I started my Christmas reading with Steph Broadribb’s Deep Down Dead and it gave me a feisty attitude to see me through the tricky holiday period. So I was delighted to attend the official launch for the book at Waterstone’s Piccadilly last night.
Karen Sullivan from Orenda Books never does things by half: this was an Americana-themed night, with Bourbon, Hershey’s candy and corn-bread on offer. And, of course, the by now traditional cake (which is not just a pretty icing, immaculately put together, but also delicious).
Steph herself was in great form, and Martyn Waites got her to share stories of bounty-hunting training in California, exploring theme parks in Florida and how she acquired her shooting skills but needs to update her tasering skills. She also told us about her love of country music and cowboy boots.
There was such a good turn-out of writers, bloggers, publishers and readers at the event – a testimony to the love and esteem that Steph has built up via her blog at Crime Thriller Girl. Asked whether her reviewing has changed now that she is a published writer herself, Steph said she hoped she hasn’t become either harsher or more lenient, but admitted that she just has far less time to read and review. However, she said book blogging is a wonderful way to get to know people and to push yourself to read more broadly.
I finally had the chance to catch up with authors such as Quentin Bates, Rod Reynolds, Fiona Cummins, Lisa Hall, Louise Beech, Jane Isaac, Susi Holliday and A.K. Benedict, as well as stalwart bloggers and reviewers such as Barry Forshaw, Sonya, Liz Barnsley, Vicky Goldman, Joy Kluver. Plus so many more that I didn’t get a chance to bump into. Ah, well perhaps at a crime festival soon… However, I can foresee it will be harder and harder to keep up with all the releases once I get to know more and more authors, as I feel obliged to read their work so I can make intelligent conversation.
I tried to dress up for the occasion, but by the end of the evening, hobbling back on the Tube and train, I was somewhat regretting the high-heeled cowboy boots (well, more Spaghetti Western boots).
Thank you all for a lovely evening, especially Orenda Books for the invitation and Steph for giving us something to celebrate: the book itself!
Sounds as though you had a wonderful time, Marina Sofia! Thanks for sharing. And those boots are great!
Italian shoes, bought on my first business trip to Milan, back in the days when I wore heels all the time… no longer used to them now.
Lucky you to be able to go to such an event.
There are significant advantages to living close to London, I admit. Still… I do miss my beloved mountains. Which is why I am not changing the background picture on the blog yet.
All things in good time.
Those are smart boots… Hope your feet have recovered, and that you managed to get a slice of that cake!
The cake was sooo good. I was very tempted to go for a second slice…
I’m assuming the handcuffs were edible.
It was great to read about the launch party and to see some photos. It sounds like you had a brilliant time. I’ve added Deep Down Dead to my wishlist so hope to get a chance to read it soon.
Action thrillers are not normally my favourite type of crime fiction, but this one is from a female perspective, so it’s quite different!
It sounds wonderful Marina and I’m so glad the launch night went well for Crime Thriller Girl – it sounds as though the success is well deserved – love the boots by the way!
What a great cake and a fun evening! Love Steph’s boots! Your boots are great too but I can’t do high heels 🙂
Hi Marina,
Thanks for liking my tweet. It was a great event and confess to having a second piece of cake. I did the same MA as Steph although I was the year after. Steph has done an amazing job building up her following. There is a real buzz around her book.
Pleased to see you are reading Stav Sherez new novel. Stav was my mentor on the course. He is a great guy and was a huge help to me.
So many good people on that MA! It must have been such a pleasure discussing things together! Sorry I didn’t get to meet you in person – next time, let’s search for each other. Be warned: I don’t look quite as classy as my Twitter avatar though.
Spotted myself in one of your photos – disappointed not to see you when I was there!
Awww! That’s a shame! Hopefully next time.