DUDLEY libraries will be welcoming an array of up-and-coming and established authors this month as the service hosts its first-ever writer’s festival.

Running from June 8 to 22, the new book festival will feature crime and thriller authors Lindsey Davis, Priscilla Masters, Natalie Marlow, Caz Frear and Angela Marsons; family saga authors Annie Murray and Joanna Toye; romance writers Miranda Dickinson, Sally Jenkins and Suzan Holder and fiction writer Mike Gayle among others.

They'll be sharing the behind the scenes of what it's like to become a published author, what inspires their work, and how they keep the West Midlands in their hearts.

For the full programme of talks visit the Better Libraries website.

For those who cannot get to the venues, some of the talks will be virtual.

Stephanie Rhoden, Dudley partnership manager at GLL which runs the borough’s libraries, said: “We’re so proud to be hosting the borough’s first ever writer’s festival. We have a host of writers from many different genres coming to talk about their work and their process.

“All of our libraries are taking part, so wherever you live in the borough you’ve the chance to attend an event at your local library. All events are free and tickets are going fast.”