrors
and the phrase: there's been a murder) and argue the case for them
to be consigned to Room 101.
And finally, because it demonstrates so well that whilst the
Harrogate festival makes its authors feel very important, it never
allows them to get too big for their boots, the sheer number of
women who came up to me at the opening party and whispered in my
ear: "I really love your …shoes!"
They were from Hobbs, Elle Diagonal Cut Court, in Geranium.