Friday, October 30, 2009

Ain't yer got no sense of yoomer?

Having actually watched poor Ian Rankin (teehee!) on the Crime Thriller Awards last night, I have to admit that his comment was, indeed, a throwaway joke. I'm not apologising for being defensive on behalf of the Romantic Novelists' Association, or writers of the ubiquitous Women's Fiction, merely saying yes, it was a joke, and I'm sure he would be astonished at the reaction it has provoked in our community.

I can, unfortunately, see how our combined raised spines would appear to the general public. Do I need to spell it out? I think the title of this post says it all. So come on, ladies and gents, think of a good joke for the crime writers. (Oh, that includes me, doesn't it? Bother.)

After a comforting discussion with my publisher the other day, I'm pleased to report that I have a stay of execution on the current book - pub. date now moved to April - another book is required after that, and large print and audio versions of Murder in Bloom are out on Monday. All the Libby Sarjeant series is now in audio, but this will be my first large print. Thrilled to bits. I will be able to eat for at least another year...

2 comments:

Jenny Haddon said...

I know what you mean, Lesley. What lit my touch paper was, oh soddit not AGAIN???!!!

But as a stand alone quip, Rankin would not have inspired rancour, even in this heaving breast!

Lesley Cookman said...

Exactly. Which was got to me when whoever-it-was said it to me when I was on that panel last year. Audience in fits.

Not only breast heaving, but heart beating hard enough to be seen in the third row!