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It’s always an exciting time when the Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) announces its longlists for the Dagger awards. I am particularly interested in the Dagger in the Library because I help promote it in my capacity as CWA Libraries Champion in Scotland. It’s a very strong list. You can find out all the longlists at…
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An interesting development is under way in the world of books, namely that readers are increasingly looking to read stories that are set outside London. There was a time when the Capital was the favoured location for so many genres but, listening to a number of publishers, authors and tourism and literary organisations, that is…
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A reminder that the latest anthology of short fiction by new Glasgow-based publisher Tantallon Tir will be published on May 1, 2026, and can be pre-ordered at https://tantallontir.com/call-of-the-islesCall of the Isles comprises more than 30 pieces of short fiction, including I am pleased to say, one from myself and all examining the unique quality of…
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It’s good to see the reviews starting to come in for my book on writing fiction. The latest, complete with a five-star rating on Amazon, is from Davey, who says: “Packed with valuable insights and tips, John’s easily readable book has taken its place in my office where it will be a regular source of…
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I am delighted see that Joffe Books, which publishes my crime novels, had been shortlisted for another award. Already shortlisted for Independent Publisher of the Year, part of the British Book Awards 2026, the fast-growing company has now been shortlisted for Trade Publisher of the Year in the Independent Publishing Guild (IPG) awards, which it…
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So, you are an emerging writer seeking to get on top of the myriad of technical elements that comprise writing fiction. From creating credible villains to devising strong motives, making sure that your story grabs the reader from the first line to providing an ending that wraps everything up in a satisfactory manner, there is…
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All authors value their books bringing in large numbers of reviews and star-ratings, as long as the majority are positive, of course! For instance, I am, delighted if one of my novels tops 1,000 reviews/ratings on Amazon. It is good to know that you are not being ignored. Then you come across a statistic that…
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Rapidly-expanding Joffe Books has completed its takeover of respected publisher Severn House, which was founded in 1974 and whose specialties include crime fiction, as does Joffe Books, as well as horror and ghost stories. Severn House’s crime writers include Simon Brett and the company has a particularly strong presence in the United States.
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Research carried out as part of the National Year of Reading, in partnership with KPMG UK, has revealed that pressures on young families, as well as gaps in confidence and knowledge, are contributing to a sustained decline in parents’ engagement with activities known to support children’s early literacy development. The research is part of an…
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How can characters help authors to find a way through writers’ block? Read the latest of John Dean’s free Handy Hints for emerging authors in the Characters pages of this website to find out.
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John Dean - Crime Writer 