Crime writers to tour Shrewsbury Library for inspiration
Crime writers will be descending on Shrewsbury later this month for an annual conference – and will be touring one of the town's most historic buildings where they may get some inspiration.
The Crime Writers’ Association will be going inside Shrewsbury Library this weekend.
It will be an opportunity for the crime writers, editors, literary agents and publishers to have a guided tour of the Grade I listed building and learn about its rich history.
Shrewsbury Library is situated on Castle Gates near Shrewsbury Castle. The site was the home of Shrewsbury School from 1550 until 1882.
The conference is attracting some of the biggest names in crime literature and takes place over the weekend.
On the Sunday afternoon there will be a chance for the public to meet some of the writers in an event at Waterstones on the High Street from 2pm.
Writers taking part will include the celebrated crime writer Peter Lovesey who now lives in Shrewsbury, local author Priscilla Masters, Christine Poulson, Kate Ellis, award-winning Martin Edwards, Marsali Taylor and Linda Stratmann.
Lezley Picton, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture and leisure, said: “The Crime Writers Conference is a perfect occasion to show off one of our most treasured heritage buildings in Shropshire. Writers, editors, literary agents and publishers will have a chance to explore and get inspired by this beautiful library.
The public are in with a chance to win a crime book bundle by completing the Crime Writers Conference Quiz available in Shrewsbury Library available from Monday to Saturday. For more information, speak to a member of staff.
The conference will be full of talks and presentations. Among the subjects covered will be the psychiatrist’s view of the crime thriller/neuro novel, and the delegates will also be hearing from author Jean Briggs about the life and work of Edith Pargeter, aka Ellis Peters, author of the famous Cadfael medieval detective books set in and around Shrewsbury, and from Jackie Malton, the DI on whom Lynda La Plante’s creation Jane Tennison was based.
Activities will include a visit to wine shippers Tanners and a gruesome walk around the town focusing on its violent past, brought to life by Martin Wood, the town crier.
