So I’m off to Scotland tomorrow. ‘Strangled Silence’ has been shortlisted for the RED Award and I’m heading over for the ceremony in Falkirk (about halfway between Glasgow and Edinburgh). 
This will be no ordinary event, what with Powerpoint presentations, drama, question-and-answer sessions, a full meal as well as all the usual speeches and talks. Sounds like the Scottish take the same approach to awards ceremonies as they to cooking, hillwalking, ‘fitball’ and music. If it’s not tough on the intended recipient, it’s not worth doing. The event starts in the morning and goes on after lunch.
I’ll also be doing a couple of sessions while I’m over there, in Livingston and Armadale. I’m looking forward to it. After my week’s tour in Scotland last year, with the Scottish Book Trust, I expect it to be great craic.
I’ve written a guest blog for the Scottish Book Trust’s website, about the awards and what’s going on. You can read it here.
Coincidentally, I received my author copy of the audiobook version of ‘The Evil Eye’ today. It was originally published by Scottish publisher, Barrington Stoke. They’ve got together with Oakhill Publishing to produce a pack that includes both the book and a CD with an actor reading the text. Part of their ‘Read Hear’ series, the book is aimed at ‘reluctant’ readers, but I figure if it’s going to appeal to them, it’s got to appeal to anyone looking for a gripping, moody, meaty and (slightly) violent story.
I have visions of teenage boys glaring suspiciously at the blurb and asking that all important question ‘How many killin’s?’
‘The Goblin of Tara’ got the same audio treatment last year and I was delighted with the results, even if it was weird to hear my story read in someone else’s voice (it sounds strange enough in mine). These were two of my favourite books to illustrate as well, as I took the opportunity to get down to some nice, gritty atmospheric action shots. If you like Celtic warriors, battles, monsters and a bit of gore, these books should be up your street. And now you can listen to them too.
I also signed the contract with W.F. Howes (Clipper Audiobooks) today for an audio version of ‘Strangled Silence’ too – the book that’s up for the award on Wednesday. Funny how things connect up like that.
