Manchester Literature Festival

The 6th annual Manchester Literature Festival is running from the 10th till the 23rd of October, and I for one am very excited. Guest authors include Alan Hollinghurst, Anthony Horowitz and Francesca Simon and events range from discussions about books, writing competitions, afternoon tea with prices ranging from free to an affordable £10. A diverse range of backgrounds lends a variety to the exhibitions, including the Cuban poet Victor Rodriguez Nunez and Argentinian photographer Daniel Mordzinsk.

The event covers so much more than just reading as well, as you can see performance poetry, quizzes, dancing, pub walks, storytelling and music. Booking is recommended for certain events as they are sure to sold out, and they are taking place all over the city; so there's no excuse not to go to something! Check out the website to see if your favourite authors will be there, or go along and get inspired by someone new. Pick up a few tips about how to write your own stories, or listen to some analysis and really understand a work of literature.

Events on my to-see list;

• Crime in a Cold Climate- conversation from some of the leading authors of Nordic crime writing, the newest craze following on the success of the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
• Face 2 Face with Stephen Butchard- a great new screenwriter for the BBC
• Prize culture- a debate on a culture that demands rewards
• Manchester blog awards
• At least one of the poetry slams!

You can pick up a brochure at any of Manchester's libraries.