🎄It’s up! And as is tradition, the putting up of the tree and decorations is celebrated with the season’s first Snowball. Don’t judge me. 🎄 #christmas #decorations #snowball #advocaat

If you’re looking for a Christmas present for that #crimefiction fan in your life, may I be so bold as to suggest Dark Waters? People seem to like it. Maybe the #reader in your life will too! #booksky #books #author #crimethriller #essex bit.ly/4o6Ul9B

“As someone interested in criminal behaviour, I’m also intrigued to find out why [The Catcher in the Rye has] been cited as a motivator/influence in acts of violence and murder.” Crime writer Lesley McEvoy talks books, behavioural science and her brilliant series of novels. #booksky bit.ly/49crnkL

I always ask people on the Bookmarked blog Q&A if they’re plotters or pantsers. For me, it’s a combination. Plan some. Write it up. Prevaricate about where it’s going. Plan some more… always in longhand. Writing it down helps it stick, & helps me see where I’m getting it wrong. #booksky #amwriting

Having worked as a behavioural analyst before being an author, Lesley McEvoy knows a lot about the mind &, here, discuses why being a psychopath can actually have its advantages, why Jack the Ripper is still holds such morbid fascination, & her series of brilliant novels. #booksky bit.ly/49crnkL

Crime writer #LesleyMcEvoy has written a book series featuring forensic profiler Dr Jo McCready. She discusses working as a behavioural psychologist, why Jack the Ripper still holds our fascination, & how there’re more psychopaths in business than in prison. #booksky #crimethriller bit.ly/49crnkL

Here we go again. Life (household DIY/kids’ extra curricular activities/new issue of the magazine I work for) has recently got in the way of writing. But, being back in the saddle with the words flowing, feels good. #author #amwriting #reader #reading #authorinterview #booksky

The next Bookmarked Q&A sees Lesley McEvoy discuss her brilliant book series, her role as a former behavioural analyst, why Jack the Ripper still holds our fascination, and how psychopathy can have its benefits. Sign up to receive the newsletter #booksky #crimefiction www.maxelwoodauthor.com/blog

Crime author #LesleyMcEvoy discusses her career as a behavioural analyst, how that shaped her books’ protagonist, & why she chose to resurrect #JacktheRipper. Interview’s out later this month. Sign up to my free newsletter to receive it direct to your inbox. #booksky www.maxelwoodauthor.com/blog

From classic Choose Your Own Adventure books to the more grown-up stories of Dennis Lehane’s Mystic River & Gone Baby Gone, @joelnedecky.bsky.social talks about his journey to writing his brilliant debut book, The Broken Detective. www.maxelwoodauthor.com/post/the-boo... #booksky #author #reading

Now, I’m no branding mastermind, but calling a men’s fragrance this feels like an odd move.

What does Mystic River and Prince of Thieves (not that one) have in common? @joelnedecky.bsky.social tells us in this month’s Bookmarked interview. #books #booksky #authorinterview #author #reader #reading #writing #thebrokendetective www.maxelwoodauthor.com/post/the-boo...

Was a pleasure to talk to @joelnedecky.bsky.social about his brilliant new book, his inspirations and more…

“Like Ian Rankin, but in Essex,” says author, screenwriter and podcaster Mark Stay. If that sounds like something you’d like, then Dark Waters is only 99p in the kindle store for a limited time. #books #booksky #crimefiction #author #reading amzn.to/4n40v9O

It’s writing time! This week, though, I’m working on the upcoming Bookmarked Q&A, which is with crime author @joelnedecky.bsky.social, whose debut novel The Broken Detective, is out next week. Sign up to my free newsletter to get the Q&A to your inbox. #amwriting #booksky #crimethriller #reading

Let’s hope the week continues as successfully. 🤞 #wordle Wordle 1,570 2/6 🟨🟩⬜⬜🟩 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Join me LIVE with @pernillehughes.bsky.social, author of A COPENHAGEN SNOWMANCE, which is here to herald in Christmas. Yes, I said the C-word! What of it? Thursday 9th October, 8pm BST Facebook: fb.me/e/3zhYHqYHw Youtube: www.youtube.com/live/P6W74xA...

“Why am I turning into my dad, who only listens to a radio station if it has the suffix 'Gold'?” 90s nostalgia, TikTok videos about sponges, bookmark deniers & lunch ditherers are just some of the things I love or hate. The reasons are here 👇 bit.ly/3WmyLlK #loveandhate #authors #booksky #reading

‘Hate’ is a strong word, but ‘strongly dislike’ isn’t quite so compelling. ‘Love’ is also a strong word, and perfectly apt for this list of thing in 2025 that I love and strongly dislike… #books #booksky #writing #reading #readers #author #90snostalgia www.maxelwoodauthor.com/post/love-ha...

Had convinced myself I could only write with the right desk, the perfect chair, total silence. Made an effort to get out of that habit, or it’s too easy to find excuses not to write. So, another drama lesson for my son, & another few hours to write (& drink coffee & eat cake). #booksky #amwriting

Sign up to be a VIP Reader & as well as receiving a fortnightly newsletter with author interviews, blog posts, news and info, you also get a free download of the new Abraham Hart short story, Buried Lies. #author #books #booksky #reading #crimefiction #freebook #writing www.maxelwoodauthor.com

Great night attending the Guardian Live event seeing Richard Osman & Mick Herron interviewed. Reveal of the night was Herron saying he already knows “how, when, where & why Jackson Lamb dies.” Really interesting talk about their processes, characters & approach to writing. #booksky #author #writing

With comedy and crime (crimedy?) at publishing’s forefront (looking at you, Richard Osman) author @lmchilton.bsky.social explains his own approach to mixing the funny with the felonious in the Bookmarked Q&A. #books #booksky #author #writing #authorinterview www.maxelwoodauthor.com/post/the-boo...

Just listened to the always brilliant Creative Differences podcast from @markstay.bsky.social, who was talking to @gdwrightwrites.bsky.social. Huge thanks for the shout out when you were taking about the (equally brilliant) Green Room writers’ forum, Mark. markstaywrites.com/the-green-ro...

Dating app addiction and mixing comedy and crime; @lmchilton.bsky.social discusses his writing journey, what journalism taught him before becoming an author, and why “a massive beanbag” is the perfect writing set-up. #booksky #authorinterviews #reading www.maxelwoodauthor.com/post/the-boo...

Been a long day, but trying to get into the groove of writing every day. 700 words in an hour isn’t too bad. Will have to revisit tomorrow, though, to see how good those words actually are. And, yes, my wife does like to organise the bookshelves by spine colour. #booksky #books #amwriting #author

From Richard Osman to Gabrielle Zevin and beyond, @lmchilton.bsky.social discusses some of the books, authors and movies he loves, as he takes on this week’s Bookmarked Q&A. #books #booksky #author #reading #writing #crimethriller www.maxelwoodauthor.com/post/the-boo...

Crime writer @lmchilton.bsky.social takes on the Bookmarked Q&A, discussing his previous job as a print & TV journalist, why dating apps are the perfect foil for a serial killer, & his murderously funny novels. #books #booksky #crimethriller #author #reader www.maxelwoodauthor.com/post/the-boo...

Realised the mistake I made this time last week: No cake. Rookie error which I have satisfactorily remedied. Banana and walnut, in case you’re wondering. #amwriting #author #writing #booksky #crimethrillerfiction #crimefiction #reader #books

Despite the Tube strike, I’m London bound, and the views from the local station are always decent when the sun’s shining. #commuter #beachlife

Best-selling author @rowancoleman.bsky.social discusses her love of the Brontë sisters’ work - especially Jane Eyre - talks about the books & authors that inspire her, & tells us about her new novel, The Good Boy. #booksky #author #reading #writer #interview www.maxelwoodauthor.com/post/the-boo...

There’s a birthday in the family and to celebrate we’ve decided to consume our daily calorie intake in one meal! You’re only 10 once though, so…. 🎂🥳

Football training, drama club, birthday parties, sleepovers… the kids have got a far more active social life than me. But sometimes - just sometimes - hanging around between pickups has its advantages. #amwriting #author #books #booksky #writer #crimeficion

From inspiring stories & admired authors to cherished writing places & favourite films, @rowancoleman.bsky.social reveals the things she loves & talks pets, pen names and her new book, #TheGoodBoy 👇 www.maxelwoodauthor.com/post/the-boo... #books #booksky #author #reading #writing #authoringerview

If you like dogs, and you like funny, emotional stories, you’ll like @rowancoleman.bsky.social’s soon-to-be-released new novel. She talks about inspiration, re-imagination & the pros and cons of pen names.👇 www.maxelwoodauthor.com/post/the-boo... #books #booksky #author #amwriting #reading

Best-selling author @rowancoleman.bsky.social talks about her new book, The Good Boy, the impact of reading Jane Eyre as a child, the novels & films she loves, the pros & cons of pen names, & narrating her dog’s inner thoughts. #books #booksky #author #reading www.maxelwoodauthor.com/post/the-boo...

Holiday book 6: ✅ Final day of the holiday, final of the six books I planned to read finished. @lmchilton.bsky.social’s book is clever, funny (despite all the murders) & pacey. Back to reality, work and far less reading time from tomorrow! #books #booksky #reading #author #summerreads

Holiday book 5 ✅ Loved the previous 2 Woodville books, & the 3rd matches up. Funny, warm, exciting & emotional… enjoying getting to know Faye Bright & the citizens of Woodville, & luckily there’re still 2 more in the series! #books #booksky #reading #author www.maxelwoodauthor.com/post/holiday...

Fourth holiday book; ✅ Loved The Plot & this is clever &, in places, corruscatingly funny/scathing about writers & the publishing industry but, like many sequels, doesn’t quite live up to its (amazing) predecessor. www.maxelwoodauthor.com/post/holiday... #books #booksky #writing #reading #author

Just finished. Fascinating, funny, thoughtful, and pulls back the curtain on brilliant films like #LegendsoftheFall and #Glory. If you want to see what else I’ve been reading (and plan to read) on holiday, it’s all here. #books #booksky #reading #author www.maxelwoodauthor.com/post/holiday...

I’m on holiday, which means I need a lot of holiday books, which is what this fortnight’s blog post is about. Thrillers, thriller sequels, romantic comedies, Hollywood memoirs and ill-advised pool-side snaps abound. www.maxelwoodauthor.com/post/holiday... #books #booksky #reading #author #writing

How did Craig Mazin help @markstay.bsky.social become a better scriptwriter, and which of his own books made him realise he was a good writer? #books #booksky #writing #author #scriptwriting #creativity #amwriting www.maxelwoodauthor.com/post/the-boo...

Scriptwriter of Robot Overlords, author of the Witches of Woodville & End of Dragons series', writing mentor & podcast host, @markstay.bsky.social talks writing, resilience & working with @rowancoleman.bsky.social. #books #booksky #author #writing #reader www.maxelwoodauthor.com/post/the-boo...

Author & screenwriter of films including Unwelcome & Robot Overlords, @markstay.bsky.social discusses the joy of hearing actors say his lines, the differences between novel & screenwriting, & the book-to-movie adaptation he’d love to see. #writing #booksky www.maxelwoodauthor.com/post/the-boo...

Author, screenwriter and podcaster @markstay.bsky.social talks Witches of Woodville, book industry evolutions and his own writing process in the latest Bookmarked Q&A. #authors #writing #reading #booksky #books www.maxelwoodauthor.com/post/the-boo...

The Kindle edition of Dark Waters, “a perfect holiday read”, is now only £1.99. If you’re a crime fiction fan who likes layered stories, complex characters and tense stories, it could be for you. #books #booksky #crimefiction #holidayread #reader #author #summerreading bit.ly/3Hl1jIv

Spent a fantastic hour here today. We went “for the kids” but with all the old toys - He-Man, Star Wars, M.A.S.K., Transformers, Action Force etc - it was basically like a museum of my youth. If you like comics, toys and all things ‘nerdy’ it’s well worth a visit. #toys #comics #starwars #heman

Author, podcaster & writing mentor @markstay.bsky.social takes on next week’s Bookmarked Q&A. Sign up for free to be a VIP Reader & receive the interview direct to your inbox on Weds, and download the new Abraham Hart short, Buried Lies. #books #booksky #author #reader www.maxelwoodauthor.com

Sign up to be a VIP Reader & as well as receiving a fortnightly newsletter with author interviews, blog posts, news and info, you also get a free download of the new Abraham Hart short story, Buried Lies. #author #books #booksky #reading #crimefiction #freebook #writing www.maxelwoodauthor.com

Hugh Todd, author of It Happened in Clissold Park, talks books, writing and more, and reveals how his background as an advertising copywriter informs his approach to book writing. #books #booksky #author #reading #writing www.maxelwoodauthor.com/post/the-boo...