18 October 2013

A novel approach to storytelling - Dundee Literary Festival 2013

The Dundee Literary Festival 2013 takes place next week with dozens of events organised to celebrate the art of storytelling.

Award-winning novelists will be appearing at the festival alongside some of the brightest emerging talents in the world of fiction. Lively panel discussions will see subjects such as historical fiction and the publishing industry debated, while workshops will be held to help budding authors learn from established writers.

The festival takes place from Wednesday 23rd to Sunday 27th October, with all fiction events taking place in the Bonar Hall, Park Place.

Costa Award-winning novelist Maggie O'Farrell will be reading from her stunning new book, 'Instructions for a Heatwave' at 2pm on Saturday, 26th October as well before discussing her illustrious career and answering questions from the audience.

Sarah Hall, who was earlier this year named as one of Granta's Best of Young British Novelists, will be making two appearances at the festival. She will be discussing the difference between writing short stories and full-length novels with fellow author Ruth Thomas at 3pm on Thursday, 24th October. At 11am the following day, Sarah and her fellow Granta list member Jenni Fagan will perform readings and talk about what it means to be labelled a rising star.

Multiple award-winning author Patrick Ness will be discussing his thrilling and absorbing new novel for young adults 'More Than This' at 11am on Sunday 27th. He will also talk about other work such as the 'Chaos Walking' trilogy, which has just been optioned by Lionsgate Films and will be adapted by Oscar-winning screenwriter Charlie Kaufman.

The 40th anniversary of legendary publishers Canongate Books will be celebrated at 7.30pm on Sunday, 27th. Authors Richard Holloway and Matt Haig will be joined by Canongate's Publishing Director Francis Bickmore to discuss one of the country's most dynamic publishing houses and the Canongate Living Archive acquired by the University of Dundee in 2010.

'Storytelling, in its many forms, is something innate to all cultures,' said Literary Dundee Director Anna Day. 'From ancient myths to religious texts, medieval poetry to the latest cross-platform, genre-bending technology, stories have been used to document the times, pass on values, inform, educate and entertain.

'Fiction has obviously played a huge role in both reflecting and shaping times, and we are delighted to have some of today's best and emerging novelists at this year's festival. The range of subjects and styles covered is extensive so there really is something for every book lover.'

The Dundee Literary Festival 2013 features leading figures from the world of fiction, poetry, journalism, comics and the publishing industry taking part in a series of workshops, talks, book signings, and readings.

For more information about any Literary Festival events, or to buy tickets, please visit www.literarydundee.co.uk. Tickets are also available from Literary Dundee, 6th floor, Tower Building, University of Dundee, tel 01382 384413.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277