The 2018 Noirwich Lecture: Val McDermid
“What we really talk about when we talk about crime fiction”

Val McDermid delivered the annual lecture at the 2018 Noirwich Crime Writing Festival, on the subject of “What we really talk about when we talk about crime fiction”, and we have the full speech on today’s episode of the podcast.

As well as being a legendary crime author, Val is also one of this year’s Man Booker Prize judges, and her lecture examines where crime fiction sits in the wider literature scene and how it relates to society and the real world.

The Noirwich Lecture is presented by The Times and Sunday Times Crime Club, and the Noirwich festival is a partnership between us and the University of East Anglia.

Hosted by Simon Jones, writer and Digital Marketing Manager at the National Centre for Writing.

Subscribe on iTunes.

Find more episodes here.

Show notes

Mentioned events:

Noirwich Crime Writing Festival
Dragon Hall tours

Music by Bennet Maples: https://sonicfruit.co.uk/

You may also like...

The magic of storytelling: Isabel Allende on crafting stories

In this episode of The Writing Life Podcast, bestselling author Isabel Allende shares insights into her creative process and craft, as outlined in her latest book Storytelling.

Calendar

5th October 2026

Interview
Masters of the Craft
The Writing Life
Tips and Advice
Listen

One small step: the true value of mentoring for writers

In this piece, Kate Worsley reflects on the profound impact of the Escalator Fellowships, exploring their vital role in building writers’ confidence and helping them find their place within the literary landscape.

Calendar

22nd September 2026

Awards
New Writing
Professional Insights
Listen

Val McDermid and Elodie Harper talk crime fiction

Plus a sneak peek at Noirwich 2018

Calendar

30th August 2018

Crime Fiction
Festivals
The Writing Life
Listen
National Centre for Writing | NCW
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.