Some of the world’s most popular female authors will be revealing the secrets of their success in a unique new programme of literary talks at Newtownabbey’s Theatre at The Mill.
Best selling writers such as Philippa Gregory, Cathy Kelly and Jodi Picoult are taking to the stage in ‘Conversations at the Mill’, an exciting new series enabling them to talk about their new work, engage directly with fans of their novels in Northern Ireland and sign books.
Both Theatre at the Mill and its sister venue The Courtyard Theatre have played host to well known people who speak about their lives and this series will continue with writer/opera director/performer Jonathan Miller and politician Peter Hain in the autumn.
“Conversations at the Mill is something totally new and different for us. We’ve chosen some of the best-known writers to come to speak about their work. The theatre is an intimate space to really find out more about these authors and their new work. After each talk the authors will be signing their books as well,” explained Bernard Clarkson, Arts Centres Manager for Newtownabbey Borough Council.
The first of the Conversations series is on August 17 with Philippa Gregory, author of The Other Boleyn Girl, who is releasing a new book, The King’s Curse, just days before her appearance in Newtownabbey.
This is her 25th novel and tells the riveting story of Margaret Pole, daughter of George, Duke of Clarence, and one of the few surviving members of the Plantagenet dynasty after the Wars of the Roses. The book covers 40 years in the life of the last Plantagenet Princess, who was wrongly accused of plotting revolution.
Philippa Gregory was an established historian and writer when she discovered her interest in the Tudor period. Her 2001 novel, The Other Boleyn Girl, was turned into a Hollywood film starring Scarlett Johansson as Mary, sister of Anne and mistress of Henry VIII, and a second TV series of The White Queen, based on her series The Cousins’ War, is currently being filmed.
The second event in the Conversations series will be on Oct 16 which will be billed as a Girls’ Night Out with two performances both hosted by author Jane Wenham Jones. At 7pm Katie Fforde and Jill Mansell will be speaking followed at 8.30 by Cathy Kelly and Tasmina Perry.
On Nov 9 by Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of My Sister’s Keeper and The Storyteller, will make her first appearance in Northern Ireland. She is releasing her 23rd novel – Leaving Time – in October so this is a chance to hear about her latest work.
Bookings are now being taken for the Philippa Gregory event with tickets just £6/£4 on www.theatreatthemill.com or on 02890340202.