It occurred to me recently that it would be quite nice to be in a little group of like minded women. Perhaps we could do events together? At festivals, maybe? For writing groups? I know several naice laidy detective writers who belong to similar groups, and I had hoped, when I tentatively set up the Traditional Mystery Writers Facebook Group, that we could cobble something together from that. However, like a lot of my schemes, that one fell flat on its face. I don't have the energy or the marketing expertise to promote my own books, let alone become a Group Administrator.
But there are a lot of us. There are even several published by my own publishers. Last year the first Killer Women event was launched. The Killer Women have a book club, events and all sorts of good stuff, but they appear to be predominantly the grittier end of the market (Martina Cole, anyone?) and they frighten me a little. I once travelled back to London on a train with Laura Wilson and felt completely intimidated, and as for Val McDermid, well! And I once spent an afternoon in Martina's pool...but the less said about that the better. So I would really like to be part of a less - shall we say, exciting? - group of writers. I have recently been re-reading Veronica Heley's Ellie Quicke suburban mysteries, Jill Paton Walsh's Imogen Quy Cambridge mysteries and her Peter Wimsey continuations among others. I assume, as my books still stagger out on to the bookshop shelves, both virtual and physical, there are others who like this sort of mystery. Yes, I'm fishing again. But I need reassurance. With the book market changing all around us, do readers still want to read about Libby and Fran and their ilk? I always try to make the main plot, the reason for murder, fairly nasty and gritty, but it gets dealt with quite gently.
Please let me know what you think, and meanwhile, I'll get on with Libby 19...
5 comments:
Good idea. Always easier to work with a group who can kick arse, hold your hand, give you a boost etc. Try Joyce Holms and Cynthia Harrod-Eagles, too. I'll go through my bookshelves - found a couple of new writers (new to me) who'd fit nicely.
I've still got Joyce Holms snail address somewhere - but she isn't still writing is she? Got several of her books and Cynthia HE's, too. Will investigate.
I have been a reader for more years than I care to think about. Okay. So i am between 70 and 80 years young. I do think there is a place on the bookshelf for both kind of books. I admit to enjoying some of the more hard boiled thrillers in my younger days. I have to clarify that by saying I have never enjoyed the "blood and guts" kind of books. Ask I have aged my reading tastes have changed. These days i much prefer gentler books. I enjoy Libby and Fran. I have a soft spot for all their friends and extended family. So I am an emphatic YES that we need the Libbys of this world on our bookshelves.
Everything has its place.
Great post. I agree. I’m not the greatest fan of gritty and would definitely be interested in a group like the one you propose
I can't read (or watch) the violent stuff and as an author I've just begun writing my first traditional crime novel - hopefully the first of a series - having previously published suspense/mystery/saga type books. I'd love it if the group got off the ground, a whole new area of support!
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