http://mitziszereto.com/blog/normal-for-norfolk-the-literary-collaboration-of-the-century/

It only seems like five minutes ago I was writing the entry for June and here we are in July (and with little sign of the summer in the UK). So what's happening in July?



On 5 July I am to be guest crime author at the annual conference of the British Society of Criminology taking place at the University of Portsmouth, Institute of Criminal…

I'm often asked how I research police procedures and police matters for my crime novels and while the DI Horton crime series certainly doesn't conform to policing in the real world  there is an underlying reality about some of the situations and procedures.



So where do I get my research from?



From talking to real live police officers, those working on the coal face and those who have also retired and my thanks here to the officers in the CID, the Major Crime Unit and the…

After the Severn House drinks party it was time for another drinks reception this time hosted by CrimeFest and with the purpose of announcing those authors shortlisted for some of the prestigious Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) Daggers Shortlist. Here are some photographs from the event where I was lucky enough to meet up with some DI Horton fans and chat to them about the…

Just as in CrimeFest 2010 this year’s CrimeFest was again a glorious hot day with wall-to-wall sunshine in Bristol.  Not the best time to be closeted inside the Royal Marriott Hotel but a very pleasant one to be strolling along the regenerated dock area and catching the little ferry across the narrow strip of water, which I managed to do. It was great to be back on the water, albeit for about two minutes, and I wondered whether DI Horton might take a trip into Bristol on his yacht one day.…

I'm looking forward to being at CrimeFest this coming weekend where I will be appearing on a panel on Friday 25 May at 9am. This will be my third year of attending and if it's anything like the last two it will be enjoyable and fun.

CrimeFest is a convention for people who like to read an occasional crime novel as well as for die-hard fanatics. First organised in June 2008, CrimeFest is now one of the most popular dates in the crime fiction calendar. The annual convention draws top…

http://mitziszereto.com/blog/50-shades-of-nothing-new/

So it's almost April (with its shoures soote) and I'm looking forward to the active part of the year. All winter I focused on writing, managing to finish Book #3 of the Simon & Elizabeth series and Book #2 of the Dead Detective series. I'm at work on Book #3, but author appearances are starting to emerge. There were two in March, and from there on, the calendar starts to look like a dartboard, with towns and times scribbled all over the place.

The interesting date this month…

http://mitziszereto.com/blog/mitzi-teddy-and-kevin-spacey-in-the-garden-of-good-and-evil/

I came across a fascinating article on the Writers Forensic Blog, which not only provides some basic research for someone writing a crime or thriller novel but can also throw up ideas for plots and perhaps warn those using social networks to be a little bit more careful about what they post.



Below is just a flavour of  what can happen from author and law professor, Lori Andrews…

I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the death of Reginald Hill, a great crime writer and without doubt one of my favourites and the inspiration for my own crime writing career. Although best known for his Dalziel and Pascoe novels I also love his thrillers and his humorous series set in Luton, featuring the black private detective Joe Sixsmith.



I first discovered Reginald Hill in 1978. I was ill and my husband, home on leave from the armed forces, bought A Clubbable…

With the New Year almost upon us it's that time of year to take a look back over the events of 2011, and for me it's been a busy and productive year. 



Here are some of the highlights of 2011.



January saw the launch of the second Crime Writers’ Association Young Crime Writers Competition 2011. I was the judge of the South Coast entries with the winner going forward for the National prize which was announced during National Crime Writing Week 13 - 19 June. …

Had a great time presenting certificates and prizes to the adult winners of the Wight Fair Writers Circle Winter Short Story Competition at an Awards Ceremony held at Newport Minster on the Isle of Wight on Tuesday 20 December.

The event was organised by the Wight Fair Writers Circle and by fellow crime authors Bob and Carol Bridgestock.

Pauline Rowson presenting…

http://mitziszereto.com/blog/the-plight-of-the-harried-anthology-editor/

I will be presenting prizes and certificates to the winners and runners up of the Wight Fair Writers Circle for their Winter Short Story Writing Competition at an awards ceremony on the Isle of Wight on 20 December.

This is the second year I have been asked to present the prizes and I'm looking forward to it.The ceremony is being held at Newport Minister. There are some great prizes on offer as well as the winners being published in the County Press and interviewed on…