Freelance journalist Barry Forshaw writes on crime fiction books and film. His work has appeared in The Independent, The Express, The Times and Movie Mail.

This week, FeaturesExec caught up with Barry to find out how he works with PRs, and what he’s reading at the moment.

About your journalism:

What do you write about?
Books (principally crime fiction) and film.

Where are we likely to see your work?
The Independent, The Express, The Times, Movie Mail.

What’s the most memorable work you’ve done?
My books: Rough Guide to Crime Fiction, Italian Cinema, British Crime Writing Encyclopaedia.

What interview or feature would you love the chance to do?
Actually, I’ve interviewed virtually all the top crime writers – but would love to carry on doing so!

About you and PRs:

Where do you source ideas for articles?
Publishers catalogues (editors, publicists), The Bookseller.

How can PRs be useful to you?
Steady stream of info.

How and when do you like them to get in touch?
E-mail.

Do you find press conferences, trips, parties and other events useful or an interruption?
The latter.

If you could make one change to the way PRs deal with you, what would it be?
More targeted approaches, less scattershot.

About you:

How would you pay the bills if you weren’t a journalist?
Writing books.

If we gave you £1000, how would you spend it?
Foreign travel.

What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Make yourself indispensable.

What books are on your bedside table, magazines in your bag, or blogs on your screen?
All the latest crime novels, Sight and Sound, Empire, no blogs.
[lnk|http://www.journalistdirectory.com/pr/XALAg/Barry-Forshaw/?hilitex=forshaw|_blank|FJD Barry Forshaw]
[img|jpg|Barry Forshaw]