My 2009 diary
January:
Nasty cough and sore throat, but booked in to do a talk at the Newham and Redbridge 41 club on 13th, so I am conserving my voice!
13th A wonderful evening. I was made very welcome and with care was able to deliver the talk, although the voice practically didn't exist afterwards! As I had recently completed the Newham and Redbridge chapters of my new project I was able to give the audience a sneak preview of the book. Decided to stay in and keep warm to recover over the next week. In the end I didn't go out at all for another 10 days, but got a lot of writing done!
19th Kent Murders is now out, and looking very good.
February:
11th Busy day. Up at 6am as usual, dealt with correspondence, did some writing, 30 minutes exercise, lunch, then on the train. Delivered a talk at the Thurrock Union Retired Members Group, Orsett. Had a really enjoyable time. Back home just in time to grab dinner then out to the Forest Writers' group. I've heard about this idea of a relaxed retirement but not sure what it is!
March: I already have some talks booked in for 2010!
April:
3rd. There is some odd mixup whereby I am sometimes listed as the author or co-author of a book called 'From Basra to Baghdad'. It was wrongly listed on Amazon last year, and this has now been corrected, but I find that entering the ISBN for Crooks Who Conned Millions on googlebooks gives the Basra book instead. I emailed them about it but the reply suggested I needed to use snailmail. It looks to me like they are set up to deal with claims but not with the fact that there may be an error in their database! I wonder how long this will take to sort out?
I have also spotted that by some weird error I can't explain I am listed on Amazon as the author of a portable lighted magnifier (hardback). This is obvious nonsense, but my emailed correction came back with an automated reply saying they couldn't accept it. Again, I wonder how long this will take to resolve?
7th I am delighted to hear that Essex Murders is going to a third edition.
May: On the home strait now with The Big Book of Greater London Murders.
June: Amazon still have a listing for me as the author of a magnifier. I contacted the sellers who kindly withdrew the offer, but it still sits there on the Amazon record. I have also spotted an entry for a paperback of 'Crooks' but on checking find that this is not as yet in the pipeline.
Spending a lot of time in the National Archives, which is always en eye-opener.
July: The last few days have been a whirlwind of activity. I did my first volunteer day at the new Metropolitan Police Museum which is beautifully designed. I attended a reunion day at my old school, Wyggeston Girls Grammar, then I did a talk at Hadleigh WI on Essex Murders. I am also rushing about completing the photography for the next book. It looks like it will now be called 'Greater London Murders' - still due out in January 2010 but will be available in paperback straight away.
23-26 Attended the Theakston's Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival at Harrogate. Although there were no panels on true crime it was mentioned a great deal, much more so than last year, and I sensed considerable interest. The festival has a wonderful atmosphere, there are so many creative people, all very enthusiastic.
27th Finally packaged up Greater London Murders with all the pictures as well and sent it off to The History Press. Hard at work on Middlesex Murders, and also planning new talks.
August: Spent ten days up at Edinburgh working as a volunteer for a company that manages a Fringe venue. Had a brilliant time, worked hard and saw 26 shows!
September: 3rd - talk at Wickford about Essex Murders. A delightful welcoming group of ladies who obviously had a keen interest in true crime!
I now find myself working on two books at once - a busy schedule. I am putting the finishing touches to the first draft of Middlesex Murders, and have just finalised a contract with the British Library to write a book about the Illustrated Police News, the firsst sensational tabloid newspaper. Lots of talks coming up in future and I am learning how to create Powerpoint presentations.
23rd A real nightmarish situation. On my way to do a talk at Hampton Court and the whole rail system came to a grinding halt. I had to abandon the journey. Fortunately I was able to notify the organiser by phone, but I do so hate not being able to keep a promise! I found out later that there was a serious incident on the line, and I would never have been able to make it on time.
24th Attended Dreda Say Mitchell's book sigining at Borders Islington. Really well organised huge fun and a great success!
27th Received the first mock-up cover of Greater London Murders which I think is just excellent!
October
20th Did a talk on chloroform for the Last Tuesday Society, which I enjoyed enormously. We then ate a delightful dinner seated around a mortuary table. When I got home, decided to unwind with an episode of CSI Miami. What a mistake! It featured a man being forcibly chloroformed by someone physically weaker in about 10 seconds flat (impossible) and the man then remaining unconcious for some considerable time after the chloroform was removed (impossible). Surely a forensic based drama ought to be able to get basic facts (i.e. information which has been around since 1847) right?
21st All page proof corrections and changes as well as the pesky index have now been completed for Greater London Murders which can go to print. Hurrah!
28th The Spring Farm Women's Club Rainham was having its Hallowe'en meeting and everyone was dressed in spooky attire while the hall was decked out with skeletons and spiders. I was guest speaker on the subject of Essex Murders, and wore a suitably witchy outfit. The hall was packed, the talk was very well received and everyone was very welcoming. A lovely evening.
November
10th One of the great things about my research is that it takes me to some fascinating places. Today I toured the Moorcroft estate which used to be a Victorian lunatic asylum. It has several resident ghosts, but I didn't see any of them.
11th I gave the postponed talk at Hampton Court about Frauds which was very well received. Glad to be able to make it without any transport hitches this time.
15th I am hoping to be able to deliver Middlesex Murders by the end of this month. The last few illustrations are being assembled, and today was the last photography trip. I am also working hard on PowerPoint so I will soon be able to accompany my talks with illustrations.
December
Middlesex Murders all done and sent to the publisher! Due to be out next June.
17th Got a phone call saying that Greater London Murders is back from the printers early and my copies are on their way. This is always such an exciting event!
Marry Xmas and Happy New Year to one and all!
Linda Stratmann