Name: Betty Duffy
Age: 55
Occupation: Document Controller
Number of Festivals attended: 5
Favourite author: That is a real toughy, it depends on the day, anyone and everyone from Dennis Lehane to Mark Billingham, Val McDermid, Kevin Wignall, Ann Cleeves, – today: Harlen Coben.
Favourite book: I absolutely loved Mark Billingham’s Sleepy Head, such an unusual subject and so well done.
Best Festival event: From year to year the events change more or less, I absolutely love the interview between Mark Lawson and the main guest – I enjoy Mark’s interview style.

You’re a regular at the Festival. For those intimidated to come alone, or who have never been, what insider tips do you offer?

Well, first get your hands on a programme, download it from the site if needs be.  I usually go through it with a fine tooth comb before I get here because I’d change my mind, I want to get to almost all of them, but I want to have time to chat to the friends I’ve made over the years as well.  Therefore I pick the ones that are really relevant to me and stick with it, kind of.

Also stay in the hotel if possible, if not, as near as possible to the Crown.  A lot of talk and laughter can be had after the day’s work is done when the authors mingle with the fans, it’s absolutely great, brilliant friendly atmosphere.

For anyone coming this year alone, any advice on the best places to hang out and meet people in Harrogate?

Well, I’ve always had somebody to hang about with, but I have noticed over the years that when you are in a queue (and boy, can they be long) you get talking to the person before or behind you, let’s face it, you have a common interest so that’s one way of breaking the ice.  Hanging in the bar between the events and drinking coffee can be another way; people tend to gravitate towards the bar.  I find that in general people tend to be friendly and even though sometimes in groups, are quite happy to invite someone else to join.

The smokers congregating outside can be another good place strike up a conversation, even if not a smoker.

The Festival is one heck of a gathering; can you offer attendees a survival guide? (Apart from packing Alkazeltzer)

Lots of water! Well, I’ve survived 5 years and hope to survive a sixth, in spite of imbibing way too much on a few nights.  I suppose be sensible enough, know your limits and take a walk outside in the fresh air every now and then.  One year I didn’t leave the hotel from the time I arrived until I left – it felt strange, in a good way, to say the least.

Say you’re a big fan of a particular author, what tips can you give about approaching them in the bar for a chat?

So far I’ve found anybody I’ve approached very friendly and helpful.  A few years I wasn’t able to get a book signed as I’d had to leave to get to the airport before they last event and I found they were delightful and quite willing to chat and answer questions.  I found Lee Child is a total charmer and of course the vintage Kevin Wignall – he is a treasure of the festival in himself.

I think once you are polite, there is no problem, it’s a two way street, we adore these writers and they adore (?) us for supporting them.

The Festival often involves a lot of activity at the bar! I know I made a complete fool of myself in front of George Pelecanos in 2006 (booze and adoration does funny things to you!) Have you any embarrassing moments you’d like to share?

So you were the one I had to fight off!  He is gorgeous, part of my duo of gorgeous Georges.  If I have had any embarrassing moments, fortunately I’ve forgotten them.  I’m sure I’ve been a wee bit overzealous in my admiration for a few writers – I’m getting a few flash backs – so enough said.

How would you describe the Festival to someone who’s never been but you think would really get a lot out of it?

Well, the discussions on the panels can be very informative and fun. There is the writers’ day on Thursday now, with Val and Mark and other well-known writers.

You have a lot of like-minded people, either readers, or readers and wannabe writers.  It really has a great atmosphere for crime fans, you hear of writers you may not otherwise come across.  Even if you’re just sitting in the lobby watching, taking in the atmosphere, it for me is like a child in a candy store.

Have you got a favourite memory – if so, with whom, what year, and why?

The event that stands out in my mind is the interview with P.D. James, it was wonderful and touching and funny and she got a standing ovation – that event will be long in my memory bank.

Is there anyone you’re particularly looking forward to at 2009’s event?

Apart from the usual writers, Barry Norman and the panel about The Wire and Lee Child.

Have you made any good friends with other fans or authors as a result of the festival?

Oh yes, I’ve joined Mark Billingham’s forum and I now have pen pals all over the world – some of whom meet up each year. I’d like to think I could say I was friendly with a few of the authors that I meet each year as well.

Why do you think crime authors attract such dedicated fans?!

I of course am proud to be a Billingham babe and have the t-shirt to prove it. First and foremost they are great writers, and then they all are without doubt friendly, courteous and no nonsense kind of people.

Some, of course, have the sexy quality, sexy eyes, voice etc. that make you just want to look or listen all day/night.

Why do crime books rock your boat? Is it an obsession?

Definitely an obsession.  I think a really well written crime book, tells a story, just like any other book. I like to read about the way people tick.  Then again there is the puzzle – who, when, where and why? – and dovetail all this into a very interesting package – the book.

Everyone says how lovely and nice crime authors are, do you agree? If so, why do you think those who write about the darkest sides of humanity are so nice in person?

Those I’ve met have definitely presented their lovely side, then again Mark Billingham is also an actor and stand up comedian!  Seriously, Val McDermid and Stuart MacBride write extremely well about the dark side and are also quite humorous people. I guess maybe it’s a story that needs to be told and that’s their way of telling it.

Who would be on your dream Festival line-up?

Definitely Denis Lehane, Alex Kava, Jonathan Kellerman, the said Kevin Wignall, Donna Leon, to mention just a few off the top of my head.

Anything you want to add?

I would like to thank the organising committee over the years for bringing such a wonderful festival to crime fans worldwide.  The amount of work involved in bringing such an eclectic set of writers together has to be Trojan and [the Festival Team] have shown me kindness and helpfulness from the first moment I rang them inquiring about the Festival.  Also the chairs of the Festival, have presented the show with great aplomb.