Bay Tales Presents The Word is Murder… South Tyneside’s Crime Fiction Festival

£7.21 per person if booking online, £6 in person at the shop

Suitable for ages 16+

We will be joined by writers at the top of their game for a day of author talks, question and answer sessions and book signings. You won’t want to miss this festival finale!

Join Bay Tales Festival Director Vic Watson as she introduces a range of authors in conversation, including Mark Billingham who will be our headline author bringing a close to the day.

Authors includes:

• CJ Cooke
• Chris Bridges
• GD Wright
• Nicci Cloke
• CE Hulse
• Abigail Dean
• Ajay Chowdhury
• Emma Styles
• Zoe Rankin
• Mark Billingham
• Araminta Hall

Find out more about our Crime Fiction Festival Authors.

The running order of the day:

• 10am – Registration
• 10.30-11.30am – Sick & Tired? With CJ Cooke, Chris Bridges and GD Wright. Our authors discuss writing characters with illnesses and disabilities, and finding the time and energy to write despite having their own health issues and/or parenting.
• 11.30-12pm – Break and book signing 
• 12-1pm – What’s in a Name? With Nicci Cloke, CJ Cooke and CE Hulse. Have you ever wondered why a writer of psychological thrillers chose to then write a feminist revenge story, or why a successful “chick lit” author made the change to speculative crime fiction? Our authors discuss the benefits of pseudonyms.
• 1-1.45pm – Break and book signing 
• 1.45-2.45pm – Sometimes It’s Hard to be a Women – with Caroline Hulse, Abigail Dean and Nicci Cloke. These authors discuss central female characters and how representation matters.
• 2.45-2.50pm – Break 
• 2.50-3.25pm – Writing Home – with Ajay Chowdhury, Emma Styles and Zoe Rankin. Authors discuss the challenges and joys of writing about the place they call “home”.
• 3.25-3.30pm – Break 
• 3.30-4.30pm – Diamond Geezer – with Mark Billingham. Mark chats about his 26 years in the world of crime fiction and takes audience questions.
• 4.30-5.30pm – Book sales and signings 

Sat 26 September, 10am-4.30pm at The Word

£7.21 per person if booking online, £6 in person at the shop

Suitable for ages 16+

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ABOUT WRITE FESTIVAL 2026

This event is part of The Word’s WRITE Festival which takes place throughout the whole of September. Enjoy a programme of unmissable events, workshops and performances! Find out more by viewing our full WRITE Festival programme.

By booking tickets for this event, you are agreeing to our booking terms and conditions.