Crimefest 2014 Site
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PAST CRIMEFEST NEWSLETTERS:
Friday, 25 May 2014.
Hi all,
This is the last newsletter before next month’s CRIMEFEST. The convention may sell out, so BUY TICKETS to avoid disappointment.
Attendees and participating authors will receive a few further communications specifically relating to their attendance. But, until the final CRIMEFEST 2014 newsletter with details of this year’s award winners and early-bird registration fee for 2015, here’s the latest news:
- CRIMEFEST AWARD SHORTLISTS ANNOUNCED
- MEET MAUREEN JENNINGS AND THOMAS CRAIG AT CRIMEFEST’S ‘ALIBI'S MURDOCH MYSTERIES’
- WIN A TRIP TO OSLO AT CRIMEFEST COURTESY OF THE NORWEGIAN EMBASSY
- CRIME WRITING DAY & PITCH AN AGENT
CRIMEFEST AWARD SHORTLISTS ANNOUNCED
The winners of the CRIMEFEST awards will be announced during the Gala Dinner on Saturday, 17 May. The organisers would like to thank the sponsors and congratulates all the shortlisted nominees and their publishers.
Audible Sounds Of Crime Award
The Audible Sounds of Crime Award is for the best unabridged crime audiobook first published in the UK in 2013 in both printed and audio formats, and available for download from audible.co.uk, Britain’s largest provider of downloadable audiobooks. Courtesy of sponsor Audible UK, the winning author and audiobook reader share the £1,000 prize equally.
Nominees:
- Ben Aaronovitch for Broken Homes, read by Kobna Holdbrook-Smith (Orion Audio)
- John le Carré for A Delicate Truth, read by John le Carré (Penguin)
- Robert Galbraith for The Cuckoo's Calling, read by Robert Glenister (Hachette Audio)
- Peter James for Dead Man’s Time, read by Daniel Weyman (Macmillan Audio)
- Peter May for The Chessmen, read by Peter Forbes (Quercus)
- James Oswald for Natural Causes, read by Ian Hanmore (Penguin)
Eligible titles were submitted by publishers for the longlist, and Audible UK listeners established the shortlist and the winning title.
eDunnit Award
The eDunnit Award is for the best crime fiction ebook first published in both hardcopy and in electronic format in the British Isles in 2013. The winning author receives £500 and a Bristol Blue Glass commemorative award.
Nominees:
- A.K. Benedict for The Beauty of Murder (Orion)
- Thomas H. Cook for Sandrine (Head of Zeus)
- Sara Gran for Claire DeWitt and the Bohemian Highway (Faber and Faber)
- Elizabeth Haynes for Under a Silent Moon (Sphere)
- Val McDermid for Cross and Burn (Sphere)
- Derek B. Miller for Norwegian by Night (Faber and Faber)
- Denise Mina for The Red Road (Orion)
- Thomas Mogford for Sign of the Cross (Bloomsbury)
- George Pelecanos for The Double (Orion)
- Anne Zouroudi for The Feast of Artemis (Bloomsbury)
Eligible titles were submitted by publishers for the longlist, and a team of British crime fiction reviewers voted to establish the shortlist and the winning title.
Goldsboro Last Laugh Award
The Goldsboro Last Laugh Award is for the best humorous crime novel first published in the British Isles in 2013. The £500 prize is sponsored by Goldsboro Books, the UKs largest specialist in first edition, signed books.
Nominees:
- Colin Bateman for Fire and Brimstone (Headline)
- Alan Bradley for Speaking from Among the Bones (Orion)
- Colin Cotterill for The Axe Factor (Quercus)
- Shamini Flint for A Calamitous Chinese Killing (Little, Brown)
- Carl Hiaasen for Bad Monkey (Little, Brown)
- Suzette A. Hill for A Little Murder (Allison & Busby)
- Derek B. Miller for Norwegian by Night (Faber and Faber)
- Teresa Solana for The Sound of One Hand Killing (Bitter Lemon Press)
Eligible titles were submitted by publishers for the longlist, and a team of British crime fiction reviewers voted to establish the shortlist and the winning title.
All the winners also receive a Bristol Blue Glass commemorative award.
MEET MAUREEN JENNINGS AND THOMAS CRAIG AT CRIMEFEST’S ‘ALIBI'S MURDOCH MYSTERIES’
Just after this year’s CRIMEFEST programme had gone to print we received the sad news that Kerry Greenwood will be unable to attend due to ill health. We wish her well and a speedy recovery. In her absence we will be focusing on Maureen Jennings’ Murdoch Mysteries and joining her will be Thomas Craig, who plays Inspector Thomas Brackenreid in the popular Alibi series. Thomas’ other appearances include Tommy Harris in the ever popular Coronation Street.
WIN A TRIP TO OSLO DURING CRIMEFEST COURTESY OF THE NORWEGIAN EMBASSY
This year’s CRIMEFEST raffle benefiting the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) returns, and the big prize, courtesy of the Norwegian Embassy, is a trip for two to Oslo (including two nights in a hotel and flights from London’s Gatwick airport). We also want to thank the Norwegian Embassy for their continued support in bringing exciting new names to CRIMEFEST – this year it is the award-winning Jørn Lier Horst. This trip is in addition to the trip to Iceland Noir in Reykjavik, which was announced in the previous newsletter (13 March).
CRIME WRITING DAY & PITCH AN AGENT
This is your last chance to sign up for the last spaces for CRIMEFEST's Pitch an Agent and Crime Writing Day. Numbers for the latter are restricted to twenty-five participants, and bestselling crime novelists M.R. Hall and William Ryan have tailored their workshop for the Friday afternoon session. Also included in the programme are 'How To Self Publish In eBook And Print' with Joanna Penn; and 'Agents And Editors: Who Does What For Authors?' with agents David Headley and Camilla Wray, and with editors Stefanie Bierworth from Quercus and Vicky Mellor from Headline. On a first come, first served basis the registration fee includes a limited one-on-one manuscript assessment with Janet Laurence.
The sell-out Pitch an Agent strand offers unrepresented authors a unique opportunity to avoid slush piles by pitching their manuscripts to four agents simultaneously in a private session. Consider it speed dating for an agent meets The Dragon's Den.
Go to PITCH AN AGENT and CRIME WRITING DAY for more information.
That's it until the final CRIMEFEST 2014 newsletter next month.
With best wishes,
Myles Allfrey, Donna Moore and Adrian Muller,
CRIMEFEST co-hosts.
Thursday, 13 March 2014.
Hi all,
It has been a long, long slog but, after matching the all-time record of 16 drafts, we have finally put this year's CRIMEFEST PROGRAMME up.
As for other news:
- 2014 CWA DIAMOND DAGGER WINNER SIMON BRETT AT CRIMEFEST
- ALIBI'S MISS FISHER'S MURDER MYSTERIES & MURDOCH MYSTERIES
- WIN AN TRIP TO ICELAND AT CRIMEFEST COURTESY OF ICELAND NOIR
- FOYLES BECOMES THE NEW CRIMEFEST BOOKSELLER
- CRIME WRITING DAY & PITCH AN AGENT
- PETRONA AWARD
- TRANSLATED CRIME FICTION
- MAGNA CUM MURDER PARTNERS WITH CRIMEFEST
- HAPPY BIRTHDAY GOLDSBORO AND POISONED PEN
- LOVEREADING
2014 CWA DIAMOND DAGGER WINNER SIMON BRETT AT CRIMEFEST
The Diamond Dagger is the highest honour the British Crime Writers' Association (CWA) can bestow, and is presented to an author for their sustained excellence in, and a significant contribution to, crime fiction. Past winners include Lee Child, Frederick Forsyth, Andrew Taylor, Sue Grafton, John Harvey, Ian Rankin, P.D. James, and many other luminaries. We are delighted that this year's recipient is Simon Brett. To celebrate this honour at CRIMEFEST, Simon has agreed to perform a number of short crime fiction parodies as part of the reception for the announcement of a number of CWA Dagger Shortlists. We look forward to welcoming Simon back to Bristol.
ALIBI'S MISS FISHER'S MURDER MYSTERIES & MURDOCH MYSTERIES
CRIMEFEST is delighted to announce that Alibi, the premier channel for the best in crime drama, is sponsoring a unique event highlighting two of their most popular series: Meet The Authors Behind Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and Murdoch Mysteries. In a rare visit to Britain, Australian author Kerry Greenwood and Maureen Jennings from Canada will discuss how Miss Fisher and Detective Murdoch came about, and the journey they took to reach the small screen. As sponsors, Alibi will promote their CRIMEFEST competition (to win an all inclusive CRIMEFEST package) on air, online and through social media. For more information visit Alibi. (Competition winners who have already purchased passes will be reimbursed.)
WIN AN TRIP TO ICELAND AT CRIMEFEST COURTESY OF ICELAND NOIR
The organisers of Iceland Noir are offering an all inclusive package – and a bit more – as part of a (free) lottery during CRIMEFEST's Iceland Noir panel onThursday, 15 May. The prize includes: a flight from London to Reykjavik and hotel accommodation for three nights to attend this year's Iceland Noir (20 - 23 November). The 'bit more' involves (hopefully) optional Icelandic delicacies: fermented shark, and flayed sheeps' head. On the plus side, they come with three shots of highly alcoholic brennivín to aid swallowing. So, don't miss out on this special prize and BUY TICKETS to CRIMEFEST.
FOYLES BECOMES CRIMEFEST'S NEW ONSITE BOOKSELLER
CRIMEFEST is delighted to announce that independent bookseller Foyles, whose first shop outside London opened in Bristol three years ago, is to become CRIMEFEST's new onsite book retailer. As part of the new partnership, Foyles will be offering exclusive competitions and discounts, and supporting crime writing across all seven of its branches in London and Bristol in the months leading up to the festival. For more information, visit the website, sign up to the Foyles newsletter, or follow Foyles on Twitter or Facebook.
CRIME WRITING DAY & PITCH AN AGENT
There are still a few spaces for CRIMEFEST's Pitch An Agent and Crime Writing Day. Numbers for the latter are restricted to twenty-five participants, and bestselling crime novelists M.R. Hall and William Ryan have tailored their workshop for the Friday afternoon session. Also included in the programme are ‘How To Self Publish In eBook And Print’ with Joanna Penn; and ‘Agents And Editors: Who Does What For Authors?’ with agents David Headley and Camilla Wray and editors Stefanie Bierworth from Quercus and Vicki Mellor from Headline. On a first come, first served basis the registration fee includes a limited one-on-one manuscript assessment with crime writer Janet Laurence.
The sell-out Pitch An Agent strand offers un-represented authors a unique opportunity to avoid slush piles by pitching their manuscripts to four agents simultaneously in a private session. Consider it speed dating for an agent meets the Dragon's Den.
Visit PITCH AN AGENT and CRIME WRITING DAY for more information.
PETRONA AWARD
The winners of CRIMEFEST's Audible Sounds of Crime, eDunnit and Goldsboro Last Laugh Awards are annually announced at the convention's Gala Awards Dinner. (The shortlists for the awards will be announced in early April.) For the second year running, the winner of the Petrona Award will also be announced at the dinner. The Petrona Award was established to celebrate the work of Maxine Clarke. Maxine was passionate about translated crime fiction, and her online persona and blog was called Petrona. The shortlist for the 2014 award is as follows:
- Closed For Winter by Jørn Lier Horst tr. Anne Bruce (Sandstone Press)
- Strange Shores by Arnaldur Indriðason tr. Victoria Cribb (Harvill Secker)
- The Weeping Girl by Håkan Nesser tr. Laurie Thompson (Mantle)
- Linda, As In The Linda Murder by Leif G W Persson tr. Neil Smith (Doubleday)
- Someone To Watch Over Me by Yrsa Sigurðardóttir tr. Philip Roughton (Hodder & Stoughton)
- Light In A Dark House by Jan Costin Wagner tr. Anthea Bell (Harvill Secker)
Tickets to the CRIMEFEST Gala Awards Dinner are available for delegates at BUY TICKETS.
TRANSLATED CRIME FICTION
In addition to the well established Euro Crime, fans of translated crime fiction might also be interested in GloBooks. The site reviews the latest books by international authors of translated fiction, and one of their most recent features focused on Polish crime fiction.
MAGNA CUM MURDER PARTNERS WITH CRIMEFEST
CRIMEFEST and Magna Cum Murder are thrilled to announce their new association. Magna Cum Murder is a well-established and highly respected convention organised by, amongst others, Kathryn Kennison for Indiana’s Ball State University in the US. Their aim, says Kathryn, is to ‘celebrate crime writing during a houseparty-like weekend with a congenial mix of readers and writers’. This ethos is shared by CRIMEFEST, so the collaboration makes perfect sense. Whilst benefiting from Magna cum Murder's experience, CRIMEFEST will reciprocate by providing its own expertise in certain areas. We hope this will be the perfect match to discover, rediscover and celebrate the authors and community that make us love crime fiction as much as we do. Visit Magna Cum Murder for more information about the October convention.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY GOLDSBORO AND POISONED PEN
2014 sees the 15th and 25th anniversaries of two of the most beloved and respected independent crime fiction bookstores: Britain's Goldsboro Books, and The Poisoned Pen Bookstore in the US. Over the years the owners and well-informed staff of both stores have helped launch the careers of many crime writers, and both the London-based Goldsboro and the Arizona-located Poisoned Pen are well worth a visit if you are in the area. (As the hyperlinks indicate, both stores have an online presence as well.) Here's to the next anniversary!
LOVEREADING
And finally, do you love reading? Highlighting the best in new fiction, lovereading.co.uk could be the site for you! As part of our link-up with them, lovereading is featuring CRIMEFEST in its April coverage, including a competition with CRIMEFEST passes as prizes. (As always, competition winners who have already purchased passes will be reimbursed.) Be sure to visit lovereading.co.uk for the latest in (crime) fiction.
That's it until next time.
With best wishes,
Myles Allfrey, Donna Moore and Adrian Muller,
CRIMEFEST co-hosts.
Tuesday, 14 January 2014.
Hi all,
Best wishes for 2014!
A draft version of this year's itinerary is almost completed and we intend to contact moderators and then authors with their panel assignments in the next few weeks. With any luck the programme should be up on the CRIMEFEST site by mid to late February.
In this newsletter:
- TRANSLATED FEATURED GUEST AUTHOR: YRSA SIGURDARDOTTIR
- CRIME WRITING DAY & PITCH-AN-AGENT
- EMERGING INDIE VOICES PANEL
- FLASHBANG CONTEST & SARAH HILARY
- CHECK YOUR LISTING
- 4-STAR OVERSPILL HOTEL
- WORLD BOOK NIGHT UK
- MACBETH, JO NESBO & DAVID HEWSON
- MEET CAST MEMBERS OF BORGEN, THE BRIDGE AND WALLANDER
TRANSLATED FEATURED GUEST AUTHOR: YRSA SIGURDARDOTTIR
With CRIMEFEST’s ongoing support for translated crime fiction we traditionally have a Featured Guest who writes crime fiction in a foreign language. We are very pleased to announce that this year that author will be Yrsa Sigurdardottir. Having participated at every CRIMEFEST since year one, Yrsa has become increasingly popular with delegates and on international bestseller lists as well, with Someone to Watch Over Me being named Best Crime Novel of 2013 by the Sunday Times. Yrsa is also a tireless promoter of the genre: in addition to being a member of the author collective Murder is Everywhere, she is also one of the organisers of Reykjavik’s Iceland Noir crime convention. We look forward to turning the spotlight on Yrsa at CRIMEFEST.
CRIME WRITING DAY & PITCH-AN-AGENT
This year CRIMEFEST expands its workshop into a crime writing day made up out of four events. With a mixture of presentations and exercises, authors M.R. Hall and William Ryan present a workshop focusing on character and plot. Two agents and two editors will discuss what services they provide, and how authors might be expected to reciprocate. And with the industry increasingly turning to new media for fresh talent, Joanna Penn offers advice on how to self publish in ebook and print in the current publishing eco-system. Also included, on a first-come-first-served basis, are ten one-on-one assessments of a manuscript. Delegates signing up for both the crime writing day and a full CRIMEFEST pass will receive a 25% (£75) discount. Go to the CRIME WRITING DAY page for more information or to BUY TICKETS to register.
For aspiring crime writers who already have completed a manuscript there is the Pitch-an-Agent strand. Consider it ‘speed-dating for an agent’ meets ‘Dragon’s Den’ as participants are offered the opportunity to gain representation by pitching their work to four agents simultaneously in one private session. The companies of the participating agents represent best-selling authors such as Lee Child, Martina Cole, John Connolly, Paul Doherty, Tana French, Linda LaPlante, Denise Mina and Ian Rankin. For more information visit the PITCH AN AGENT page. The strand has sold out in previous years, so BUY TICKETS soon to avoid disappointment.
EMERGING INDIE VOICES PANEL
This is a final call for self-published authors who wish to appear on a panel at CRIMEFEST. As mentioned above, publishing houses are now using the sales figures of self-published authors as a tool to seek out new talent. Recognising this development, CRIMEFEST is organising a panel to give four independently published authors a chance to discuss their work at this year's convention. Helping us organise the Emerging Indie Voices panel is Joanna Penn. A contributor on the subject of self-(e)publishing to national publications such as The Bookseller and the Guardian, she writes independently published fiction as J.F. Penn. If you are a self-published crime writer and are interested in participating on this panel then visit the EMERGING INDIE VOICES submission form page for more information or to sign up. The deadline to apply is 19 January.
FLASHBANG CONTEST & SARAH HILARY
Can you write a crime story in 150 words or less? If so, then you're in with a chance of winning some great prizes, including passes to CRIMEFEST 2015 and—for five lucky shortlistees—a place on our Crime Writing Day 2014. For more information visit the FLASHBANG COMPETITION page. And can we take this opportunity to congratulate Flashbang organiser Sarah Hilary on her debut novel Someone Else’s Skin, which is published on 27 February.
CHECK YOUR LISTING
If you have registered for this year’s CRIMEFEST, can you check that your name is listed on the AUTHORS & DELEGATES page, please. Not only do we want to make sure your registration has been processed, we also request that you contact us if the name listed is different to the one you wish to appear on your CRIMEFEST badge.
4-STAR OVERSPILL HOTEL
As all double rooms and some nights at the convention hotel have now sold out, CRIMEFEST has organised an alternative 4-star overspill hotel less than a two-minute walk away. (For budget accommodation visit the WHERE TO STAY page.) To ensure that only registered delegates are able to book at the convention rate, the discount code will be released shortly after passes have been purchased. To avoid disappointment we recommend that you BUY TICKETS as soon as possible.
WORLD BOOK NIGHT UK
Do you live in the UK and do you want to encourage reading by giving away free books? If so, then you might be interested in becoming a Giver as part of the World Book Night on 23 April. 250,000 copies of twenty titles are to be given away, including those by some crime authors represented at or attending CRIMEFEST. (The Perfect Murder by Peter James—now also a UK theatrical production; Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch; and After the Funeral by Agatha Christie.) For a complete list and more information visit the World Book Night website. The deadline to volunteer as a Giver is 23 January.
MACBETH, JO NESBO & DAVID HEWSON
It has just been announced that Jo Nesbo is to join a number of contemporary authors in retelling some of Shakespeare's plays for the 400th anniversary of the Bard's death in 2016. Nesbo will be offering his take on Macbeth. Readers looking for a crime writer's interpretation right now might want take a look at the version David Hewson co-wrote with A.J. Hartley. Hopefully an epub edition will be published soon but at the moment Macbeth: A Novel only available on Amazon's Kindle platform.
MEET CAST MEMBERS OF BORGEN, THE BRIDGE AND WALLANDER
Nordicana 2014 (1-2 February) in London is a two-day event for anyone interested in—or obsessed with—Scandinavian crime fiction and drama. In addition to panels with authors such as Håkan Nesser and Arne Dahl (interviewed by Scandi expert Barry Forshaw) there will be screenings of films and television episodes that include Q&As with cast members from Borgen, The Bridge and Wallander. For more information, or to book tickets, visit the Nordicana website.
That's it until next time.
With best wishes,
Myles Allfrey, Donna Moore and Adrian Muller,
CRIMEFEST co-hosts.
Friday, 06 December, 2013.
Hi all,
- PITCH AN AGENT IS BACK!
- FLASHBANG WRITING COMPETITION
- CRIMEFEST HOTEL ROOMS SELLING OUT
- CRIMEFEST TRIPS
- GALA AWARDS DINNER MENU
- DAVID SUCHET SIGNS POIROT AND ME
PITCH AN AGENT IS BACK!
Beat the slush pile and get an agent. Yes, CRIMEFEST’s ever popular Pitch-an-Agent strand for aspiring crime writers returns with a twist: now ‘speed-dating for an agent’ meets ‘Dragon’s Den’! Rather than making participants go through a nerve-racking presentation to each of the three agents individually, they will now be able to do so simultaneously in one private session. Participating agents represent best-selling authors such as Lee Child, Martina Cole, John Connolly, Paul Doherty, Tana French, Linda LaPlante, Denise Mina, and Ian Rankin. This is a rare opportunity to gain professional representation from respected agents in the industry. The strand has sold out in previous years, so BUY TICKETS soon to avoid disappointment. For more information visit the WORKSHOP/PITCH AN AGENT page.
FLASHBANG WRITING COMPETITION
Also returning is CRIMEFEST’s FLASHBANG writing competition. The judges are on the lookout for flashes of crime storytelling brilliance in 150 words or less. The winner receives a pair of weekend passes to CRIMEFEST and other crime-related goodies. Shortlist entries are compiled by a judging panel of leading crime reviewers, and Zoë Sharp, author of the Charlie Fox series, is the final arbiter. Visit the FLASHBANG COMPETITION page for details.
CRIMEFEST HOTEL ROOMS SELLING OUT
Just a warning that the convention hotel, the Bristol Marriott Royal, is close to selling out for some of the days covered by the CRIMEFEST discount code. (The code is only sent out once delegates have signed up for the convention.) Twin rooms have already sold out, and we are in the process of booking another block of rooms at the four-star Radisson Blu hotel across the street from the Marriot. (The WHERE TO STAY page on the CRIMEFEST website also lists budget hotels.) So, if you do wish to stay at the convention hotel and you haven’t already registered, BUY TICKETS now to receive the discount code. If you have registered, book your room a.s.a.p. The hotel’s 48-hour cancellation policy always allows you to change your mind.
CRIMEFEST TRIPS
Amazingly—or not, considering the itinerary—next year’s full CRIMEFEST tour package has already sold out. Some tickets for individual day trips are still available and can be booked at CRIMEFEST TOURS. (Excursions include a visit to Agatha Christie’s Greenway home and Bletchley Park, home of WWII’s Enigma decoding machine.) Delegates still interested in the full CRIMEFEST holiday package, please contact the organisers to be put on the waiting list. If there is enough interest, then more bookings might be accepted. For information visit the TRIPS/WHAT TO DO page.
GALA AWARDS DINNER MENU
All delegates who registered for the CRIMEFEST Gala Dinner should now have received an email with their meal options. If you have registered and did not receive this message, please email us. For those still interested in the Gala Dinner, tickets are still available at BUY TICKETS.
DAVID SUCHET SIGNS POIROT AND ME
David Suchet will be signing hardback copies of his Poirot and Me at Goldsboro Books on Monday, 9 December. (Alas NOT first editions as the book is already in its fourth reprint within a month!) Drop by between 4.30pm and 6pm to get your copy personally signed or order your copy online.
If you have missed past newsletters, don't forget that they are up on the CRIMEFEST ARCHIVE page.
That's it until next time.
With best wishes,
Myles Allfrey, Donna Moore and Adrian Muller,
CRIMEFEST co-hosts.
Friday, 08 November 2013.
Hi all,
- NICCI FRENCH & LARS KEPLER JOIN THE LINE-UP
- CWA DAGGER WINNERS PARTICIPATING AT CRIMEFEST
- EMERGING INDIE VOICES PANEL
- CRIMEFEST AWARDS
- CRIMEFEST TRIPS
- WATCH UK TV ANYWHERE REDUX
- ICELAND NOIR
NICCI FRENCH & LARS KEPLER JOIN THE LINE-UP
CRIMEFEST is delighted to announce that it has two hugely popular, international bestselling husband and wife teams appearing in conversation together at next years convention. Nicci French (Nicci Gerard & Sean French) have been a runaway success since their first novel The Memory Game hit the bookshelves, and Lars Kepler (Alexandra & Alexander Ahndoril) became an instant world-wide sensation with their debut The Hypnotist. We look forward to discovering the techniques they use in writing as part of a couple.
CWA DAGGER WINNERS PARTICIPATING AT CRIMEFEST
As part of its relationship with the Crime Writers Association, CRIMEFEST offers complimentary registrations to the winners of the CWA Daggers awarded in the best novel categories. We are honoured that Mick Herron, winner of this year's Goldsboro Gold Dagger (for Dead Lions), has accepted our invitation to appear at next year’s CRIMEFEST with fellow winners and nominees Belinda Bauer (Dagger in the Library winner and Gold Dagger nominee for Rubbernecker), Christopher Fowler (Dagger in the Library nominee), Elly Griffiths (Dagger in the Library nominee), Alison Bruce (Dagger in the Library nominee), Thomas Mogford (Creasey nominee for Shadow of the Rock), Michael Ridpath (Dagger in the Library nominee), Andrew Taylor (Ellis Peters Historical Dagger for The Scent of Death) and Robert Wilson (Ian Fleming Steel Dagger nominee for Capital Punishment). Click on the daggers next to the names of the winners and nominees on the AUTHORS & DELEGATES page for more information, or visit the CWA AWARDS page for complete details.
EMERGING INDIE VOICES PANEL
CRIMEFEST has always had the policy of only offering panels to commercially published authors. However, increasingly these authors are going it alone and self-publishing their books because the financial rewards can be significantly greater. Also, publishing houses are now using the sales figures of self-published authors as a tool to seek out new talent. Recognising this development, CRIMEFEST is organising a panel to give four independently published authors a chance to discuss their work at next year's convention. Helping us organise the Emerging Indie Voices panel is Joanna Penn, an independent author herself, writing fiction under J.F. Penn, as well as a contributor on the subject of self-(e)publishing to national publications such as The Bookseller and The Guardian. If you are a self-published crime writer and are interested in participating on this panel then visit the EMERGING INDIE VOICES submission form page for more information or to sign up.
CRIMEFEST AWARDS
Long-term sponsors Audible UK and Goldsboro Books have generously agreed to continue their ongoing sponsorship of two of CRIMEFEST's most valued awards. We are delighted and grateful that they are continuing to do so. The submission guidelines for the following CRIMEFEST Awards were sent to UK publishers earlier this month:
- Audible Sounds of Crime Award (for best unabridged crime audiobook)
- eDunnit Award (for best crime ebook)
- Goldsboro Last Laugh Award (for best humorous crime novel)
- H.R.F. Keating Award (for best (auto) biography or critical publication related to crime fiction)
In most cases, only publishers are eligible to submit entries. All submitted titles will appear on the website shortly after the 16 December submission deadline. For guidelines visit the CRIMEFEST AWARDS page.
CRIMEFEST TRIPS
Have you registered for CRIMEFEST or are you thinking about doing so? Why not treat yourself and turn your attendance into a crime fiction orientated holiday! Visit the Cornwall of W.J. Burley’s Wycliffe; Bletchley Park, the starting point of The Bletchley Circle and home of the famous Enigma code machine; and Greenway, the National Trust estate that once was owned by Agatha Christie. For more information or to register visit CRIMEFEST’s TRIPS/WHAT TO DO page.
WATCH UK TV ANYWHERE REDUX
In the 11 October newsletter (see the CRIMEFEST ARCHIVE) we mentioned Expat Shield, software that assigns your computer a UK IP address allowing youinternational access to, amongst other sites, the online BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, and Channel 4's 4onDemand. Some of you were disappointed this programme only worked on PCs. A similar programme for Mac using Chrome or Firefox browsers is Stealthy. As usual in these circumstances, CRIMEFEST takes no responsibility for the consequences if you download this application. You must decide if the benefits outweigh any negatives.
ICELAND NOIR
Following last month’s plug for the first Iceland Noir in Reykjavic (21-24 November) it has been announced that Arnaldur Indridason, one of the country’s best known crime novelists, is to be the Special Guest of Honour. Tickets to most of the events are free on a first-come, first-serve basis, so all you need to do is get there! Visit the Iceland Noir website for more information.
If you have missed past newsletters, don't forget that they are up on the CRIMEFEST ARCHIVE page.
That's it until next time.
With best wishes,
Myles Allfrey, Donna Moore and Adrian Muller,
CRIMEFEST co-hosts.
Friday, 11 October 2013.
Hi all,
- BEN AARONOVITCH & JASPER FFORDE
- CRIMEFEST PRICES GO UP ON 16 OCTOBER
- WATCH UK TV ANYWHERE
- MAGNA CUM MURDER & ICELAND NOIR
BEN AARONOVITCH & JASPER FFORDE
We are delighted to announce that Ben Aaronovitch & Jasper Fforde are to be highlighted guest authors at next year's CRIMEFEST. They will be interviewed together about their unusual approach to the genre. Ben writes about Peter Grant, a police constable and apprentice wizard, and Jasper is best know for his 'literary' detective Thursday Next. Readers who like their crime fiction with an unusual twist are in for a treat!
Since the last newsletter more authors have signed up for CRIMEFEST, including more nominees for this year's Crime Writers' Association Dagger Awards. The latter will be announced in a star-studded gala event on 24 October. Visit the CWA website for more details.
CRIMEFEST PRICES GO UP ON 16 OCTOBER
Please remember that the price for a full CRIMEFEST pass goes up from £120 to £150 on Wednesday, 16 October. Ticket prices for the Gala Dinner increase from £40 to £45 on the same date. We have already sold more tickets than we have previously done at this stage in past years, and full passes for the 2012 and 2013 conventions sold out. So, to avoid disappointment, please, BUY TICKETS soon!
WATCH UK TV ANYWHERE
Downton Abbey or Sherlock, anyone? We know that many CRIMEFEST delegates and newsletter subscribers do not live in the UK, but that you are huge fans of British (crime) drama. If you are one of them—or if you are a UK resident who wants to keep up with UK television whilst you are on holiday—this might be for you: Expat Shield. As highlighted on CNN and Fox and in The New York Times, Expat Shield assigns your computer a UK IP address allowing you access to, amongst other sites, the online BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, and Channel 4's 4onDemand. As usual in these circumstances, CRIMEFEST takes no responsibility for the consequences if you download this application. You must decide if the benefits outweigh any negatives.
MAGNA CUM MURDER & ICELAND NOIR
And finally, for those of you who are looking for further crime fiction conventions, you might wish to investigate Magna cum Murder in Indianapolis (25-27 October) and the first Iceland Noir in Reykjavik (21-24 November).
In case you have missed any, don't forget that past newsletters are up on the CRIMEFEST ARCHIVE page.
That's it until next time.
With best wishes,
Myles Allfrey, Donna Moore and Adrian Muller,
CRIMEFEST co-hosts.
Thursday, 12 September 2013.
Hi all,
- MARK BILLINGHAM TO BE A FEATURED GUEST AUTHOR
- CONVENTION HOTEL DISCOUNT CODE
- CRIMEFEST PRICES RISE IN OCTOBER
- ONE OF THE BEST CRIME-WRITING FESTIVALS AROUND THE WORLD?
- CRIMEFEST TRIPS
- FLASHBANG WRITING COMPETITION
- BOOKS ARE MY BAG
- BLOODY SCOTLAND
- BOUCHERCON WORLD MYSTERY CONVENTION
MARK BILLINGHAM TO BE A FEATURED GUEST AUTHOR
We are delighted to announce that bestselling author Mark Billingham is to be one of next year’s Featured Guest Authors. Probably best known for his series featuring police inspector Tom Thorne—dramatised with David Morrissey in the lead—he has also written some outstanding stand-alone crime novels. He has been nominated for numerous awards (including CRIMEFEST’s Audible Sounds of Crime Award for In the Dark) and is the two-time winner of the Theakston’s Old Peculier Award for Crime Novel Of The Year. We look forward to his participation at CRIMEFEST 2014!
Many other authors have signed up since the last newsletter. For the full line-up visit the AUTHORS & DELEGATES page.
CONVENTION HOTEL DISCOUNT CODE
We have received a number of emails enquiring about the 2014 discount code for the Bristol Marriott Royal, the CRIMEFEST convention hotel. This information will be sent to all registered delegates next month.
CRIMEFEST PRICES RISE IN OCTOBER
The cost of passes and dinner tickets for CRIMEFEST 2014 will go up on 14 October. The full weekend pass will go up from the current price of £120 to £150, day passes will go on sale at £80, and tickets to the Gala Dinner tickets will go up from £40 to £45. So BUY TICKETS soon to avoid the price hike.
ONE OF THE BEST CRIME-WRITING FESTIVALS AROUND THE WORLD?
Having previously been named one of the ‘50 Best Festivals’ in the UK by The Independent, The Guardian recently went one further and listed CRIMEFEST as one of the ‘best crime-writing festivals around the world’. They might say so—we are pleased that they did!—but we couldn’t possibly comment...
CRIMEFEST TRIPS
Information on next year's trips will be up on the website next week. Please check soon for details and prices at TRIPS / WHAT TO DO.
FLASHBANG COMPETITION
CRIMEFEST’s FLASHBANG writing competition is back with a...vengeance. (The other option would be too obvious!) Founded in 2012 by crime novelist Sarah Hilary, the competition attracts entries from around the world. The winner receives a pair of weekend passes to CRIMEFEST and other crime-related goodies. Shortlist entries are compiled by a judging panel of leading crime reviewers, and Zoë Sharp, author of the Charlie Fox series, is the final arbiter. The judges are on the lookout for flashes of crime storytelling brilliance in 150 words or less. Details will be on the CRIMEFEST site next week but in the meantime rules and prizes, plus previous winning entries, can be found here.
BOOKS ARE MY BAG
If books—and bookshops—are your bag, then support the UK campaign by visiting your favourite bookshop to buy a book (or more) tomorrow, Saturday the 14th of September. We would like to recommend London’s Goldsboro Books, the bookshop for lovers of crime fiction, but since not all of you live in London you can always visit them online if there is nothing close by locally.
BLOODY SCOTLAND
Scotland’s international crime writing festival, Bloody Scotland, is on this weekend. For those of you in Caledonia, there are still tickets available for some events. Visit their website for more information.
BOUCHERCON WORLD MYSTERY CONVENTION
Bouchercon—if you were wondering it is named after reviewer Anthony Boucher—takes place in Albany, New York next week (19-22 September). A sleuth of crime writers and readers from all over the world will descend in the capital city. Special Guests include Tess Gerritsen, Sue Grafton and Anne Perry. If you are attending, drop by the CRIMEFEST registration booth for some Quality Streets and a sip of Harvey’s Bristol Cream Sherry! For more information visit the Bouchercon website.
In case you have missed any, don't forget that past newsletters are up on the CRIMEFEST ARCHIVE.
That's it until next time.
With best wishes,
Myles Allfrey, Donna Moore and Adrian Muller,
CRIMEFEST co-hosts.
Wednesday, 10 July 2013
Hi all,
Welcome to the first newsletter for CRIMEFEST 2014.
Before we go on, we would like to thank everyone who helped make this year's sell-out convention such a success!
Now, to business:
- REGISTER BEFORE THE UPCOMING PRICE INCREASE AND WIN PRIZES
- CRIMEFEST AWARD WINNERS
- HARROGATE CRIME WRITING FESTIVAL
REGISTER BEFORE THE UPCOMING PRICE INCREASE AND WIN PRIZES
The current £110 early-bird registration for CRIMEFEST 2014 (15 - 18 May) will go up on 15 July, and thereafter incrementally rise to £150. Register before the upcoming price increase and the names of everyone who did so will be entered into a draw to win the complete shortlist of this year's Goldsboro Last Laugh Award. Also, CRIMEFEST has sold out the last two years, and we hope to do so again in 2014. BUY TICKETS now to secure your pass early!
CRIMEFEST AWARD WINNERS
Congratulations to all of the winners of this year's CRIMEFEST. They are:
AUDIBLE SOUNDS OF CRIME AWARD
- Ian Rankin for Standing In Another Man's Grave read by James MacPherson (Orion Audio)
GOLDSBORO LAST LAUGH AWARD
Ruth Dudley Edwards for Killing The Emperors (Allison & Busby)
eDUNNIT AWARD
Christopher Fowler for Bryant & May and the Invisible Code (Transworld)
THE H.R.F. KEATING AWARD
Barry Forshaw (editor) for British Crime Writing: an Encyclopaedia (Greenwood World Publishing, 2008)
All the authors also receive a complimentary registration to CRIMEFEST 2014, so hopefully they will be able to make it! For a full list of nominees visit the AWARDS page.
HARROGATE CRIME WRITING FESTIVAL
Congratulations to the Harrogate Crime Writing Festival for selling out of their full weekend passes. However, we understand that some tickets to individual events might still be available. So if you are looking for some criminal reading activities during 18 - 21 July, then check out the Harrogate Crime Writing Festival website.
That's it until next time.
With best wishes,
Myles Allfrey, Donna Moore and Adrian Muller,
CRIMEFEST co-hosts. |
