Saturday at Edinburgh Book Festival

Finally, I got some friends to come to the book festival with me, it was much easier to be fair after I had written about what to expect at the festival and what it is all about.


We only had one show booked and that was to see author John Boyne. After a horrendous train journey where Scotrail had allowed far more on the train than capacity could handle, we got there in once piece. I did message this which thus far has been ignored, I have photographs should they want it, children and adults on every spare bit of the floor, first class opened to accomodate and still far too many! So unsafe and thankfully no one became unwell, you couldn't get out of your seat to go to the toilet much less someones aid! Not happy.





Anyway, back to the event, the weather was bright, Boyne I have read a few times and this is for his new book "A Ladder to the Sky". The event was chaired by Lee Randall, John sold 9 million copies of "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" the book most people know him for. Boyne joked about almost not making it, his plane was stopped on the runway as the Pope landed at the same time, he jokingly said he considered getting off and having a word.





War is a recurring theme in many of his books, "The Heart's Invisible Furies" had a long passage that didn't make the final but other books centre around war or have some kind of reference or passage in it. He comments on how folk can say (in relation to world war two and the Nazi's) "Oh I would never have done that" but it is easy to say that with time and geography on your side. Lots of those who did things in the war, soldiers etc would have been 17-18 years old and most of that age were signing up. He discussed his protagonists and of them says they are never the ultimate good guy or bad guy but somewhere in the middle, in one book something horrific is happening and the main character is complicit in the knowledge and doing nothing about it.





We were treated to a reading from the book and he discussed his writing, reviewing other books and how he passed on a book as he didn't enjoy it and didn't want to write a bad review. A few months later said author contacted him and dug him out for it, there started a campaign of almost hate again him on Twitter and how not only can you get flack for having an opinion but also for not having one (as such). He didn't name any names but sure is that not shocking!





He spoke of authors private lives and how he isn't interested in what they do, the only thing that interests him is the book itself, the personal life of that author is, to him, irrelevant. Some authors write from the head, some from the heart, Boyne states he writes from the heart. Most of his favourite authors are women, he comments on how grand Maeve Binchey is and had she been Maurice she would have had more respect, awards etc. He actually recalled an author (or was it a critic?) who gave a glowing review and when he found out X book was written by a woman he withdrew his previous comments and slated it, is that not just mind blowing!





He played to a full house and I am not surprised. When asked how he felt, from a pressure point of view with new books against the boy in the striped pyjamas he said he knows nothing he writes now or later will sell more so there is no pressure. He also doesn't believe that is his best book, he chose his best as "The Absolutist" (I have yet to read that so will comment when I have). On plotting he says he never plots out a book in advance, he just writes a sentence and sees where it goes, fantastic, was lovely listening to him and that accent, well, I could listen all day!


After that me and the group went off to Mary King's Close, I have been before but one of the friends it was their first time.





The stairs to get up there almost killed me, my dodgy ankle and my pal who is a smoker!





Mary King's Close is a fantastic tour, 1 hour long and at time of posting £15.50, you learn a good bit about Edinburgh's history, a wee bit of banter and see and walk in old standing buildings. You are not allowed to take any photographs once inside the tour but you get a wee photo to buy if you wish and they sell programs also.





Edinburgh has some pretty amazing history and buildings, you could stoat around for hours to be honest and go back the next day with still loads more. There is almost always something bookish on too and now I am comfortable travelling on the train there I Will certainly be seeking out more!





I finished with a wee read of one of the books I bought at the Edinburgh Book Festival, I also seen this author talk twice so heard his voice the whole time I was reading. Review for this book will follow shortly, keep your eyes peeled.

An evening with crime writers at Waterstones

I love book events, I haven't been to many of late but I managed to hobble along last night, my o/h and friend came too. My o/h reads very few authors/books and usually on when on holiday, he came last night more as a "carer" for me but actually really enjoyed the evening.


Last night was Steve Cavanagh and Mark Billingham chaired by Christopher Brookmyre, these guys are hilarious. I had no idea Cavanagh was irish and could listen to that accent all night!





James introduced the guys, went over the safety as per and opened a great evening. If you aren't familiar with Sauchiehall street Waterstones they are now sporting a wee bar. So you can enjoy the events with a wee wine, soft drink or a water if that suits you. They also have a Harry Potter section, it is like a wee Harry Potter common room, I dind't get any pictures, I was so sore by the time I got there I beelined for my chair. I have took pictures previously, I am sure they are on my Insta, next time I am in I will get more.





Neither of the guys read out of their books, they just chatted, shared some stories, had a laugh and spoke about the books. Mark's book "The Killing Habit" is ook 15 in the Thorne series. There has been a lot of chat in the clubs about this one as the perp is killing animals and hasn't yet moved onto humans. I really hate animal cruelty and struggle to read books that contain it, however listening to Mark last night I am hoping it isn't actually too huge in the book, or too graphic. I may get my o/h to read it first for me though, just in case lol, inspired by the "Motorway cat killer" and discussing how many of these poor animals have been killed by this maniac.





Steve spoke about his new book Th1rt3en it is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. This will be my first book by this author, if you haven't got it yet, Tesco is doing a promotion for the next week I think where if you buy The Sun paper you get it for £2.





The guys talked about Cavanagh and Luca Vestes podcast, I have neverlistened to a podcast before but I think I will check this one out. They also chatted about their "band" and they will be playing in Bloody Scotland, if you haven't already you may want to check it out. Pictured is Mark reading out some of his one star reviews from Amazon, I LOVE when an author takes something negative and makes a positive from it. We all laughed at the daftness of some of them, brilliant!


I didn't get a chance to say hello or hug half the people I wanted to, there were so many great bloggers and authors in the audience. We had to leave pretty much as soon as it was over, I was just too sore. However we had a great night, the beautiful and talented Sharon from Chapter in my Life brought me a bookmark to cheer me up. I thought she had got it from the author for me, no, this talented beaut actually made it, have fantastic and thoughtful! I am honestly so blessed to have so many beautiful humans in my life.





My other friend brought me a book and some candles, spoiled! xxx

Q&A with author Jackie Baldwin

Thanks to Jackie for taking the time out to answer my questions and sending healing vibes your way xxx


How did you get the writing bug?

From the encouragement given to me by my teacher in primary 3, I think. She loved my stories and also put on a little play I wrote at the end of term. Her parting shot to me was that I should be a writer when I grew up. The seed just grew from there.


Where did the idea for Dead Man’s Prayer come from?

I suppose with your first book in particular you write the book you want to read so I threw a lot of stuff in there that I’ve always been interested in like twins, the corrosive nature of guilt, the ‘otherness’ of Catholic priests, our capacity for redemption and the devastation wrought by mental illness.


Religion plays a big part in the story, what made you go for this theme?

I attended the local Benedictine Convent in Dumfries from the age of five. Although the nuns themselves were lovely, back then Catholic education was quite extreme for an imaginative, impressionable child with a literal mind and it had a profound effect on me. At the age of eight I would lie awake agonising about whether I would be brave enough not to walk over the crucifix if the ‘Commies’ burst into my class and held a gun to my head. I would sit in my bedroom having called down God to one side of the wardrobe and the Devil to the other and try and get them to reconcile to bring about world peace. I also developed the habit of walking with my eyes cast down in case I looked up and saw the words, ‘Thou shalt be a nun!’ writ large in the sky, as you don’t get to say ‘no’ to God. I suppose all that guilt and angst had to bubble to the surface some time, hence the arrival of DI Farrell. Also, I felt that such a character offered the reader something a little different.


Do you see this being a long series?

I honestly have no idea as I think that will be determined by readers, rather than me. I certainly have plenty of ideas. The arrival of Police (Scotland) rather lobbed a grenade at crime writers who set their books in more rural areas. The second book in the series is set just before it comes into being but if I write a third I will require to have DI Farrell and DS McLeod based in the central belt and send them down as part of an investigative team. However, I feel that new dynamic would keep things fresh and provide plenty of scope for conflict so I would relish the challenge.


What are you currently writing?

I have just finished the second DI Farrell novel. The next thing I write is going to be something completely different and will be set in the Highlands.


Do you have any rituals or quirks you need to do before starting or finishing writing?

No, not really. I do seem to be able to shift industrial quantities of biscuits and coffee while I am writing though. I think it’s about procrastination as much as anything else. I’m about to start a new health and fitness regime though so I will have to learn to embrace my inner raw carrot instead.


Who is your go to author?

I like to read a variety of books. When I was younger I would become crazy for one author at a time and binge read all their books to the point that I would put myself off which was really annoying. I would say that on the crime front, my favourite author at the moment is Susie Steiner as I loved her book ‘Missing Presumed.’


What is your favourite/most recommended book?

‘The Rosie Project’ by Graeme Simsion.


Where can fans find you?

I am on Twitter @JackieMBaldwin1 I have a Facebook Page at Jackie Baldwin Author and a website at www.jackiebaldwin.co.uk I love to hear from people. Writing can be a lonely business.


Anything else you would like to add I may have missed?

I would just like to thank you for having me on your blog, Lainey. It’s been fun!





And if it isn't enough bringing you a Q&AI am offering up my pre-loved copy as a giveaway. As always enter via the rafflecopter (below), open to all. Good luck and thanks for stopping by xxx


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Author Interview with Taryn Leigh and a wee comp

Thanks so much to Taryn for taking time out to come and chat about her fabulous debut novel, Perfect Imperfections. You can read my review here.






Tell us about Perfect Imperfections.

Perfect Imperfections is the story, I as a book lover, would love to sit and read. It’s a story of a woman, Sarah, who tries to escape the pain in her past by running away to a new place with new possibilities. We go on an adventure with Sarah from London to South Africa, as she rediscovers herself, heals from her pain and meets the most amazing people along the way. We laugh with her, we cry with her and we get to know the mystery that caused her to flee. It’s a story of a lifelong friendship between her and Katy. It’s a story of love lost and new love possibilities found, and it’s a story of how us woman have the strength inside of us to rise above what life throws our way, to become the best in our careers, the best in our friendships, and the best in our relationships. What makes Perfect Imperfections so special to me, is that the story keeps hinting at something, while dropping clues along the way, allowing the reader to piece the puzzle together.


What made you choose the two locations, London and primarily South Africa?

South Africa is my home, and I’m from the city Durban that most of the book is set in. I wanted to share this beautiful land with everyone. We have so many breath-taking places here, and the people and culture are so warm and inviting. It gets into your bones, all who visit bear witness to that. London is my dream location. From a little girl I dreamt of going there, not just the city but the country side. In fact my husband and my dream vacation is to go to London, Switzerland and Scotland. So what better way to feel like I’m already there, than to write about it!


The story focuses on many aspects of normal life, what made you chose them and particularly the self healing side?

When I wrote the book I was going through my own self-healing, and someone encouraged me to write to escape my own life. So I did, and Perfect Imperfections was born. I also wanted the characters to be relatable and feel real to whoever read them. I added in everyday things like the secret hot chocolate recipe between Edward and Sarah or the raw and real emotions, so that the reader could visualise it and identify easily.


Are the characters or situations based on real life?

Yes they are in so many ways. There are elements of different characters that are from the people I know closest to me. The close bond of friendship is based on my own friendships, and Edwards’ character is loosely based on my husband who loved me when I should have been unlovable. The places and locations are all real places I’ve been to in South Africa, and Sarah’s career is based on my four years studying Interior Design.


Who is your favourite character and why, without spoilers if you can?

I love things from so many of them. I love Katy’s friendship, and Sarah’s bravery. I love Kevin’s loyalty and Edwards’ sincerity and ability to surprise, and I love Joseph’s story! Oh how I love his story.


Who are you reading just now?

I am just starting to read The Rome Affair by Karen Swan. I’ve been waiting a long time for its release.


What is your favourite read?

I love books similar to the one I wrote. Where the characters have depth. Where you get to know them and live with them, and where you are transported into another world!


What authors inspire you?

I’m a huge fan of Karen Swan, Sidney Sheldon, Enid Blyton and Emily Bronte


What is next for Taryn Leigh?

I would love to continue to write. Currently I’m working on my second novel. The story is different, and set in new places that you will love.


Where can fans find you?

I am all over social media, and I love to interact with all my readers
Twitter: @tarynleighbook
Instagram: @tarynleighbooks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taryn.leigh.585
Website: https://olympiapublishers.com/books/perfect-imperfections



Anything else I missed? I write with a hope, that even though the story might be fiction, but the reader must walk away from it being impacted by something they have read in a way they will never forget. My mom named me Taryn Leigh because she read a book while pregnant with me, and loved the character so much that I’m named after her. Thirty Three years later, her daughter is now the Author of her own books. Those are the books I want to write.


To be in with a chance of winning just enter using the Rafflecopter below, open to all, you need have a Twitter account as one mandatory option is to follow the author of the book. Otherwise choose any additional entries for more chances to win. Good luck all and thanks as always for interacting with the blog xxx a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kimberley Chambers & Anna Smith author event at Waterstones

Can we just take a moment to appreciate how beautiful the window pane is in Waterstones.



I am literally just through the door and home from yet another fabulous event hosted by Waterstones, was also lunching and dinner with friends, the book chat was the finale of the day. Tonight's event was the lovely Kimberley Chambers and Anna Smith chatting together about their books, Chambers Tainted Love is out today in paperback.



There was a wee clearance box out to browse whilst we waited so I picked up another book, shhh don't tell my other half! The ladies had a great and relaxed evening, introduced themselves and a bit about their background. Chambers is hilarious, if you have never had the pleasure of meeting her or hearing her talk, you really should get to one of her events. One of the gentlemen in the audience actually praised her for when he reached out online she replied as a lot of well known authors who are very popular don't always. Anna Smith I don't really know (not that I know Chambers but she does have an online presence), I may have read one of her books but it has been a while if I have, I need to seek one out. I also don't see her on any of the online book groups whereas Chambers has a huge presence and often in or the subject of much chat in them.



The ladies had a great flow with each other, easy banter which had a knock on effect with the audience. Sometimes it is like pulling teeth trying to get audience interaction, not so tonight, in fact had the chap in Waterstones not made time for signings we may still be sitting there.



I also got to briefly meet Fliss, one of Chambers team, I have spoken to her online so it was lovely to meet the actual person and she is just as lovely in person. The team at Waterstones did a grand job as always and the ladies got a great turnout for the chat, I don't think there was an empty seat by the time they got started.



You can find the ladies on Twitter & Facebook Anna Smith @annasmithauthor



And Kimberley Chambers @kimbochambers



What a great day and to top it all off, I came home with one or two new books :P