Merseyside authors including Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Tim Quinn, Jane Costello, David Ebsworth, Jude Lennon, and Rory O’Keefe will be taking part in a new Festival which aims to get the Merseyside community writing.

The event, led by Waterloo-based bookshop Write Blend, includes a free children’s competition offering a chance for the winner’s story to be illustrated by local artist Holly Bushnell, framed and displayed in the bookshop and read out on television and radio.

Running as part of a fringe event in advance of Writing on the Wall’s (WOW’s) annual festival in May, the Festival will kick off with local children’s author and storyteller Jude Lennon telling tales of dragons and knights plus reading her book The Dragon of Allerton Oak to coincide with World Book Night, Shakespeare’s birthday and St. George’s Day on 23rd April. There will then be a chance for children to ask what it’s like to be a writer and a Draw Your Own Dragon activity.

Marvel Comics man and Liverpool-born Tim Quinn, who has written for The X-Men, Spiderman, Thor, and other staples of the comic book industry will lead a comic book masterclass, while historical fiction writer Dave Ebsworth will host an event on the Spanish Civil War and its links to Crosby. Bestseller and former Liverpool Echo, Liverpool Daily Post editor and journalist Jane Costello will also celebrate the release of her new novel Summer Nights at the Moonlight Hotel, as part of the Festival. 

International journalist and humanitarian Rory O’Keefe will talk on the international refugee crisis and the Arab Spring, bringing first-hand accounts from his book The Toss of a Coin.

Successful British screenwriter and children’s author Frank Cottrell-Boyce will be talking about his books The Astounding Broccoli Boy and Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth on the first birthday of Write Blend on Saturday 21st May. He will also announce the winners of the children’s competition and present the prizes that day.

Children’s author BB Taylor, who is from Birmingham but has strong links to Liverpool, will also be hosting an interactive storytelling session with animal guests. Taylor works with over 100 animals including raccoons, foxes, owls, lizards and many more. Her books are illustrated by Holly Bushnell.

Bob Stone, owner of Write Blend commented: “We are delighted to have so many successful Liverpool writers taking part in our first Festival. It’s a chance for people of all ages to get writing and we want to encourage imagination, creativity and storytelling skills in the community.”

The children’s writing competition is a Learning Destination for Liverpool Children’s University and Sefton Children’s University. 

All events will take place at Write Blend, 124 South Road, Waterloo, L22 0ND, Liverpool. 

For more information: Contact details: www.writeblend.co.uk (0151) 928 1303 writeblend@gmail.com