A touch of crime during winter Writers Lounges in Auckland

The Auckland branch of the New Zealand Society of Authors is running free weekly Writers Lounge events during June and July, with an interesting array of authors and people involved in the books industry 'in conversation' each Monday lunchtime at the Auckland Art Gallery toi o Tamakaki, in the central city (near the Auckland central library).

I'm very pleased to say that there is some crime-fiction content coming up this month as well; on Monday 20 June myself and fellow Ngaio Marsh Award judge and book blogger Graham Beattie will be in conversation with Metro magazine editor Simon Wilson about 'The Blogosphere'. And then the following week, on Monday 27 June, the topic is 'Crime Central', featuring Auckland-based crime writers Andrea Jutson (THE DARKNESS LOOKING BACK) and Ben Sanders (#1 bestseller THE FALLEN) in conversation with John Reynolds. Terrific.

It's great to see events such as these being run, and that local crime fiction is getting some further exposure to local readers. The events are held from 12-1pm in the Art Lounge at the Auckland Art Gallery, on the corner of Lorne and Wellesley Streets, and entry is free! So I hope plenty of crime fiction readers in Auckland will head along to both these events, and that readers of all preferences will give several of the fantastic free sessions on offer a go over the winter months. I'll certainly be heading along to more than just my session. Here's the full line-up:

Monday 13 June – Fantastic Worlds
Linda McNab and Russell Kirkpatrick in conversation with Tina Shaw

Monday 20 June – The Blogoshpere
Graham Beattie and Craig Sisterson in conversation with Simon Wilson

Monday 27 June – Crime Central
Andrea Jutson and Ben Sanders in conversation with John Reynolds

Monday 4 July – Food For Thought
Alexa Johnston and Ray McVinnie in conversation with Nicola Legat

Monday 11 July – Travel The Globe
Graeme Lay and Graham Reid in conversation with Yvonne van Dongen

Monday 18 July – Actors Read Their Favourite Authors
Elizabeth McRae and Jennifer Ward-Lealand in conversation with Rae McGregor

Monday 25 July – Publishing Here and Now
Dan Myers and Mary Egan in conversation with Carole Beu

Bouquets to the Auckland branch of the NZSA for organising the events, and for the Auckland Art Gallery and Creative New Zealand for their support. Should be fun! Hope to see some of you there on the day.