A HOST of famous authors are set to inspire literary lovers at a new Dorset festival.

Minette Walters will be among those taking part in the inaugural Purbeck Literary Festival.

Ms Walters is the Edgar Award-winning author of six previous novels, including The Dark Room and The Echo.

Formerly a magazine editor, she is now a full time writer.

The Ice House was awarded Britain’s John Creasey Award for Best First Crime Novel of the Year.

Her work has been translated into thirty-two languages and has been adapted for television to critical acclaim.

She lives near Dorchester with her husband and two children. In her spare time, the author renovates houses and volunteers as a prison visitor.

She will be joined by another best-selling author Janet Gleeson discussing their work over afternoon tea in Winfrith Village Hall on Saturday March 1.

Before embarking on her writing career Janet worked for Sotheby’s, at Bonhams as a cataloguer and valuer of old master paintings and at Reed Books as an editor responsible for many of the Miller’s Antique Collecting Guides.

Also children’s author Fleur Hitchcock, whose debut novel, Shrunk, became a Sunday Times' Children’s Book of the Week, has agreed to launch the inaugural Purbeck Literary Festival.

The festival’s official start, at Corfe Castle’s Castle View Visitor Centre, will precede a fortnight of literary events across the district.

Fleur will be taking part in a string of family-friendly ‘wild writing’ and inventive story workshops during launch day, as Corfe Castle holds a special place in her heart.

The inspiration for her debut book – which rocketed up The Times’ bestsellers list following its September 2012 release – was the National Trust-run castle.

Festival organiser Emma Fernandez said: “I am absolutely delighted to have our launch at Corfe Castle. The village and castle has inspired many writers from Hardy and EM Forster to, of course, Enid Blyton.

“Fleur has tremendous energy and I think it was really important to launch the festival with a family event.

“The National Trust do this exceptionally well, so we are thrilled that they agreed to host the day.”

Emma says she was “thrilled” when the National Trust agreed to host the day.

“Hopefully,” she added, “it will also be very exciting for children to meet an author who has also written a book about a place they know.”

Corfe Castle visitor services manager Lawrence Roots said: “We are so pleased to be working with another local festival, and to be hosting such a popular children's author in our new-look visitor centre.”

Emma added: “The idea was to give anyone visiting, or local people, a chance to do something different, incorporating all types of venues and key attractions in the area.

“The response has been tremendous. It’s particularly exciting that we’ve drawn some really well-known names, who have a huge following, in only our first year.

“Anyone taking part during the two weeks will have the chance to meet authors, such as Katie Fforde, Minette Walters, and teen screen writer Anthony Burt who has worked on Doctor Who. This will be a terrific experience, which we hope will grow in years to come.”

Holly Lagden, Tourism Manager for Purbeck District Council said: “This new festival provides a great new reason to take a short break in Swanage and Purbeck. The festival offers a host of indoor events and has been designed for all ages, it’s a fantastic addition to our events calendar.”

The Literary Festival launch day is February 17, with workshops taking place at the Castle View Visitor Centre from 11am to 1pm, then 2 to 4pm. No booking is required for the workshops, which run for 25 minutes. Parents are advised that supervision is required.

As well as author visits to schools and libraries, there are poetry nights, literary walks, Q and As, story-slams, drawing and chats.

Tickets available directly from some venues alternatively booking via l Swanage Tourist Information Centre on: 01929 422885

Discover Purbeck Information Centre Wareham on: 01929 552740

Full programme details at www.purbeckliteraryfestival.info

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