Following a chance remark Zoë made about self-defence at Bouchercon 2004 in Toronto, that 'you can't run in high heels', she teamed up with fellow crime writer Meg Chittenden for a light-hearted demonstration of the art. Their first display was at Left Coast Crime in El Paso, March 2005, and they repeated their performance at Bouchercon 2005 in Chicago, with the occasional assistance of volunteer from the audience, Fred Rea.

These snapshots are intended as an idea of what the demonstration was all about, not an instruction manual, so I can't accept any responsibility for injury if you attempt any of these moves without proper instruction. Sorry!

I believe everyone would benefit from some self-defence techniques but the best place to do that is in a recognised and properly instructed class. Your local police may well be able to give you details of one near you. Good luck!