Crime Month

For those who didn't know, June was Crime Month so I thought I'd share a little of what I've been doing. Actually, I wasn't here at all at the beginning of the month. When June kicked in I was in Majorca while the rest of the UK enjoyed the Diamond Jubilee. I left straight after the international crime fiction convention: Crimefest.

Crimefest is held in Bristol and it was my first visit to the festival and city. It was a brilliant event. I met some wonderful people there - writers as well as readers. We enjoyed wall-to-wall sunshine for three whole days and I got my first opportunity to speak publicly at a festival, a twenty minute 'In The Spotlight' session.

I chose to speak about the highs and lows of my journey to publication. It went well until, and in front of a full house, I was overcome by emotion as I shared the moment I received the offer of a book deal after years of hard work. My friends, my agent and my Pan Macmillan publicist were all there to witness this. At the time, I wanted the floor to open up and swallow me. But so many wannabe writers made a point of seeking me out afterwards to tell me how pleased they were to have shared my 'moment' and my passion, I quickly got over it. It is my passion that has got me here after all. 

Interest is already building for the second book in the series - Settled Blood is to be published on 8th November 2012 - and I've given a couple of interviews this month too. You can read these by visiting my Reviews page. I've also been invited to speak at festivals, to take part in library events and signings later in the year. As and when they're confirmed, I will post these on my Events page.    

On 14th June, I took part in Crime on Tour at Newcastle Central Library, organised by Theakstons Crime Writing Festival who were touring the north promoting New Blood. Danielle Ramsay and I were interviewed by fellow Pan Mac author, Ann Cleeves. She was so generous in her introduction, describing us as the 'new bright stars in the crime writing galaxy' - praise indeed from one of the country's most successful crime writers.

A few days later, The Murder Wall was featured in the Underground Book Club, a free magazine for commuters in London, bringing new books to public attention. Magazines distributed across the underground included a review of The Murder Wall and three free chapters for commuters to read on their way to and from work. A digital version is also available.

And more excitement: Along with Peter James' novel Dead Simple, The Murder Wall was chosen to launch the WHSmith's Kobo for Father's Day. And as the month draws to a close, so did the edit for book three which I finished in time for Book Reading Day on 30th - a day when I also learned that the jacket for the third in the Kate Daniels series is on its way . . .

So, all in all, Crime Month was a busy one for me. Next up, a few days off, and a chance to celebrate Independent Booksellers Week. Today, I'm attending Crime in the Court at Goldsboro Books in London. Then, on the 5th, I'm working behind the counter at Forum Books as a thank you to my small village bookshop who have sold over one hundred copies of The Murder Wall! I'll keep you posted on how it goes.