Happy accidents…

All this week I’ll be over at the International Thriller Writers ‘Roundtable’ discussion, talking about “happy accidents while doing research”. Which in my case is less about spilling hot coffee in my lap, and more about discoveries in my chosen location of Birmingham.

This includes recent visits to the city, and several new discoveries. But I’m also interested to hear if other writers like finding out about the places they use in their books, and whether readers enjoy that kind of detail in a crime book.

The chat is open to all so do come along to join in, heckle or throw fruit (just no tinned peaches thanks). All you need to do is follow the link above, scroll down past the potted author biographies, and click on “x comments” to open up the comments section. See you there!

What a thrill!

The latest issue of The Big Thrill (the monthly magazine for International Thriller Writers members) has just dropped into my inbox with a clatter and caused some excitement – because for the first time ever, I have an interview in it!

My interrogator Tim O’Mara asked some great questions about ‘Gravy Train’ and the way I write, and I had a huge amount of fun answering them. Thanks to Tim for making the whole process, which could have been quite daunting, so enjoyable. Topics include why I used present tense for one of the characters, why there’s an element of optimism in such a noir book, and whether I think there’s a difference between crime fiction in the UK and America.

You don’t seem to need to be a member of the ITW in order to read the interview so do head over and take a peek. Hopefully you’ll be glad you made the trip!