How is it already August??? One of my goals this year was to write a blog post and send out my studio newsletters every month, but I’ve failed! Despite best intentions, I kept putting off writing in July. In part I can blame the sunshine. We get so little here in the UK that on any nice day I took the opportunity to read in the sun. But the main reason was I just had too much to do.
A New Business
Over the past six months we have been working on plans for a new business venture. It’s not a big money spinner, more a project of passion. And in the last two months we have been working on the launch so there’s been lots to do.
About four years ago my husband co-founded a crime fiction event. He’s an avid reader, managing to get through 2-3 novels each week and recognised that many crime fiction fans like him, wanted to hear from authors and find about new books and new writers. It came about after he set up online events during COVID and it grew from there. It grew so much that by March this year his annual event had grown to one that attracted over 500 attendees.
The problem with a successful event is that it is difficult to make changes and try new things, so we started plans to build a new community with a new event, taking all the things we’d learnt over the past 3 years to make improvements.
The new venture has also allowed us to create a business with friends. What we learned over the past 3 years is that events take a lot of work and run so much smoother if you have lots of people helping who want to make it the best experience for visitors. So we decided to invite five friends and family members to become co- founders. And the big plus is that you get soooo many great ideas. We already have a long list of things we plan to do over the next few years so watch this space!
Avid Fan or Occasional Reader?
Now I have to be honest, I’m a casual crime fiction reader. My main passion is biographies and art books, but I do love a good mystery. Agatha Christie, PD James, Lynda la Plante and Minette Walters are my ‘go- to’ when I fancy something lighter than a weighty bio. But I must admit that I’ve relished reading novels from ‘new to me’ writers.
The issue for people like me is I don’t really know what is available so tend to stick to familiar names. Getting the opportunity to read honest reviews, talk with authors directly and hear them talking about their books has helped me find new books that I’ve loved.
Great Design
The venture has also allowed me to indulge in what was always my main passion as a marketer and create a new brand. I wanted something that had a subtle message, telling people it was a crime caper almost unconsciously. So I went back to the style and tone of classic movies like Vertigo, Charade, Man with the Golden Arm. I’m really happy with what we have created and looking forward to developing this further.
Interview Room One
On Monday we formally launched Interview Room One. It is a community for crime fiction lovers. We have started with a website and social media channels (Instagram / Facebook / Twitter/X)but have plans to grow it to so much more.
Our website has book reviews and recommendations as well as interviews with some amazing crime writers. And over the next couple of months, we are planning to host events around the UK where readers can meet with and hear directly from writers. Some will be familiar authors, others aspiring writers.
Our aim is to help writers promote their books and readers find out about them. With so many books launching each year its difficult for readers to know who to buy. So, we thought if we could give authors a platform to connect with potential readers, they can talk about their inspiration, their characters and where and how they create their stories. And for fans of a great novel, it gives them a great night out. Many people find literary festivals intimidating but attending smaller, local events in a great pub or café makes it more accessible for everyone.
So, if you’re a big fan of crime fiction, or like me a casual mystery reader take a look at what we have and what we’re planning.