Northern Grit: Gripping Thrillers from the North East Streets

Free, booking required

Suitable for ages 16+

The perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of North East crime fiction, discover some gripping new books, and chat to Nicky Doherty and Julie Blackie about their writing collaboration as Nicky Black.

This event is FREE, but advance booking is required. If you can no longer attend please cancel your place.

Tuesday 1 September, 6-7pm at The Word.

ABOUT NICKY BLACK

North East author Nicky Black writes gritty fiction, full of drama, twists and turns.

The Prodigal and The Rave are the result of a collaboration between two writers, Nicky Doherty and Julie Blackie. Julie’s TV and movie scripts have provided the blueprint for Nicky’s creation of these two novels, both set on the fictional Valley Park housing estate in Newcastle upon Tyne in the North East of England. The Flower House is the third and most gripping novel yet in the Valley Park collection. They are currently working on a new character-driven crime series set in our beautiful North East.

Nicky was born and raised in Alnwick in Northumberland and now lives in North Tyneside. Julie is a born and bred Geordie and still lives in the Toon.

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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.