Yesterday I took part in my first panel event for The Closer I Get. It was at Newcastle Noir, chaired by ‘Dr Noir’ Jacky Collins, with guests fellow British author Derek Farrell and First Lady of Icelandic crime Jónína Leósdóttir.
The first event for any book is always daunting - at least for me. The novel isn’t published yet (the ebook comes out on May 11 and the print on July 11) but my enterprising publisher Orenda Books had prepublication editions ready and on display at the bookstall run by Forum Books.
I needn’t have worried. The event was great fun and very well attended. Afterwards I met a number of readers I’ve previously only talked to via social media - and none of them were remotely stalkerish (if you read the book, you’ll know what I’m getting at.) And to top it all, the bookstall sold every last copy.
Next weekend I’m at Crimefest, where I’m taking part in two panels - one on Friday and another on Saturday. I can’t wait.