The June blog is written by our Authors North Chair, Clare Dudman.

Clare Dudman is the author of four novels: Edge of Danger, One Day the Ice Will Reveal Its Dead, 98 Reasons For Being and A Place of Meadows and Tall Trees (based on the Welsh settlement in Patagonia) - and numerous short stories. For further details see her website.

Authors North Summer Social

This year's Authors North Social was in Bradford at the Media Museum - which has magnificent views of what was once a thriving northern town.

After an introductory talk by Paul Goodman we were free to wander around their collection of exhibits on television, radio and film, collecting together again for lunch and in readiness for the star attraction - Joanne Harris.

Joanne gave us an entertaining talk about her life as a writer: her motivations (following her own inclinations, rather than chasing anyone else's idea of what a reader wants); her resistance to becoming a 'brand' (which has resulted in her writing novels in many different genres e.g. historical gothic and crime/thriller); and the importance of her 'designated space' (her shed - which assumes a different personality each day). She also spoke of the 'fabulous business' of being a writer and how little marks of paper are like a form of voodoo if they reach the right people.

We also heard about the genesis of her latest novel, Peaches for Monsieur Le Cure. A follow-on from Chocolat and an exploration of what happens to the French village when a community of Muslims take up residence. One of our members had manged to read it already and vouched for its excellence so I am looking forward to reading that in the very near future.

A lively question and answer session followed, and then we all went on our merry ways encountering some unusual Saturday people accosting tourists (who didn't seem to mind) along the way!

Another memorable day for Authors North! Thanks very much to Lisa Dowdeswell, Secretary of Authors North, for organising it.

Clare Dudman

Chair of Authors North

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