Polesworth Library to open doors to top crime writer
Polesworth Library is inviting the public to ‘An Audience with RJ Ellory’, the Birmingham–born crime writer whose most recent work – The Anniversary Man – is the latest in a string of internationally acclaimed pieces.
There will be the chance to meet and chat to Ellory at Polesworth Library on July 16th from 6pm.
Roger Jon Ellory’s first published piece – Candlemoth – was released in 2003. Six further novels have since followed, along with many literary honours.
These include shortlistings for the Crime Writers’ Association Steel Dagger for best thriller (twice), the Barry Award for Best British Crime Fiction, the Quebec Booksellers Prize, the Europeen Du Point Crime Fiction Prize and was winner of the inaugural Prix Roman Noir Nouvel Observateur for ‘A Quiet Belief in Angels’ for which Ellory has completed the screenplay for Oscar winning director Olivier Dahan (La Vie en Rose).
Ellory’s story is as gripping as that of any of his characters. Orphaned at age 7, despatched to boarding school the following year, returning to live with his grandmother who died the following year, he finally ended up in prison at the age of 17 after being arrested for poaching.
Upon release, following a short period as a guitarist in a rock band, he began to read and soon completed the works of Conan Doyle, Michael Moorcock and JRR Tolkien.
Over the next two decades, Ellory has written a huge amount, producing around 40,000 words a month and completing the first draft of each novel within three to four months.
Kate Mackie, Reader Development Officer with Warwickshire Libraries, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to meet one of the country’s most prolific and engaging writers, one whose reputation is as big across the world as it is here.
"RJ Ellory has many fascinating tales to tell and it promises to be an entertaining evening for anyone interested in crime writing, fascinating people and a good story.”
Tickets are priced at £4.00 and can be booked by calling the library on 01827 892587.