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We have an incredible and very long list of amazing South African authors, yet somehow, many of them are not on the literary map.
While it’s certainly fantastic that authors such as Deon Meyer, Lauren Beukes and Sarah Lotz have made names for themselves on both the local and international front, the truth is that some of our local authors are not even known here.
Book festivals like these not only give the readers an opportunity to get to know up-and-coming authors, but it also gives authors a platform where they can let their voices be heard.
2. Speaking of authors...
There’ll be an eclectic mix of both international and local authors who’ll be:
a) doing book signings,
b) participating in panel discussions
c) partaking in reading sessions (this one’s especially great if you have kids).
From Zelda la Grange, Mike Nicol and UK children’s laureate Chris Riddell, to Paige Nick, Khaya Dlanga, Petina Gappah, Patrick Gale and Mbali Matandel, amongst others are all attending this year’s festival.
For more information regarding the types of events available to attend, you can view the Open Book Festival Programme here.
3. Writing workshops
Are you an aspiring author? Want to learn how to get your own book published? There are plenty of workshops available for you to attend.
From poetry, to world building in fantasy and Young Adult fiction, there’s a variety of classes you can attend. If you’re a consummate comic geek, be sure to catch the sessions on how to get your own comic book published.
4. Story time for the kids
If you have avid little bookworms or want to encourage your children to read more, there are plenty of fantastic story time sessions that they’ll be able to attend over the course of the weekend. From Lauren Beukes and Marc Boutavant, to Chris Ridell, these sessions are not only must-sees, but best of all, they’re also free.
5. And finally, it’s all about the books, not just the book babble
Because what book lover can resist the opportunity to purchase new books? At the Book Lounge you’ll be able to find a selection of wonderful local, indie and international reads, so we’d encourage you to make sure that you bring some cash with you.
For more information, you can visit the Open Book website or follow Open Book on Twitter.
If you’d like to share your Open Book Festival experience so far, you can e-mail us at Chatback@w24.co.za.
