We will be joined by writers at the top of their game for a day of author talks, question and answer sessions and book signings.

Join Bay Tales Festival Director Vic Watson as she introduces a range of authors in conversation, including Mark Billingham who will be our headline author bringing a close to the day.

Authors includes:

CJ Cooke

Chris Bridges

GD Wright

Nicci Cloke

CE Hulse

Abigail Dean

Ajay Chowdhury

Emma Styles

Zoe Rankin

Mark Billingham

Araminta Hall

The running order of the day:

10am - Registration

10.30-11.30am - Sick & Tired? With CJ Cooke, Chris Bridges and GD Wright. Our authors discuss writing characters with illnesses and disabilities, and finding the time and energy to write despite having their own health issues and/or parenting.

11.30-12pm - Break and book signing

12-1pm - What's in a Name? With Nicci Cloke, CJ Cooke and CE Hulse. Have you ever wondered why a writer of psychological thrillers chose to then write a feminist revenge story, or why a successful "chick lit" author made the change to speculative crime fiction? Our authors discuss the benefits of pseudonyms.

1-1.45pm - Break and book signing

1.45-2.45pm - Sometimes It's Hard to be a Women - with Caroline Hulse, Abigail Dean and Nicci Cloke. These authors discuss central female characters and how representation matters.

2.45-2.50pm - Break

2.50-3.25pm - Writing Home - with Ajay Chowdhury, Emma Styles and Zoe Rankin. Authors discuss the challenges and joys of writing about the place they call "home".

3.25-3.30pm - Break

3.30-4.30pm - Diamond Geezer - with Mark Billingham. Mark chats about his 26 years in the world of crime fiction and takes audience questions.

4.30-5.30pm - Book sales and signings

ABOUT WRITE FESTIVAL 2026

This event is part of The Word’s WRITE Festival which takes place throughout the whole of September. Enjoy a programme of unmissable events, workshops and performances! Find out more by viewing our full WRITE Festival programme.

Description supplied by the event organiser.