HOWDY DOODY

By Richard Jay Parker

Somebody asked me recently what was the most surprising thing about being a published author. Without doubt it's how I've been knocked sideways by the generosity of readers who really have no reason to be in any way interested in my work.

Over the past year I've exchanged Tweets, emails and Facebook messages with so many passionate readers that I would never have come into contact with. They read my book and tell me exactly what they think of it and it's been the most valuable learning experience I've had since STOP ME was published.

Of course, everyone is looking for different elements within a book. Some want a breakneck plot others want to know a character inside out and it's a dificult balancing act between the two. But every reader comment I get is valued - positive or negative.

There's a couple of immediate dates coming up where I hope to meet more readers. I'm on several panels at CRIMEFEST next weekend as member of The Curzon Group and as a young punk (details here).

Then on the 2nd June I'll be on a panel with Leigh Russell Matt Lynn and Tom Cain at Sheperd's Bush Library (details here - tickets are free).

I look forward to putting some faces to familiar names.

Happy weekend.

www.richardjayparker.com