CrimeFest Lessons #1

Binge-watching Shetland, I was reminded how much I loved crime critic Jake Kerridge’s interview with novelist Ann Cleeves last CrimeFest 2017 (on her receiving the Crime Writers’ Association Diamond Dagger Award for excellence in crime writing). Ann was quietly brilliant, witty, assured and self-effacing. And I took notes.

Thus I hear offer for your delectation my 20 top tips and observations from CrimeFest 2017 panellists.

See you at this year’s CrimeFest.

Ann Cleeves’ bon mots in interview:

On writing inspirations:

“It’s just being nosy – that period in autumn when it’s dark but people forget to draw their curtains… The best way of researching is on public transport.”
On love:

“There’s nothing better to get over a broken heart than Harriet Vane and Peter Lovesey.”
On research:

“I don’t really do guns, because they require too much research.”
On Vera Stanhope:

“I could see her: she looked a bit like my daughter’s French teacher; she looked more like a bag lady than a detective.”
On Brenda Blethyn:

“Sometimes I write dialogue because I know Brenda will love saying it.”

  

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