In January, I had the absolute pleasure of being the guest author at the Shhh Secret Book Swap – and I can’t recommend it enough to any writer in the Edinburgh area.
The event itself is a joy. Think warm lighting, delicious nibbles, mugs of tea, and a room full of book lovers excited to share their favourite reads – all wrapped up like mysterious little parcels. It’s not about analysis or literary debate. It’s about connection. Each person brings a book they’ve loved, introduces it in tantalising terms (without revealing the title!), and then swaps it for a mystery book in return. It’s like Christmas for bookworms.
As a guest author, I shared a reading from The Psychopath, and then gave them a sneak peek at the prologue of my new novel, Hindsight. You could’ve heard a pin drop. The audience was engaged, open-hearted, and full of kind and thoughtful feedback. There’s a real magic to reading aloud in a space where people are genuinely listening. I left feeling ten feet tall.
And here’s the unexpected bit: that single evening sparked several new connections that have already grown into exciting opportunities. I was invited onto a panel networking event with Lynette Gray of LyNetwork – the most relaxed, friendly networking event I’ve ever attended. That connection has since blossomed into a joint exclusive (pilot) event we’re running together in May: Let’s Talk About Psychopaths (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lets-talk-about-psychopaths-tickets-1292808006549).
I also met several authors who are now working with me on their own books – writers I might never have connected with otherwise.
No, it’s not a paid gig. But it is absolutely worth your time. These events are thoughtfully put together, with heart and intention, and the ripple effect from just one evening can be incredible.
So if you’re local (Shhh... The Secret Book Swap is currently in Currie, Davidson's Mains and North Berwick - but is spreading fast!), or can travel, and you’re looking to meet readers, connect with fellow writers, or simply soak up some literary good vibes – go. Or better yet, be brave and offer to be a guest author. Your future self might just thank you for it.
(https://www.happybarnet.com/shhhh-secret-book-swap)
- Mary Turner Thomson