{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/6087d3aca4a81031ba098a59/6a0b0a69a9d744298374323e?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Inside Harrogate Crime Festival with Sharon Canavar | Gossip, Authors and Festival Secrets","description":"<p>In this special episode of <em>Quick Book Reviews</em>, Philippa chats to <strong>Sharon Canavar</strong>, Chief Executive of the <a href=\"https://harrogateinternationalfestivals.com/festival/theakston-old-peculier-crime-writing-festival/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival</a> and Harrogate International Festivals.</p><p>If you’ve ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes at one of the world’s most beloved crime fiction festivals, this is the episode for you.</p><p>Sharon shares:</p><ul><li>how the festival began back in 2003</li><li>why Harrogate feels different from other book festivals</li><li>the famous beer tent atmosphere</li><li>festival gossip and disasters over the years</li><li>lone traveller meet-ups and making the event inclusive</li><li>authors going missing</li><li>the hotel nearly catching fire</li><li>the fiercely competitive quiz night</li><li>why readers are truly at the heart of Harrogate</li></ul><p>Philippa and Sharon also discuss:</p><ul><li>the rise of crime fiction festivals</li><li>balancing blockbuster authors with exciting debuts</li><li>the new Swift Half Stage</li><li>why readers return year after year</li><li>proof copies, goodie bags and “golden goodie bags”</li><li>festival nerves, security and keeping events safe</li></ul><p>Plus: an unexpectedly passionate biscuit debate involving Kit Kats, digestives and secret chocolate habits.</p><h2>This Year’s Festival Highlights</h2><p>Featured authors and events mentioned include:</p><ul><li>Lisa Jewell</li><li>Lee Child</li><li>David Baldacci</li><li>Anthony Horowitz</li><li>Ann Cleeves</li><li>Chris Whitaker</li><li>Alice Feeney</li><li>Steve Cavanagh</li><li>Holly Jackson</li><li>Brenda Blethyn</li><li>Harlan Coben</li><li>Val McDermid</li><li>Mark Billingham</li></ul><h2>Why Listeners Will Love This Episode</h2><p>If you love:</p><ul><li>crime fiction</li><li>book festivals</li><li>behind-the-scenes publishing stories</li><li>author gossip</li><li>reader communities</li><li>literary events</li><li>festival planning chaos</li><li>funny podcast conversations</li></ul><p>…this episode is for you.</p><h2>Memorable Moments</h2><ul><li>The “freshers’ welcome” for lone travellers</li><li>Golden goodie bag brainstorming</li><li>Authors accidentally trying to enter the wrong hotel room</li><li>The legendary Harrogate beer tent</li><li>The near-disaster involving a cigarette and the hotel</li><li>The wildly competitive late-night quiz</li><li>Sharon’s emergency Kit Kat stash</li></ul><h2>Biscuit Verdict</h2><p>Sharon chooses:</p><ul><li>Jammie Dodgers</li><li>Two-finger Kit Kats (strictly rationed)</li><li>Chocolate digestives… eaten unconventionally.</li></ul><p><br></p>","author_name":"Philippa Hall"}