24 April, 2015.
Hi all,
Welcome to the sixth and most likely last newsletter prior to this year’s CRIMEFEST. (Day and Full Weekend Passes are still available at BUY TICKETS.)
Delegates and participating authors will receive follow-up emails with information specific to the convention. In the meantime, any queries you may have might be answered in our FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS page.
In this newsletter:
– THE CRIMEFEST AWARD SHORTLISTS
– NORDICANA 2015: NORDIC NOIR & BEYOND
THE CRIMEFEST AWARD SHORTLISTS
We are pleased to announce the CRIMEFEST and Petrona Award shortlists:
– AUDIBLE SOUNDS OF CRIME AWARD
for the best unabridged crime audiobook
– GOLDSBORO LAST LAUGH AWARD
for the best humorous crime novel
– EDUNNIT AWARD
for the best crime fiction ebook
– H.R.F. KEATING AWARD
for best biographical or critical book related to crime fiction
– FLASHBANG COMPETITION
for crime fiction in 150 words or less.
– PETRONA AWARD
for best Scandinavian crime novel
The winners of the awards will be announced at the CRIMEFEST Gala Awards Dinner on Saturday, 16 May.
The winner of the Flashbang short story competition will be announced at the close of the CRIMEFEST CRIME WRITING DAY on 15 May.
AUDIBLE SOUNDS OF CRIME AWARD
The Audible Sounds of Crime Award is for the best unabridged crime audiobook first published in the UK in 2014 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 and each receives a Bristol Blue Glass commemorative award.
Nominees:
– Ben Aaronovitch for Foxglove Summer, read by Kobna Holdbrook-Smith (Orion Publishing Group)
– Lee Child for Personal, read by Jeff Harding (Penguin Random House Audio)
– Robert Galbraith for The Silkworm, read by Robert Glenister (Little, Brown Book Group)
– Anthony Horowitz for Moriarty, read by Derek Jacobi & Julian Rhind-Tutt (Orion Publishing Group)
– Peter James for Want You Dead, read by Daniel Weyman (Macmillan Digital Audio)
– Stephen King for Mr Mercedes, read by Will Patton (Hodder & Stoughton)
– Jo Nesbø for The Son, read by Sean Barrett (Penguin Random House Audio)
– James Oswald for The Hangman’s Song, read by Ian Hanmore (Penguin Random House Audio)
Eligible titles were submitted by publishers for the longlist, and Audible UK listeners established 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 2014. The £500 prize is sponsored by Goldsboro Books, the UK’s largest specialist in signed and/or first edition books. The winner also receives a Bristol Blue Glass commemorative award.
Nominees:
– Lawrence Block for The Burglar Who Counted the Spoons (Orion Publishing Group)
– Declan Burke for Crime Always Pays (Severn House Publishers)
– Christopher Fowler for Bryant & May – The Bleeding Heart (Bantam/Transworld)
– Shane Kuhn for Kill Your Boss (Little, Brown Book Group)
– Chris Pavone for The Accident (Faber & Faber)
– L. C. Tyler for Crooked Herring (Allison & Busby)
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.
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 2014. The winning author receives £500 and a Bristol Blue Glass commemorative award.
Nominees:
– Linwood Barclay for No Safe House (Orion Publishing Group)
– Lawrence Block for The Burglar Who Counted the Spoons (Orion Publishing Group)
– Charles Cumming for A Colder War (HarperCollins)
– Chris Ewan for Dark Tides (Faber & Faber)
– Greg Illes for Natchez Burning (HarperCollins)
– Thomas Mogford for Hollow Mountain (Bloomsbury)
– Thomas Sweterlitsch for Tomorrow and Tomorrow (Headline)
– Andrew Taylor for The Silent Boy (HarperCollins)
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.
H.R.F. KEATING AWARD
The H.R.F. Keating Award is for the best biographical or critical book related to crime fiction first published in the British Isles between 2013 – 2014. The award is named after H.R.F. ‘Harry’ Keating, one of Britain’s most esteemed crime novelists, crime reviewers and writer of books about crime fiction. The winning author receives a commemorative Bristol Blue Glass award.
Nominees:
– Pamela Bedore for Dime Novels and the Roots of American Detective Fiction (Palgrave 2013)
– Clare Clarke for Late Victorian Crime Fiction in the Shadows of Sherlock (Palgrave, 2014)
– Barry Forshaw for Nordic Noir (Pocket Essentials, 2013)
– Barry Forshaw for Euro Noir (No Exit Press, 2014)
– John Martin for Crime Scene: Britain & Ireland (Five Leaves, 2014)
– Lucy Worsley for A Very British Murder (BBC Books, 2013)
Eligible titles were collated by author and crime fiction expert Martin Edwards. A team of British crime fiction reviewers voted to establish the shortlist and the winning title.
FLASHBANG COMPETITION
CRIMEFEST‘s Flashbang is a competition for the best crime fiction in 150 words or less. The nominees receive complimentary passes to Crime Writing Day, and the winner receives a pair of Full Weekend Passes to CRIMEFEST 2016.
Nominees:
– Alison Bambridge
– Vicki Newham
– Jane Parkes
– Sarah Sillars Kane
– Tracey Walsh
– Litty Williams
Visit the Flashbang website for information about the competition and judges.
PETRONA AWARD
The Petrona Award is presented independently from the CRIMEFEST Awards at the convention’s Gala Awards Dinner. The award is for best Scandinavian crime novel of the year. It was established in memory of Maxine Clarke who – using the pen name Petrona – was one of the first online crime fiction reviewers and bloggers. Passionate about translated crime fiction, she particularly loved novels from Scandinavian countries. The winner receives a commemorative award and a Full Weekend Pass for CRIMEFEST 2016 where he or she is invited to appear on a panel.
Nominees:
– Kati Hiekkapelto for The Hummingbird, translated by David Hackston (Arcadia Books; Finland)
– Jørn Lier Horst for The Hunting Dogs, translated by Anne Bruce (Sandstone Press; Norway)
– Arnaldur Indriðason for Reykjavik Nights, translated by Victoria Cribb (Harvill Secker; Iceland)
– Hans Olav Lahlum for The Human Flies, translated by Kari Dickson (Mantle; Norway)
– Leif G W Persson for Falling Freely, As If In A Dream, translated by Paul Norlen (Doubleday; Sweden)
– Yrsa Sigurðardóttir for The Silence Of The Sea, translated by tr. Victoria Cribb (Hodder & Stoughton; Iceland)
Visit the Petrona website or more information about the award and the judges.
NORDICANA 2015: NORDIC NOIR & BEYOND
7 June 2015, addicts of Nordic crime dramas will be able to get their fix at the Roxy theatre in London for the 3rd Nordicana festival. The event promises a plethora of top talent from internationally famed writers to the brightest stars of film and television. Sofie Gråbøl, detective Sarah Lund in The Killing, is the first confirmed headlining guest. For the first time ever, Nordicana will also be recognising other top European shows influenced by the Nordic style. A tantalising range of food, drink, design and culture combines the excitement of a cultural expo with the flair of a film and literary festival. The evolution of the show continues in 2015 with a brand new team taking the concept into a fresh, revised format. All ticket holders will enjoy their own numbered seat for the day and can relax in between talks and screenings. For more information visit the Nordicana website.
That’s it until the announcement of this year’s CRIMEFEST award winners next month.
See you in Bristol,
Myles Allfrey, Donna Moore and Adrian Muller,
CRIMEFEST co-hosts.
8 April, 2015.
Welcome to the fifth CRIMEFEST newsletter:
– START SPREADING THE WORD
– CRIMEFEST AWARDS LONGLISTS
– CRIMINAL MASTERMIND QUIZ CHALLENGE (WE DARE YOU!)
– QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
– FLASHBANG
– UPCOMING PRICE INCREASE
START SPREADING THE WORD
Please help try and make this the biggest CRIMEFEST yet by spreading the word in your website, blog, in your social media, etc. Various versions of logos in different sizes are available at 2015 LOGOS AND POSTER.
CRIMEFEST AWARDS LONGLISTS
We’re pleased to announce that the longlists for the CRIMEFEST awards are now up on the AWARDS page. Head on over to find out which titles were submitted for the:
– Audible Sounds of Crime Award for best crime audiobook
– Goldsboro Last Laugh Award for best humorous crime novel
– eDunnit award for best electronic crime novel
– H.R.F. Keating Award for best non-fiction book related to crime fiction
The shortlists will be announced later this month, with the winners being revealed at the CRIMEFEST Gala Awards Dinner on 17 May (tickets still available).
CRIMINAL MASTERMIND QUIZ CHALLENGE (WE DARE YOU!)
For seven years, readers attending the convention’s closing panel have had the pleasure of seeing four authors, and on one occasion four reviewers, being interrogated in one of CRIMEFEST‘s most popular events: the Criminal Mastermind Quiz. The contestants are quizzed on two minutes of general crime fiction-related questions, and two minutes on their chosen specialist subject. This year we thought we might turn the tables and invite readers to sit in the hot seat. The winner receives a Bristol Blue Glass award and a pair of complimentary tickets to next year’s convention. So, if you are a registered delegate for this year’s convention and you think you have what it takes to take part, then email us with details of your specialist subject at mastermind@crimefest.com by 17 April. We dare you!
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
We had a lot of helpful responses to the survey we sent out following this year’s CRIMEFEST. Recipients of the two complimentary full passes for best suggestions have helped us improve the website for visually impaired delegates, and proposed a number of ways to make the convention more accessible for first time delegates. We hope to have addressed many questions that first timers have in a new FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS page so take a look and let us know if this is the case. If not then please contact us with your query and will try to answer it and – if appropriate – add both question and answer to the page.
FLASHBANG
The names of the longlisted contestants who entered a short story in 150 words or less are now up on the Flashbang page. The shortlisted contestants will be announced on 21 April and receive a complimentary pass to this year’s Crime Writing Day. At the end of the day – made up of panels about new vs traditional publishing formats and a crime writing workshop – the Flashbang winner will be announced. The prizes for the winner and runner-up include a pair and a single pass to CRIMEFEST 2016 respectively. Contestants who have not been shortlisted, as well as (other) aspiring crime writers, can visit the CRIME WRITING DAY and PITCH AN AGENT pages for more information and/or BUY TICKETS to participate.
CRIMEFEST PRICE INCREASE
Another quick warning that the final increase for a Full Weekend CRIMEFEST Pass kicks in later this month, going up from £155 to £175. Beat the price hike and BUY TICKETS soon!
That’s it until next time.
With best wishes,
Myles Allfrey, Donna Moore and Adrian Muller,
CRIMEFEST co-hosts.
21 March, 2015.
Hi all,
We’re delighted to announce that a draft version of the CRIMEFEST PROGRAMME is now up on the website.
With more than fifty events spanning four days, and the participation of close to 140 authors from around the world, CRIMEFEST may well be the UK’s biggest crime fiction convention!
Also in this fifth newsletter for CRIMEFEST 2015:
– TOASTMASTER JAMES RUNCIE ADDED TO LINE-UP
– CELEBRATING 125 YEARS OF AGATHA CHRISTIE
– FREEMA AGYEMAN JOINS THE AUDIBLE PANEL
– CRIMEFEST CONVENTION HOTEL SOLD OUT, BUT…
– PITCH AN AGENT & CRIME WRITING DAY
– UPCOMING PRICE INCREASE
TOASTMASTER JAMES RUNCIE ADDED TO LINE-UP
We’re delighted to welcome the multi-talented James Runcie as the Toastmaster for this year’s CRIMEFEST Gala Awards Dinner. (The awards’ longlists should be up by the end of next week, and the shortlist will be announced in April.) To crime readers, James is best know for the hugely popular Sydney Chambers mysteries which were recently dramatised as Grantchester for ITV in the UK and PBS in the US . However, the author has many other strings to his bow: having studied at the renowned Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, he is also a highly successful director of dramas (Miss Pym’s Day Out) and documentaries J.K. Rowling: A Year in the Life and My Father, a profile of Lord Runcie, the 102nd Archbishop of Canterbury. All of this and more will be covered when he is interviewed as one of this year’s Featured Guest Authors. (Our other Featured Guests are the previously announced Maj Sjöwall, who will be interviewed by fellow headliner Lee Child, and Catherine Aird, this year’s recipient of the CWA Diamond Dagger Award.)
CELEBRATING 125 YEARS OF AGATHA CHRISTIE
To celebrate 125 years of Agatha Christie, CRIMEFEST welcomes Sophie Hannah and Mathew Prichard as Highlighted Guests in conversation with John Curran. Sophie, a bestselling author in her own right, recently took on the challenge of writing The Monogram Murders, a new novel featuring Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot. Mathew Prichard is the grandson of the Queen of Crime, the Chairman of Agatha Christie Limited and one of the names behind Torquay’s International Agatha Christie Festival. Interviewing the two about all things Agatha – including the BBC’s upcoming Tommy and Tuppence Partners in Crime and Then There Were None dramatisations – is John Curran, author of Agatha Christie’s Secret Notebooks.
FREEMA AGYEMAN JOINS THE AUDIBLE PANEL
Representing audiobook narrators on Audible’s Crime Pays In Audio panel is Freema Agyeman, former Doctor Who companion Martha Jones and Law & Order UK Crown Prosecutor. Crime novelist M.J. Arlidge makes the case for (crime) novelists whose work is adapted for audio, and Neil Gardner has to bring all the various strands together as a producer. This panel will be a treat for anyone who already loves the pleasure that audiobooks can bring to a boring task or drive. And for those who still haven’t tried listening to a book, check it out to see what you are missing!
CRIMEFEST CONVENTION HOTEL SOLD OUT, BUT…
As the heading suggests, the convention hotel has sold out, but that doesn’t mean there may not be the odd cancellation. The excellent, and nearby Radisson Blu is the four-star overspill hotel, and they still have some rooms. Discount codes are sent out following registration, ensuring that only CRIMEFEST delegates are able to access the allocated room blocks. The hotel information email also includes details of suggested budget hotels. BUY TICKETS soon to avoid disappointment.
PITCH AN AGENT & CRIME WRITING DAY
We are delighted to announce the participation of a third agent for our popular Pitch an Agent event: Philip Patterson from the Marjacq literary agency. He joins fellow agents Broo Doherty from the DHH Literary Agency and Camilla Wray from the Darley Anderson Agency. Pitch an Agent is speed dating for an agent meets The Dragons’ Den. Having a literary agent is possibly the only way to get a contract with a traditional publisher these days. (See The Big Money Almost Always Goes To The Agented Author Whose Work Is Sold To A Big House). For aspiring authors interested in self-publishing, this is just one of the topics covered in CRIMEFEST’s Crime Writing Day. It also includes a workshop with bestselling crime writers M.R. Hall and William Ryan, and one of ten optional one-on-one manuscript assessments with Janet Laurence. Check the PITCH AN AGENT and/or CRIME WRITING DAY links for more information or BUY TICKETS whilst the few remaining seats last.
SPIES, THRILLERS AND THE DARK WEB
UK newsletter subscribers might be interested in a literary lunch happening on Sunday 19th April in the stunning grounds of Kiln House in Inkpen, Berkshire. Following the lunch, Jon Stock, journalist and thriller writer, will deliver a talk entitled ‘A Writer’s Guide to Spies, Thrillers and the Dark Web’. Tickets are £30, and include food and wine. All funds raised go directly to The Lullaby Trust, a leading charity that provides specialist support for bereaved families, promotes expert advice on safer baby sleep and raises awareness of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Since the charity formed in 1971 it has been pivotal in reducing SIDS by 70%. For further information and ticket sales, please visit The Lullaby Trust website.
CRIMEFEST PRICE INCREASE
Finally, a quick warning that the final increase for a Full Weekend CRIMEFEST Pass kicks in next month, going up from £155 to £175. Beat the price hike and BUY TICKETS soon!
That’s it until next time.
With best wishes,
Myles Allfrey, Donna Moore and Adrian Muller,
CRIMEFEST co-hosts.
Wednesday, 18 February 2015.
Hi all,
Welcome to the third newsletter for CRIMEFEST 2015:
– 2015 DIAMOND DAGGER RECIPIENT ADDED TO LINE-UP
– CRIMEFEST PROGRAMME
– CRIMEFEST HOTELS
– CRIME WRITING DAY & PITCH AN AGENT
– EMERGING INDIE VOICES PANELLISTS
– COMPETITION – WIN BOOKS
– FLASHBANG COMPETITION DEADLINE LOOMING
– BARRY FORSHAW’S NORDIC NOIR 101
– LEFT COAST CRIME 2015
2015 DIAMOND DAGGER RECIPIENT ADDED TO LINE-UP
CRIMEFEST is delighted to announce that Catherine Aird, this year’s recipient of the Crime Writers’ Association’s prestigious Diamond Dagger, will be a Featured Guest at the convention. Following in the footsteps of luminaries such as Simon Brett, Lee Child, P.D James, and Ian Rankin, the honour is awarded for sustained excellence and a significant contribution to crime fiction. For almost forty years Catherine has been entertaining readers with her cosy novels featuring Inspector Sloan, and we look forward to finding out more about her work in May.
CRIMEFEST PROGRAMME
A few of this year’s events are listed on the PROGRAMME page, but delays mean that we don’t anticipate listing a full draft itinerary until March.
CRIMEFEST HOTELS
To ensure that rooms at the convention hotel only go to registered delegates, the discount booking codes are only sent to attendees once they have booked for a full or day pass. This has not stopped the hotel (and recommended overspill hotels) from selling out in the past. So to avoid disappointment BUY TICKETS soon, as the hotel is close to filling up.
CRIME WRITING DAY & PITCH AN AGENT
As in previous years, CRIMEFEST’s Crime Writing Day and Pitch an Agent are proving popular, and places are (also) filling up. Crime Writing Day speakers include M.R. Hall, William Ryan and Joanna Penn, as well as UK agents and publishers. Delegates signing up for both the crime writing day and a full CRIMEFEST pass will receive a £50 rebate. Go to the CRIME WRITING DAY page for more information. For aspiring crime writers who have completed a manuscript there is the Pitch an Agent strand. Consider it ‘speed-dating for an agent’ meets the BBC’s Dragon’s Den as participants are offered the opportunity to gain representation by pitching their work to three agents simultaneously in one private session. The companies of the participating agents represent bestselling authors such as Lee Child, Martina Cole, John Connolly, Tana French, Paul Johnston and L.C. Tyler. 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 PANELLISTS
Indie authors and new publishing opportunities are increasingly making a foothold in the book world. With thanks to J.F. Penn, who is in charge of the Emerging Indie Voices panel, we can announce the four indie crime writers participating in this year’s event: Celina Grace, Chris Langmuir, J.J. Marsh and Nick Stephenson. To learn more about them and independent publishing, be sure to attend this year’s Emerging Indie Voices panel.
COMPETITION – WIN BOOKS
CRIMEFEST has been fortunate to have hosted some of the best crime writers in the world, but this year’s inclusion of a Pulitzer prize winner is a first for us. For a chance to win one of five copies of the authors’ debut crime novel all registered delegates need to do is contact us at competition@crimefest.com with the name of the author in the subject line, and their full postal address in the body of the message. Winners will be picked at random, with the first one also receiving a signed bookplate. The deadline to enter is 1 March, 2015.
FLASHBANG COMPETITION DEADLINE LOOMING
Can you write a crime story in 150 words, and would you like to win to passes to CRIMEFEST? If so, the entry deadline is looming and you should head to CRIMEFEST’s FLASHBANG page for more information on how to enter.
BARRY FORSHAW’S NORDIC NOIR 101
Readers who can’t get enough of Scandinavian crime fiction might want to view Britain’s (if not the world’s) leading expert on the subject in Barry’s YouTube clip.
LEFT COAST CRIME 2015
Nine years ago, Left Coast Crime, one of the US’ biggest crime conventions, travelled to Bristol for a one-off visit. It was so popular that the UK organisers continued the event as CRIMEFEST. LCC is still going strong, and this year it is being held in Portland, Oregon, with featured authors including Chelsea Cain and Phillip Margolin. For the full line-up, tickets, and more information visit the Crimelandia: Left Coast Crime 2015 website.
That’s it until next time.
With best wishes,
Myles Allfrey, Donna Moore and Adrian Muller,
CRIMEFEST co-hosts.
Monday, 3 November 2014.
Hi all,
Welcome to the second newsletter for CRIMEFEST 2015, and apologies for the delay. However, the reason for the length between the updates is number one in our items:
– CRIMEFEST’S NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHED
– GOLDSBORO BOOKS IS CRIMEFEST 2015 BOOKSELLER
– CREASEY DAGGER WINNER ADDED TO THE LINE-UP
– CRIME WRITING DAY & PITCH AN AGENT
– EMERGING INDIE VOICES PANEL
– CRIMEFEST AWARDS
– FLASHBANG COMPETITION
– BOUCHERCON 2014
CRIMEFEST’S NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHED
It has taken some time, and a lot of effort by Sue Trowbridge, CRIMEFEST’s webmistress, but the new website went live in the last few days. It may take a little getting used to, but we think the site looks marvelous. No doubt a little adjustment will be needed here or there, and any constructive feedback on further improving our new online home is appreciated. So don’t hesitate to contact us if you find the odd ‘broken’ hyperlink, or if something is missing. We look forward to your feedback.
GOLDSBORO BOOKS IS CRIMEFEST 2015 BOOKSELLER
Just as exciting is the news that, Goldsboro Books, Britain’s premier crime fiction bookshop, will be the onsite bookseller for next year’s convention. So well regarded is the store that it was the only retailer to have signed first editions of J.K. Rowling’s (aka Robert Galbraith) The Cuckoo’s Calling, just one of the special events that makes Goldsboro unique in the genre we all celebrate. We look forward to their participation at next year’s CRIMEFEST.
CREASEY DAGGER WINNER ADDED TO THE LINE-UP
In a star-studded televised event, the Crime Writers’ Association’s winners of the Best Crime Novel, Best Thriller, and Best First Crime Novel were announced as part of the Specsavers ITV3 Crime Thriller Awards. The Gold Dagger for best crime novel written in the English language went to Wiley Cash for This Dark Road To Mercy. Robert Harris received the Steel Dagger for An Officer and A Spy, his thriller about the Dreyfus Affair. And the Creasey Dagger for debut crime novel went to Ray Celestin for The Axeman’s Jazz. We are delighted that Ray will be one of the participating authors at the convention next year!
CRIME WRITING DAY & PITCH AN AGENT
Following last year’s success CRIMEFEST will again host 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. The two are eminently qualified to run the seminar, not only because of their bestselling novels, but by next year The Guardian will have published their contribution to the newspaper’s Masterclass ebook series.
Agents Camilla Wray and David Headley, together with editors Stefanie Bierworth (Quercus) and Vicki Mellor (Headline) 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 (by crime writer Janet Laurence) of a manuscript.
Delegates signing up for both the crime writing day and a full CRIMEFEST pass will receive a £50 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 the BBC’s Dragon’s Den as participants are offered the opportunity to gain representation by pitching their work to three agents simultaneously in one private session. The companies of the participating agents represent best-selling authors such as Lee Child, Martina Cole, John Connolly, Tana French, Paul Johnston and L.C. Tyler. 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
Another successful feature returning next year will be the Emerging Indie Voices Panel. Increasingly authors are going it alone and self-publishing their books because the financial rewards can be significantly greater than the traditional path. 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 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 page for more information or to sign up.
CRIMEFEST AWARDS
CRIMEFEST are delighted to have Audible UK and Goldsboro Books continued sponsorship of two awards. The organisers will be contacting British publishers in early November, inviting them to submit entries for the following prizes:
– Audible Sounds of Crime Award for Best Crime Audiobook
– Goldsboro Last Laugh Award for Best Humorous Crime Novel
– eDunnit Award for Best Crime eBook
– H.R.F. Keating Award for Best Book Related to Crime Fiction
Visit the AWARDS page for more information.
FLASHBANG COMPETITION
Can you write a crime story in 150 words? If so, then head to CRIMEFEST’s FLASHBANG page for more information on what you can win and how to enter.
BOUCHERCON 2014
This year’s World Mystery Convention — named after Anthony Boucher (rhymes with voucher), the first literary reviewer of crime (or mystery) fiction — is being held in Long Beach later this month. Tickets are still available and CRIMEFEST will be there to register delegates for our convention. We plan to serve the customary Harvey’s Bristol Cream Sherry with the odd Quality Street chocolate, to be sure to come by and say ‘hello’ if you’re attending.
That’s it until next time.
With best wishes,
Myles Allfrey, Donna Moore and Adrian Muller,
CRIMEFEST co-hosts.
Tuesday, 8 July 2014.
Hi all,
Welcome to the first newsletter for CRIMEFEST 2015. And, as you will see from the topics in this newsletter, we’re off to a flying start:
– MAJ SJÖWALL INTERVIEWED BY LEE CHILD
– CRIMEFEST REGISTRATION
– CRIMEFEST 2014 AWARD WINNERS
– CWA DAGGER AWARDS
– PITCH AN AGENT
– CHRISTIE CELEBRATIONS, A NEW POIROT & THE AGATHA CHRISTIE FESTIVAL
– UK CRIME FICTION MAP
– MAGNA CUM MURDER
– MILLION FOR A MORGUE UPDATE
MAJ SJÖWALL INTERVIEWED BY LEE CHILD
CRIMEFEST has featured some hugely influential writers, and Maj Sjöwall is the latest addition. Long before the current wave of Scandinavian crime novelists—such as Henning Mankell, Stieg Larsson, Jo Nesbo, etc.—there was Maj Sjöwall & Per Wahlöö. The Swedish husband-and-wife team were among the first to make their work relevant to their time by introducing social and political issues into their fiction and this has became a touchstone for their contemporaries and admiring crime writers who followed in their footsteps. Sadly Per died in 1975, but the couple’s work is still loved and admired by legions of readers around the world. Lee Child is one of their fans, and he didn’t need any persuading when offered the opportunity to interview Maj Sjöwall. Together they will be one of the headline events at next year’s convention.
CRIMEFEST REGISTRATION
The registration fee for a full weekend pass for CRIMEFEST 2015 will incrementally rise to £175. In addition to access to all panels, interviews, the pub and criminal mastermind quiz, and a drinks reception or two, full weekend delegates receive a canvas bag with a programme and a variety of books. To beat future price increases register now for just £135 at BUY TICKETS.
CRIMEFEST 2014 AWARD WINNERS
A number of awards were presented at CRIMEFEST this year, and the winners were:
Audible Sounds Of Crime Award
For the best unabridged crime audiobook.
– Robert Galbraith for The Cuckoo’s Calling, read by Robert Glenister (Hachette Audio)
Sponsored by audible.co.uk, Britain’s largest provider of downloadable audiobooks.
eDunnit Award
For the best crime fiction ebook.
– Derek B. Miller for Norwegian by Night (Faber and Faber)
Goldsboro Last Laugh Award
For the best humorous crime novel.
– Derek B. Miller for Norwegian by Night (Faber and Faber)
Sponsored by Goldsboro Books, specialist in signed first editions and other collectable books.
For further information, including the complete shortlists, visit the CRIMEFEST AWARDS page.
As well as cheques from the sponsors, all the winners received a Bristol Blue Glass commemorative award and an invitation to appear on a panel at next year’s convention.
CRIMEFEST Flashbang Competition Winner
With the much appreciated help of Sarah Hilary and the judges, CRIMEFEST annually runs a completion for flash fiction: the best short ‘story’ in 150 words or less. This year’s winning title A Bridge Too Far, by Kevlin Henney, together with the shortlisted entries can be read on the Flashbang site.
Also announced at CRIMEFEST were:
Petrona Award
For best Scandinavian crime novel translated into the English language.
– Linda, As In The Linda Murder by Leif G.W. Persson translated by Neil Smith
The Petrona Award was established to celebrate the work of Maxine Clarke who, as Petrona, was a passionate blogger about translated crime fiction. The prize included an invitation to appear on a panel at next year’s CRIMEFEST.
CWA Margery Allingham Short Story Competition
– Acknowledgements by Martin Edwards
The award was set up in association with the Margery Allingham Association to celebrate the short story and Margery Allingham’s contribution to crime writing.
CWA DAGGER AWARDS
After announcing the shortlists for some of their awards at CRIMEFEST, the British Crime Writers’ Association recently revealed the winners at their annual awards dinner.
– Diamond Dagger: Simon Brett
– International Dagger (for best translated crime novel): Arturo Perez-Reverte for The Siege translated by Frank Wynne
– Endeavour Historical Dagger: Antonia Hodgson for The Devil in the Marshalsea
– Short Story Dagger: John Harvey for ‘Fedora’ in Deadly Pleasures (edited by Martin Edwards)
– Non-fiction Dagger: Adrian Levy & Cathy Scott-Clarke for The Siege: Three Days of Terror Inside the Taj
For details of the nominees of the above awards, as well as the shortlists for the Steel, Creasey and Gold Daggers (to be announced in October) visit the CWA website.
As part of CRIMEFEST’s association with the CWA, all winning Dagger novelists are offered a complimentary panel at next year’s convention.
PITCH AN AGENT
CRIMEFEST is planning to repeat this year’s successful Crime Writing Day, so look out for further details in future newsletters. But we are making an early start on opening registrations for Pitch an Agent. The sell-out Pitch an Agent strand offers unrepresented authors a unique opportunity to avoid slush piles to pitch their manuscripts to three agents simultaneously in a private session. Consider it speed dating for an agent meets the BBC’s Dragon’s Den. Our website is in the process of being updated, but you can visit this past year’s PITCH AN AGENT page for more information or sign up at BUY TICKETS.
CHRISTIE CELEBRATIONS, A NEW POIROT & THE AGATHA CHRISTIE FESTIVAL
2014 and 2015 are big years for Agatha Christie and her readers. September sees the continuation of the Queen of Crime’s most popular characters when The Monogram Murders, a new Poirot, written by Sophie Hannah, is published. (Visit YouTube for the animated introduction to the cover.) And next year sees the 125th anniversary of Agatha’s birth. Many events to celebrate are scheduled (including BBC adaptations of And Then There Where None and two Tommy & Tuppence books), and CRIMEFEST is planning to join the party – more info to follow. However, for those of you who can’t wait until next year there is the Agatha Christie Festival on the English Riviera in September.
UK CRIME FICTION MAP
With the holidays coming up, we thought newsletter subscribers might be interested in going on a literary crime spree and visit locations from British-based crime novels. To help you find your way, online digital book retailer Feedbooks has created a map.
MAGNA CUM MURDER
Don’t forget that CRIMEFEST’s associate convention Magna Cum Murder is being held this coming autumn. Organised by Indiana’s Ball State University in the US, it celebrates crime writing with a congenial mix of readers and writers in a house-party atmosphere. This year’s Guest Authors are John Gilstrap and Robert Wilson and other attending authors include Jeffery Deaver, Sharan Newman and many more. For further information or to register visit the Magna Cum Murder website.
MILLION FOR A MORGUE UPDATE
Some of you may recall that CRIMEFEST’s 2012 pre-Gala Dinner reception was hosted courtesy of Million for a Morgue. In an attempt to raise a million pounds for a morgue, Dundee University enlisted a sleuth of crime writers in a unique campaign to raise funds for a new morgue for their Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHID). Those who donated got to vote for which author the new building would be named. Caro Ramsey, who put together and edited The Killer Cookbook as a further way to raise funds, recently provided the following update:
The morgue is now the ‘Val McDermid Morgue’, the dissecting room is the ‘Stuart McBride Dissecting Room’ ( I don’t know why but I find that SUCH a pleasing thought but he refused to lie down so I could demonstrate my deftness with a scalpel) and tank number three is the ‘Caro Ramsay’.
Thank you to all of those who made donations and congratulations to the fundraisers!
That’s it until next time. We hope you enjoy the summer!
With best wishes,
Myles Allfrey, Donna Moore and Adrian Muller,
CRIMEFEST co-hosts.