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2012's most talked about authors appearing at Portsmouth's bookfest

Last updated: 03 October 2012 16:30

Portsmouth Bookfest

From RJ Ellory to some of the year's up and coming debut novelists, best-selling authors are heading to the city for Portsmouth's annual book festival, run by the council and Hayling Island Bookshop, from 20 October to 4 November.

Britain's number one chiller writer, author of The Rats and The Fog, James Herbert, is one of many appearing.

James said: "I’m looking forward to appearing at Portsmouth’s bookfest, and meeting people passionate about reading. If you’ve never been to a book event before, give it a try – it should be an entertaining evening."

Also on the billing are ex-SAS soldier and bestselling author of Bravo Two Zero Andy McNab, creator of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Deborah Moggach, debut novelist Tanya Byrne, and reading group favourite Kate Mosse.

Portsmouth library card holders are eligible for discounts on books and tickets.

Other highlights include:

- A night of girly banter, book talk and pampering with Adele Parks, Emily Barr, Emylia Hall and Morgan McCarthy
- Athletics-themed event, the day before the Great South Run, featuring Ironman to Common Man author Andy Holgate, Running with the Kenyans writer Adharanand Finn and debut novelist Helen Summer with Running Crazy
- Leading authors of the urban fantasy genre Jon Courtney Grimwood, Kate Griffin and Benedict Jacka discuss their work
- Kids stand-up comedy workshop with Edinburgh Fringe favourite Catie Wilkins
- Children's author 'Whizz Pop Granny Stop!' Tracey Corderoy
- Sell-out sign language poet Donna Williams performs with Portsmouth’s poet laureates
- Dorothy Koomson author of Ice Cream Girls, and one of this year's most talked about debut novelists Tanya Byrne author of Heart Shaped Bruise, will appear at Aspex Gallery for a bookswap
- Crime fact meets crime fiction when RJ Ellory, Ann Cleeves (ITV's Vera) and Pauline Rowson team up with real -life forensic police experts in CSI Portsmouth
- WI expert Jane Robinson recalls tales from 'A Force to be Reckoned with - A history of the WI'
- The dark side of Dickens and Doyle, a Halloween special at the Square Tower - not suitable for children, explores the spookier side of Portsmouth's famous residents (includes Conan-Doyle's collection of 'supernatural' photographs)
- Editors and authors from Vintage Books discuss the future of publishing and current work
- Founders of Buttonbag and favoured by Sunday supplements, Sara Duchars and Sarah Marks discuss their latest book ReCraft and offer advice at Aspex Gallery

Claire Forsyth Portsmouth, Portsmouth City Council Bookfest organiser said: "We're so pleased at the range and calibre of authors appearing at Bookfest.

"What better way to enthuse people about reading than meeting the people who create the stories. This annual event has grown since it started three years ago, and we're delighted so many people enjoy it.

"We try to use unique locations to present authors and get a real interesting mix. Portsmouth is the birthplace for two of the country's most famous literary giants, Charles Dickens and Arthur Conan-Doyle's character Sherlock Holmes, so it seems fitting for Portsmouth to stage the future's favourite writers."

Tickets go on sale from 24 September and can be bought from any Portsmouth library branch or Hayling Island Bookshop. For more information visit www.portsmouthbookfest.co.uk or call 023 9268 8037.