Lindisfarne Prize 2023

 

Now going into its fifth year, the Lindisfarne Prize for Crime Fiction is a literary award for new, emerging and established writers who are from, or whose work celebrates the North East of England. Full Ts&Cs can be found on L J Ross's website under ‘Philanthropy & Prizes’, and entries open again in JANUARY, so get writing! To enter, you only need a short story of up to 10,000 words in the genre of crime or thriller fiction, or the first two chapters and a synopsis of a longer work in progress, so long as neither work has been published anywhere before.

Newcastle Noir 2021

 

The panels for Newcastle Noir have been announced. 

Panel 1 - 10.00 – 10.45 In the Line of Duty

Robert Scragg, Howard Linskey and Tariq Ashkanani

There’s something about a police procedural that takes the reader to the heart of the crime and up close and personal with those bringing law and order to dark, disturbed places. With three authors who set their investigations locally, nationally and a bit further afield, we kick off NN2021 by examining what makes a successful fictional detective and why we’re ever drawn to watching them uncover the truth.

Panel 2 - 11.15 – 12.00pm Murder She Wrote… and So Much More!

LJ Ross, Judith O’Reilly and Fiona Erskine

Creating protagonists that linger long after the last page is turned, capturing the essence of place, bringing us plots that keep us twisting and turning, but what if an author’s crime writing was not their first calling? These best-selling authors all had a life before thrilling us with their gloriously dark tales and this session will look at how these earlier experiences may have influenced the text and why crime fiction is now so important to them.

Panel 3 - 12.30 – 1.15pm From Whitley Bay to Blackwood Bay

Ann Cleeves and SJ Watson

The crime scene is an integral part of crime fiction and the impact of the evil committed there is even greater when it happens right on our doorstep. In this panel we’ll discuss writing home or away, creating fictional close-knit communities, and portraying ordinary lives turned upside down by unexpected, shocking events. Oh, and if we’ve time, we’ll ask these highly acclaimed authors what happens when your gripping page-turner of a novel becomes all-important viewing. Not to be missed!

Panel 4 - 1.45 – 2.30pm North by Northwest

Rob Parker and SE Moorhead

From across the Pennines, we bring you crime writing that packs more of a punch than Tyson Fury. An ex-soldier and ex-convict on one last mission for an old friend, a detective sergeant with the heart of a lion, and a neuropsychologist whose new technology might just catch a menacing serial killer. No, we’re not talking about the authors, but rather the protagonists they have created who are willing to risk everything to see justice served.

Panel 5 - 3.00 – 3.45pm Will We Ever Get Out of Here?

Chris McGeorge and DL Marshall

Edgar Allen Poe, Agatha Christie and Gaston Leroux first showed us the criminally delicious tension and intrigue that was to be found in the locked-room mystery. Fast forward 80 years and our authors on this panel will demonstrate the tremendous flexibility of this mystery subgenre. Nowadays the scene of the crime has grown to encompass actual areas, like houses or islands. The suspense lies in knowing that you may be next!

Panel 6 - 4.15 – 5.00pm Don’t Look Away!

Michael J Malone, Louise Beech and Sarah Sultoon

Writing stories that dare us to consider what we often prefer to ignore takes great skill and sensitivity. Given the overwhelming success of a similar panel at previous NN festivals, we wanted to explore further how fact informs fiction when treating such highly sensitive issues. To that end we have brought together three thought-provoking authors who are highly accomplished in bringing the reader face to face with the shocking and unthinkable.

Panel 7 - 5.30 – 6.15pm Something Wicked this Way Comes!

Matt Wesolowski and ES Thomson

What do a curious Victorian apothecary and an elusive contemporary podcaster have in common? With their darkly atmospheric and chilling tales, we’ll hear how these authors have written award-winning and critically acclaimed crime fiction with a grippingly Gothic touch. We’ll also consider how the creepy, the macabre and the sinister continue to fascinate and resonate down through the centuries. Not for the faint hearted, dare you join us?!

Panel 8 - 7.00 – 7.45pm Daring to be Different

Mari Hannah, Trevor Wood and Harriet Tyce

Crime fiction is often thought to be a highly predictable and formula-driven genre, yet our closing panel brings together authors whose writing has proved this is not always the case. Every so often a voice comes along daring to break the mould, offering us award-winning, critically acclaimed stories with a refreshing edge. Come celebrate Northern crime writing with us in the company of three authors who write with the courage of their convictions.

Tickets can be bought here.

Date:- 

Sunday 5^th December 2021

Time:-

10:00am – 20:00

Location:-

Newcastle City Library

33 New Bridge Street West

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE1 8AX

Newcastle Noir 2020 Programme

10am – Friday 1 May 

Play Dead – Dangerous Places, Dangerous Faces: Lucy Atkins; Maggie James; Nuala Ellwood 

11am – Friday 1 May  

The Kids are Alright: Matt Wesolowski; Sif Sigmarsdóttir; Thomas Enger

1pm – Friday 1 May  

In the Library with the Dagger: Frances Brody; Fiona Veitch Smith; Martin Edwards 

2.30pm – Friday 1 May  

Ye Shudda Seen us Gannin: Howard Linskey; Caroline England; Mik Brown; Rob Scragg 

3.30pm – Friday 1 May 

In Dublin’s Fair City & Beyond: Antony J Quinn; Sam Blake; Catherine Ryan Howard 

6pm – Friday 1 May  

Stranger than Fiction: Ian Patrick; Fiona Erskine; Eve Smith 

7pm – Friday 1 May  

Lindisfarne Prize for Debut Crime Fiction

8pm – Friday 1 May  

Friday Night Spotlight: LJ Ross 

10am – Saturday 2 May  

Crime Does Pay  Celebrating 20 years of the Murder Squad: Margaret Murphy; Chris Simms; Cath Staincliff; Martin Edwards; Helen Pepper; Kate Ellis 

11am – Saturday 2 May  

Come in from the Cold: Judith O’Reilly; Alex Shaw; Humphrey Hawksley; John Lawton 

12pm – Saturday 2 May: 

What Lies Hidden: Kath Stansfield; Cal Smyth; Chris Lloyd 

1pm – Saturday 2 May:

Writing the Detectives Workshop with Cath Staincliffe

2pm – Saturday 2 May  

Am I Losing my Mind?  Lisa Ballantyne; Louise Candlish; Barbara Copperthwaite; Sarah Stovell 

3pm – Saturday 2 May  

The Thin Blue Line: Valentina Giambanco; Johana Gustawsson; Adam Peacock; Katerina Diamond

4pm – Saturday 2 May  

To hell in a Handcart: William Smith; Will Carver; Bogdan Teodorescu 

5pm – Saturday 2 May  

Southern Cross Crime: Kirsten McKenzie; Helen Fitzgerald; Nikki Crutchley 

6.30pm – Saturday 2 May  

Spotlight: Mari Hannah and Jane Casey 

10am – Sunday 3 May  

#metoo – That’s What The Authors Say: Louise Beech; Madeline Black; Michael J Malone 

11am – Sunday 3 May  

New Blood, New Voices:  Trevor Wood; Suzy Aspley; Robert Craven; Heleen Kist 

2pm – Sunday 3 May  

Murder They Wrote: Ed James; Zoe Sharp; Noelle Holten; Neil Broadfoot 

3pm – Sunday 3 May  

Women in Gangland: Marnie Riches; Simone Buchholz; Anna Smith; Jane Corry 

4pm – Sunday 3 May  

Sir, There’s Been a Murder: Lesley Kelly; Ian Skewis; Jackie Mclean; Tana Collins 

5pm – Sunday 3 May  

Chilled to the Bone: Sif Sigmarsdóttir; Eva Björg Ægisdóttir; Kjell Ola Dahl; Thomas Enger; Marit Reiersgård

6.30pm – Sunday 3 May  

Sunday Night Spotlight: Yrsa Sigurðardóttir and Liz Nugent 

Further information and tickets can be found here.

The Lindisfarne Prize 2020

The Lindisfarne Prize for Debut Crime Fiction (‘The Lindisfarne Prize’) is a literary prize which recognises outstanding writing in the genre of crime or thriller fiction, sponsored by the author L J Ross and in association with the Newcastle Noir Crime Writing Festival. It is open to all new writers who are from, or whose work celebrates, the north of England and who have not previously had a crime or thriller story published in any form. 

Entrants must submit a short story of no more than ten thousand words or the first two chapters and a synopsis of their work in progress, to be considered.

The winning entry will be awarded a prize of £2500 to support the completion of their work, as well as free editorial and mentoring services from a local independent publisher and funding towards a year’s membership of industry associations. Entries are open from 31st May 2019 – 31st March 2020 and the winner will be announced at a ceremony forming part of the Newcastle Noir Crime Writing Festival in May 2020.

More information including terms and conditions can be found here.

Newcastle Noir Reloaded

THERE is no mystery about where the North's crime fiction fans will soon be heading – Newcastle Noir is back.

The hugely popular literary weekend is returning for its sixth year and the event is on the move.

 Newcastle Noir 2019 will be held in city's Central Library as organisers bid to widen the appeal of the annual crime lovers' weekend.

Jacky Collins, Dr Noir, who has spear-headed the event since its launch said: ”Newcastle Noir began in 2014 at the city's Lit and Phil and we will be ever grateful for the invaluable support it gave us as the festival developed.

“We are now keen to take the next step and increase the size and the appeal of the event.”

 Another important change is for the first time organisers are seeking sponsors to support the event.

One principal backer has already stepped forward - newly-launched North-East digital book publisher, Cheshire Cat Books.

Headed by former Cleveland murder squad chief and author, ex Det Supt Tony Hutchinson, the company is delighted to be associated with such a popular and important literary happening.

Tony said: ”As a North-East based company we are proud to be supporting the fantastic Newcastle Noir. It is not only a highly significant literary event, it is great fun.”

Some of the country's best-loved crime writers, many from the region, will be present alongside authors from more than a dozen other countries.

The full programme of speakers and guests will be announced soon but Northumbria University lecturer, Jacky, promises there will be something for every kind of crime fiction follower.

She said: “From the very beginning we have always wanted Newcastle Noir to be a local, national and international crime fiction event.”

“For 2019 we have an amazing range of authors from the region and beyond to delight crime fiction lovers.”

David Hepworth of Newcastle City Libraries said: ”It is an honour for Newcastle Libraries to be in partnership with the prestigious Newcastle Noir festival”.

“We're really looking forward to welcoming the best in contemporary crime writing for discussions, talks and writing workshops.” 

Other loyal supporters of the event will also be present in the new venue. Forum Books from Corbridge, Orenda Books and The Book Trail are long-standing friends of the event and will once again be attending.

Newcastle Noir opens on Friday May 3 running for three days at the Central Library, Newcastle.

NOTES:

Newcastle Noir is the North East's only crime and mystery fiction festival. Past speakers have included best-selling authors Ann Cleeves, Val McDermid, LJ Ross, Stuart McBride and Mari Hannah as well as writers from across the world.

Dr Jacky Collins is Lecturer at Northumbria University in Literature, Film and TV,  and Spanish Language and Culture.

The festival runs from Friday May 3 to Sunday May 5 at Newcastle Central Library.

Contacts: Dr J. Collins: 0777 327 5345.

newcastlenoir@gmail.com

www.newcastlenoir.co.uk

Newcastle Noir Programme 2018

Fringe: 1st -4th May

Tuesday 1st Talk:The Golden Age of Crime Writing - Frances Brodie and Fiona Veitch Smith 6.30pm - Free

Wednesday 2d Noir @ the Bar - Town Wall 7pm - Free

Thursday 3d Discussion: A Kaleidoscope of Crime - Jacky Collins with North-East crime writers Richard Rippon, Daniel James, Jessica Fairfax and Carol Walker - 6.30pm - Free

Friday 4th Discussion: Tracking the Scent - Eileen Wharton with Bloodhound books authors J.A. Baker, Heleyne Hammersley and Peter Best- 3-4pm - Free

Friday 4th Discussion: Keeping it Close to Home - jacky Collins with Sarah Stovell, Melanie McGrath and CL Taylor - 4.30-5.30pm - Free

Festival Launch - Friday 4th of May

The Festival will be launched by Stuart MacBride who will be talking about and reading from his work 7pm.

Saturday 5th May

Time     9.30 - 10.30

Activity Panel 1 - Northumberland Noir

Participants - Mari Hannah, LJ Ross, Matt Wesolowski

Time     11.00 - 12.00

Activity Panel 2 – New Blood

Participants - Sandra Ireland, Vicky Newham, Robert Scragg, GB Williams

Time     1.00 - 2.00

Activity Panel 3 – Crime in Translation

Participants - Lilja Sigurðardóttir, Quentin Bates, Roxanne Bouchard, David Warriner

Time     2.30 – 3.30

Activity Panel 4 - Femmes Fatale

Participants - Danielle Ramsay, K A Richardson, Sheila Quigley, Eileen Wharton

Time     4.00 – 5.00

Activity Panel 5 - Crime and Humour

Participants - Daniel James, Antti Tuomainen, Charles Harris, Luca Veste

Time     5.30 – 6.30

Activity Panel 6 - New Voices in Tartan Noir

Participants - Tana Collins, Claire Macleary, Jackie McLean, Ian Skewis

Time     7.00 – 8:00

Activity Panel 7 - Nordic Noir

Participants - Kjell Ola Dahl, Thomas Enger

Time     8:30 – 9:30

In Conversation with

Ann Cleeves in conversation with Martha Hillier

Sunday 6th May

Time – 10:00 – 11:00
Activity - Panel 8 – Otherworldly

Participants - Chris Brookmyre, Antony Johnston, Michael Malone, Stuart Neville

Time 11.30 - 12.30

Activity - Panel 9 – Hot off the Press

Participants - Louise Voss, Doug Johnstone, Johanna Gustawsson

Time 1.00 - 2.00

Activity - Panel 10 – Massala Noir

Participants - Vaseem Khan, Abir Mukherjee, Alex Caan

Time     2:30 – 3:30

In Conversation with

Val McDermid in conversation with Mark Billingham

Time 4.00 - 5.00

Activity - Panel 11 – Grip Lit

Participants - Alison Baillie, Eva Dolan, Rachel Abbott

Time 6.00 - 7.00

Activity - Panel 12 – Police Procedurals

Participants - Leigh Russell, Harry Brett, Alan Carter, Sarah Ward

Join us from 8 at the Cluny for Fun Lovin' Crime Writers starring Val McDermid, Luca Veste, Doug Johnstone, Mark Billingham, Chris Brookmyre and Stuart Neville!

Newcastle Noir 2017 Programme

Fringe: 24th -27th April

Monday 24th Talk: Murderous Newcastle – Fact and Fiction Pat Lowery 6 pm £3

Tuesday 25th talk: Crime with a Northern Edge 6.30 pm Free

Wednesday 26th: Noir @ the Bar - Town Wall 7 pm Free

Thursday 27th Talk: David Young, The fact behind the fiction 6.30 pm  £3

Festival Launch Friday 28th April

The Festival will be launched by Denise Mina who will be talking about and reading from her work 7pm - Free

Saturday 29th April

Time   Activity          Participants

9.30 - 11.30   Intensive writing workshop *       

William Ryan

10.00 - 11.00 Panel 1 - Geordie Crime     

Shelley Day, Howard Linskey, L.J. Ross, Matt Wesolovski

11.30 - 12.30  Panel 2 - LGBTQ     

Sarah Stowell, Lilja Sigurðardóttir, David Swatling. Chaired by Jacky Collins

12.35 - 1.15     Talk: how to be published **         

Adam Maxwell

1.30 - 2.30     Panel 3 - Femmes Fatales 

Lin Anderson, Alex Gray, Alanna Knight.  Chaired by Ayo Onatade

3.00 - 4.00    Panel 4- German Historical Fiction         

David Young, William Ryan, Luke McCallin.  Chaired by Kat Hall

4.30 - 5.30     Panel 5- Nordic 1     

Kjell Ola Dahl, Thomas Enger, Antti Tuomainen, Chaired by Quentin Bates

6.30 - 7.30     Panel 6- German Noir        

Sascha Arango, Cay Rademacher, Wulf Dorn.  Chaired by Kat Hall

7.30 - 8.30     Panel 7- Crime Fiction: Presenting the case       

Karen Sullivan, Quentin Bates, Sarah Ward, Susan Heads.  Chaired by Miriam Owen

Sunday 30th April

Time   Activity          Participants

10.00 - 11.00 Panel 8 - Children's Crime Fiction

Katherine Woodfine, Lyn Gardner, Laura Wood.  Chaired by Ann Landman

11.30 - 12.30  Panel 9 - Crime Fact and Fiction  

Mari Hannah, Mo, A.D. Garrett.  Chaired by Jacky Collins

1.30 - 2.30     Panel 10 - Domestic Noir

C.L. Taylor, Michael J. Malone, Louise Beech.  Chaired by Rosie White

3.00 - 4.00    Panel 11 - New Blood          

Shelley Day, Tana Collins, Michael Wood.  Chaired by Sarah Ward

4.30 - 5.30     Panel 12- Tartan Noir         

Russel D McLean, Douglas Skelton, Neil Broadfoot.  Chaired by Michael J Malone

6.30 - 7.30     Panel 13 - Nordic 2  

Erik Axl Sund, Johana Gustawsson, Camilla Grebe.  Chaired by Jacky Collins

8.00 - 9.00    Panel 14 - Action Thriller  

Luca Veste, Steph Broadribb, Paul Hardisty, Chaired by Daniel Pembrey

* £10/£7

** £5/£3