Saturday 3 September 2011

Writin', editin', drinkin' 'n' KILLIN... with me old bud, David Barber...

Mean 'n' moody crime writers love Killin...
Spent five wonderful days with my long time writing buddy, David Barber, and his lovely family, up in Crieff, Scotland. We supped some ale, I'll tell yer! I really needed to recharge the old batteries, and Dave and Lisa were perfect company to relax with.  The bonus that our kids get on great, made the break one to remember.

Although the day trip on the train from Dunblane to Edinburgh was enjoyable, the highlight of the holiday, scenery-wise, was definitely a little village in a valley, named KILLIN.  The name is intriguing in itself, but in no way reflects the place, as it's simply stunning.  Dave bumped into Matt Hilton there earlier this year, and I can see the attraction - it's a writer's dream.  If me numbers ever come up, then that's where I'm heading!  I'm not at all envious of Dave working up there, and he never sends me picture-texts rubbing it in with the tag line: 'my view from work!'
Killin is a writer's dream ...

Once our families retired to beddy-bo's, Dave 'n' I mixed our drinks and discussed all things writing (plus, a bit of football, of course), including, our novels, our ezines, deadlines and ideas for the future. If we'd have had more time we'd have spoken about time management. Anyway, I think we're both more focused now.

On our way up from Manchester, then on our way back down, we dropped in at The Mill in Gretna Green to see popular Crimesquad reviewer, Graham Smith, at the family hotel (for weddings), where he works.  Graham's certainly an expert on crime fiction, devouring a couple of novels a week.  Plus, he attends the crime events and festivals, where he regularly interviews authors old and new.  Coincidentally, he's just reviewed Matt Hilton's latest novel, Dead Men's Harvest.  Since Matt's 'author of the month', there's a nice interview with him too.
With Crimesquad's Graham Smith at Gretna Green.

Graham's also writing a crime novel and has joined Dave and my-good-self in the race to hit our respective first draft deadlines! Nowt like a bit of stiff competition to kick you up the arse, eh?

So now, I've returned to claustrophobic city life totally inspired... but I can feel the walls closing in already...

Thanks to Dave 'n' Graham and their lovely families for making us feel so welcome.


19 comments:

Chris Rhatigan said...

That's very cool that y'all got to meet up. I'll have to get to that side of the pond one day!

Unknown said...

You're welcome any time, Chris. If you like red bricks, noise 'n' pollution, then I'll put you up. If you prefer beautiful scenery, peace 'n' quiet, then head for Dave's. :-)

Sean Patrick Reardon said...

That was awesome and love the pics. Next time you guys have a big discussion, set up skype session ;) Before I leave this earth, I am going to meet up with you guys. If by any chance you ever come to Mass, or any where relatively close, mi case su casa.

Thomas Pluck said...

Awesome trip... I gotta visit KILLIN some day. I know a lot of people who need KILLIN.

Paul Grzegorzek said...

If you ever decide that you want to come down south instead, (if you can cope with the weak beer and warm weather), just give me a yell!

Sounds like you both had a great time, and having had the pleasure of an evening drinking and talking books with you both i'm pretty damn sure you did!

SueH said...

Sounds like kickin'-back in Killin was just what the Dr ordered! Envy, envy .... ;-)

(I'm taking a writing/blogging hiatus -Dave will tell you why)

Unknown said...

Sean,
I'm sure we'll all meet up some day. I don't go to 'Mass' enough, but I'm not that religious anyway (sorry).
Dig the Irish hat, BTW! :-)

Thomas,
LOL. Yeah, so do I, bud. Great to see you over here. You're welcome any time.

Paul,
I'm drawn to the north, mate. But if things pan out for us all the way we hope, we should be bumping into each other a lot more at book launches! Fingers crossed...

Sue,
I never thought I'd say this, but Killin is a truly wonderful... I must do it again real soon...

Sorry to hear you're having a break from it all, but sometimes you have to look out for number one.

Regards to all,
Col

Unknown said...

Sounds like you had a great time, Col. I need to get me a mate with a house in a place like that.

David Barber said...

Col, it was great to see you all. I hope you did recharge your batteries, as I'm sure the whisky, brandy, lager, ale and wine all helped.

I hope you took on board what we spoke about and what Lisa said to you about work and chilling etc. Leave your job at the workplace.

We'll meet up again soon, buddy, but in the meantime I'll give you a bell and send you some quality photo texts! LOL!

Sean Patrick Reardon said...

A soon as I wrote MASS I knew, I was setting myself up. Glad you didn't disappoint!

Unknown said...

Michael,
Tell me about it! But I thought you already lived up there somewhere...?

Dave,
:-) Batteries as recharged as they can be, mate. And, yeah, whenever I feel the need to be chillin', I'll just think of Killin!

Sean,
You know me! Thanks for the set up, LOL.

Helen Baggott said...

Sounds brilliant, loved the photos!

Unknown said...

Cheers, BB!
x

Lily Childs said...

Aw, you guys...

That is all. (Love you both).

Unknown said...

Aw, Lil.

Love you too.
x

chad rohrbacher said...

Great when you can finally meet the peeps you see and read all the time on-line. Great sign to get a pic in front of too.

Unknown said...

Cheers, Chad.

When we drove passed that sign our tyres screeched! Couldn't miss that opportunity. I'm sure it'll put to good use in the future. :-)

Thanks for dropping by.

Best,
Col

Anonymous said...

This was really interesting. I will definitely see Killin if we get backt to Scotland. Nice you and David are old friends.

Write on!

Jeanette Cheezum

Unknown said...

Cheers, Jeanette. You won't be disappointed. It's stunning.