Writers as chairs
Killer Women on Saturday is all about writers and crime fiction but the chairs involved in these events are also very important fixtures in the crime fiction world. Authors in their own right chairing conversations with other Killer Women. Looks set to be an event you’ll never forget. So here’s a look at a few of them:
Chairs are important. They provide comfort for readers and writers alike, support you in every which way, have your back and are a sturdy bunch. Some allow to to recline and drift off to a land of wonder and whilst others lull you in to a false sense of security as they force you to an upright position mid sentence.
Chairs with four legs are where we often read but what about those with two? The so called chairs who ensure that festivals and author events run smoothly?
Let’s take a look at some of the best chairs around: (pics from Wikipedia)
Melanie McGrath – “Chaise Longue”
This lady is normally to be found wrapped up in Alaskan intrigue but for Killer Women she’s going to be at the heart of gangland London. Both write crime and know the darker side of human nature.
Two dangerous women on the stage at the same time. Relaxing on a chaise Longue ( probably)
Alison Joseph -” A church pew”
Alison writes the Sister Agnes series about a nun who seems to solve more crimes than the police. She’s not your usual nun and gets into some very awkward situations.
In this event, she’s talking to the writers who have taken the historical and the gothic and often the true and woven it into a tale where fact sometimes of stranger than fiction. The historical angle making it seem that much more mysterious and chilling
Barry Forshaw – “The Chesterfield”
This is the man who can do no wrong. What he doesn’t know about crime fiction isn’t worth knowing. He writes about it, collects anthologies of it and watches over smaller chairs. A classic main chair – looks good in any rom. Particularly beside a roaring fire, with a crime novel in one hand and drink in the other.
Sarah Hilary – “Brewster Chair”
Sarah Hilary has written some very graphic and chilling scenes in her rime fiction. Keeping people against their will, whether in a bunker or tied up in a house – this chair looks pretty and ornate but could be used for other chilling purposes as there are a lot of places to tie things to on this chair. Some might say it might be creative and sturdy but in another light – it’s deadly.
She’s with the debut writers on the Fresh Blood panel…
Colette Mcbeth – “Bubble chair”
With a supernatural tinge to her novel “ The life I left behind” This chair is light and mystical. The ability to take us out of this life and imagine a whole other one. With a bubble chair, you’re protected and cocooned yet exposed to the world around you which gives you a unique perspective as you float up and look down on events on the ground.
With her looking at the relationship between writers and the actors who play their characters, there’ll be a few directors chairs in the mix here too.
Kate Rhodes – “A swivel chair”
Here to discuss what it’s like being inside a killer’s head, Kate herself has written a series of novels set in and around London. Crime scenes popping up in iconic places in London – The shard, Wall Street, Clapham Common.
This chair can pop up in the most unexpected places and get a unique view of the city so with Jane Casey, Tammy Cohen, Kate Medina and Emma Kavanagh discusses fictional killers, a swivel chair seems apt. Particularly as Tammy set her latest book in an office and Emma in a hospital..
Val McDermid – a throne for the Queen of Crime
Val McDermid – As for celebrating her 30th novel this year, only a grand throne for the Queen of Crime complete with tartan sash and a chalice holder instead of your usual cup holder. Only the best for the Queen of Crime…
