A series of talks with acclaimed authors are taking place across Sunderland this Summer.
Three of the events will be taking place across the city, with talks in Sunderland city centre, Houghton and Washington.
Peter McIntyre, Executive Director of City Development at Sunderland City Council, said: “It’s fantastic to have three Northern Bookshelf Live events coming to Sunderland, giving residents and visitors the chance to hear from some of the most current, exciting authors.
“The events will give people a unique chance to hear about where authors draw their inspiration from and get a unique insight into the life of a writer and should be fascinating for avid bookworms or occasional readers alike.
It’s fantastic to have these events planned and great that they will be one of the first activities in our libraries at Houghton and Washington where refurbishments will shortly be complete.”
The first event will see Northern author Rose Wilding discuss her debut crime novel, Speak of the Devil, as well as her writing career to date and where she draws inspiration from.
Speak of the Devil follows a haunting murder investigation and the lives of seven women linked to the crime, all of whom claim to be innocent. Against the ticking clock of the police investigation, each woman’s secret is brought to light as the connections between them converge to reveal a killer.
This talk takes place at Sunderland City Library in the Museum and Winter Gardens on Saturday 22 June from 2 – 3pm. The event coincides with the month-long Sunderland Pride programme, which will see a range of events from creative workshops, film screenings and musical performances, ending with the annual Pride March on Saturday 29th June.
The following two Northern Bookshelf Live events will form part of the reopening celebration programme for Houghton and Washington Libraries, which have had a period of closure to allow for significant renovation.
In July, author, journalist and mental health campaigner Lucy Nichol, who has published several fiction and non-fiction books, as well as being a columnist for numerous national newspapers and magazines, will discuss her newly released book No Worries If Not.
In Lucy’s humorous novel, after one too many life incidents, central character Charlotte Thomas decides to stop saying sorry to everything – sorry for just doing her job or speaking her mind or simply taking up space as a woman in the world. Readers follow Charlotte on a life changing, emotional and hilarious journey where each step confirms the power of standing up for yourself.
This event will be taking place in the newly refurbished Creative Smart City Hub @ Houghton Library on Thursday 18 July from 6.30 – 7.30pm.
In August, award-winning author Naomi Kelsey will discuss her career, inspirations and debut historical novel ‘The Burnings’.
Set in North Berwick during the witch trials, ‘The Burnings’ is inspired by the incredible true story that set 16th-century Scotland and Denmark alight. The story follows the tale of two unlikely characters who join forces to try and evade a grisly fate.
This event will be taking place in the newly refurbished Creative Smart City Hub @ Washington Library – where an enhanced local studies area has been created – on Wednesday 7 August from 6.30 – 7.30pm.
Tickets for each event are priced at £3 (+ booking fee) and can be bought here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/in-conversation-with-rose-wilding-speak-of-the-devil-tickets-883337906457?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
