Ian Rankin new Rebus book interview in Perth

Rebus Creator Ian Rankin Interview

When I was asked to interview prolific Edinburgh crime novelist Ian Rankin, who can boast writing one blockbuster each year for approximately the last 24 years,  I wondered if it would be humanly possible to read just one in 24 hours having never read any of them. I decided no it wasn't.  But we could have a chat anyway.
Having done my research, I realised we had loads in common. He drinks beer, I don't. He loves rock music, I don't. He lives in Edinburgh....and I don't.  I just knew we would hit it off. So away I went making my way through the snow in my favourite high-heeled suede boots - yes I said suede and snow in the same breath - as  confidence was needed to meet one of the world's top twenty authors signing his latest offering Standing In Another Man's Grave. It never fails to surprise me when interviewing famous people, how surprisingly non-famous they surprisingly are if you catch my drift.  As I waited in a freezing cold badly lit corridor with only our little camera crew for company and debating if my nose really would look that blue on screen, the janitor ambled towards us. I was just about to ask him what time he expected Rankin and his entourage to arrive and if there was any chance of a wee cup of tea, when he said: "I believe someone is waiting to interview me".  
In my defence, it was a particularly dark corridor with a strange red bulb that cast a shadowy hue over anyone over 5' 5"- in other words taller than me. And tall Mr Rankin most certainly is.
However, his esteemed height was not the only enlightening factor. Ian Rankin was graciously engaging and appeared genuinely interested in what he was being asked despite the fact that he has probably answered the same old questions more times than you could shake a paperback at.
As I shook hands with him and thanked him for giving us his time and to let him get ready for his talk to the amassing throngs, I happened to glance down at his feet.  In the next instant our eyes locked. We both knew and understood with a barely imperceptible nod. I wasn't the only one wearing my suede confidence that snowy night!
View the whole Ian Rankin interview



Buy Ian Rankin's new Rebus book Standing In Another Man's Grave at Waterstones Online 

Neil Oliver Viking interview in Perth with Vyvyen

Neil Oliver talks Vikings in Waterstones in Perth

Striding towards me with a mane of glossy black luxuriant long hair that most women would happily dye for - pardon the pun - I felt that I was about to be introduced to an infamous Viking warrior. However it was, of course, well-loved TV broadcaster, historian and archaeologist Neil Oliver - the one with a voice that sounds like melting chocolate - who was signing his latest book Vikings in the Perth branch of Waterstones.

As I interviewed him for Perthshireonline.tv, I tried my best to be riveted by all he had to say about our ancient ancestors. But having a substantial amount of blonde tresses myself, all I could think about was are those locks natural? How does he get it to look so glossy? What brand of shampoo or secret ingredient conditioner does he use?
Once Neil gets talking about his subject, it's quite tricky to get a word in edgeways.  I would hate to appear rude and interrupt the softly spoken man in full flow, but wait my chance for him to draw breath and wrestle back control of the interview. Whilst I'm fascinated to hear of the expanding Viking empire of long gone ages, I wonder inwardly if he would mind me asking if he uses some natural preparation to control any wry grey hairs. It's just so shiny!
Oh yes, getting back to the Vikings. Fascinating stuff. Especially when he described sampling such ancient delicacies as rotten shark, testicle pate and sheep brains. Neil's the kind of man who would view a few wiggly jungle grubs in I'm A Celebrity as a tasty starter. He definitely gets my vote!!
To watch my interview with the lovely Neil Oliver 

Buy Neil Oliver's fascinating new book VIKINGS at Waterstones