I’m just on the cusp of recovering from the amazing weekend in Harrogate and travelling back home, hence the delay between posts!
It’s day 2 of the Theakston Crime Writing Festival – but technically the first official day. Check out day 1 if you haven’t already about my Creative Thursday experience!
FYI, I’m aware the photos aren’t the best. But at least you get the idea of what happened!
Kicking off the weekend at the Old Swan Hotel were the fabulous Val McDermid and Mark Billingham. Both were so charismatic, where they started the cool July morning with a buoyant session into their writing and even her experience on withdrawing sponsorship from Raith Rovers Football Club. During the festival, I got a sample of one of her upcoming novels – she’s written more than 30 and I can see why she’s been such a success.
After each session, panellists signed books, before making the perfect leeway into the next session: Starting with a Scream. Fiona Cummins led the panel; Simon Toyne, Liz Nugent, Will Carver and CJ Tudor. They discussed whether the beginning or ending is more important – and how you mustn’t skip the epilogue!
Law & Disorder: Graham Bartlett (who was at yesterday’s Creative Thursday) led discussions into when police officers cross the line. Joined by Neil Lancaster, Cara Hunter, Jane Casey and Nadine Matheson (a criminal barrister), they opened up on their real-life experiences and research when penning their novels.
I can’t say the next panel was my favourite, where they delved into Literary Crime. I’m not a fan of literary fiction as it is, so I was daydreaming a little. SJ Parris was joined by Will Dean, Laura Shepherd-Robinson, Abir Mukherjee and Jacob Ross.
By this point, I was feeling the lack of sleep and need for food, so I ventured out to get a much-needed juice shot! I missed the ‘Obsession makes the world go round’ panel, where they discussed ‘Simmering secrets, fatal fascinations and poisonous passions’.
The day didn’t end there! Next up: In Conversation with Lisa Jewell and Ruth Ware. I’m so glad I stayed for this session; I haven’t read any of Ware’s books, but have tried a few of Jewell’s. Admittedly, I’m not a fan of the ones I have read, but after hearing extracts from both of their books, let’s just say there are definitely a couple more for the TBR pile! I really enjoyed their session, as they kept bouncing off each other to discuss their books and writing processes (which ALWAYS interests me).
Words! Camera! Action! was one of the panels I was most intrigued by, featuring authors whose works have been adapted for the screen, including Imran Mahmood (You Don’t Know Me), AA Dhand (DI Harry Virdee series), Louise Doughty (Apple Tree Yard) and Mick Herron (Slow Horses), chaired by Chris Brookmyre. They talked through the adaptation and screenwriting processes – all of which can take many years, if they come to fruition at all!
Throughout the day, I managed to fit in some writing where I could – feeling inspired!
Ann Cleeves made up the final panel of the day, but I went home at this point to get some kip. You might have heard of her: she’s behind TV dramas Vera and Shetland, plus multiple bestselling novels.
Ending the night was the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers music band, also featuring Val McDermid and Billy Billingham. Again, I was sad to miss what sounded like a hoot – but it lasted into the early hours and more!
Check out day 3 – an even longer day with more jam-packed sessions!
Lizzie's Week 