Returning in March 2023 is the English Riviera Literature Festival, a three-day literary feast celebrating local authors and the written word.
Taking place from Thursday 16 to Saturday 18 March, the festival contains a packed programme of literary-themed events, creative activities for children and adults, fascinating author talks and readings as well as a chance to meet published and aspiring writers.
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, 11.45am- 1.30pm: Here is a Little Something I Wrote
An opportunity for the Palace Theatre’s resident creative writers from Write Time Write Place led by tutor, Chris Woodhouse to share some of their work and for anyone interested in finding out what they achieve through the creative writing courses. A Free event, booking required.
📖📚🖊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, 10:30am- 4.30pm: South Hams Authors Network: Meet the Authors event in Stage Left.
Come and meet friendly local authors and hear them read from their books. Readings, book signings, book stalls and much more. The South Hams Authors Network will be on hand to give advice and information to aspiring writers. Free drop in, no need to book. Author Book Stalls:Kay Avalon / Caroline Born / Peter Fox/ Dionne Haynes / Alison Huntingford / Carol Mayne / Elizabeth Ducie / Laurence McPartlin / Tony Rea / Laurence Shelley and Abi Yardimci. The full line-up of author readings from 11am to 2pm is available here.
📝🖊📚 Saturday 18 March 10am to 11am/11.30am to 12.30pm: Storytelling and Crafts Workshops with Children’s Author, Clare Helen Welsh.
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.
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.
