Returning in 2023, our literature festival is a packed programme, full of literary-themed events, workshops and fascinating talks on a range of interesting subjects including local history and crime by well-known local and regional authors. Click on each event title below to book tickets.

Thursday 16 March, 10.30am-11.30am: Stephanie Austin: Turning to Crime (Author Talk)
Stephanie is the author of the Devon Mystery Series, published by Allison and Busby, a series of contemporary crime novels set in the Dartmoor town of Ashburton and featuring reluctant amateur sleuth and antique
shop owner, Juno Browne. Stephanie lives in Torquay, and had a varied career as a teacher, artist and antiques trader before becoming a writer. When not writing she is actively involved as an actor and director in local amateur theatre.

Thursday 16 March, 2pm-3pm: Emma Seaman: Mary Shelley’s Lost Torquay Novel (Author Talk)
Local writer Emma Seaman explores the mystery of how the ‘Frankenstein’ author wrote a story set in South Devon, which lay undiscovered for nearly 200 years in the attic of an Italian villa – and how the tale illuminates details of Mary Shelley’s turbulent and tragic life.

Friday 17 March,10.30am-11.30am: Rachel Trethewey: Mistress of the Arts (Author Talk)
Born and educated in Torquay, Rachel Trethewey read History at Oxford University, where she won the Philip Geddes Prize for Student journalism. After working for the Daily Express, The Daily Mail and Westcountry Television, she did a PhD at Exeter University. She has written four non-fiction books. In this talk Rachel provides an insight into the passionate life of Georgina, Duchess of Bedford.

Friday 17 March, 2pm-3pm: Andrew Wilson: A Life in Crime (Author Talk)
Best-selling biographer and crime novelist Andrew Wilson talks about writing the first biography of Patricia Highsmith, his series of novels featuring Agatha Christie as detective, and his two psychological thrillers, Five Strangers and Murder Grove, written under the name E.V. Adamson.

Saturday 18 March, 10am-11am and 11.30am-12.30pm: Clare Helen Welsh:Storytelling and Crafts (Children’s Workshops)
Clare is a former teacher, now award-winning children’s author, from Torbay. She has published over 40 books and has more publishing in the next few years.
When Clare isn’t writing stories, she is inspiring children to write their own. Clare loves all opportunities to meet and inspire young readers. Come along for some Saturday morning fun with thrilling storytelling and craft activities. Each session is suitable for children aged between 3yrs and 8yrs.

Saturday 18 March, 10.30am-11.30am: Christopher Wilson/TP Fielden (Author Talk)
TP Fielden is the fiction-writing name of acclaimed royal biographer and commentator Christopher Wilson, who has penned biographies of Prince Charles, Camilla, Diana, and other members of the British royal family.
He’s also the author of the Miss Dimont retro-detective series of novels, set in Devon, and of the wartime Buckingham Palace adventures of courtier, artist, and spy Guy Harford. He lives in Devon.

Saturday 18 March – 10:30am-3pm: South Hams Authors Network: Meet the Authors event.
Come and meet friendly local authors and hear them read from their books. Readings, book signings, book stalls and much more all taking place in Stage Left. The South Hams Authors Network will be on hand to give advice and information to aspiring writers. Free drop in, no need to book in advance.

Saturday 18 March – 2pm-4:30pm: Helga Jensen: Writing Commercial Fiction (Workshop)
Have you ever wanted to write and publish fiction? Now is the chance to learn the inside tips and tricks to getting published. In this workshop, award-winning women’s fiction author Helga Jensen will discuss what
it takes to get published. From the writing techniques you need for that first draft to an impressive opening line and querying publishers and agents, Helga will share her inside knowledge and experience. Helga Jensen is an award-winning British/Danish Amazon best-selling author and journalist.

Pictured: Stephanie Austin.

Download the full programme here: English Riviera Literature Festival 2023 flyer