Save the date: 30 August to 2 September 2012

I'm pleased to share that the dates for the 2012 The Press Christchurch Writers Festival have been announced - 30 August to 2 September 2012. After many setbacks due to the devastating earthquakes suffered by the city in the past 18 months (including the cancellation of the 2010 festival, where the inaugural Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Crime Novel was originally to be presented), organisers are looking forward to being back in the city in the New Zealand spring this year.

It'll be great to see such a terrific celebration of books and writing back in Christchurch this year, and I understand there should also be plenty on the menu for fans of crime writing. More details to come about that in due course. You can keep up to date with the news and announcements about this year's programme at the festival's own website here, and by signing up for their newsletter here.

I will of course keep Crime Watch readers up to date with any announcements in relation to the crime writing events to be held at this year's festival, as and when particular international and New Zealand authors and events are confirmed.

To whet your appetite, there is also a terrific event next week with Norwegian crime writer Jo Nesbo, as part of The Press Literary Liaisons series, which doubles as a fundraising event for the upcoming festival. So if you're anywhere near Christchurch next week, make sure you head along to meet Jo Nesbo - and regardless of where you are, keep the 30 August to 2 September in mind for a visit to this great, recovering, city.

It is the home of Dame Ngaio, after all.