I did a rather fun thing this week. Something that is not like me at all. Anyone who knows me will know I'm not a fan of public speaking in any way, shape or form. But I applied to read at Virtual Noir at the Bar. And they said... yes.
If you don't know what VNATB is, it's an online weekly event run by the fabulous Vic Watson and Simon Bewick, where crime and mystery authors read something they've written via live video. This was originally a physical event in a bar in Newcastle. The hope is that these events recreate a slice of what that experience was like.
I've been dipping in and out of VNATB since the launch on the 1st of April, and what I love most is that it's a glorious mix of authors we know and love, and authors who are yet to be discovered. Some of the highlights for me have been readings from Ruth Ware, Gillian McAllister, Phoebe Morgan, C L Taylor and Susi Holliday but honestly, you should see some of the lineups.
This week I had the pleasure of reading alongside Adam Hamdy, Elizabeth Haynes, Anna Mazzola, Cara Hunter, Kate Hamer, Louise Candlish, Nikki Smith, Elly Griffiths and Amanda Robson. As many said on Twitter this week, what a lineup! Watch episode 14 here.
I really enjoyed doing my reading. I'm not great at pushing myself out of my comfort zone, but the comments in the chatbox after my reading left me with a little glow inside that I hope will keep me going.
Roxie
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