Writing contemporary crime fiction: Val McDermid on Past Lying

By Ōtepoti He Puna Auaha | Dunedin UNESCO City Of Literature | Posted: Friday Aug 22, 2025

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, award-winning writer Val McDermid shares insights on writing contemporary crime fiction, and the importance of learning patience as a writer.

She sits down with NCW's Peggy Hughes to discuss how her research process and routine have changed over time, what readers can expect from the next book in her Inspector Karen Pirie series, and the preparation and delivery of her Harriet Martineau Lecture at Norfolk & Norwich Festival 2025.

Produced by National Centre for Writing.

Listen now: Writing contemporary crime fiction: Val McDermid on Past Lying | National Centre for Writing | NCW