Turns out crime does pay - at least if you know what you're doing.
Just ask best-selling authors Chris Hammer and Benjamin Stevenson, whose masterfully crafted crime thrillers have elevated them to fame and success.
The two scribes are among a host of literary luminaries set to feature at this year's Write Here Festival, celebrating all things reading and writing from 15-17 May.
Stevenson and Hammer will join moderator and fellow author Jaye Ford at Windale Hub, bilyabayi on Sunday 17 May to chat about what makes a great crime novel and describe their own writing journeys, offering an insight into writing bestselling genre fiction.
"Expect wit, insight and behind-the scenes stories as they explore the massively popular genre of crime fiction," Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley said.
"This year's festival is all about creating places for writers and readers to be inspired, whether they're writing their own novels or simply yearning to know more about what goes behind the scenes to get a book to publication."
Hunter-based natural history illustrator and author Sami Bayly will join a panel of writers on 16 May at Windale Hub for a free panel exploring the process of creating early childhood picture books, from conceptual stages to publication.
On Friday 15 May, solo sailors Tony Mowbray and Ruth Boydell will join trailblazing paramedic Alan Playford at Windale Hub for I finished my memoir!, a panel chat about how and why people commit their life story to print.
Other highlights of this year's festival include:
- A writing cruise on Friday departing Booragul Jetty on 15 May with writer and podcaster Magdalena Ball
- Acclaimed debut novelists George Kemp, Clare Stephens and Raaza Jamshed
- From Page to Stage, a panel about adaptation featuring Tanya Hennessy
Some Write Here activities are free, while others range in price. Bookings for all festival events are essential. Go to library.lakemac.com.au
