A Night of Crime

Believe it or not, apart from Harrogate, I haven't been to hear any authors talk. I've attended a talk in the Tower of London where an author spoke at her book launch but other than that? Nope. That's the downside of living where I do. So when A Night of Crime was advertised at The Portico Library, Manchester, for three Pan Macmillan crime writers, hosted by Urmston Book Shop and one of the authors was my good mate, David Jackson, well, I was on it like a shot. And it was certainly a night I will remember for a long time to come.

Despite getting starstruck when I saw Daniel Mays and his crew in the reception at the Malmaison Hotel where we were staying, meeting Anne Cleeves for coffee beforehand and walking over to the event with her and Pan Macmillan's publicity director, Philippa McEwan, and feeling part of their crew was a great feeling. I was with Cath Bore, a fellow crime writer from Liverpool, and as soon as we got into the Portico Library we were taking photos. The building is astounding - the books just a dream to behold. There was even a selection entitled polite literature - not sure my book could ever be classed as polite!

Couldn't resist posing with the books!

As well as David Jackson (@Author_Dave) and Ann Cleeves (@AnnCleeves, we met M R Hall (@MRHall_books) and then came three very different talks. I love the television show VERA so it was interesting to hear how she had appeared to Ann. MRHall gave a talk about legal backgrounds and many, erm, aeroplane malfunctions. And David Jackson had us in stitches re the English/American spelling of words and use of phrases.

We took a break with wine and nibbles and then an hour of questions and answers. At one point, over a discussion around hardback, paperback and electronic books, Dave pointed me out to the audience as a top ten kindle author, of which I was thrilled but nearly dropped through the floor. This was his night, how kind. It was lovely to mention my ebook but I quickly brought the conversation back to 'I really want what those authors have' - a fantastic publishing company and a great editor and PR team. It will never stop being my dream. Although I have to admit to being made to feel very special when several people came over to me afterwards to find out more from me about Taunting the Dead!

I was extremely fortunate, and thrilled, to be invited out to dinner with the authors and staff from Pan Macmillan, along with the owners of The Urmston Book Shop that helped run the event so smoothly. More book talk and more wine - an absolute belter of an end to a fantastic evening.

I shall certainly be looking out for more events at The Portico Library, as well as I'm now following Urmston Book Shop (they have a coffee shop inside their book shop, stuff that dreams are made of - coffee and books)

A great night - thanks to all who made it so.

The Portico Library can be found here

The Urmston Book Shop can be found here

Pan Macmillan can be found here