It’s a delight to welcome writer and journalist Vicki Goldman to the Cocktail Lounge. Last year the opening chapters of her Jewish-themed crime novel, The Redeemer, won her the accolade of first runner up in the Capital Crime New Voices Award.
Hi Vicky, how lovely to see you in my virtual cocktail lounge. What can I get you at the bar?
V: Hi Anne. Thank you so much for inviting me – it’s much more spacious than I expected. Many people who follow me on Twitter (or know me in the “real world”) will be aware that I am particularly partial to a shot (or two or three…) of Thunder Toffee Vodka. But I am currently staring into my sunny garden and realise that I fancy something more refreshing, such as a Pimms and Lemonade (with fruit and ice, of course). If your bar stocks are running low (because I know many people have been drinking more alcohol than usual during lockdown), my other usual drink is a vodka and orange.
Knowing you’d be here, I stocked up on Thunder Toffee Vodka! So where did we first meet in real life?
V: We first met at First Monday Crime, which takes place in London on the first Monday of each month with great author panels and socialising in the pub afterwards. I was possibly lurking in a corner somewhere and you possibly dragged me into a conversation to share our love of crime fiction!
First impressions?
V: You put me at ease straightaway. Since then we have had great chats at more First Monday events and also at book launches and festivals. It is always lovely to see you.
Funny isn’t it, I thought you were quite intimidating – not realising you are shy. Points in common?
V: We seem to have quite a lot in common, as we are both journalists and also love crime fiction (although you are published and I’m not there yet!). We often share a laugh on Twitter at some of the ridiculous press releases that arrive in our inboxes.
And we both had non-fiction books published by the same company. What are you working on now?
V: By day, I work as a journalist and editor, specialising in consumer health, writing for various magazines. I am also freelance health editor for Bupa, updating the consumer health information on the website. Around 18 months ago, my day job and the book world collided when I decided to use my skills and experience elsewhere. I now proofread fiction for Orenda books and I have edited memoir for Mirror Books – a welcome break from some of the heavy health writing topics.
V: I review books for LoveReading and I am writing crime fiction too. I was first runner up in the Capital Crime New Voices Award 2019 with the first chapters of my Jewish-themed crime novel, The Redeemer. I am currently writing something that is crime but also a little spooky, which is a set in a former prison. I am not that far in, but several people are giving me a kick (I mean, push) to get it written.
Love the idea of your WIP so get on with it! Sadly we have no “real life” book events at the moment but what would be your dream panel?
V: This is a hard one for me to answer as I have never been on a panel. But if I was on a panel right now, it would likely be as a moderator, which terrifies me a little (okay, far more than a little).
V: Thinking back to the First Monday events I have been to, I think a panel featuring Susi (SJI) Holliday, Steph Broadribb, Rod Reynolds and Chris Whitaker would be great fun and I would learn a lot as they are all talented writers. They would certainly put me at ease, though I am not sure that I would be able to control the direction (or content) of conversation at all!
Having been on two panels with Rod, I think you’re on to a winner there. What are you most looking forward to when lockdown is finally lifted?
V: Probably some “me” time (writing in solitude at home, wandering aimlessly around a bookshop or even just sitting in a park). I also can’t wait to meet up with some friends who don’t live nearby – this would usually be in central London (eg the Waterstones Piccadilly 5th floor bar), but sadly I can’t see that happening for a long while.
Is there anything lockdown has made you think about/want to do?
V: I really appreciate what I do have here – my family (husband and two teenage sons) and some work to keep me busy (although I am always looking for more). I know others aren’t so fortunate. I also appreciate the support of my closest friends, who make me laugh when I’m feeling down or anxious and listen when I need to chat.
Well it was great to chat with you today, Vicki, and good luck with your WIP.
You can find out more about Vicky’s Editorial services here and follow her on Twitter: @VictoriaGoldma2