It’s that time of year again when all lovers of Scandinavian crime fiction get together in Iceland. There’s an excellent line-up at this year’s conference and the panels start properly today.
However, yesterday a couple of events took place which I’m sure will be of interest to Crimepieces readers. Firstly, William Ryan, as well as being a writer of excellent historical fiction, also runs workshops for those who wish to try their hand at crime writing. I’ve always been curious about these events and was determined to use the opportunity whilst in Iceland to attend one.
I took a taxi to Kópavogur public library in a Reykjavik suburb. It’s a huge building with excellent facilities. There I joined sixteen other people at an event that was a mixture of information on how to construct a crime novel combined with a series of exercises to let us have a go. Chatting to the people afterwards, it was clear that most people were already writing something and that the challenge is to complete their works of fiction. I’m sure this workshop will have inspired people to do just that.
Thursday evening is traditionally the time we get to hear authors read aloud from their works. We had a rich variety of writers last night in
a room at the Solon bar in central Reykjavik. Readings were in both English and Icelandic and it was particularly nice to hear Antti Tuomainen give an extract from The Healer, a book I enjoyed last year. The photo to the right, show Peter James reading from his latest novel. James is an excellent reader and is a good example of how an author can bring their works to life by their performance.
So, the event starts in earnest today but I thought you’d like an update of what’s happened so far. Yesterday was largely about catching up with friends as well. Can you spot the crime writers in the photo below?
Ooh! This sounds great, Sarah, I’m sure you’re having the best time there – I’m embarrassed I can’t ID any of the authors. But what a fascinating country to visit…I’m utterly jealous! Do enjoy!
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Thanks, Linda. I´ve had an excellent time.
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You’ll be on the bill for next year I’m sure!
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Sarah – Thanks for the intro to the big event. It sounds absolutely fabulous and I hope you’ll have a great time!
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Thanks, Margot.
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Hi to Zoë! We miss her online.
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Hi – I passed on your regards. Hopefully we can all get to Shetland next year.
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Glad you are having a good time in Iceland. Sounds great already.
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Thanks, Tracy.
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No, I don’t recognize not a one in that photo. Who are the writers?
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There´s Quentin Bates on the far right, Zoe Sharp on the front left and debut author, David Swatling second from the left.
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Sarah, are there videos of these events on YouTube or elsewhere? For some reasons, I’m fascinated by Iceland and Greenland, perhaps because of their remoteness from the rest of the world.
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Hi Prashant. I think there might be some podcasts coming. I´ll check and get back to you. I´ll add a few more pictures to my next post.
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