A huge thank you to County Durham Libraries for inviting me to their Festival of Local Adult Authors. The festival brought writers and readers together and I’m so thankful to have been included. It left me feeling grateful, energised and inspired.
Celebrating Stories and Community
The festival ran across libraries throughout County Durham and celebrated everything I love about storytelling. It championed imagination, creativity and the power of books to connect us. And it also arrived at a perfect moment as we celebrate The National Year of Reading in 2026, which promises a full year of events, activities and celebrations across the UK.
It was an honour to share the programme with brilliant local authors including Susan Gray, Eirinie Lapidaki, Glenda Young and Rose Wilding. Their work enriches our region, and it was wonderful to be counted alongside them.
Two Events Filled With Sunshine, Stories and Lovely Readers
I delivered two author sessions as part of the festival, and both were a joy from start to finish.
Brandon Library – Escaping to Greece Together
My morning session at Brandon Library took us all the way to Lefkada. We explored the twists, turns and emotional heart of The Apokeri Bay Trilogy. The event poster captured the spirit of the series perfectly: a twenty‑year love story filled with secrets, betrayal, friendship and hope. Readers asked thoughtful questions, shared their own experiences and created a lovely warm atmosphere, even on a rather chilly day.
South Moor Library – Following Dreams at Any Age
In the afternoon I headed to South Moor Library for my talk, It’s Never Too Late to Follow Your Dreams. We chatted about recurring dreams, leaps of faith and the spark that grew into the four‑part Apokeri Bay Series, mostly set under the Greek sun. The room was full of curiosity, encouragement and laughter. It felt like talking with old friends.
Meeting Readers Who Love Books as Much as I Do
These events reminded me why I write. Readers bring stories to life. They ask great questions. Share their own journeys. Turn a simple author session into something memorable.
I loved every conversation. Every smile. Every connection.
Why County Durham Libraries Matter
Libraries are the beating heart of our communities. They offer free access to books, support, creativity and a safe space for everyone. County Durham Libraries work tirelessly to bring people together through reading, learning and shared experiences. Their festival proved how powerful that mission is.
Events like this lift us. They inspire us. They remind us that stories still matter.
A Huge Thank You
To County Durham Libraries—thank you for championing local authors and giving us space to share our work. To the wonderful teams at Brandon Library and South Moor Library—thank you for your warmth, organisation and enthusiasm. And to every reader who came along—thank you for making the day so special.
Here’s to more stories, more get togethers and more moments that remind us why we read.