Jane Doherty moderates the web forums of Mark Billingham and John Connolly
Name: Jayne Doherty
Age: 39
Occupation: Discussion forum moderator
Number of Festivals attended: 4
Favourite author: John Connolly and Mark Billingham
Favourite book: Wuthering Heights – Emily Bronte
Best Festival event: Harrogate!
First off, you’re a regular at the Festival, why do you think it’s such a success and so unique to other crime conventions?
I’ve never been to other crime conventions and so I can’t compare, but I do think that Harrogate is successful due to the fabulous line-up each year. It gets better and better! And everyone is so friendly – I’ve made many new friends as a result of the Harrogate Crime Writing Festival.
You are website moderator for Mark Billingham and John Connolly, how did that come about?
I was a regular poster on John Connolly’s forum and his webmaven was going on holiday for a week. She asked me if I would keep an eye on the forum for her and so I did. When she returned, she asked if I’d keep an eye on things for a while longer, as she was very busy catching up with all her other work. I agreed, and before long I was offered the job permanently. A few months later, I received an email from Mark (I’d met him briefly at Harrogate in 2005), saying that he was adding a forum to his website and asking me if I’d like to moderate it for him. So, as you can see, it was quite by accident that I ended up working for two fantastic authors!
Are Mark and John really as lovely as they seem to be?!
Yes, absolutely!
How would you describe crime fans as a whole?
Crime fans are very friendly people, who love to talk about books and authors. Most of my friends are crime fiction fans.
Do you find that some fans cross the line? Or have had to be barred from forums? Can you give any examples?
One guy had to be banned because he started sending me spooky messages, saying that the whole forum needed protecting from the devil. He was seriously scary and I would be shaking as I read his messages. Thankfully, he’s gone now.
It seems many crime fans are aspiring writers themselves, is this true for you?
I’ve written a few short stories and I once wrote a 90 minute TV script. I’m about to start working on another one, which is about family loyalty.
The Festival is one heck of a gathering; can you offer attendees a survival guide?
I’d just advise people to enjoy themselves. And to take plenty of money because, if you’re anything like me, you’ll end up buying tons of books!
Say someone is a big fan of a particular author, what tips can you give about approaching them in the bar for a chat?
I think any author would welcome fans approaching them to say that they have enjoyed a particular book that said author has written. Authors tend to be very friendly people.
The Festival often involves a lot of activity at the bar! Have you any embarrassing moments you’d like to share?!
A couple of years ago I was quite drunk and ended up sitting next to the gorgeous George Pelecanos and I had my hand on his leg!
Is there anyone you’re particularly looking forward to at 2009’s event?
Gorgeous George – purely to apologise, of course.
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?
Yes, all the crime authors that I’ve met have been lovely. It’s hard to imagine that they write about gruesome murders!
Who would be on your dream Festival line-up?
John Grisham, George Pelecanos, Lee Child, Robert Crais, John Connolly, Mark Billingham, Kevin Wignall and Andrew Pepper.
Anything you want to add?
Just that I’m really looking forward to the 23rd July and meeting up with all my friends and favourite authors.
