It’s been a busy year so far.
I’ve appeared in Kilmarnock’s Dick Institute for Libraries Day, been part of the world tour of parts of Scotland that is Crime Factor, judged non-fiction work for the Society of Authors and spoken on putting the fiction into fact and the fact into fiction, released the final book in the Davie McCall series (it’s called Open Wounds, just in case I haven’t mentioned it enough), appeared with fellow crime writers in a comedy mystery radio play in a bookshop, chaired a couple of sessions at Aye Write, taken part in Britcrime’s on-line crime writing festival, sold my books at other people’s launches (it’s called pulling a Bendoris, by the way) and been one of a body of crime writers who wrote a story live on Twitter for the Scottish Literary Festival.
And it’s only July!
Caro Ramsay, Michael J. Malone, Theresa Talbot and some bearded old man in ‘Carry on Sleuthing’ in Waterstones Argyle Street.
But there’s something I’m forgetting.
What is it?
It’s not something I’ve mentioned much, to be honest, which is why I can’t quite remember…
Oh, yes!
Open Wounds has been longlisted for the McIlvanney Scottish Crime Book of the Year Award!
You may have missed that.
So what have I got ahead of me?
First up is the inaugural Bute Noir crime writing festival, on Friday and Saturday August 5 and 6. I’ll be joining a host of great crime authors for the two day funfest – you’ll find further details here: Bute Noir
Douglas Skelton, Neil Broadfoot, Mark Leggatt and GJ Brown will be hitting the road this year as Four Crime Writers in Search of a Plot. Picture: Daniel Morrison
The Crime Factor tour continues with trips to Waterstones in Livingston and Glasgow’s Sauchiehall Street on August 11 and 25 respectively. These are great fun and my fellow panel members Neil Broadfoot, Gordon GJ Brown, Mark Leggatt and chair Peter Burnett are a joy to work with.
Well, maybe not Broadfoot.
I’ve also got a new book coming out!
Yes, another one.
‘The Dead Don’t Boogie’ introduces my off-beat hero Dominic Queste and will be launched in Ayr on September 1, with Michael J. Malone, and then in Glasgow on September 8, with Caro Ramsay. I’ll post event links soon.
And the following day I’m off to Stirling for the start of Bloody Scotland. There may be drink taken, especially on the first night as that’s when the winner of the McIlvanney Award will be announced.
The longlist for the McIlvanney Prize 2016. Image courtesy of Bloody Scotland
Did I mention that Open Wounds is in the running?
On the Saturday I’m part of a panel called Scotland the Grave, which debates which location is best. I am, of course, batting for Glasgow. You’ll find more details here: Bloody Scotland panel
Gillian Galbraith, some eejit, Russel D. McLean and Catriona McPherson will argue over what location is best
Later in September I’ve been asked to take part in the first Byres Road Book Festival and also I’m appearing with Michael J. Malone (honestly, people will talk) in the exciting Tidelines festival in North Ayrshire. Further details about both will follow.
Caro Ramsay
Michael. J. Malone
I may even find time to write!
If you can get along to any of these events, please do. It’d be great to see you. Honestly, I don’t bite.
Well, unless you ask me to…
