On Writing ; Caro Ramsay

I was at the crime writing festival in Harrogate last week. I went down to meet some friends, talk to my agent and my editors. I actually spent most of my time chatting to my ex-editor, which was very enlightening.

I named my dog after her daughter, Mathilda with an H. Both parties were fine with this.

I noticed a few things, some good, some bad, some just worthy of a little observation, some to ponder.

The Harrogate crime writing festival is wonderful in many ways. It’s one model of the way a festival like this can run. One day is tutorials and workshops, then it’s events all held in one venue – usually one event at a time as the main function room is very big.

And when that big event is over, the ladies toilets have a queue like an execution ( as we would say this side of the water).

There are now little side events going on in the gardens of the hotel. There’s also a huge beer tent marquee with street food and all sorts of goodies. The tendency was for members of the public to wander in, to see what it was all about.

Now there’s security on the gate. The ticket office is outside the gates. You can buy a weekend pass, a event ticket, or a pass to get into the grounds to access the tent. I think that was £10.

My editor asked to meet me and to name the place.

‘I don’t know where I can go as I don’t have any kind of ticket,’ I said.

‘Neither do I. We’ll meet at the ticket office.’

Turns out that many of the professionals attending, do their meetings elsewhere. I’m sure it’s not an expense thing, more of a quiet space thing.

And I noticed that last year at my publisher’s dinner I was in the average age range. This year, I felt like I was their granny…. So young, so confident, so argumentative with their paymasters…. Mmmm.

Here is a slightly amended conversation between me, agent I know well and a writer who looked twelve;

Me; So what are you working on at the moment.

Writer ; Well seemingly I’m writing a third book as my second book was rejected.

Agent (very experienced and much older); I didn’t reject it, I said it wouldn’t sell. It’s set in Lincoln. Nobody wants to read a book set in Lincoln. Set it in Brighton where you first book was, people love books in Brighton.

Writer; So where do you set your books then?

Me ; West coast of Scotland

Writer; why?

Me ; Errr, I live there…

Agent; Scotland sells. Ireland sells, Wales, not so much. …Lincoln? No.

Me ( changing subject); Oh , my new novel has taken an unexpected turn…

Agent Worried face this book has tasty advance…'Has it?'

Me;  It seems to have some smut in it.

Agent ; Oh they’ll love that. Smut sells. The only thing that sells better than smut is filth!

So, another top tip.

What kind of writers really annoy an agent? I love asking that question, especially when they look round before answering.

Middle aged men who think they know everything about everything!  ( To be fair I don’t think that's just in publishing.)

And who are the best writers?

Agent – 'well you and Names very famous writer with current TV series. Send you two an email with a 17 page contract, and I get an email back immediately that says  ‘What ever you think is best. Those are me favourite writers.

You need to know when to choose your battles.

So I bimped into Co pilot wee annoying thing the question What do agents look for in a crime novel. I only include here as a matter of honestly and transparency....please see under Strong Sense Of Place. Or had it read what I had just written. Weird or what?

1. Compelling Hook

• A unique concept or premise that immediately grabs attention.

• Examples: An unreliable detective, a murder in a locked room, a killer with a poetic MO.

2. Strong Opening

• Tension, intrigue, or a shocking event in the first few pages.

• Agents want to be pulled in right away—first impressions matter.

3. Distinctive Voice

• A narrative style that feels fresh, confident, and engaging.

• Whether gritty, noir, or humorous, the tone should suit the story’s world.

4. Complex, Believable Characters

• Protagonists with depth and flaws—especially the detective or sleuth.

• Villains and suspects with credible motives and layers.

5. Intricate Plot

• Twists, red herrings, and surprises that feel earned.

• Agents look for smart plotting that keeps readers guessing but doesn't confuse.

6. Strong Sense of Place

• Vivid settings that enhance atmosphere and immersion.

• Whether it’s a foggy Scottish village or bustling Tokyo backstreets, it should feel real.

7. Pacing and Tension

• Momentum that ebbs and flows strategically, building suspense.

• Scenes should escalate stakes without unnecessary filler.

8. Market Awareness

• Awareness of genre trends and reader expectations.

• Does your novel fit well among recent hits but still offer something new?

9. High Stakes

• The crime should matter—emotionally, professionally, or morally.

• Agents want a reason readers will care beyond solving the puzzle.

10. Polished Writing

• Crisp prose, well-edited dialogue, and good grammar.

• It doesn’t need to be perfect, but it should be professional.

Then I read the chilling bit at the end ;

If you’re crafting a crime novel, I’d be happy to brainstorm a gripping hook or help you refine a plot twist. What's the story you’re working on?