Festival of Authors and Poets

Saturday 15th September 10 am to 4pm

County Buildings, Martin Street Stafford

(Part of Stafford Arts Festival)

Children's books - Young Adult - Fiction for Adults - Non Fiction and Travel Books

Something for everyone

Once again this year we have a fantastic line up of over 20 authors in County Buildings who will be on hand to discuss their books throughout the day and there will be a programme of timed talks taking place. For more about the Arts Festival in General click here. REad on for details of the Festival of Authors.

The Authors

Here are just some of the writers who will be attending:

Carys Jones: author of; Not All Stars Sparkle, a Crime Thriller aimed at adults.
- Lia Ginno: is a children's author and has had five books published. The Legend series - The Legends and the Inca Crystals, The Legends Saving the Rainforest, The Legends and the Bible Code Quest all follow the magical adventures of two children with special powers for 10- 14 age. The Gallant Three is a mystery and the first story in a special pals series for 7 -10 years. Nanny's Babysitting Adventures combine four stories with jokes and activities for ages from 4 - 9 years.
- Clemy Warner-Thompson: has written Purest Light and Darkest Regrets (the first two of three). They are both fantasy and aimed towards teenagers who are in secondary school.
- Elizabeth Leaper: is a Poet, Writer and Illustrator who has published works including Barking at Nothing and Collecting Cobwebs, Gathering Brambles.
- RH Stewart writes gripping tales for teenagers Devils Creature in the City of the Dead and God of the Underworld are guaranteed to stir the imagination. You can read a review here.
- Janet Thompson: writes charming children’s books: Duel in the Attic, The adventures of Tiger, Duel Under the Sea and Pretty Stupid Stories.
- Suzie Litton-Wood’s book is set in the time of the First World War; Our Josh tells the story of a typical narrow boat family and is brought to life using the rich local dialect of the East Midlands.
- Marilyn L Rice: is a writer of contemporary fiction, her 5 published books include; Time & Tide', 'No Regrets', 'Stay in Touch'.
- Michael J Smedley: hails from Derbyshire and has written several published novels including; Late Cut, A Subtle Revenge, and Manna from Abaddon which are set in the Peak District.
- Nick Thom: writes non-fiction books about very ancient history The Origin of Tongues, History Re-written and The Great Flood are aimed at adults and older teenagers.
- Phillip Baker’s novel Needle on Red - is a partly autobiographical diving adventure written with adults in mind but also suitable for teenagers.
- Catherine Cooper is the author of the Jack Brennin series of magical, fantasy adventure books which include The Golden Acorn and Silver Hill and the Hawke & Co series of real life adventures, humour and fun: The New Neighbours and The Pirate Ship.
- Rosey Thomas Palmer has written a number of books, her novel Hues of Blackness is set in Jamaica where she lived for many years.
- Valerie Astill is a travel writer who has published 3 books; From Coconuts to Condors, Temples and Tacos and Rats, Rice and Rickshaws are based on the true life accounts of her and her husband David’s extensive travels.
- Richard Denning is a practising GP who also writes sci-fi, historical fiction/fantasy books as well as designing board games. His published works include Tomorrows Guardian, The Last Seal and Shield Maiden and are aimed at a teenage audience.
- Alan Dance was born in Nottinghamshire and has written both fiction and non-fiction books based on the local area. Narrow Marsh and Leen Times are both historical novels set in the 18th century and The Chilwell Ghost is a non-fiction publication using historical records and original source material to explore the truth about a local legend.

FREE TALKS and WORKSHOPS
Led by Authors

10.30am
Philip Baker, author of NOT QUITE A JUDAS, NEEDLE ON RED and Three volumes of YOUTH LED BY YOUTH - a history of the Hitler Youth, discusses 'Where do your ideas come from?' This is a great talk for all you budding writers out there.

Why not come back at 2.30pm for Gloria Morgan’s Talking about character ?

11.15am
Lia Ginno, author of children’s books such as The Gallant Three, The Legends trilogy and The Legends and the Bible Code Quest, will be runningThe Alien Investigation Team Recruitment workshop - usually best for 7/8 - 11 years.

12.00
Historical fiction writer Richard Denning will be discussing why the Saxons believed in monsters and magic, gods and other worlds in his talk England 600 AD: a land of myths and legends.Come along and find out more about their world. For ages 9+

1.45pm
Are you interested in the Gothic world? Do you enjoy looking into the world of horror? Teenage fiction writerBob Stewart, author of The Devil’s Creature in the City of the Dead and God of the Underworld and the City of the Dead will be talking about Gothic Writing.

2.30pm
Children’s author Gloria Morgan, who writes for 9 to 12 year olds, will be following on Philip Baker’s talk in the morning. If you are interested in becoming a writer come along and enjoy her Talking about Character.

3.15pm.
Elizabeth Leaper,
An Elfje is a short form of poem devised in Holland in order to teach children about writing poetry. The form follows simple rules, is just five lines long and does not need to rhyme. They are also great fun to write, so why not come along and have a go!

County Buildings, Martin Street Stafford (click for pdf map)