Readers' groups, wine and supper

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to receive a very kind email from a readers' group, who had enjoyed The Balance of Guilt, and wanted to ask me some questions about it.

A few I was able to help with, as they seemed simple points of detail, others I was not - because you know what we writer types are like.  We revel in the mystery thing about our books and like to leave plenty of room for readers to imagine, discuss and debate.

Howsoever, the point of this blog is thus.  After an exchange of emails came the question as to whether I might be perhaps interested in talking to the group about the tvdetective books. It was delightfully (by which I probably mean flatteringly!) phrased, along the lines that doubtless I had many such requests, I was clearly a very busy and important man, and it was of course an imposition, but they just thought they would ask etc etc.

I told you it was very kind!  Anyway, this busy, important etc etc. man duly accepted, partly because a gentleman shouldn't turn down such a lovely request, but also for a couple of other more practical reasons.

Firstly, I think readers' groups are great.  They're vital in making sure the written word and a love of books continues to thrive, they're very sociable, and they're extremely effective in introducing people to books and authors they might not otherwise have tried.  They've always supported me well and I've spoken to a few in my relatively brief writing career, and always enjoyed it.

There is another reason though, and it's this.  I think I've learnt a great deal from readers' groups, about the sort of things people like and don't like in books. And I believe that's helped me become a better author.

The fact that the offer I mention came with the added bonus of a bite of supper and some wine didn't hurt at all!

So, I shall look forward to my trip come the spring of next year, and if there are any other readers' groups out there, scanning through my meanderings - (1) keep up the fine work and (2) if you want a wandering author to come talk to you, and you're happy to feed and water him, you know where I am!

Seriously, if anyone has any questions about the tvdetective books, or my writing, you can get in touch via the contact page of the site - www.thetvdetective.com/contact.html  I'm always pleased to hear from you.