Douglas Skelton
26Jul

If it’s Tuesday, it must be…

Posted by: douglasskelton3 Categories: blog entry
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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.

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?

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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

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.

Dead Don't Boogie final

‘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

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

bloody scotland

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

Caro Ramsay

Michael. J. Malone

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…

 

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3Jul

Surprised and honoured by prizelisting

Posted by: douglasskelton3 Categories: blog entry
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Something amazing happened this week.

If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook you may have noticed I’ve mentioned it once or twice. Maybe more. No, definitely more.

On Thursday the longlist for the very first McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Book of the Year was announced.

And my name was on it, for ‘Open Wounds’.

Can I tell you that my flabber was well and truly ghasted?

I mean, look at the names on there – Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, Lin Anderson, Chris Brookmyre, Stuart MacBride, James Oswald, Doug Johnstone, Lesley Kelly, ES Thomson!

I mean, jings. I was the only name I had to Google!

To say I’m honoured is something of an understatement and not just because of the scribblers with whom I’m figuratively rubbing shoulders.

The Late William McIlvanney was a giant among writers, not just those of us down there in the mean streets of crime.

laidlaw

I recall reading ‘Laidlaw’ for the first time, way back in 1977. I got my copy from the Mystery and Thriller Guild, remember them? I discovered so many great writers through mail order book clubs and it’s a shame they have now passed into oblivion.

I still have that hardback because I hate parting with books, although by necessity I’ve had to unload a number recently.

But my favourites will never go.

My regret is that I never met Mr McIlvanney, although I did stand beside him one evening as darkness fell during Bloody Scotland. We were outside the Royal Highland Hotel and I didn’t pluck up the courage to speak to him. I wish I had.

It’s fitting the Scottish Crime Book of the Year is now awarded in his name.

Every writer on the list owes him a debt. He didn’t create what later became Tartan Noir (a term I hate but it’ll do for now). He said that himself. But he did pave the way for the rest of us to come along like a Celtic charge, a swarm of tough Scots careering towards shelves with pens and PCs held like claymores.

Whoever wins come September will be doubly proud. First that their work has been recognised. And then because the winning title will be forever associated with greatness.

When the announcement is made at Bloody Scotland, I like to think that, wherever the greats go when the writing is done, the man himself will smile and raise an approving glass.

 

 

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