I’ve got a lot of news to share so thought it was time for a blog post. Since I last posted I’ve taken part in a crime festival, a library event and a virtual festival. I also have some exciting TV news and Sleep has been shortlisted for two awards…

First up, CrimeFest back in May. I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve take part in Bristol’s very own crime festival but it’s always good fun and great to catch up with my fellow crime authors (there may have been karaoke…)

I took part in a panel on Integrity and Conscience (for characters, rather than authors!) and moderated one on Friends, Family and Convoluted Relationships.

Here’s me moderating the very witty and well-behaved Amanda Jennings, Antii Tuomainen, Paul Burston and Mel McGrath.

In June I went up to Stockton-on-Tees to take part in the Crossing the Tees literary festival. I presented certificates to readers who had completed a reading challenge and then had a fascinating chat with Alex North, the author of the phenomenal book The Whisper Man (I have hidden Alex’s face in this photo because he’s a man of mystery…)

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Last weekend I took part in a brand new virtual festival – myvlf.com.

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I was interviewed about my route to publication and the books I’ve written then took part in a live chat with readers afterwards. If you missed it you can still watch the video here. You need to register first.

So… the exciting TV news. I am going to be on TV! I am very excited to let you know that I’m going to be on the Sara Cox show on ITV on Sunday 28th July at 8.30am. Other than a local community channel (Made in Bristol TV) I have never been on TV before and it would be an understatement to say that I’m nervous but it’s such an amazing opportunity and I’m very grateful to my publicist Sabah for organising it. The diet starts now!

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The other bit of exciting news is that, thanks to you, my amazing readers, Sleep has been shortlisted for two Dead Good Reader Awards – the Cancel All Plans award for the book you can’t put down and the Most Recommended Read award. Sleep is up against some AMAZING books and it’s going to need lots and lots of votes to stand a chance of winning.

I would LOVE to lift a trophy at Harrogate crime festival at the end of the month so if you have two minutes to cast a vote in each category I would be very grateful. Click here to vote.

Finally, the ebook of Sleep is currently just 99p so if you haven’t read it yet now’s your chance to grab a bargain (the paperback is out on 5th September for those of you patiently waiting for it).