Bloody Scotland’s first ever guest programmer Sir Ian Rankin and festival director Bob McDevitt revealed the programme of September’s crime writing festival yesterday, June 12.
McDevitt has called it the “best lineup [they] have ever had”, with more than 120 authors taking part, but what does this lineup truly offer for students?
Bloody Scotland runs from September 12 to 14.
The exciting variety of writers covers famous authors such as Jo Nesbo, celebrities turned crime authors in Steph McGovern, Jeremy Vine and the Reverend Richard Coles, debut writers making their mark, as well as independent authors such as JD Kirk.
Although this festival takes place in Stirling, this does not mean it is only Scottish authors are contributing. International authors from many countries, including Norway, India and Canada are travelling to Stirling for this programme.
Independent publishing has become an increasing conversation point in the book and publishing industry, and two crime authors who have excelled in this are JD Kirk and LJ Ross. Proving a publishing house does not always have to be the route to success, watch them talking about their new books on the 14th.
If you watched I’m a Celebrity last year, you will be familiar with the Rev Richard Coles, who came third in the competition. He will be at the crime writing festival on September 13, being interviewed by Rankin about his fourth book in the Canon Clement series, Death on Location.
Rev Coles was chosen as part of the programme by Rankin. He said during the launch that Coles, who Rankin has done previous events with, is an “absolute hoot”.
The festival will include an author event called “Celebrating Neurodiversity” with Daniel Aubrey, Sean Watkin and Trevor Wood, as they discuss the importance of their neurodivergent protagonists.
The author of Horrible Histories, Terry Deary, is making an appearance to talk about his debut crime fiction book I’m Actually a Murderer.
As well as this, an author event called “Deadlier Than the Male” will discuss the rise of female serial killers in the crime genre, who are written by women.
In his programme launch speech, Rankin explained one of the reasons he believes Bloody Scotland is unique. He said it is the most extraordinary festival at breaking the barriers between readers and authors, and highlighted the reality that every author, was once a fan.
Tickets to all of the events are now available to buy via the Bloody Scotland website and a full programme can also be accessed.
Featured Image Credit – Rae Archibald