Meet us at CrimeFest 2012

Have you put the dates 24-27 May into your diary yet? If you love crime fiction you should look into it because that’s when top crime fiction authors, aspring new writers and lovers of the genre like us will be converging on Bristol for the fifth annual CrimeFest.

This year could be the best one yet – the line-up looks jaw-droppingly good. Lee Child (pictured), Sue Grafton, PD James, Jeffrey Deaver and Roslund & Hellström were the first big names to announce their attendance and we’ve since heard that James Sallis and this year’s CWA Diamond Dagger winner Frederick Forsyth will also be taking part, and Harlan Coben will be there too.

Aside from top authors sharing their insights on how the pen is bloodier than the sword, a centrepiece of CrimeFest 2012 will be the launch of Pan Macmillan’s novelisation of The Killing. Author David Hewson, who is rewriting the hit Danish TV crime series in English, will be interviewed live. Members of the cast and production crew will be making cameo appearances at the festival too.

For those looking for a leg-up into the crime fiction industry, top literary agents will be on hand to review pitches. Aspring authors will get 10 minutes each to hurl their ideas at agents who represent the likes of Lee Child, Martina Cole, John Connelly, Paul Doherty, Tana French and Paul Johnston. There will also be crime writing workshops, and loads of panel sessions. You’ll be able to hear from some of CFL’s friends on the writing scene such as Chris Ewan, Helen FitzGerald, Tim Weaver, David Hewson, Emlyn Rees and many others. For the full programme click here.

If the prestige of awards interests you, the Crime Writers Association will be unveiling its longlists for this year’s Daggers and CrimeFest will be hosting its own awards for the best crime audiobooks, the eDunnit Award for digital releases, and the Last Laugh Award for humorous crime fiction.

CrimeFest looks sensational and at least one Crime Fiction Lover delegate will be there seeking out the very best complimentary bookmarks, and carefully going through the swag bag, should we be lucky enough to receive one.