Liz Nugent Wins Double at An Post Irish Book Awards!

This year's Irish Book Awards ceremony on the 27th November In the Clayton Hotel was the glitzy culmination of the first year of An Post as the award sponsors, and if the first year is anything to go by, the sponsorship will be a very positive one indeed. I was lucky to be there on the night, and it was one of the best awards nights I have ever attended.

Also notable on the night, were the many female winners of awards. This shouldn't be unusual, after all, there are a lot of us around, and certainly the Irish Crime Fiction Award has reflected this trend for the last few years. But all in all it was a great night in the celebration of Irish writing which is alive and very much kicking!

Liz Nugent, picked up two awards on the night for her latest novel SKIN DEEP. The first for Best Irish Crime Novel of the Year, and the second, for the Ryan Tubridy Listeners Choice Award. If you want to find a positive writing community, then look no further than the Irish Crime Writing scene, with Liz being a really popular and gracious winner on the night. The standard this year in the Irish crime writing section was phenomenal, and of the six books shortlisted in the Ryan Tubridy Listeners Choice, four were crime novels. Another reflection of how popular crime writing continues to be.

You can see the Awards Night on RTE on Thursday the 29th November, or catch it on RTE Real Player.

So, all that is left are some pics from the night to give you a flavour of the atmosphere and glamour!! 

All images copyright writing.ie and Ger Holland Photography

Pic:1 Liz Nugent Winner of Best Irish Crime Novel and RTE Ryan Tubridy Listener Choice Award
Pic:2 Irish Crime Writer Jo Spain nominated in Best Irish Crime Novel of the Year
Pic:3 Emilie Pine Winner of Sunday Independent Newcomer of the Year for Notes to Self
Pic:4 Andrea Mara nominated in Best Irish Crime Novel of the Year & Patricia Gibney nominated in RTE Ryan Tubridy Listeners Choice Award
Pic:5 Keelin Shanley and Evelyn O Rourke presenters for the awards
Pic:6 Short story award presented by Vanessa O Loughlin of writing.ie to Roisin O Donnell for her winning story How to Build a Space Rocket
Pic:7 Myself, (aka Louise Phillips crime fiction author) Marie Brennan and Niamh Brennan crime author
Pic:10 Sally Rooney - Winner of Easons Book Club Novel of the Year for Normal People
Pic:11 Alex Barclay Irish Crime Author
Pic:12 Cathy Kelly paying tribute to the late Emma Hannigan AN POST Special Award Winner

Trouble is our Business at the Red Line!!

An evening of discussion on Irish Crime Writing with author, editor and journalist, Declan Burke, who will lead the conversation on the crime-writing process, the development of gripping plots and characters, and explore the evolution of Irish crime writing.

Date:  Wednesday, 12 October 2016
Time:  8pm 
Venue:  The Civic Theatre, Loose End
Admission:  €8/€6 concession

Perfect for crime fiction fans and aspiring authors.

Warning:  As there will be a discussion of crime novels etc. and their content, the panel may be unsuitable for a young audience.

Presented by Red Line Book Festival/New Island Books

Duration: 60 mins approx

Shelf Life...Irish Times.....

Thank you Irish Times for this Shelf Life piece today...read it HERE

A Date for the Diary - DUBLIN BOOK FESTIVAL 2015!

 A DATE FOR THE DIARY....

DUBLIN BOOK FESTIVAL 2015 - 

Irish Georgian Society, 58 South William Street, Dublin 2.

Time: 1.00pm - 2.00pm
15th November 2015

FREE EVENT - but booking is ESSENTIAL
LINK to Book HERE

Louise Phillips, Jason Johnson, Alex Barclay and Jarlath Gregory

  

Join us for an afternoon discussion on one of literature’s most popular genres with some of Ireland's best crime writers. Vanessa Fox-O'Loughlin, literary talent scout and publishing consultant from The Inkwell Group and Writing.ie, will delve into how the authors create their characters and develop their stories. 

Culture Night September 18th!

There's lots happening as part of Culture Night on Friday 18th September, but please do drop into The Irish Landmark Trust’s Georgian Townhouse, at 25 Eustace Street, Temple Bar, from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. to hear readings from Alex Barclay, myself and perhaps a few others. 

For more on Culture Night click here http://www.culturenight.ie/dublin-events/

Ireland boasts a fascinating crime writing scene says Declan Burke - Sunday Independent

READ FEATURE HERE

RED LINE BOOK FESTIVAL 14th - 19th October!!!

This festival has been going from strength to strength, and indeed, has been shortlisted in the 2014 Chambers of Ireland Award for Excellence in Local Government. It's a terrific festival with lots happening, so check out the full programme HERE 

Last year I took part in Lady Killers at the Civic Theatre in Tallaght with Alex Barclay, Arlene Hunt, Joanne Richardson and Susan Condon, and it was a great night.

The festival kicks off on Tuesday the 16th September with a pre-festival coffee morning, and I'm delighted to be a guest speaker at the event. I'll be talking about the importance of libraries and the literary and cultural vibrancy in South Dublin, along with a short reading from LAST KISS......

I hope many of you take part in the festival this year, and make it another memorable year!!

Irish Crime Fiction Books of the Year 2009 -2013

Irish Crime Fiction Award 2009: Blood Runs Cold by Alex Barclay

Irish Crime Fiction Award 2010: Dark Times by Gene Kerrigan

Irish Crime Fiction Award 2011: Bloodland by Alan Glynn

Irish Crime Fiction Award 2012: Broken Harbour by Tana French

Irish Crime Fiction Award 2012: The Doll's House by Louise Phillips

Shortlisted for IRISH TATLER WOMAN OF THE YEAR 2013 - Arts & Literature!!

Delighted to be shortlisted in IRISH TATLER WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARD 2013 for ARTS & LITERATURE alongside such amazing women!

A Killer of an Evening

Thanks to everyone who came to Lady Killers at the Civic on Friday evening. 

One of the best nights ever!! 

From left to right, Joanne Richardson Ex Coroner, Louise Phillips, Arlene Hunt, Alex Barclay and Susan Condon. 

Photograph by Rob O'Connor 

RED LINE CRIME WORKSHOP is now FULLY BOOKED - Don't miss out on LADYKILLERS!

There are so many amazing events happening as part of this year's RED LINE FESTIVAL - Check out all events HERE 

The Crime Writing Workshop is now FULLY BOOKED, but if Crime Reading or Crime Writing is your thing - D'ONT MISS OUT on LADYKILLERS with Bestselling Crime Authors, Alex Barclay, Arlene Hunt, and myself, along with ex-coroner of Colorado, Joanne Richardson, in conversation with Susan Condon at the Civic on Friday the 18th October!!

BOOKINGS CAN BE MADE HERE

Lady Killers in Action!!!

If you enjoy crime fiction, then you will certainly enjoy this!! Described as a Killer of an Evening, if you are a Crime Fiction Lover, then BOOK THIS EVENT HERE.

SUNDAY INDEPENDENT

"An evening under the exciting moniker Lady Killers takes place on Friday 18 with a quartet of leading female crime writers – Alex Barclay, Arlene Hunt, Louise Phillips and special guest former Boulder Coroner Joanne Richardson discussing the genre." READ FULL ARTICLE HERE 

NOW HOW CAN YOU RESIST??? 

LADY KILLERS

Due to 'popular demand' this event is now taking place in the Main Autitorium

An Event Not To Be Missed!

Main Auditorium – Civic Theatre Tallaght – 18th October 8 p.m.

Crime Writing by Leading Female Authors: Alex Barclay, Arlene Hunt, Louise Phillips and special guest former Boulder Coroner Joanne Richardson in conversation with Susan Condon

A RED LINE BOOK FESTIVAL EVENT

REMIND ME ABOUT THIS SHOW

A killer evening not to be missed! Some of Ireland’s most popular female crime writers share insights into creating a gripping thriller. Special guest Joanne Richardson, former County Coroner of Boulder Colorado, brings an interesting element to the evening as she shares her experiences in this challenging role.

Alex Barclay’s first novel Darkhouse was a Sunday Times Top Ten Bestseller. Since then Alex has written several bestselling thrillers and won the Ireland AM Crime Fiction Award at the Irish Book Awards for her third novel, Blood Runs Cold, which was the beginning of the Special Agent Ren Bryce series.

Arlene Hunt’s dark and atmospheric stories perfectly capture the grimy underworld of Dublin and beyond. She is the author of a series of fast-paced crime-thrillers, featuring John Kenny and Sarah Quigley from Quik Investigations. Her sixth novel Undertow was nominated for best crime novel of the year in 2009. Her current novel – a stand alone set in the US – entitled The Chosen, was voted as TV3′s Book of the Month for November 2011.

Louise Phillips’ bestselling debut crime novel, Red Ribbons, was shortlisted for Best Irish Crime Novel of the Year (2012) in the Bord Gais Energy Irish Book Awards. Her eagerly awaited second psychological crime novel, The Doll’s House will be published August 2013

Joanne Richardson was County Coroner in Boulder Colorado from 2003 to 2012 and was responsible for determining cause and manner of death, which indicates whether the death was accidental, natural, suicide or homicide. Despite having what many would perceive to be a morbid profession, Richardson is upbeat, colourful and frank about her work.

Susan Condon is currently editing her debut novel – a crime fiction thriller set in New York City. Her writing career began in 2008. She has won many short story awards and was Longlisted in the RTE Guide / Penguin Ireland Short Story Competition 2012.

Friday 18th October @ 8pm

Admission €12/€10 concession

BOOK TICKETS HERE

Whether you are a crime fiction reader or currently honing your skills as a crime fiction writer, this is an event not to be missed. An opportunity to delve into the minds of three prolific writers as they divulge the secrets (we hope!) to their success and how they manage to get into the minds of their characters: the victims and the killers . . .

At the end of the night, there will be a chance for you, the audience, to ask those burning questions that have been eating away at you. If you can’t make it on the night and that burning question will not go away, post it here. The most intriguing question will be asked, on your behalf, on the night.

Hope to see you there!

Have you ever considered where you might hide a body???

Intensive Crime Writing Week  with Arlene Hunt  Guest Speakers include Alex Barclay, Louise Phillips, Declan Burke and Declan Hughes...

29th July to 2nd August: 10.30am-5pm  €450/420 members at The Irish Writers Centre Have you ever considered where you might hide a body? Thought about being the gumshoe who follows clues to find a killer? Daydreamed on a Monday morning where you might like to retire with the proceeds of ill-gotten gains? If so, join author and publisher, Arlene Hunt, to explore the underlying themes of crime fiction. Focusing on characters, plot development, story arcs and mystery, we will dissect our story with gory relish. We will explore intent and red herrings, create tension; and ultimately unmask our villain. This is a writing-heavy, intensive course that deals with the complicated business of crime fiction. Over five days we are going to develop and craft a functional crime fiction novella- to be read on the final day. Not for the faint hearted!

Arlene Hunt is the author of seven crime fiction novels, five of which feature the popular Quick Investigation duo, John Quigley and Sarah Kenny. She is also the co-owner of Portnoy Publishing and regularly reviews novels for RTE's Arena. She lived in Barcelona for five years and now resides in Dublin with her husband, Andrew. Her books have been translated into three languages and her current novel – a standalone set the US – entitled The Chosen, was voted as TV3's Book of the Month for November 2011. An earlier novel, Undertow (2008), was short listed for best crime novel at The Irish Book Awards. Arlene has also contributed to many anthologies, including, Down These Green Streets, and Requiems for the Departed.

Booking information:

Members of the Centre can avail of a discounted rate by calling 01-8721302

Alex Barclay Interview

Curse of Kings: Talking Fantasy with Alex Barclay

Some might think that crime fiction writing and writing epic fantasy adventure may not be a natural fit, but when I heard that the latest Alex Barclay novel, Curse of Kings, her debut YA novel, would be launched at the National Library of Ireland last week, I couldn’t wait to catch up with this bestselling author, and also to read the first novel in ‘The Trials of Oland Born –Curse of Kings’.

READ FULL INTERVIEW HERE

John Connolly, Alex Barclay & Kevin Barry @ the Irish Writers Centre

As part of the Peregrine reading at the Irish Writers Centre, this evening @ 7.30 3rd May, there will be prose readings from the wonderful John Connolly, Alex Barclay and Kevin Barry.   You need to contact the centre to book a place, but it should be a fantastic evening. Link to Irish Writers Centre HERE