Books on Tyne festival will showcase local talent

Oct 27 2010 by Barbara Hodgson, The Journal

WITH a wealth of writing talent in the North East, Newcastle’s own book festival has lots to celebrate. From Vera creator Ann Cleeves to Viz insider Simon Donald, BARBARA HODGSON uncovers some of its highlights.

THERE’S nothing like curling up with a good book. Except, perhaps, having a chance to get out there and meet its author.

A three-day book-fest starting in the city centre next weekend is inviting us to do just that with a series of talks running alongside workshops and browse-and-buy events.

The free festival Books on Tyne is being hosted by City Library on November 6 and 7 and Newcastle College on November 8.

Covering all genres – from children’s books and thrillers, through poetry and history, to architecture and biography – it will showcase some of our best writers and publishers.

Among those meeting their fans will be crime writer Ann Cleeves, from Whitley Bay, whose “sharp but shambolic” creation Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope has inspired a TV series, currently being filmed in the region. Ann will be discussing Vera’s story at 10.45am next Saturday in City Library, in New Bridge Street West, after the festival’s 10am launch by author and presenter John Grundy.

Also giving talks in the library that day about their locally-set work are former police chief Graham Pears from Northumberland, who will be discussing his debut crime thriller The Myth of Justice, historic crime novelist Roz Southey and thriller writer David Williams.

There’ll also be a discussion session about the dos and don’ts of publishing; a talk by children’s author Noreen Rees about her prize-winning illustrated Christmas book The Beach Tree; a talk by poet, historian and broadcaster Katrina Porteous on the history of the Northumbrian fishing communities, and a reading of new work and premiere of a specially-written short play by Northumbria University Writers Society.