In this special episode of Quick Book Reviews, Philippa chats to Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival and Harrogate International Festivals.If you’ve ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes at one of the world’s most beloved crime fiction festivals, this is the episode for you.Sharon shares:how the festival began back in 2003why Harrogate feels different from other book festivalsthe famous beer tent atmospherefestival gossip and disasters over the yearslone traveller meet-ups and making the event inclusiveauthors going missingthe hotel nearly catching firethe fiercely competitive quiz nightwhy readers are truly at the heart of HarrogatePhilippa and Sharon also discuss:the rise of crime fiction festivalsbalancing blockbuster authors with exciting debutsthe new Swift Half Stagewhy readers return year after yearproof copies, goodie bags and “golden goodie bags”festival nerves, security and keeping events safePlus: an unexpectedly passionate biscuit debate involving Kit Kats, digestives and secret chocolate habits.This Year’s Festival HighlightsFeatured authors and events mentioned include:Lisa JewellLee ChildDavid BaldacciAnthony HorowitzAnn CleevesChris WhitakerAlice FeeneySteve CavanaghHolly JacksonBrenda BlethynHarlan CobenVal McDermidMark BillinghamWhy Listeners Will Love This EpisodeIf you love:crime fictionbook festivalsbehind-the-scenes publishing storiesauthor gossipreader communitiesliterary eventsfestival planning chaosfunny podcast conversations…this episode is for you.Memorable MomentsThe “freshers’ welcome” for lone travellersGolden goodie bag brainstormingAuthors accidentally trying to enter the wrong hotel roomThe legendary Harrogate beer tentThe near-disaster involving a cigarette and the hotelThe wildly competitive late-night quizSharon’s emergency Kit Kat stashBiscuit VerdictSharon chooses:Jammie DodgersTwo-finger Kit Kats (strictly rationed)Chocolate digestives… eaten unconventionally. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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