Sisters in Crime

2011 Scarlet Stiletto Awards

Article by: Amanda Wrangles

Friday November 25^th was a big one. It was Stiletto time again.

Stiletto time, I hear you ask? Well, yes. Each year, Sisters in Crime Australia hold their short crime story competition. Those of us who enter year after year send off our criminal imaginings months prior to the event, and then try to forget about it while the judging process takes place. Usually by the end of October, those who’ve made the shortlist are notified – generally this is around 15 to 18 stories out of about 130 or so (of course it varies each year…) And then, on the last Friday in November, the big award night takes place. It’s a nail-biting evening full of good food, drinks and the most interesting company. I mean, where else would it be perfectly acceptable to talk murder and mayhem all night with a bunch of like-minded women?

Most years, during dinner and before the actual awards, the audience gets to hear from a special guest – say, an actress from a televised crime show. This year, however, four previous shoe winners were grilled on the art of writing short crime stories by long-time Sisters in Crime National co-convenor, Lindy Cameron. The line-up included Liz Filleul (2004 winner), Evelyn Tsitis (2008), Amanda Wrangles (um, yeah, that would be me for 2009) and Eleanor Marney (2010). Hopefully we kept the crowd entertained with tales of scribbling out words in between wrangling children.

Then it was on to the actual awards, presented by crime novelist PD (Phillipa) Martin. Special Commendations went to: Suzanne Gaskell, Amanda Carmen-Cromer, Robin Story, Marian Cox, Kerry James and Amanda Wrangles.

The Allen & Unwin Young Writers Award: co-winners were Mary Evans and Sarah Robinson-Hatch.
Judges Award (donated by Christine Leppert): Kim Westwood.
Scriptworks Great Film Idea Award: Fiona Drury.
Pulp Fiction Award for Funniest Crime Story: Sarah Evans.
Cate Kennedy Award for Best New Talent: Marguerite Johnson.
Olvar Wood Late Starters Award & also Benn’s Books Best Investigative Award: Anne Cost.
Kerry Greenwood Malice Domestic Award: Vicky Daddo.
Third Prize: Carmela Salomon.
Clandestine Press Award for Cross Genre and Second Prize: Liz Filleul.

and finally, First Prize – Scarlet Stiletto trophy went to the fabulous Angela Savage for her story, ‘The Teardrop Tattoos’.

This was the first time in the award’s 18 year history that it was won by a crime writer with one or more crime novels already to her credit. Angela’s novels include ‘Behind the Night Bazaar’ and ‘The Half Child’, both of which feature PI Jayne Keeney, who made her first appearance in Angela’s 1998 3^rd prize winning Scarlet Stiletto story. Angela is a wonderful supporter of SinC, so we were all thrilled to see her take home the shoe. Over the years, a number of winners and category winners have gone on to publish novels. These include: Cate Kennedy, Angela Savage, Josephine Pennicott, Sara Evans, Inga Simpson, Alex Palmer, Liz Filleul, Margaret Bevege, Patricia Bernard, Bronwen Blake, Jo McGahey,Cheryl Jorgensen, Kylie Fox, Amanda Wrangles and Tara Moss. 2011 was also the first year the Judges Award was presented, and was taken home by Kim Westwood, author of novels ‘The Daughters of Moab’ and recently, ‘The Courier’s New Bicycle’ (you can read my review here).

As always, the 18^th Scarlet Stiletto Awards was a brilliant night. It was great to see lots of new faces among the ‘usual suspects’ – those whose names turn up year after year in the awards. I’m looking forward to next year’s competition where, as a new National Co-convenor and judge, I get to be on the other side of the judging process and READ all those criminally great stories!

PS – There are two ‘best of’ collections available from the eighteen years of Stiletto stories: ‘The First Cut’ and (surprisingly…) ‘The Second Cut’. Both are available through Clan Destine Press.

Bookmark It

Diary Dates November (including the Scarlet Stiletto Awards)

Extra special newsletter with a few reminders about upcoming events. Don’t forget the Scarlet Stiletto Awards – scroll down for an adjustment in lineup, and a reminder about where.

• · Sunday Afternoon in Hastings with Four Local Authors
• · 18th Annual Scarlet Stiletto Awards – new lineup

Sunday Afternoon in Hastings with Four Local Authors

From Serial Killers to Sawtoothed Bunnies

With Vikki Petraitis, Lindy Cameron and A.K. Wrox (Kylie Fox and Amanda Wrangles)

Read more

18th Annual Scarlet Stiletto Awards – new lineup

In the first part of the evening, hear from The Famous Five – Sisters in Crime convenor and author, Lindy Cameron, in fierce debate about the art of the criminally good short story with four previous Scarlet Stiletto Award trophy winners: Eleanor Marney (2010); Amanda Wrangles (2009); Evelyn Tsitis (2007); and Liz Filleul (2009). Expect lashings of wine and much more.

Bookmark It

NEWS FROM SISTERS IN CRIME, AUSTRALIA

Crime lovers, particularly those of us in Melbourne, have some dates to mark on their calendars. Sisters in Crime apologise that there are fewer events throughout the year – but it’s with good reason. SheKilda 2 is coming!!! Featuring the best crime fiction talent from around the country (including, of course, our very own Marianne Delacourt), this is the convention that all lovers of crime MUST attend. October 7 – 9, 2011.

SheKilda Again, marks the 20^th Anniversary of Sisters in Crime Australia and will include panels and workshops with all of your favourite Aussie crime authors. And, some very special international guests too:  Margie Orford – South Africa, Vanda Symon – New Zealand and, Shamini Flint from Singapore.

The new website for the event which will include all the exciting news of the event will be launched on Friday May 20 at SinC event, Courting Justice (see below).

8pm FRIDAY MAY 20, 2011: COURTING JUSTICE

Three of Victoria’s top female legal eagles bring experience, verve and humour (and many tales) to a debate about where you go for justice when faced with a legal issue, whether it’s a neighbourhood dispute, settling a will or a (nasty or very nasty) accusation? Who does what and what can (and does) happen?

Interrogating the judges is true crime author and novelist, Robin Bowles.

Justice Elizabeth Hollingworth has served on the Supreme Court of Victoria since 2004 and is a former Rhodes Scholar and Senior Counsel.  She has sat in a broad range of civil and criminal trials and appeals including the recent trial of serial killer, Peter Dupas, for the murder of Mersina Halvagis.

Judge Liz Gaynor was a defence barrister before becoming a judge in the County Court in 2002.  In last year’s ‘Punji hunting’ case, she declared that some boys ”ought to be “put in a dark   cupboard at 16 and brought out again at age 25”. She is a different sort of judge (and frequent debater) in the annual Ned Kelly Crime Writing Awards.

Jelena Popovic, Deputy Chief Magistrate, was appointed to Magistrates’ Court of Victoria in 1989 after ten years in practice as a solicitor. She is passionate about the significant role of the Magistrates’ Court in our community, particularly its role in problem-solving and reducing crime. An advocate of “therapeutic jurisprudence”, she’s interested in how factors like disability, drugs, mental health, homelessness and Aboriginality impact on defendants in the criminal justice system.  She is the Co-ordinating Magistrate of the Koori Court and has court portfolio responsibility for the Criminal Justice Diversion Program.

NOTE: New venue: The Rising Sun Hotel, corner Raglan Street & Eastern Road, South Melbourne (cnr Coventry). Mel 57, H2.Try 112, 55 or St Kilda Road trams. Free on-street parking after 6pm.

Entry is $5 for SinC members, $10 for non-members. Dinner can be purchased from the venue before the event.

Tuesday May 24, 2011: Where (and How and Why) Crime Fiction

Gets It Wrong

(Part of the 2011 Bayside Literary Festival)

True crime author & Brighton resident Vikki Petraitis has rounded up some of the usual (often unusual) suspects to spill the beans. She interrogates a judge, a true crime writer and a novelist on where (and how and why) crime on the page and screen contrasts so wildly with what really happens in real life:

Judge Liz Gaynor was a defence barrister before becoming a judge in the County Court in 2002. She is a different sort of judge in the annual Ned Kelly Crime Writing Awards.  She’s outspoken, funny, fair and very, very smart.

Liz Porter, a Brighton resident journalist Liz Porter is the author of Written On The Skin: An Australian Forensic Casebook (Pan Macmillan), a joint winner of the 2007 Ned Kelly Award for best true crime book. Her latest work, Cold Case Files: Past crimes solved by new forensic science, published by Pan Macmillan in May, features cases from Australia, the UK and the US.  Murder and DNA are recurring themes, but the book also covers mysteries involving art fraud, the mysterious death of an Egyptian mummy and the authorship of Bach’s cello suites.  Info: http://www.panmacmillan.com.au/display_title.asp?ISBN=9781742610092&Author=Porter,%20Liz

P D (Phillipa Deanne) Martin has written five novels featuring ex-pat FBI criminal profiler Sophie Anderson, all of which have received glowing reviews in Australia and overseas. To date, the series has been published in thirteen countries. She’s also written an ebook. To date, the series has been published in thirteen countries. She’s contributed to a true crime anthology titled Meaner than Fiction.  Info: www.pdmartin.com.au

7.30-9pm, Tuesday May 24 — Brighton Savoy Hotel, 150 The Esplanade, Brighton Cost: $15.Bookings (from early May): www.bayside.vic.gov.au/literaryfestival

PHRYNE FISHER TV SERIES – seeking extras

http://www.everycloudproductions.com.au/news/p/16

Every Cloud Productions:We are excited to announce an opportunity for Phryne fans to get involved in the production.
We are looking for people interested in working as extras on the series, which is set in 1920s Melbourne.
Our casting department is looking for men and women over the age of 18. Of course, the ‘look’ of the 1920s is a world away from 2011, so we would not be able to cast anyone with gel nails, any obvious hair colouring or hair extensions, any visible tattoos or piercings or fake tans. Men would have to be prepared to have their hair cut in the period style.
If you are interested in working as an extra please email gow.martine@abc.net.auwith your full name, age, contact details, measurements (chest, waist, hips, shoe) and two photos of yourself (a head shot and a full body shot).

Become a Facebook friend of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries or see here for any updates and upcoming Phryne news!

CARMEL BIRD SHORT FICTION COMPETITION

http://shortaustralianstories.com.au/submissions/

Spineless Wonders are calling for short fiction submissions, to 3,000 words, open theme. Closing date is 31 July, 2011.

First Prize – $500
Two runners up – $100 each

Bookmark It

Sisters in Crime have announced that the voting for the annual Davitt Readers Choice awards is open. So if you’re a member of Sisters in Crime and a fan of Tara Sharp then you know what to do!

Bookmark It

PD Martin

Kiss of Death and an interview…

Article and Review by: Mandy Wrangles

I first met author PD Martin at a Sisters in Crime event a couple of years ago. At that stage, I hadn’t read any of Martin’s work, to say I was interested is an understatement. PD is well known in Australian Crime Writing circles, and her books came very highly recommended – our site manager, Kylie Fox is a HUGE fan. PD’s main protagonist, FBI profiler Sophie Anderson is also known for a having a little extra ‘talent’ in the way of a touch of ESP, so I figured Martin’s books were right up my alley, crossing crime and paranormal fiction.

Then in early 2010, when she was taking part in a panel at SiC, and I went along to listen and learn. Martin was promoting her recently published novel, Kiss of Death. The more I heard, the more I knew I needed to get my hands on this book, now. Not only was Kiss of Death about Sophie Anderson, her profiling techniques and very ‘helpful’ dreams – but the subject of her investigation in this particular book was Vampires. The real life ones.

Kiss of Death opens in a dream sequence. Sophie is a terrified victim, in every sense of the word. She’s running for her life from an unknown attacker. In her dream, the Profiler can feel the victim’s heart thudding, her eyes straining to see in the dark, find her way to a road, a hiding place… anywhere away from her assailant. Suddenly, she slams into something and looks up. All she sees is glistening white teeth, moments before fangs dig deeply into her neck…

At first, Sophie assumes her dream comes from watching too much ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’, but it’s only hours before she’s on the job in LA, working a murder investigation that is eerily familiar. The body of a young female has been discovered in a State Park – with two puncture marks in her neck. It gets worse – the body looks to have been drained of blood.

So begins Sophie’s undercover investigation into the LA Vampire scene. No, not the kind of vamps you’ll find on Buffy, or in a horror novel. These are people who really do believe they’re vampires – and the frightening thing is they really do exist. Martin’s extensive research into the secretive population of actual blood-drinkers is fascinating, as is their underground sub-culture. These are people who drink blood from willing donors, have their own hierarchy, clubs and communities.

PD Martin does a remarkable job of combining police procedure, profiling and forensics with a slight tilt to the paranormal. This is crime in its truest form – yet just a little left of centre. Kiss of Death was is the fifth novel featuring Sophie Anderson, and even though I hadn’t read the first four (unlike Kylie), I had no problem following the character and her world – this could easily be a stand-alone novel.

Kylie and I were lucky enough to recently have an opportunity to pick PD’s mind about her character and the crossing of crime and paranormal genres, going right back to the beginning of Sophie’s career and the search for her missing brother.

Mandy & Kylie – When you were creating Sophie, did you set out with the intention of your heroine having her special abilities or did that just happen as the story of her brother unfolded?

PD Martin – Sophie and my first book, Body Count, are based on a dream/nightmare I had about 14 years ago. In the dream a serial killer murdered my friends one by one and I was investigating the crimes (as if I was a detective or someone else in law enforcement). During the dream I woke up immediately after each body was discovered, but then when I went back to sleep the dream continued exactly where I’d left off. Between 2am and 6am I woke up four times in total. And when I woke up the last time I was cornered by the killer – his hands closing around my throat. Later that day I made a tragic discovery…I got a phone call at work to say that one of my friends had died. The estimated time of death was between 2am and 6am, the exact time of the nightmare.

The nightmare got me wondering – what if I had a main character who dreamed about murder cases? And so, Sophie was born.

M&K – Why do you think Sophie has her dreams?

PD – I do believe some people are truly psychic – although there are many more frauds out there than people with genuine gifts. In my fictional context, Sophie has her dreams to help right the wrongs… to help bring justice to the perpetrators. I wrote Body Count before I heard of Medium or Alison DuBois, but in her case I know it’s the dead victims reaching out to her for justice. The link isn’t that obvious in my books, but it’s still about justice for the victims.

M&K – Do you think that Sophie’s abilities make her stand out from the heroines in other crime novels?

PD – I guess they do make her stand out from other crime heroines, although sometimes I wonder if perhaps she’s caught between two worlds. My books are definitely solid police/FBI procedurals with lots of forensics and criminal psychology, rather than paranormal books. For some readers it’s a perfect match (and blend), but there are probably some hard-core police procedural fans who think the psychic element is too much, and perhaps there’s not enough for the full-on paranormal fans!

M&K – From a psychological viewpoint, why do you think that paranormal crime is becoming so popular? (note: PD Martin has a degree in psychology)

PD – Crime readers are often also readers of the paranormal genre – and obviously these fans are going to find paranormal crime particularly appealing as it’s merging their two loves. In terms of the psychology behind it, in some ways both crime and paranormal stories are mysteries – one being a whodunit and the other being an exploration of a mysterious world. However, while crime novels are constrained by what’s realistic or at least plausible, the paranormal novel takes the reader on a journey into the unknown.

I think paranormal crime appeals to a reader’s logical side (the police procedural or crime-solving element), while also completely capturing our imagination. Its  increasing popularity is probably because it delivers the best of both worlds.

M&K – What’s next for PD Martin?

PD – I’m currently working on a new book, which features an ex-CIA agent turned freelancer. It’s an action thriller and will probably be the first in a series. That book is nearly finished! After that, I’m planning on writing something completely different – a mainstream women’s fiction/drama.

The Sophie Anderson series includes:

Body Count kicks off the series a few months after Aussie Sophie Anderson has re-located to the US and the FBI’s Behavioural Analysis Unit.

In The Murderers’ Club, the clues don’t stack up – until a man emerges from the desert with a story of unspeakable evil.

Fan Mail sees Sophie working a case where fiction has become fatal. A popular crime writer is murdered and posed just like the crime scene in the dead author’s last book.

In The Killing Hands Sophie investigates a case that’s like nothing she’s ever seen before, as it takes her into the world of gangland hits and organised crime.

Kiss of Death sees Sophie investigating a possible cult real-life vampires in LA. Think Criminal Minds meets True Blood!

Coming Home is the sixth book in the Sophie series – finally Sophie comes home to solve her brother’s 30-year-old murder. Coming Home was written as an interactive ebook and can now be downloaded for free.

True crime

PD Martin also contributed two pieces to the true crime anthology; Meaner than Fiction. (Available in Australia and New Zealand only).

You can check out PD Martin’s website here: www.pdmartin.com.au

Or find her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pdmartinauthor

Bookmark It

Great news! Sisters in Crime – Brisbane are reforming. If you’re interested in being a part of this wonderful group then get yourself to Avid Reader Bookshop, West End:

NEW BRISBANE SISTERS-IN-CRIME MEETING
Where: Avid Reader bookstore, 193 Boundary St, West End
Date: Saturday 7 May 2011
Time: 12.30pm
Cost: FREE! (Lunch available for purchase from Avid Reader café)

Come along to chat about what you are reading, what you are writing,
and what you would like from your local chapter of Sisters in Crime Australia.

Sisters in Crime Australia (SinCOz) was inspired by the American organisation of the same name, founded in 1986 by Sara Paretsky (creator of Chicago PI VI Warshawski). It exists to celebrate and promote women’s crime writing.

SinCOz has been running since 1991. It produces fantastic events and opportunities for crime writers, such as the Davitt Awards, the Scarlet Stiletto Awards, and the SheKilda Conventions. The Sisters in Crime Australia website explains what SinCOz is all about:

• To bring together women crime writers, screen-writers, producers, booksellers, publishers, lawyers, judges, police, forensic specialists, librarians, academics, and critics but in the main, readers and viewers.
• To discuss and analyse books, film and television shows, law and justice issues, new trends and critical issues of the crime genre.
• To explore the contemporary issues at the heart of much crime fiction as well as dissecting its rich history.
• To promote the professional development of women crime writers, especially emerging writers.
• To provide opportunities for networking between writers, publishers and producers and between writers and their readers and viewers.
• To have fun – and lots of it.

Reprinted from Meg Van’s website.

Bookmark It

Friday 11^th February

Article by: Mandy Wrangles

Sisters in Crime Australia kicked off the year with a bang on Friday night. As usual, Kylie and I attended the event along with a packed room of keen crime readers and writers at Bell’s Hotel in South Melbourne.

After a scrummy dinner and catch up with crime-loving friends, it was down to the important stuff; Ann Byrne, national co-convenor of SinC interviewing two of Australia’s top female crime authors – Kathryn Fox and Katherine Howell.

These authors have a lot of similarities: both have been involved in the medical field in their ‘past lives’ – Kathryn Fox as a doctor, and Katherine Howell as a paramedic, their fictional characters reflecting their time spent and knowledge in these fields. Both have on-going series, with Kathryn Fox recently releasing ‘Death Mask’ and Katherine Howell ‘Violent Exposure’ and both are widely published internationally.

It’s always fascinating to hear authors speak about the process they go through to write a novel, and Friday night was no exception (hooray for the whiteboard!). Although the subject matters Kathryn and Katherine write about are serious and often violent, they were both very entertaining and funny when it came to describing how they go about their craft. It seems the frantic meeting of deadlines, editing the edits on time, translations from Australian English to US English (think footpath to pavement, thongs to flip-flops), lack of sleep, sleep swearing(!!) and balancing ‘real’ life with a fictional one (thank goodness for calm, patient partners and families) is a universal link for writers. Kathryn Fox had some sage advice for all of us… never underestimate ‘thinking’ time – it’s not *really* procrastination – even if that thinking does go on for months and months before the words start to flow!

After Ann finished up grilling our guests, it was time for the traditional raffle of stacks of crime novels (dammit, missed out again), questions from the audience and book signing time. Everyone gets a chance to speak to the authors at this time and Katherine
and Kathryn were extremely gracious with photo ops!

Thanks to Sisters in Crime for what is always a great evening, and to Katherine and Kathryn for travelling cross-country to join us. We can’t wait to catch up with them again in October for SinC’s 20^th anniversary convention – SheKilda – where they will be joined by an incredible list of female crime writers from around the world, including of course, our very own Marianne Delacourt. In the meantime, watch this space for Kylie’s interviews with Katherine and Kathryn and more reviews of their books.

Bookmark It

by Kylie Fox

Ok, crime lovers, February has begun and with it comes a whole host of new release books and some great events.

Crime books released this month include: A Red Herring Without Mustard by Alan Bradley; Deep Black: Death Wave by Stephen Coonts and William H. Keith; FadeAway Girl by Martha Grimes; the latest by JD Robb with Treachery in Death; a new one for PD James, Talking About Detective Fiction; Devil-Devil by Graeme Kent; and The Fourth Assassin by Matt Beynon Rees.

All of these look set to be thrilling reads – check your local bookstore for release dates and for more new releases this month.

For Melbourne crime fans, there are two great events to mark on your calendars.

The first, on February 9^th, is at Readings Bookstore in Hawthorn where Lindy Cameron will talk to Sisters in Crime convenor Carmel Shute about her latest release, Redback. She’ll also be available to sign your copy. More information here.

Then on February 11^th, the first event of the year for Sisters in Crime.  Kathryn Fox and Katherine Howell, two of our favourite Aussie crime writers, will be in conversation with Ann Byrne. This is your chance to hear all about their current books, upcoming work and to ask your questions – and of course, get your signed copies of their books. Information at the Sisters in Crime website.

Anyone love Dexter? His creator, Jeff Lindsay, will be attending the Perth International Arts Festival in March – so now’s the time to secure your seats at his sessions.

Finally, it has been announced that entries for this year’s Scarlet Stiletto Awards will be closing early – June 30^th.  Any budding crime writers out there? Start writing your short crime story now. Entry details here.

Looks like a busy month for all of us – I can hardly wait to see what March will bring.

What are you most looking forward to in February’s world of crime?

Bookmark It

Interview with Val McDermid by: Kylie Fox

For anyone who needs an introduction, Val McDermid is one of the world’s most highly acclaimed and prolific crime writers. She has written twenty-seven crime novels, many of which are across three series: the Lindsay Gordon Series, the Kate Brannigan Series and the Tony Hill & Carol Jordan series which spawned the hit television show, “Wire In The Blood”.

Her latest novel, “Trick of the Dark”, released in November 2010, is a stand- alone novel set at Oxford, where Val McDermid herself studied. (Keep an eye out for my review in the coming days.)

Val McDermid has won many awards, including the coveted Crime Writer’s Association’s, Cartier Diamond Dagger Award for outstanding achievement in crime writing. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and has a great relationship with the Melbourne chapter having spoken at various events including attending the 2010 Davitt Awards as guest presenter. McDermid divides her time between living in Northumberland and Manchester with her partner, her son and three cats. Here, she has agreed to answer a few questions about her past, present and future in writing.

KF: You studied at Oxford, went on to journalism then to being a performed playwright, and of course an acclaimed novelist. Your latest book, ‘Trick of the Dark’, is set at Oxford – does it feel a little like coming full circle for you?

VM: In a way! It took me a long time to feel comfortable about setting a book in Oxford. A lot of writing about Oxford university life is romanticised and quite sentimental and I absolutely didn’t want to indulge in that so I thought it best to wait till I felt enough distance from my own student days. And to be honest, while Colin Dexter was still writing the Morse novels, I was wary of treading the same ground, I didn’t want to be accused of jumping on a successful bandwagon! Luckily, I have Colin’s blessing for taking over the city from him.

KF: Your Tony Hill and Carol Jordan series have obviously been hugely successful. Do you have plans to send them out on more cases or did the books finish along with “Fever of the Bone” and the announcement that the
sixth season of “Wire in the Blood” would be the final series for TV?

VM: Not at all. The books have an entirely separate existence from the TV. I am actually writing the seventh Tony & Carol novel right now, with a working title of UNREDEEMABLE. And it features the return of one of their earlier antagonists. For anyone who thought the ending of FEVER OF THE BONE was happy, let me tell you, Tony and Carol are not having a good time now…

KF: How did your time working as a journalist impact on the crimes that you write? Do you find yourself thinking about, or even alluding to, true crimes in your writing?

VM: I try to avoid any parallels between my fiction and true crime. As a journalist, I saw too much grief at first hand to want to touch on anything that might inadvertently cause pain to someone affected by a real case. The main lesson I learned from journalism was not to be precious about writing. When you’re covering the news, you can’t wait for the muse to strike — you just have to hammer out your word count whatever is going on in your own life. Sure, it might not be great, but you can always go back and make it better. For me, writing is my job and when the time of year comes when I have to sit down and write, that’s exactly what I do, whether I feel like it or not. The main gift journalism gave me was access to a vast range of people, places and situations I would never otherwise have encountered, and that’s been one of the key parts of the database of potential book characters in my head. Even though it’s twenty years since I quit newspapers, I still go back to those experiences all the time.

KF: I’ve read that for you, an idea for a story usually presents itself before the characters, settings etc. Do you ever have to try to “fit” the story with characters from one of  your existing series or is it immediately evident whose story it is going to be?

VM: Generally I know pretty early on whose story it’s going to be. There’s no point in trying to shoehorn existing characters into an idea that doesn’t fit them. That’s how Tony and Carol were first born — I had this great idea for a serial killer thriller and I knew it wouldn’t work with either Lindsay Gordon or Kate Brannigan because journalists and private eyes can’t work cases like that with any degree of credibility. But there are always lots of ideas kicking around in the back of my head — it can take years from the first pricking of an idea to being ready to write it.

KF: Your novels delve into the darkest crevices of human nature and, at times, are quite horrifying – if not terrifying. Is there anywhere you won’t take your characters; anything you won’t write about?

VM: I don’t find it useful to set myself limits in advance of writing. There have been points in various books where I’ve pulled back from something because it wasn’t necessary in terms of telling the story effectively — usually elements of a crime where professional advisors have suggested that in reality, a certain kind of killer would have indulged in particular behaviour that I find so disgusting I just don’t want it in my head. I think there’s nothing that should be off limits in terms of subject matter — what you choose as your material is an individual choice for each particular writer.

KF: Along with “Wire in the Blood”, “A Place of Execution” also made it to our TV screens – are we likely to see any others go into production?

VM: THE DISTANT ECHO is currently in development for TV, and KILLING THE SHADOWS is in development for a film. Who knows whether they’ll get made…

KF: Finally, what’s next for Val McDermid?

VM: As I said, a new Tony & Carol. I’m also writing a 5-part radio drama for the BBC, and I have a children’s book called MY GRANNY WAS A PIRATE in production. Never a dull moment
here…

You can find out more about Val McDermid at her website.

Bookmark It

Genre Flash, the wonderful publication by Lindy Cameron bringing you many of the latest Aussie Genre publications, is now available for your viewing . There are also articles in it by Lindy Cameron and Kerry Greenwood and one by me on Writing Across Genres. Click the link below to view the PDF.

Genre Flash 5

Bookmark It