'TV Detective' to give talk at Plympton Library

If you’ve ever fancied yourself as the next Agatha Christie or PD James, head to Plympton Library on Friday 3 May for a special crime fiction event.

Simon Hall, BBC crime correspondent for the South West and author of the 'TV Detective' series of novels, will be visiting the library to launch his latest book and give aspiring crime writers useful hints and tips.

Simon will give a talk about his exciting new novel ‘The Shadows of Justice’ at 11.30am before answering questions and signing copies of the book, which will be on sale at the event. This will be followed by a writing workshop for budding authors from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

‘Writing a successful novel, from planning to publication’ will look at:

• How to construct an opening to your novel that will attract the interest of an agent or publisher in an instant
• Exploring the layers of human nature, down to the deepest of secrets and how they can help you create memorable and vivid characters
• The art of building a plot that hooks a reader and forces them to keep turning the pages, plus the essential art of twists
• How to create living and believable settings in your writing through the use of our most powerful senses
• The tips to building up a professional writer’s CV by securing newspaper and magazine coverage and establishing an impressive online presence and how this can help attract an agent or publisher
• The single most important secret to becoming a published and successful author and what to do on those inevitable days when you feel like giving up.

Admission to the book launch is free and it is open to everyone. Places on the workshop cost £10 per person and must be booked in advance – call Plympton Library on 305630 or email plympton.library@plymouth.gov.uk.