Does Crime Ever Pay? Live at the Library

At Harrogate Library, an afternoon of crime fiction brought together Geoff Major, Roshan Pitteea, John Saxton, and host Sue Williams for a lively discussion exploring one intriguing question: does crime ever pay?

https://youtu.be/ZAo-ow1Tc8k

The event opened with readings from each author, offering a taste of the very different worlds they create. From cybercrime and blackmail schemes to safeguarding investigations, psychological suspense, and grisly murders in Yorkshire market towns, the audience was treated to a diverse range of stories united by a common fascination with mystery, justice, and human nature. The readings quickly set the tone for a conversation that moved beyond whodunnits to explore why crime fiction continues to be one of the most popular genres in publishing.

As the discussion unfolded, the authors shared their perspectives on what draws readers to crime stories. From the satisfaction of solving puzzles and uncovering secrets to the opportunity to explore difficult real-world issues in a safe fictional setting, each writer brought a unique viewpoint shaped by their own experiences. The panel also delved into the realities of researching crime fiction, from police procedures and forensic investigations to the challenges of portraying victims, criminals, and investigators with authenticity.

The session closed with audience questions, reflections on writing and publishing, and plenty of good humour. With books signed, conversations continuing around the room, and readers eager to discover new mysteries, it was a fitting end to an engaging afternoon celebrating crime fiction in all its forms.

If you prefer, you can also watch our videos on YouTube @booksandbeveragesUK where you can support us by liking and subscribing!

Featuring:
📚 Geoff Major – The Debt (https://www.geoffmajor.info/)
📚 Roshan Pitteea – The Voodoo Room (https://roshanpitteeaauthor.com/)
📚 John Saxton – In Blood Stepped Deep (https://www.instagram.com/johnsaxtonwriter/)
🎤 Hosted by Sue Williams (https://www.suewilliamswriting.com/)

Books and Beverages UK showcases independent authors, storytellers, and creative voices through live events recorded at Harrogate Library and shared online for readers everywhere.

Second Editions and Award Eligibility: Can Your Revised Book Compete Again?

In this Alliance of Independent Authors post, Book Award Adviser Hannah Jacobson explains how revised second editions can qualify for new award opportunities and what authors should know before submitting them.
The post Second Editions and Award Eligibility: Can Your Revised Book Compete Again? appeared first on The Self-Publishing Advice Center.
https://selfpublishingadvice.org/second-editions-and-award-eligibility/

#Process5And6MarketingAndPromotion #ALLiadvice #bookawards #hannahjacobson #independentauthors

Brian Griffin, Me, and the Difference Between Calling Yourself a Writer and Actually Becoming One

https://jaimedavid.blog/2026/05/22/23/21/06/analysis/jaimedavid327/10944/brian-griffin-me-and-the-difference-between-calling-yourself-a-writer-and-actually-becoming-one/

Personal Journey: A Story That Questions the “Happily Ever After”

https://sowetoapparel.wordpress.com/2026/05/15/a-story-that-questions-the-happily-ever-after/

When Legends Speak Louder than Facts: Live at the Library

Our May Books and Beverages event for Local History Month welcomed author Vincent Formosa, hosted by Susanna Lewis, for an engaging afternoon exploring the craft of historical fiction. With eleven novels behind him and a focus on World War II aviation, Vincent offered a thoughtful look at what draws a writer to a particular moment in history — and why genuine interest is often the starting point for any story worth telling.

https://youtu.be/F12aV6y0Klc

As the conversation unfolded, focus turned to the realities of writing within a historical framework. Vincent spoke candidly about the balance between fact and storytelling, describing the constant challenge of building an authentic world without overwhelming the reader with detail. From the importance of research to the subtle decisions around language, tone, and perspective, it became clear that historical fiction is as much about careful judgement as it is about exploring the stories of the past.

The discussion also touched on the tension between historical truth and popular perception. Vincent shared examples of how widely accepted “facts” can sometimes be myths, and how writers must decide whether to follow the legend or return to the evidence. Alongside this came a broader reflection on responsibility — particularly when writing about real people and events — and the need to approach such material with both respect and clarity of purpose.

The session closed with audience questions and further insights into Vincent’s writing process, leaving plenty to reflect on for writers and readers alike. With conversations continuing after the formal discussion, it was a fitting end to an afternoon that brought history, storytelling, and lived experience together in a way that felt both informative and quietly inspiring.

If you prefer, you can also watch our videos on YouTube @booksandbeveragesUK where you can support us by liking and subscribing!

World Book Night in Knaresborough: Live at the Library

Our first Knaresborough Library Books and Beverages of the year brought together three very different but equally engaging writers, Susanna Lewis, Tony Bunnell, and Tom Sibson for an evening that moved easily between music, poetry, fiction, and real-life experience. The event was hosted by local crime writer Tom Sibson, who kept things lively with humour, thoughtful questions, and the occasional glimpse into his own writing process.

https://youtu.be/1Jd3XT2VoOA

Susanna writes across a wide range of genres, from poetry and memoir to fiction, but her reading from Finding Joy in the Everyday was firmly rooted in real life. Inspired by the loss of her mother, the book grew out of her daily journaling practice and focuses on gratitude, even during difficult times. Her extract, set on Bridlington beach as she scatters her mother’s ashes, was both heartfelt and quietly uplifting, showing how writing can help make sense of grief and find moments of light in the everyday. She spoke about drawing inspiration from real people and conversations, often quite literally overheard, and weaving those observations into her work.

Tony, by contrast, brought a more unusual mix of music and storytelling to the evening. A long-time singer-songwriter, she performed several songs alongside readings from her fiction, much of which explores the supernatural and parallel worlds. Her novel The Nameless Children, inspired by unmarked graves in Haworth, imagines forgotten children returning to claim their place in the world, and her performance gave the story an eerie, almost folkloric quality. Tony explained that her ideas often come from small moments—something seen, heard, or half-remembered—and develop naturally without much planning, whether she is writing songs or novels.

Alongside the readings, Tom guided the conversation into the craft of writing itself, drawing out how each author approaches storytelling. Susanna spoke about weaving messages of wellbeing and resilience into her fiction, while Tony described her instinctive, almost dreamlike way of writing without a fixed plan. Tom offered his own perspective as a crime writer, talking about structure, pacing, and keeping readers hooked.

As always, it was a lively and wide-ranging evening, with something to interest both readers and writers alike, and a reminder that stories can come from almost anywhere if you’re paying attention.

If you prefer, you can also watch our videos on YouTube @booksandbeveragesUK where you can support us by liking and subscribing!

News Summary: Bookshop.org Sales Surge 55% to $70 Million; E-books Now 5% of Total Sales

We start the week with some good news that segues interestingly out of the news that many indie authors have found alarming at the end of last week. The indie corner of the internet has been filled with little other than discussion (much heated) of Draft2Digital's decision to introduce fees for new and low-activity accounts in the face (it claims) of a vast increase in artificially generated content.
The post News Summary: Bookshop.org Sales Surge 55% to $70 Million; E-books Now 5% of Total Sales appeared first on The Self-Publishing Advice Center.
https://selfpublishingadvice.org/bookshop-org-sales-surge/

#Bookshoporg #Draft2Digital #ebooksales #independentauthors #indiebookstores