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Join your favourite authors at Dudley Writers' Festival.
Celebrate the award-winning writing talents of the west midlands at the Dudley Writers' Festival.
This new book festival, based in the heart of the Black Country, will see renowned west midlands authors join up and coming and debut authors in your local Dudley library. They'll be sharing the behind the scenes of what it's like to become a published author, what inspires their work, and how they keep the west midlands at their hearts.
Taking place in June 2025, the festival will feature individual author talks, panels and more from bestselling Crime and Thriller, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Family Saga, Romance and General Fiction authors from the West Midlands and beyond.
Stay tuned to find out where you can meet them and more below.
This new book festival, based in the heart of the Black Country, will see renowned west midlands authors join up and coming and debut authors in your local Dudley library. They'll be sharing the behind the scenes of what it's like to become a published author, what inspires their work, and how they keep the west midlands at their hearts.
Taking place in June 2025, the festival will feature individual author talks, panels and more from bestselling Crime and Thriller, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Family Saga, Romance and General Fiction authors from the West Midlands and beyond.
Stay tuned to find out where you can meet them and more below.
Michael Braccia
Genre: Thriller
Local author Michael Braccia has been writing books since 2015 when his debut novel Could It Be That Way was published. This was followed by the Banfield Tales, a collection of stories based around a small village that have something for everyone. His latest work Vision of Another Life is new for this year.
Michael Braccia will be appearing at Lye Library at 14.00 on Monday the 9th June, 2025. To book please call Lye Library on 01384 812835 or lye.library@gll.org
Michael Braccia will also be appearing at Cradley Library at 14.00 on Wednesday the 18th June, 2025. To book please call Cradley Library on 01384 812885 or cradley.library@gll.org
Local author Michael Braccia has been writing books since 2015 when his debut novel Could It Be That Way was published. This was followed by the Banfield Tales, a collection of stories based around a small village that have something for everyone. His latest work Vision of Another Life is new for this year.
Michael Braccia will be appearing at Lye Library at 14.00 on Monday the 9th June, 2025. To book please call Lye Library on 01384 812835 or lye.library@gll.org
Michael Braccia will also be appearing at Cradley Library at 14.00 on Wednesday the 18th June, 2025. To book please call Cradley Library on 01384 812885 or cradley.library@gll.org
Juliet Clare Bell, Helen Kelly and Leila Rasheed
In these panel discussions inspired by the Royal Literary Fund’s Vox archive, three Midlands-based writers and RLF Fellows – Juliet Clare Bell, Helen Kelly, Leila Rasheed – will discuss aspects of the writing life, with plenty of time for Q&As
This event takes place at Stourbridge Library at 18.00 on Monday the 9th of June 2025. To book please phone Stourbridge Library on 01384 812945 or stourbridge.library@gll.org
It also takes place at Halesowen Library at 16.00 on Friday the 13th June 2025. To book please phone Halesowen Library on 01384 812980 or halesowen.library@gll.org
This event takes place at Stourbridge Library at 18.00 on Monday the 9th of June 2025. To book please phone Stourbridge Library on 01384 812945 or stourbridge.library@gll.org
It also takes place at Halesowen Library at 16.00 on Friday the 13th June 2025. To book please phone Halesowen Library on 01384 812980 or halesowen.library@gll.org
Ned Williams
Genre: Local History Non-Fiction
Ned Williams is a premier local historian with knowledge of a multitude of fascinating subjects from cinemas to the development of the Black Country. This talk will be Recording the Life and Times of Dudley which will look at how written record and photography has documented the development of Dudley
Ned Williams will be appearing at Dudley Archives and Local History Centre at 14.00 on Tuesday the 10th June, 2025
To book please phone Dudley Archives and Local History Centre on 01384 812770 or dudley.archives@gll.org
Ned Williams is a premier local historian with knowledge of a multitude of fascinating subjects from cinemas to the development of the Black Country. This talk will be Recording the Life and Times of Dudley which will look at how written record and photography has documented the development of Dudley
Ned Williams will be appearing at Dudley Archives and Local History Centre at 14.00 on Tuesday the 10th June, 2025
To book please phone Dudley Archives and Local History Centre on 01384 812770 or dudley.archives@gll.org
N J Lawton and I I Laverick
Genre: Science Fiction and Fantasy
N.J. Lawton has lived in the Black Country all her life. Absurdist horror actor by day, book lover by night, the creative arts and writing have always been her greatest passions. After studying for her masters in touring theatre and taking Edinburgh fringe by storm, Nic is hungrier than ever to write tales of the weird, wonderful and unexpected. She's also a crazy cat lady who loves film, 80s horror and excessive eyeliner.
N.J. Lawton has lived in the Black Country all her life. Absurdist horror actor by day, book lover by night, the creative arts and writing have always been her greatest passions. After studying for her masters in touring theatre and taking Edinburgh fringe by storm, Nic is hungrier than ever to write tales of the weird, wonderful and unexpected. She's also a crazy cat lady who loves film, 80s horror and excessive eyeliner.
I.I. Laverick has been writing about adventures in other worlds since she could hold a pen. She spends her days haunting libraries, daydreaming about the ocean, and chasing after a crazy cocker spaniel. She holds a degree in costume design and practice for theatre, and hopes to one day write books that make people feel seen.
N J Lawton and I I Laverick will be appearing at Coseley Library at 19.00 on Tuesday the 10th June 2025.
To book please phone Coseley Library on 01384 812775 or coseley.library@gll.org
N J Lawton and I I Laverick will be appearing at Coseley Library at 19.00 on Tuesday the 10th June 2025.
To book please phone Coseley Library on 01384 812775 or coseley.library@gll.org
Emma Purshouse
Genre: Comedy and Poetry
Freelance writer, performance poet and novelist. She was the first Poet Laureate for the City of Wolverhampton (2020 – 2022). Emma performs her work nationally, and is a published author (writing both for adults and children) and poetry slam champion. She has a degree in English, and an MA in creative writing, enjoys writing flash fiction and has won, been placed, shortlisted, longlisted and commended in various writing competitions. In 2022 Emma came 3rd in the National Poetry Competition.
Emma Purshouse is appearing at Gornal Library at 18.00 on Wednesday the 11th June 2025. We would like to thank the Friends of Gornal Library for their support in this event.
To book please phone Gornal Library on 01384 812755 or gornal.library@gll.org
Freelance writer, performance poet and novelist. She was the first Poet Laureate for the City of Wolverhampton (2020 – 2022). Emma performs her work nationally, and is a published author (writing both for adults and children) and poetry slam champion. She has a degree in English, and an MA in creative writing, enjoys writing flash fiction and has won, been placed, shortlisted, longlisted and commended in various writing competitions. In 2022 Emma came 3rd in the National Poetry Competition.
Emma Purshouse is appearing at Gornal Library at 18.00 on Wednesday the 11th June 2025. We would like to thank the Friends of Gornal Library for their support in this event.
To book please phone Gornal Library on 01384 812755 or gornal.library@gll.org
P J Ellis
Genre: LGBT Romance
PJ Ellis is the author of Love & Other Scams and We Could Be Heroes, and Sex & Relationships Editor at Men's Health. His writing has appeared in publications including GQ, Teen Vogue, Man Repeller and MTV, and his short fiction has been longlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize. He lives in Birmingham.
P J Ellis will be appearing at Halesowen Library at 19.00 on Wednesday the 11th June, 2025
To book please phone Halesowen Library on 01384 812980 or halesowen.library@gll.org
PJ Ellis is the author of Love & Other Scams and We Could Be Heroes, and Sex & Relationships Editor at Men's Health. His writing has appeared in publications including GQ, Teen Vogue, Man Repeller and MTV, and his short fiction has been longlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize. He lives in Birmingham.
P J Ellis will be appearing at Halesowen Library at 19.00 on Wednesday the 11th June, 2025
To book please phone Halesowen Library on 01384 812980 or halesowen.library@gll.org
Judith Cutler and Edward Marston
Genre: Crime and Thriller
Judith Cutler is the West Midlands Queen of Crime, with over fifty crime novels and short stories to her name she is a huge talent in crime writing. Joining her is her partner, Edward Marston, himself a very accomplished crime writer across multiple time periods, characters and areas to talk about all of their works and lives as authors.
Judith Cutler and Edward Marston will be appearing at Halesowen Library at 11.00 on Thursday the 12th June, 2025
To book please phone Halesowen Library on 01384 812980 or halesowen.library@gll.org
Judith Cutler is the West Midlands Queen of Crime, with over fifty crime novels and short stories to her name she is a huge talent in crime writing. Joining her is her partner, Edward Marston, himself a very accomplished crime writer across multiple time periods, characters and areas to talk about all of their works and lives as authors.
Judith Cutler and Edward Marston will be appearing at Halesowen Library at 11.00 on Thursday the 12th June, 2025
To book please phone Halesowen Library on 01384 812980 or halesowen.library@gll.org
Lisa Hall and M J Arlidge
Genre: Thriller
Lisa Hall is a best-selling author of psychological thrillers. Her first book, Between You and Me, very quickly became an Amazon bestseller. A further book, The Party, was a No.1 bestseller on Kobo. She has also written three books in the time-hop Hotel Hollywood series.
M J Arlidge has worked in high end drama production for television and is the author of the DI Helen Grace novels, the first of which, Eeny Meeny, was nominated for Crime Novel of the Year in 2015. He has also penned three standalone novels and a further three with other authors.
Recently Lisa Hall and M J Arlidge have co-authored The Mistake, a domestic suspense novel which is due out in May 2025.
Lisa Hall and M J Arlidge are appearing at Stourbridge Library at 18.30 on Thursday the 12th June 2025.
To book please phone Stourbridge Library on 01384 812945 or stourbridge.library@gll.org
Lisa Hall is a best-selling author of psychological thrillers. Her first book, Between You and Me, very quickly became an Amazon bestseller. A further book, The Party, was a No.1 bestseller on Kobo. She has also written three books in the time-hop Hotel Hollywood series.
M J Arlidge has worked in high end drama production for television and is the author of the DI Helen Grace novels, the first of which, Eeny Meeny, was nominated for Crime Novel of the Year in 2015. He has also penned three standalone novels and a further three with other authors.
Recently Lisa Hall and M J Arlidge have co-authored The Mistake, a domestic suspense novel which is due out in May 2025.
Lisa Hall and M J Arlidge are appearing at Stourbridge Library at 18.30 on Thursday the 12th June 2025.
To book please phone Stourbridge Library on 01384 812945 or stourbridge.library@gll.org
Elle Machray
Genre: Historical
Elle is an Observer Top 10 Debut Novelist, winner of the Somewhere: For Us Culture Award and featured on The List's Top 100 influential people of 2024. Elle's debut novel Remember, Remember is an alternative history which reimagines the gunpowder plot. The novel follows Delphine, a formerly enslaved woman as she takes on the British Empire to save her brother.
Elle is an Observer Top 10 Debut Novelist, winner of the Somewhere: For Us Culture Award and featured on The List's Top 100 influential people of 2024. Elle's debut novel Remember, Remember is an alternative history which reimagines the gunpowder plot. The novel follows Delphine, a formerly enslaved woman as she takes on the British Empire to save her brother.
Remember, Remember was longlisted for the Mslexia Novel Prize, judged by Dame Hilary Mantel and was shortlisted for Scotland's National Book Award.
In the fleeting moments between writing and working, you can find Elle on social media talking about books, history and exploring iconic literary locations.
Elle Machray will appear at Dudley Library at 12.00 on Friday the 13th June 2025.
To book please phone Dudley Library on 01384 815560 or dudley.library@gll.org
Elle Machray will appear at Dudley Library at 12.00 on Friday the 13th June 2025.
To book please phone Dudley Library on 01384 815560 or dudley.library@gll.org
Amy Beashel
Genre: Thriller
Amy Beashel is the author of three previous novels, including two for young adults, which have been nominated for the Carnegie and the Branford Boase awards among others. Her latest book, Bad Manners, was released in March 2025
Amy Beashel will be appearing at Long Lane Library at 11.00 on Saturday 14th June 2025.
To book please phone Long Lane Library on 01384 812880 or longlanelibrary@gll.org
Amy Beashel is the author of three previous novels, including two for young adults, which have been nominated for the Carnegie and the Branford Boase awards among others. Her latest book, Bad Manners, was released in March 2025
Amy Beashel will be appearing at Long Lane Library at 11.00 on Saturday 14th June 2025.
To book please phone Long Lane Library on 01384 812880 or longlanelibrary@gll.org
Miriam Sarin
Genre: Young Adult
Actor, director and author Miriam Sarin presents an interactive storytelling session that focuses on bringing your words to life. Miriam published her first novel, The Test , in 2023 having completed a MA in Creative Writing. She is a regular writer of performance and short stories.
Miriam Sarin will be appearing at Brierley Hill Library at 14.00 on Saturday the 14th June, 2025
To book please phone Brierley Hill Library on 01384 812980 or brierleyhill.library@gll.org
Actor, director and author Miriam Sarin presents an interactive storytelling session that focuses on bringing your words to life. Miriam published her first novel, The Test , in 2023 having completed a MA in Creative Writing. She is a regular writer of performance and short stories.
Miriam Sarin will be appearing at Brierley Hill Library at 14.00 on Saturday the 14th June, 2025
To book please phone Brierley Hill Library on 01384 812980 or brierleyhill.library@gll.org
Kim Nash
Genre: Romance
Kim Nash is an author of uplifting, funny, heartwarming, feel-good, romantic fiction and has always wanted to write books since she was a little girl. Kim won the Romantic Novelists Association's Media Star of the Year in 2016, which she still can't quite believe. She is now quite delighted to be a member of the RNA as an author.
Kim Nash is appearing at Wordsley Library at 11.30 on Monday 16th June 2025
To book please phone Wordsley Library on 01384 812765 or wordsley.library@gll.org
Kim Nash is an author of uplifting, funny, heartwarming, feel-good, romantic fiction and has always wanted to write books since she was a little girl. Kim won the Romantic Novelists Association's Media Star of the Year in 2016, which she still can't quite believe. She is now quite delighted to be a member of the RNA as an author.
Kim Nash is appearing at Wordsley Library at 11.30 on Monday 16th June 2025
To book please phone Wordsley Library on 01384 812765 or wordsley.library@gll.org
Joanna Toye
Genre: Saga
After a career in radio and TV, producing and writing for programmes ranging from ‘The Archers’ to ‘EastEnders’, Jo turned to historical novels to create her very own fictional world. Her bestselling Shop Girls and Victory Girls novels were inspired by the much loved Beatties of Wolverhampton. ‘The Little Penguin Bookshop’ is the first novel in a brand new series.
Joanna Toye will be appearing at Sedgley Library at 13.00 on Monday the 16th June 2025. To book please phone Sedgley Library on 01384 812790 or sedgley.library@gll.org
Joanna Toye will be appearing at Brierley Hill Library at 11.00 on Tuesday the 17th June 2025. To book please phone Brierley Hill Library on 01384 812874 or brierleyhill.library@gll.org
Joanna Toye will be appearing at Kingswinford Library at 13.30 on Tuesday the 17th June 2025. To book please phone Kingswinford Library on 01384 812740 or kingswinford.library@gll.org
After a career in radio and TV, producing and writing for programmes ranging from ‘The Archers’ to ‘EastEnders’, Jo turned to historical novels to create her very own fictional world. Her bestselling Shop Girls and Victory Girls novels were inspired by the much loved Beatties of Wolverhampton. ‘The Little Penguin Bookshop’ is the first novel in a brand new series.
Joanna Toye will be appearing at Sedgley Library at 13.00 on Monday the 16th June 2025. To book please phone Sedgley Library on 01384 812790 or sedgley.library@gll.org
Joanna Toye will be appearing at Brierley Hill Library at 11.00 on Tuesday the 17th June 2025. To book please phone Brierley Hill Library on 01384 812874 or brierleyhill.library@gll.org
Joanna Toye will be appearing at Kingswinford Library at 13.30 on Tuesday the 17th June 2025. To book please phone Kingswinford Library on 01384 812740 or kingswinford.library@gll.org
Crown Her With Ivy
'Crown Her With Ivy', by Lorna Rose A multi-actor performance piece, also using drums, about the relationship between Ariadne and Dionysus which debuted at the Raising Steam Festival of 2024 to much success. This will be followed by a Q&A with the writer.
Crown Her With Ivy will be performed at Dudley Library at 19.00 on Tuesday the 17th June 2025.
To book please phone Dudley Library on 01384 815560 or dudley.library@gll.org
Crown Her With Ivy will be performed at Dudley Library at 19.00 on Tuesday the 17th June 2025.
To book please phone Dudley Library on 01384 815560 or dudley.library@gll.org
Imaginary Landscapes
Imaginary Landscapes is a special event featuring the hugely popular collaboration of leading poet, author and raconteur, Chris Tutton with award-winning international Harpist, Lucy Nolan in a magical and spellbinding programme of words by Chris and semi-improvised music by Lucy.
Imaginary Landscapes will be performed at Dudley Library at 18.30 on Wednesday the 18th June 2025.
To book please phone Dudley Library on 01384 815560 or dudley.library@gll.org
Annie Lyons and Kerry Barrett
Genre: Historical
Annie Lyons worked initially as a bookseller and then a publisher before becoming an author. Her first novel was a Kindle bestseller and she has now written seven other novels including a USA today bestseller.
Kerry Barrett has written several dual timeline novels, including The Secrets of Thistle Cottage, The Girl in the Picture, and The Smuggler’s Daughter. As Posy Lovell she has also written two novels based in wartime Kew Gardens. Kerry’s years as a soap journalist, reporting on EastEnders, Emmerdale and Coronation Street, have inspired her novels where popular culture collides with a historical mystery. And as Kerry Bell she has been lucky enough to write two Emmerdale spin-off novels.
Annie Lyons and Kerry Barrett are appearing at Dudley Library at 14.00 on Thursday the 19th June 2025.
To book please phone Dudley Library on 01384 815560 or dudley.library@gll.org
Annie Lyons worked initially as a bookseller and then a publisher before becoming an author. Her first novel was a Kindle bestseller and she has now written seven other novels including a USA today bestseller.
Kerry Barrett has written several dual timeline novels, including The Secrets of Thistle Cottage, The Girl in the Picture, and The Smuggler’s Daughter. As Posy Lovell she has also written two novels based in wartime Kew Gardens. Kerry’s years as a soap journalist, reporting on EastEnders, Emmerdale and Coronation Street, have inspired her novels where popular culture collides with a historical mystery. And as Kerry Bell she has been lucky enough to write two Emmerdale spin-off novels.
Annie Lyons and Kerry Barrett are appearing at Dudley Library at 14.00 on Thursday the 19th June 2025.
To book please phone Dudley Library on 01384 815560 or dudley.library@gll.org
John Heartless and Steven C Davis
Dual launch of ‘Constructing Churchill’ by Jon Hartless and ‘Seven by Seven’ by Steven C. Davis, both members of the local Tenebrous Texts group.
This event takes place at Halesowen Library at 17.00 on Thursday the 19th June, 2025
To book please phone Halesowen Library on 01384 812980 or halesowen.library@gll.org
This event takes place at Halesowen Library at 17.00 on Thursday the 19th June, 2025
To book please phone Halesowen Library on 01384 812980 or halesowen.library@gll.org
A play by Laura Liptrot
Is the end of the world. Nothing is left alive except for two men standing on opposite sides of the divide. Their names are Edmund and Shadow. They are cousins. They are kin. They are enemies and they are both kings. And they have one more thing in common. They are both in love with Robyn. Whilst waiting for the world to end, they recall the story of their rivalry and of the woman they both lost. Who will be the final victor? Will the man who stands alive at the end truly be the triumphant, or the one who will have to live through eternity as the last man in the universe?
This is a rehearsed read of a brand new play by Laura Liptrot, based on her novel series The Garden of Time. The piece promises to be visiting Midlands theatres very soon. Catch us while you can!
This event takes place at Stourbridge Library at 18.30 on Thursday the 19th of June 2025.
To book please phone Stourbridge Library on 01384 812945 or stourbridge.library@gll.org
This event takes place at Stourbridge Library at 18.30 on Thursday the 19th of June 2025.
To book please phone Stourbridge Library on 01384 812945 or stourbridge.library@gll.org
Mike Gayle
Genre: Contemporary
Since his 1998 debut, the Sunday Times Top Ten Bestseller My Legendary Girlfriend, Birmingham based Mike Gayle has continued to produce amazing contemporary literature. This year he releases his twentieth Book, Hope Street.
Mike Gayle will be appearing at Netherton Library at 14.00 on Friday the 20th June 2025. We would like to thank the Friends of Netherton Library for their support in this event.
To book please phone Netherton Library on 01384 812845 or netherton.library@gll.org
Since his 1998 debut, the Sunday Times Top Ten Bestseller My Legendary Girlfriend, Birmingham based Mike Gayle has continued to produce amazing contemporary literature. This year he releases his twentieth Book, Hope Street.
Mike Gayle will be appearing at Netherton Library at 14.00 on Friday the 20th June 2025. We would like to thank the Friends of Netherton Library for their support in this event.
To book please phone Netherton Library on 01384 812845 or netherton.library@gll.org
World Building Workshop with Anna Stephens
Genre: Science Fiction and Fantasy
Learn how to develop your own world with the author of the Godblind and Songs of the Drowned trilogies in this interactive workshop.
This event takes place at Stourbridge Library at 11.00 on Saturday the 21st of June 2025.
To book please phone Stourbridge Library on 01384 812945 or stourbridge.library@gll.org
Learn how to develop your own world with the author of the Godblind and Songs of the Drowned trilogies in this interactive workshop.
This event takes place at Stourbridge Library at 11.00 on Saturday the 21st of June 2025.
To book please phone Stourbridge Library on 01384 812945 or stourbridge.library@gll.org
Tea with Tenebrous
Join the authors and writers of Tenebrous Texts, a West Midlands based small press, for an interactive chance to hone your writing skills and unleash your talents!
This event takes place at Brierley Hill Library at 12.00 on Saturday the 21st of June 2025.
To book please phone Brierley Hill Library on 01384 812874 or brierleyhill.library@gll.org
This event takes place at Brierley Hill Library at 12.00 on Saturday the 21st of June 2025.
To book please phone Brierley Hill Library on 01384 812874 or brierleyhill.library@gll.org
Fantasy Writers Panel
Genre: Science Fiction and Fantasy
Anna Stephens (Godblind, Songs of the Drowned), Holly Tinsley (The Vanguard Chronicles), Alex S Bradshaw (Windborn, Trollgrave) and Stewart Holston (Daybreak Legacy, Tangles Game) will have a panel discussion to discuss everything epic fantasy from world building, mythical animals, diversity in fantasy, character development and more!
This event takes place at Stourbridge Library at 14.00 on Saturday the 21st of June 2025.
To book please phone Stourbridge Library on 01384 812945 or stourbridge.library@gll.org
Anna Stephens (Godblind, Songs of the Drowned), Holly Tinsley (The Vanguard Chronicles), Alex S Bradshaw (Windborn, Trollgrave) and Stewart Holston (Daybreak Legacy, Tangles Game) will have a panel discussion to discuss everything epic fantasy from world building, mythical animals, diversity in fantasy, character development and more!
This event takes place at Stourbridge Library at 14.00 on Saturday the 21st of June 2025.
To book please phone Stourbridge Library on 01384 812945 or stourbridge.library@gll.org
