Denise Mina and Caro Ramsay at the Kilted Skirlie
Click photo to enlarge
Scottish crime-writing is enjoying a rich spell at the moment with established authors, recent stars and newcomers all vying for our attention. The west Dunbartonshire Literature Festival reflected this state of affairs well on Thursday 22nd May at The Kilted Skirlie, Lomond Shores, with the appearance of Glasgow-based authors Denise Mina and Caro Ramsay.
Silhouetted against a backdrop of Loch and Ben, Denise and Caro read from parts of their work. They have different styles, but both showed that lightness of touch, attention to detail dashed with some humour – all desirable components of most successful crime-writing.
After the readings there were questions from the audience, and both supplied intelligent and insightful answers to a variety of topics raised, from working techniques to philosophical issues about the differences between men and women; from the ever-presence of Glasgow and Glaswegian boisterousness in their novels to the transformation of friends and acquaintances into fictional characters.
It was a most sparkling event in beautiful surroundings, so successful that many expressed the hope that Denise and Caro might feature again in future West Dunbartonshire Literature Festivals.
The event was dedicated to the late Irene Harnett, a staunch supporter of all Festival and other literary events in the area, and Ian Baillie’s moving tribute to Irene brought an additional poignancy to the evening.
Silhouetted against a backdrop of Loch and Ben, Denise and Caro read from parts of their work. They have different styles, but both showed that lightness of touch, attention to detail dashed with some humour – all desirable components of most successful crime-writing.
After the readings there were questions from the audience, and both supplied intelligent and insightful answers to a variety of topics raised, from working techniques to philosophical issues about the differences between men and women; from the ever-presence of Glasgow and Glaswegian boisterousness in their novels to the transformation of friends and acquaintances into fictional characters.
It was a most sparkling event in beautiful surroundings, so successful that many expressed the hope that Denise and Caro might feature again in future West Dunbartonshire Literature Festivals.
The event was dedicated to the late Irene Harnett, a staunch supporter of all Festival and other literary events in the area, and Ian Baillie’s moving tribute to Irene brought an additional poignancy to the evening.