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Book lovers are in for a literary treat this month with the launch of the inaugural Matakana Book Festival, opening with a Gala Event at Matakana Cinemas on Saturday, October 18.
The gala will feature six well-known local authors who will share insights into their writing journeys and take part in a lively Q&A session. Presenting will be crime novelist Madeleine Eskedahl, non-fiction write Maria Gill, historical fiction writer Hugh Major, picture book creator Sharon Fergusson, food writer and Mahurangi Matters columnist Lauraine Jacobs and poet Rachel Ray.
Festival organiser and NZ Society of Authors Auckland chair Maria Gill says the event is to raise the profile of local authors and celebrate their books.
“We think the festival has the potential to grow into something special, incorporating things such as poetry and sketching outings, illustration and writing workshops, and talks from New Zealand authors from further afield.
“We would also like to encourage more schools to become involved.”
The evening will be supported by Bayleys in the North and other local businesses, with MMK crafting a special tequila-based cocktail for the occasion called The Book Worm.
The festival will also umbrella several book launches and presentations. Eskedahl will introduce her latest crime thriller Angels of Clay, while Ray and Fergusson will present their newly released works Seraphine and Colin the Curious Cabbage respectively. Hugh Major will discuss his most recent novel While Hearts Count Our Forevers, released in June.
Gill had hoped to unveil her latest work, A Flame in the Dark, a true story about World War II heroine Nancy Wake, but publication has been delayed until next March.
The festival continues throughout the weekend with free events for readers of all ages.
• meet the Children’s Authors at Mahurangi East Library, Snells Beach, on Saturday, October 18, from 11am to noon, will feature Maria Gill, Sharon Fergusson, Maria Artho and Tania Sickling
• meet the Adult Authors at Warkworth Library on Sunday, October 19, from 1.15pm to 2.15pm
Supported by Creative Rodney, the Matakana Book Festival promises to be a celebration of storytelling, creativity and community spirit.
To book a ticket for the gala event, go to: matakanacinemas.co.nz/matakanabookfestival
