Northern Bookshelf Live: Announcing a new cohort of Northern authors to connect with readers and libraries in 2025
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Following on from the successful launch of Northern Bookshelf Live 2024 which saw 24 libraries around the North programming over 30 author events, New Writing North is delighted to announce the new cohort of Northern authors taking part in events throughout the region in 2025, covering crime writing, poetry, Greek mythology, children’s fiction and more.
The lineup will include award-winning crime author Trevor Wood; Scots dialect poet, Len Pennie, who has built a 700k following on TikTok; previous Northern Writers’ Award winners Eirinie Lapidaki and Tawseef Khan; Lucy Cavendish Prize-winning historical fantasy writer Sarah Brooks; Sairish Hussain, named as one of 10 “unmissable writers working in the UK” by the International Literature Showcase 2021; journalist and Greek Mythology writer, Lizzy Tiffin; and Storymix editor and middle-grade children’s fiction author, Ashley Thorpe.
Former Northern Writers Award winner Eirinie Lapidaki, who published her debut novel The Wives of Halcyon in May 2024, said this about the programme:
“I am so excited to be part of Northern Bookshelf Live this year. As a frequent and prolific library user, my local library has introduced me to so many wonderful books which I never would have discovered otherwise. By delivering author talks in libraries, Northern Bookshelf Live goes one step further in connecting readers with new books by local authors. I can’t wait to meet new readers and discover my next favourite book from them!”
With support from the Arts Council, New Writing North will offer financial grants to libraries to enable them to programme events with these eight authors throughout the summer of 2025. The authors will take part in Q&As, talks, book signings and more – the 2024 programme even saw one author, Jane Claire Bradley, take part in a Pride celebration featuring a drag compere, a choir, and a lesson in how to vogue.
Read more about the selected authors for 2025 here.
As well as financial support, New Writing North has shared a range of resources with librarians as part of the scheme, including advice on running events, accessibility, working with authors, and digital marketing techniques. We will further support libraries through regular publicity on social media and through the quarterly Northern Bookshelf readers newsletter, which is packed full of new releases, literary news and events, podcast episodes and other bookish content.
We have a growing history of working with librarians to champion the brilliant work they already do in bringing excellent Northern writing to readers in their regions and are excited to build on the success of Northern Bookshelf Live’s inaugural year of events in 2024. In a time when arts programming is facing more challenges and slimmer resources, we hope this scheme will encourage accessible and enjoyable literary events to continue to take place in communities.
If you have any questions about Northern Bookshelf Live or want to find out how your library can get involved, email us at [email protected].