Featured writers
Every month we'll add new names to our list of featured writers - some have written brand new work especially for us which can be read on the website (or you can listen to the author reading their work), some have been chosen because they have recently won awards or have written fantastic new books and others are newly published writers who we think you might like. The writers featured here may have appeared at past Book Festivals or be due to appear at the next Festival.
Events currently displayed are for the 2011 Book Festival. You can see 2012 events as soon as we announce the programme in June. Go to the A-Z of authors appearing in the programme to see the programme line-up.
![]()
Keith Gray
In his earliest years, Grimsby-born Keith Gray turned from reluctant reader to passionate reader – then straight on to being a dedicated writer...
![]()
Debi Gliori
Acclaimed Scottish author and illustrator of children’s books Debi Gliori grew up in Glasgow and started writing and drawing from an early age. She attended art school in Edinburgh before receiving a travelling scholarship to Milan. Among her...
![]()
Vivian French
Bestselling author and professional storyteller Vivian French has been writing books for children for over twenty years...
![]()
Gill Arbuthnott
Despite wanting to be a writer since she was 8 years old, Gill Arbuthnott had a long career as a Biology teacher before finally writing her first book for children in 2003...
![]()
Marcus Sedgwick
Acclaimed writer of teen fiction Marcus Sedgwick worked in children’s publishing and as a bookseller before turning his hand to writing. His books often address weighty issues such as gun crime and death...
![]()
Julia Donaldson
A singer/songwriter and children's author responsible for the nation's best-loved bedtime story.
![]()
David Almond
This astonishingly versatile writer of chldren's fiction has won many awards for his work and has recently turned his attention to writing adult fiction. His novels are read world-wide and have even been adapted for the stage.
![]()
Alan Bissett
Young Scottish novelist, playwright and performer with a keen eye for a complex character.
![]()
Garth Nix
Melbourne-born Garth Nix is an acclaimed Australian writer of fantasy novels for young adults. As his name suits the fantasy genre so perfectly, some have suspected that it's a pseudonym - but as he has assured us, it's not! Among his sparkling...
![]()
James Robertson
Angus-based Scots translator, author and poet.
© The Edinburgh International Book Festival Ltd
Registered in Scotland 79939
Registered as a charity in Scotland SC010120
Registered office: 5a Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, EH2 4DR