Writers want to speak desperately, says Nicol as he draws out one after the other of the celebrated authors to speak about different aspects of crime writing.
For the youngest and most recently rewarded crime fiction writer of the bunch, Mzobe (Young Blood), it was important to show especially young people the devastating effects of crime.
“They are so easily seduced into this life,” he says.
And while he is still living in the township he writes about, his is a story of fiction even though it is rooted in reality.
“A hit,” he says, “in Umlazi costs R1 000.”
Speaking to a gathering who probably have never had to think about that side of life, listening to him talk about people living a life of crime, and how easy it was to step into that world where he comes from, was enlightening – as is his book dealing with young-sters who make the wrong choices because of lives that seem too hard and hopeless.
Aussie writer Robotham (Wreckage), who describes himself as a newspaper junkie and some-one who loves being part of huge news events, says there are no new plots, thus the characters should be developed fully – and this is where he puts in a lot of effort. He notes that the book scene in Australia is hectic and could keep him busy for most of the year if he wants to go from one book fair to the next.
Describing Meyer as the man who moved South African crime fiction to a level playing field with the rest of the world, Nicol concedes that they are all just following in his wake. Obviously familiar with this kind of banter between buddies, Meyer swiftly switches to the plot of his last novel translated into English, 13 Hours, which is the only local book to make it onto this year’s Exclusive Books Boeke Prize list.
Talking about research amidst the despair about policing in this country, he shares the experience he had with the Hawks before he started on his last book.
“I was simply blown away,” he says to the amazement of every-one listening.
But that has always been part of the Meyer charm, his patriotism that is plastered all over his books, or when he shares anything about the country. It’s not that he whitewashes or shies away from the truth, but when there’s an accolade to be handed out, he’s quick off the mark.
All the authors agree that crime fiction’s popularity has gone sky high because of the resolution and justice that is part of the conclusion.
“That’s not always the case in real life,” noted Nicol.
Going in another direction, radio journalist Mandy Wiener tackles real life and people committing crimes rather than turning to fiction – and she has had a nation gripped with Killing Kebble. It was highlighted as the book most often read by those waiting in line at the local government elections.
“It would have been impossible to turn all of that into fiction,” she says. Three times, Kebble drove to his death and begged his killers to do the deed and three times he had to drive away because of bungling.
Yet hanging out with the main players featured in her story, she had to constantly remind herself that these were killers. “They’re such nice guys, but as the cliché states, I know what they’re capable of.”
All of them were promoting their latest books, yet with their heads switching to their next novels. Already 13 Hours is something of the past for Meyer.
He will be releasing his latest translated novel as well as his new Afrikaans story in the next few months.
Wiener knows she is living in a country that offers her the kind of stories waiting for fuller treatment than afforded in the news channels available daily.
Nicol has to make a huge turn and tackle new characters and adventures following the conclusion of his trilogy, Mzobe knows the world is his oyster and Robotham has his own particular rhythm when it comes to telling stories.