On Sunday I booked my tickets to the Harrogate Crime Writing Festival! I have been waiting since last years, in July, to do this, so I’m thrilled.
If you’re planning on going though, you need to think about getting your tickets, because some are sold out already. The festival is growing every year and I think this could have something to do with the way previous attendee’s use social media to rave about it. I have certainly seen it grow and this will only be my third year there.
This year though, I’m less excited about going to see the panels and talks and more excited about meeting friends and immersing myself once again in the crime writing world. There really is nothing like being with writers who really love the genre you write in. You all just “get” it. It doesn’t need to be explained – or in some cases, excused. There is a buzz and excitement and I always come away feeling glad to be a crime writer.
Saying that though, one of the panels that I am looking forward to is the Social Media: Who Are You? panel. Below is what the panel is about and I’ve copied directly from the Festival website –
“Do you dream in hashtags? According to the government’s Chief Scientist, the web is redefining human identity, changing people’s views of who they are and their place in the world. It’s an addictive but questionable force. So how do authors navigate these virtual choppy waters? Are they just procrastinating on Twitter? And what becomes of fragile egos in the hands of ruthless online avatars? Explore the fine line between social media success and social media suicide with authors Ruth Dudley-Edwards, Erin Kelly, Steve Mosby and Sarah Pinborough. Giving them a #FF in this perfect ‘Follow Friday’ event is chair Mark Billingham. Join the conversation online live at #TOPCRIME2013″
This panel is 2pm on Friday 20th July if you want to join in on Twitter!
I was present at last years exciting panel on the ebook debate which sparked the still ongoing sockpuppet drama. I posted about that, here. I’m not expecting anything of that level this year, but it’s still going to be a ball and I can’t wait!
Do you attend writing or book festivals? What do you love about them? If not, which festival is your dream one?
keithbwalters says
Great post – have a great Harrogate, Rebecca. Although I won’t be there this year, the social media thing will help keep me in touch 🙂
Rebecca Bradley says
You will be missed Keith!
jadereyner says
I’ve not been to any writing festivals but it’s definitely on my to do list – although not the crime ones! It sounds brilliant and I followed your link to the debate from last year which, having recently known my book to be pirated, rang true. Seems like Stephen Leather really opened a can of worms with that one! Great post and I hope you have a fab time at the festival. 🙂
Rebecca Bradley says
Thanks Jade. I’ve made some really great friends by going to the festival as well as seeing some interesting panels. I’m excited to be going again. I hope you manage to get to one soon.
Jane Isaac says
Just got my tickets too! Look forward to seeing you there.
Rebecca Bradley says
oh Brilliant!! I’ll see you there!!
glynissmy1 says
Have fun! I am hoping to attend the romance festival in the UK. My first time mixing with authors! Moving back to the UK will open new doors. 🙂
Rebecca Bradley says
Thanks Glynis. I’ve heard nothing but great things about the romance festival as I know you have. That feeling of being with people who share your passion is just great.
Margot Kinberg says
Rebecca – Oh, it all sounds wonderful! I’m very happy for you and I hope you’ll do lots of posts about your experiences there.
Rebecca Bradley says
The posts will unfortunately be posted from my phone, but I’ll definitely try my best again. I can’t wait to go 🙂
Very Tessa Tangent says
Blow. Losing my f/t salary + health problems mean the big literary festivals are out of the question in 2013, though I do attend smaller events. I’ll see the fun on Twitter, I expect! Hope you enjoy it again and I look forward to hearing all about it in July. 🙂
Rebecca Bradley says
One of the things I have been enjoying this past six months Heather, is having joined a great book club. Because it’s held in a good location, I feel like I’m getting out and I’m chatting about books, so that’s one of the smaller things I do once a month.
I hope to be able to blog from my phone again while I’m there!
beautifulorange says
Excellent. It’s sounds great… I’m about to head off to the Hay Festival… the more literary festivals the better! Have a great time.
Rebecca Bradley says
Thanks. Though I’m quite envious yours in now and I have to wait!
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
Glad you got your tickets! I’ve never attended a festival although I was asked to be one of the authors at a science fiction con last year. (I had a prior commitment and couldn’t go.)
Rebecca Bradley says
That sounds brilliant Alex and such a shame you couldn’t make it last year. I do hope you get another chance to do it. You will love it. If it’s anything like the crime one, the authors just mingle in the bar with the rest of us when they’re done! 🙂
nancyrae4 says
Wow, the genre group thing I attended was BOSCON (SF) – back when God was a boy. CONS and festivals whould be a lot more fun now that I’m no longer a shy kid!! Have a great time.
Rebecca Bradley says
Thanks Nancy. I’m looking forward to it. BOSCON sounds like a ball! But yes, you should try them again now you are no longer a shy kid. 🙂
diannegray says
I haven’t been to any writing festivals but I could imagine it is a fantastic experience. I love the blurb about “Social Media: Who Are You?” – very interesting indeed 😀
Rebecca Bradley says
Out of all the listed panels, I imagine that will be the one that gets mentioned in a blog post. It’s relevant because we write and use social media. You should look the festivals ups Dianne. You would love them.
Claire McComisky says
Have a great time, Rebecca. I look forward to hearing about all things Harrogate related here on your blog and via Twitter. I’ve never attended, but one day…
Rebecca Bradley says
Thanks Claire, One day I also hope to see you there and to meet you x