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 proved to be the biggest year yet, with over forty incredible writers both young and old, showcased in a wide range of events staged at various venues across the city; ranging from bookshops and cafe's to theatres and caves.
From shops to caves to theatres, no location was too extreme or unsuitable for people to witness the magic in the literary word in all of its glory. And when it came to kicking things off in style, writing royalty doesnt get much bigger then Mr Ian. M Banks, who agreed to open the festival.
Other highlights included an interactive session on Monday October 14 with four award winning authors; Moira Young, TM Alexander, Chris Fisher & Sarwat Chadda, presenting a session entitled 'How to Write Stories Kids Really Want to Read', providing priceless advice for the wannabe children's author from four experienced author's who have been there and done it all before.
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.
The musical world also made an appearance, with Radiohead's artist in residence Stanley Donwood hosting a session in which he read from his collection of short stories, accompanied by performance artist Rik Jerrom of the act natural theatre 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.
But whether or not the thought of succinct syllables and prose perfection gets your juices flowing, the beauty of the Bristol FOL is that there really is something for all ages and background to enjoy, whether you have a writing heritage or just a passing interest. And with all classes costing just a few pounds to attend, the opportunity of witnessing seasoned industry professionals in such close quarters is indeed a rare opportunity which should not be missed, regardless of your background.
This year proved to be the biggest year yet, with over forty incredible writers both young and old, showcased in a wide range of events staged at various venues across the city; ranging from bookshops and cafe's to theatres and caves.
From shops to caves to theatres, no location was too extreme or unsuitable for people to witness the magic in the literary word in all of its glory. And when it came to kicking things off in style, writing royalty doesnt get much bigger then Mr Ian. M Banks, who agreed to open the festival.
Other highlights included an interactive session on Monday October 14 with four award winning authors; Moira Young, TM Alexander, Chris Fisher & Sarwat Chadda, presenting a session entitled 'How to Write Stories Kids Really Want to Read', providing priceless advice for the wannabe children's author from four experienced author's who have been there and done it all before.
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.
The musical world also made an appearance, with Radiohead's artist in residence Stanley Donwood hosting a session in which he read from his collection of short stories, accompanied by performance artist Rik Jerrom of the act natural theatre 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.
But whether or not the thought of succinct syllables and prose perfection gets your juices flowing, the beauty of the Bristol FOL is that there really is something for all ages and background to enjoy, whether you have a writing heritage or just a passing interest. And with all classes costing just a few pounds to attend, the opportunity of witnessing seasoned industry professionals in such close quarters is indeed a rare opportunity which should not be missed, regardless of your background.
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Hashim Javier writes regularly about all things Bristol based for his site Bristol serviced lettings bristol serviced apartments to find out more about staying in style when visiting Bristol please visit here self serviced apartments bristol
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