C L Taylor and Craig Robertson Book Event

This was our first time going to this Waterstones, Byres road in Glasgow, the West end. Also our first time seeing C L Taylor, I have seen Craig Robertson at Edinburgh book festival or another book event.



Taylor was talking about her new book Sleep but also got into her earlier work, I didn't know she was originally a rom com writer, did you?




Sleep has been optioned so we may well see it on tv someday, fingers crossed, I would love to see quite a few books made into movies or tv.




Robertson talked about his book, he has another coming out next year I think (sorry I did't catch the name) and they both discussed names and how difficult it can be when you are trying to come up with one. He accidentally ended up with a name of a neighbour a few doors down!




Three of Taylor's books have stalkers in them and she talked about her own personal experience of stalking, pretty horrific but also so good she managed to take a negative and use her writing to take a positive from it. Her story of taking a photo of her wee one on a train and not looking at it until later was enough to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up!




The two just flowed and it wasn't until the last few minutes Robertson brought out the list of questions he had prepared earlier to ask, he hadn't needed them. If you get a chance to go to a book event please do, you support your authors, book stores and sometimes you get a few wee insider scoops. Like an author I really like who writes rom com is turning their hand to a crime novel oooooooh, gossip! It was lovely to actually meet Taylor, she is very nice, interesting and if the chance comes up, go and see these guys!




Afterwards both happily signed books, gabbed away and there was some wine provided for attendees (I don't drink wine nor alcohol if working the next day) I was happy to take the piccys and just gab.




A fab night, I seen some of my favs and had my wee Harry Potter shoes out for an outing, please support your book shops and authors guys, it is always a great night out!




SLEEP is only 99p on ebook and £3.99 paperback from Amazon, get your copy now CLICK HERE

Edinburgh Book Festival yesterday

As you may remember I went to my first ever book festival, Edinburgh Book Festival, last year. It was great and so many lovely people. This year my two friends came, they didn't book any shows they just wanted to check it out (mostly the gin bar!). We headed in on the train, the weather was variable to say the least.




I was blessed and lucky enough to get a press pass again this year.




I remember last year the press yurt has wee ducks outside and was happy to see them appear again this year, kind of wish I had taken my own wee rubber duck and got a piccy, I have another day booked there so maybe take her then.





First up was Sandy, Sir Alexander McCall Smith. I have yet to read his books but seen him last year and after listening to him I bought one of his books and have another on the TBRM. He is hillarious, he just chuckles away, his stories are fantastic. He did a small reading from his book and said he doesn't like doing long readings. He joked about going to see an author before who read for 45 minutes from their book, folk were pretending to faint and even when ambulances came they still continued. He is just so funny, a breath of fresh air and I could listen to him all day. Any opportunity I get to hear him speak I will go to and advise everyone to go, you will come away smiling! We were treated to a violin musician too, beautiful and a poetry reading.





Up next was Sharon Blackie, this isn't an author I have read before and she does both fiction and non fiction. This is a book of fairytales retold bu Sharon and one of her own creation. She read the story and discussed how fairy tales have interested her since she was younger. Sorry I haven't edited the photos, I am shattered, back to work tomorrow and edited ones are on our Instagram.





It is so nice to look around and see folk sitting reading books everywhere and just chatting and taking the scene in.





Four shows in one day is quite a lot so after a wee gab with the ladies me and Kelly grabbed a minute to get some ice cream, I don't do mint but I do like a mint choc chip ice cream every blue moon. The wee stall just across from the book store is really nice and they have a list of what is in each one, allergies headsup which is great as not all wee stalls have them.




Up next was "The Story of the Iolaire Tragedy" discussing the book The Darkest Dawn. The tragedy itself that happened 100 years ago, words read from people actually involved and two songs performed that had been written after the disaster. Prior to the festival I had never heard of this but reading about it in the brochure I wanted to hear more. It was very emotive and during the whole talk photos of the men came up in the big screen in the background. I was moved and not in anyway related or aware of it before that day so can only image how those in the audience felt who were actually connected/related to those involved.




Last was Val McDermid, I had seen Val at last years event. She is a great speak *I did have to write down a word or two she used to see what it meant), her stories are fantastic. Val has written over 30 books and has a tv show from one of her creations coming up later this year. She is going to spend time in New Zealand teaching and continues to write stories that have captivated her audiences.





I am loving the purple around the festival, as you know it is my favourite colour.





Edinburgh is such a beautiful city, I love seeing it all lit up at night.

Helen Fitzgerald & Doug Johnstone at Waterstones

Today was such a beautiful day, weather wise and in general. Met with some of my fav humans and we headed to Waterstones for the book event, Orenda authors, Helen Fitzgerald and Doug Johnstone talking about their new books.




If you have never seen either of these authors you should if you get a chance, both are great speakers and fab chat but together they were hillarious and just bounced off each other with ease. Swearing, banter, a bit about how long they have known each other, their previous publishers and who is stalking who, can you stalk each other, double stalking? :D




The lovely Karen, of Orenda, introduced them both and you could listen to that beautiful accent all night. It was lovely of Orenda and Waterstones to highlight one of the crowd, blogger royalty, Mary having a very special birthday. Not only did they do a lovely wee speech they presented her with cake and flowers. I utterly love the book world, Mary is so supportive of authors, bloggers and just a genuine person with a heart of gold! Happy birthday again Mary, we love you!





Helen read from her book, Worst Case Scenario, out now to buy in kindle and tree book format on Amazon or in store.




And Doug then read from his new book, Breakers, also out now to buy in kindle or tree book format, from Amazon or in store.




Waterstones hold events like these all the time guys, if you haven't been to any please check out their website and support your stores/authors. The events are always really good, the authors are so approachable and sometimes hearing the writing process or some chat behind the book is what actually grabs you to buy it.


Helen has had one of her books made into a tv show, The Cry, and Worst Case Scenario has been optioned so fingers and toes crossed. Doug is in the band "Fun lovin crime writers" and they are performing at Glastonbury this year, how awesome is that!





Could have listened to them all night but once they were done I had to rush off and get home, I forgot my antihistamines and my foot had an encounter with something last night when we were out with miss paws, typical! Please check out the books guys and if you buy them or have read them please let me know in the comments or tweet, insta, fb - whichever is your preferred platform, I love a gab!

Chris Carter at Waterstones

The event was sold out and most of us got there before the area opened.





I took my wee reusable cup as I am trying to be good with recycling. I don't often drink hot drinks but when I do I have this and my fav colour, purple.




Hunting Evil is book 10 in the series and out to buy tomorrow.





What a nice down to earth guy.





He spoke about what he did for jobs and how he came upon being an author.





He was very humble and honest about his journey, after chatting about his career in crime, dealing with police and helping catch criminals, the effect that has on you working day in and out with the worst aspects of humanity. Then he went for a career change and into music and his band days, joking that way he would get the girls. He then moved onto how writing started for him by penning a dream, folk reading it, him doing more and not really believing it was good enough. Sending out three chapters and after four days getting word back to send more and maybe this was actually happening, then another few days and asked to send the rest of the book. The rest is history!





He was so animated and chatty, we didn't even get to the book lmao, he just gabbed away about his life and journey to being an author. What happened after and then it was opened up to questions. When the host realised we hadn't talked about the book we all laughed but don't think anyone would have changed anything. He was so engaging, and we all chuckled when after the first two questions he had to get her to translate as the thick Glaswegian accents were a bit much for him. I LOVED Sharons question (from A Chapter in my Life) "Does writing satisfy your inner serial killer?" absolutely brilliant.





Then after that up for book singings.





How fab is his leather jacket. As he says you can tell he likes rock!





The queue was huge for getting books signed, everyone wanted a wee gab, shame he didn't go to the pub afterwards but I think he had more travelling to do and maybe just exhausted. Fantastic night, could have listened to him go on and on!

New Voices 2019 Headline Event

So last night I finally made it to a blogger/author/publicist event, it has only took me nearly eight years!




The venue was stunning, lit beautifully with candles, book display of our authors #newvoices2019 food, drink and the actual authors and fabulous folk from Headline, it was just perfect. Everyone was so welcoming, I know a lot of bloggers can find meet ups, especially with established bloggers, authors and people in the business, really frightening. Certainly not the case for Headline, the staff made sure no one was left alone and folk who were nervous and didn't know how to approach anyone found themselves being welcomed, chatted to and having the authors pointed out to them.




A wee programme was available, giving information on each author, a wee piccy of them and their book, gutted mine got lost on route home!





It was very laid back, a wee drink on arrive, hot food provided, bar easy accessible and then the lovely Becky took to the mic and gave some info on what the night entailed, the authors, their books and who they were. It is really nice when you know exactly what is going on and then everyone was just free to mingle and chat.




Headline very generously provided copies of the authors of the evenings books except Rhik's whose wasn't ready as yet but we got a print out with a bit about the book, when it is due and it sounds brilliant, "I Never Said I Loved You" out in August.





The authors were so friendly, happy to chat, sign the books and mingled with everyone, it was a really good turnout.




I met not only some of the lovely publicists and people behind the amazing books and book pr but also some other bloggers, some I have chatted to online for a while and some brand new. I never fail to be amazed just how lovely and friendly some people are. Kelly from LOVEBOOKSGROUP and Joanne from Portobello Blog have been so supportive especially when I have went to events. Kelly met me at the station this time and both ladies always help put you at ease, I am a gab and pretty loud/out going but in situations like these I am a bit off my game and I can't say shy as my pals would faint, lmao but I do withdraw a wee bit. They made sure I was introduced, include and helped me to relax and just be me, loud, chatty, gabby - it really makes a difference and they did the same with others, book people are really the best! I saw Joanne get a piccy by the candles and thought oooh that looks lovely so I have to too.




The books are:
Blood Orange by Harriet Twice

The six Loves of Billy Binns by Richard Lumsden

The Girl in the Letter by Emily Gunnis

The Last Ones Left Alive by Sarah David-Goff

Past Life by Dominic Nolan

I Never Said I Loved You by Rhik Samadder





A brighter piccy so you can see the covers, of course Princess Trixie has to wake up as I am taking a piccy, never one to miss a moment, all about the cat!. You can find the authors on Twitter:
Rhik Samadder
Harriet Tyce
Dominic Nolan
Sarah Davis-Goff
Emily Gunnis
Richard Lumsden

Tonight the event is in Liverpool and tomorrow Bath, if you have been invited absolutely head along, these people are fabulous, friendly, professional and very welcoming. If like me you are a bit nervous you will honestly be put at ease, such a lovely bunch and it is an event you won't want to miss. Remember when taking pictures or if you are covering the event to use the #NewVoices2019 so we can share the experience/event with you all. Thanks again so much to the Headline folks for inviting me, the authors/publicists and fellow bloggers for making it such a great night, y'all rock <3 Now I am off to bed for a wee pre nightshift nap, hope you all have a lovely day. xxx

And that's a wrap - Edinburgh book festival

This is later than I meant to post, the festival finished last week then me and the o/h went on a wee mini roadtrip and seen some family.





This was my first ever book festival, it won't be my last, if you have been following the blog you will have seen the coverage of the days I went to and events I attended.


I went through to see Denzil Meyrick who was sharing the stage with Kjell Ola Dahl, the event chaired by Philip Ardagh. I was hoping to meet up with a fellow Crime Book Club member but I missed her, I did meet the beautiful Mary from Live and Deadly blog and Karen from Orenda Books lovely ladies and very welcoming.





Denzil comes to the stage with a dram of whisky and took a wee live video of the audience (full room guys, pow!) before we begin. Kjell writes Nordic Noir, police procedural "The Oslo detectives" and is from Norway. Kjell's novels are now translated in english and available to buy (what are you waiting for). Kjell finds it inspiring to explore differences in his writing, classes, politics, oil, money, society and what people are affected by. Kjell has a very quiet manner, soft spoken but you find yourself leaning forward, taking in every word, whilst his volume is low his words/vibes are loud and riveting.





Denzil started writing when he was ill and didn't expect much to come of it. After a bit of a palaver with another publisher he was rescued by Polygon and the rest is history. He writes about Daley and a wee place called Kinloch (really Campbeltown) a unique place in Scotland that has a sense of 50s or 60, an otherness and means a lot to him, everyone should visit. Denzil has an ease and jokey manner making everyone at ease and was a good combo with Kjell's quieter presence. Denzil spoke about his career (he used to be a police officer) and how different things are now compared to then (he joined in the 80s) and how policing is different in the city compared to small towns. His books are all police investigation, murder, relationships, dynamics of the team and people with a bit of swearing and infused with Scottish banter.





Kjell's book brings in a lot of artifacts, important folklore and likes to play with the idea "you don't know everything", he enjoys mysteries himself. Denzil likes to bring a bit of humour into his books and engages with his fans on Twitter and Facebook, we may also be getting a Brian Scott twitter feed, how awesome would that be! Kjell is on social media, you can find him on Twitter and read about him on Orenda's website, he is on Facebook and Instagram. Talking of social media he admits he doesn't sell himself on there as he feels a bit of shame in it. He is such a nice well spoken man and whilst you all know I am not a fan of translated novels, after listening to him and recommended by both Mary and Karen I have bought his newest book "The Ice Swimmer" this is part of a series but I am assured I can read it not having read the others. Bargain price too and only brought out this year. Denzil's new book "The Relentless Tide" is out in two days, 6th of September but available to pre order now. I have jst read book one, I have all of his books waiting and cannot wait to get stuck in. Book one is Whisky from small glasses, fantastic opening to a series so if you haven't read him yet series grab a copy and then catch up with the others for the new book coming.





Friendship with other writers seems to be important to both writers, Kjell talks of a big group meet up with other crime writers at least once a year and at events like this, he feels he learns a lot from them. Denzil regales us with a meeting just before the event with Ian Rankin, a quick turn and some spillage of bodily fluid, whats happens at the festival stays at the festival, no one was hurt lol! He has a laugh about the ego maniacs that are authors, Douglas Skelton was in the audience and got a special nod for that then tells how he is limited in meetings due to his health issues. His next book, the one he is writing next, will see Daley visit some health issues and will be drawing from his own personal experiences. Humour aside, discussing juts how bad things got for him, facing his own mortality and his wonderful wife by his side. What a man! So much positivity and humour in the face of what would have been a terrifying time


An hour was just not long enough to listen to these gents, I would have happily sat there all day. I came away with a few books, some gifted, some bought and two new totebags (like I need more of either!).





Trying to get the perfect shot is never easy when you have a kitty cat, let alone a diva like Princess Trixie.





It took a few attempts (more than ten photographs) before I came to the realisation that if I wanted a proper piccy I would need to wait til miss paws was asleep, so I did.





A fantastic festival, the staff were lovely, helpful and couldn't have done anything better. I had a wee sample of the food and you know how much of a fussy riot I am, lovely. Everything else I addressed in my original post so if you haven't been to a festival but holding back, please check it out. I cannot wait til the next and aim to go to as many other book events as I can, book people are the best!