On the 19th July I am heading to Harrogate for the Theakstons Old Peculiar Crime Writing Festival. It's a four day event held in The Swan, a beautiful hotel in Harrogate.This year it is being organised by author of the Tom Thorne series, among other stand alones, crime writer Mark Billingham. There is a whole host of other well known writers lined up to chat and talk about a subject many of us love, crime fiction.
Among those listed for the event are Jo Nesbo, Harlan Coben, Peter James, John Connolly and Ian Rankin. I could list them all for you, but I fear it would be a rather long blog post. If you want to check out this massive event, check the website Here.
I attended this great long weekend last year and I came away ready to book for this year as I enjoyed it so much. I met some wonderful people I'm honoured to now call friends and I listened to some inspirational crime writers talk about their craft. Afterwards I was enthused and bursting with energy for my own work.
Harrogate Crime Writing Festival is for all fans of crime fiction, whether writers, readers or bloggers. It really is one of the most friendly welcoming events I have been to and I hope to be able to go for years to come.
I didn't do a very good job blogging about the event last year, but I definitely intend to try harder this year. There will be so many great things to share.
Have you been to any similar events and if so, how do you find them?
Not been to this one, but I do keep thinking I should try and go.
ReplyDeleteI'm off to Alt.fiction in Leicester this coming weekend. It's for readers and writers of science fiction, fantasy and horror. It'll be my fourth visit, and it's great to hear industry specialists, authors etc I also enjoy the writing workshops.
Best bit for me is socialising with other like minded writers!
That sounds like a lot of fun! I have never been to anything like this, mainly because I have no clue where to find out about them! I would love to go to one if I could.
ReplyDeleteWriting Magazine have an annual roundup of festivals, Kyra.
DeleteI'd love to go to a festival. There are several near me - Daphne du Maurier festival, Ways with Words, Port Eliot... but I can't afford it, and as I don't drive I'd be reliant on public transport. It's on my to-do list... Maybe I can convince Hubby he needs a weekend in Falmouth?
ReplyDeleteYou're so lucky! Here in Portugal (I've been exported) we don't have anything like that. As you say the Writing Magazine does give excellent venues and I should book my trips home to coincide with some of them. (Nice to meet you, Rebecca, I'm coming in from the A-Z)
ReplyDeleteGlad you got a lot out of it. I attend the NE-SCBWI conference each year.
ReplyDeleteSounds like great fun! I've never been to a festival of this kind.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like so much fun! I don't think there are any festivals like that near me, but if there was I would love to go. I have started a book, but have come to a standstill. I started one on my childhood, but am thinking I need to write about something different.
ReplyDeleteThis sound wonderful. I bet I would come away feeling totally inspired and ready to write.
ReplyDeleteI've never been to a writing conference or festival. I doubt I ever will, to be honest. I just don't have an interest in them! By the way, Rebecca, it's very nice to meet you. I come via the A to Z Blogging Challenge! :o)
ReplyDeleteAs a novelist, I'm amazed by anyone who can write a crime novel ; who can actually come up with all the plot twists and turns and surprises that seem necessary to that genre of suspense. good luck wiith it,a s well as with working and being a mom; you might like my H for harried, huriried Mom today, in the challenge.
ReplyDeleteThe crime festival sounds awesome! I've been to a couple writers conferences, and they were a lot of fun.
ReplyDeletePerfect way to spread the word. Thanks for visitng me.
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It sure sounds like fun! I've never been to anything like that since I'm not a writer, I'm just a babbling bloggers with no higher aspirations :)
ReplyDeleteReally, really need to get to a book fest/conference of some sort some day.
ReplyDeleteWow, I bet you will come back with tons of ideas and rejuvenated to write :) There is a writing conference going on at the end of April that I want to attend because I just think it will be engaging!
ReplyDeleteI adore the Harrogate Crimewriting Festival! This summer is my 4th year of attending, can't wait; hopefully we will meet up at some point over the weekend!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to go to this one, especially as I'm just getting into crime writing and Harrogate isn't 'that' far away from me - sadly the pennies just don't allow for it this year. Maybe next time :-)
ReplyDeleteThis is a blatent plug! but I have a B&B (ie much more reasonable price than the Old Swan) and only 5 minutes walk away from the Festival in Harrogate. We do a 10% discount for booking directly with us if you are interested. www.camberleyguestaccommodation.com. Also if we can't help we are a member of Accommodation Harrogate a trade association of 55 independent provider of guest accommodation and as a free service can send out your requirements to our members to get you the best deal.
ReplyDeleteSounds good and a lot of fun, wish I lived closer.
ReplyDeleteOh, how awesome!! I'm so jealous, and also excited for you. I can't wait to read about the event. :)
ReplyDeleteLovely post - thanks! Look forward to welcoming you back to Harrogate this year. For all the best hotel deals just call the Festival Office.....we've negotiated on your behalf for the best deals.
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