Partying with Jane Gregory in Mayfair

My father, a retired psychiatrist (now elderly) would remind me from time to time that as we age - 

“it’s the characters, the larger than life people; those with a generosity of nature, the ones that make you think, and make you laugh loudly at the absurdity of life - who are the ones that enrich our lives, and they are the people we remember most affectionately as they are life affirming.” 

And we all know that literary agent Jane Gregory is one such person, for her presence always lifts ones’ spirits, no matter how dark the day is.

When congratulating Jane Gregory last year at the Theakstons’ Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival for receiving the Special Services Award from the Harrogate Team, I remarked about how eclectic her 20th Anniversary Party was. She still recalled Mike Stotter and I attending as “Pulpy Fiction” dressed as John Travolta & Samuel Jackson from the Tarantino movie, complete with false wigs and facial hair. We thought our attire was apt as Jane’s business - Gregory and Company are specialist literary agents, who work in publishing’s crime, mystery & thriller fiction niche.

So late last year many of us received a ‘save the date’ message from Gregory and Company. We all knew that the niche literary agency was joining forces with David Higham Associates and that Gregory and Company were about to celebrate 30 years in business.

To see and read more about the evening - click here
 

Photos and Text © 2018 Ali Karim

Times Crime and Thriller Writing Masterclass

Do you want to be a crime writer? A really successful crime writer? We have recruited a panel of the top names in crime and thriller publishing to share their expertise at our Crime Club Masterclass on Monday, March 20. For just £45 you can join us to learn the secrets of creating great crime and thriller fiction.

On the panel (from left):

Henry Sutton runs the University of East Anglia's MA in Crime Fiction, and has written nine novels: ask him about structure, craft and technique.

Charles Cumming is the author of eight spy thrillers, partly based on his own experiences with MI6. Charles will share his ideas about turning fact into fiction, and how to write from both experience and imagination.

Literary agent Jane Gregory has masterminded the careers of Val McDermid and Minette Walters, among others, and knows exactly what she's looking for in the next great crime writer.

Julia Wisdom edits and publishes Stuart MacBride, SJ Parris and Simon Toyne. She can tell you what publishers want and don't want.

Sophie Hannah, an international bestseller, writes intricate psychological thrillers and with the blessing of the Agatha Christie estate she has also written two brand-new Hercule Poirot novels. Who better to discuss what the modern writer can learn from Agatha Christie, and what works — and what doesn't work — to create a successful psychological thriller?

The masterclass will give all guests access to each of the panel in small groups, so there will be plenty of opportunity to have your specific questions answered.

To find out more, and to book, click here.