Monday, December 24, 2012

Bristol Welcomes Back World Festival of Literature

By Hashim Javier


For nine October days each year, Bristol becomes the centre of the UK literary world as it plays hosts to the Bristol Festival of Literature; a celebration of the written word in all of its punctuated and grammatically correct glory.

This year saw Bristol welcome over forty of the hottest writing talents to the south west, covering a diverse range of literary styling's and grammatical grace, with events staged at venues of all descriptions right across the city, from bookshops to caves.

The festival was opened in style on Friday October 12th by one of the world's most renowned and critically acclaimed sci-fi authors, Ian M. Banks, talking about 'The Hydrogen Sonata', his latest work in the bestselling Culture series of books which began with 'Consider Phlebas' back in 1987.

Ian who read from his latest book 'The Hydrogen Sonata' before taking part in a very revealing Q & A session. This was followed on the Monday by a session offering priceless advice to all those aspiring to write for the children's market, by award winning and published children's authors Moira Young and TM Alexander.

In terms of local writing talent, none received better reviews and feedback than local man Clive Bulton who talked in detail about his book which chronicles the life of his great-grandfathers work aboard the city trams operating in Bristol between the World wars.

But if music is more your thing than writing, then rock star artist extraordinaire Stanley Donwwod - best known for his collection of work for musical pioneers Radiohead - was there to entertain and enthrall alongside Rik Jarrom of the Act Natural theater company.

Other talks came from Emilya Hall, a Bristol based author who won the Richard and Judy Summer Book club 2012 award, Helen Hart, Alison Baverstock and Claire Christian who presented an in-depth analysis of self-publishing methods and techniques, and the Bristol Writers Group who performed their works in the hidden depths of Bristol's Redcliffe caves.

And so another year has passed and another literary festival has helped to inspire and fan the flames of another generation of eager Bristol authors in waiting. But as with anything in life, true success can only come from something when you are passionate about doing it and willing to put in the countless thousands of hours practicing and failing and trying again necessary to make your passion become your reality. But if writing is your passion, then the opportunities and insights offered by the Bristol festival of literature really are second to none.




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