Literary Lunch Competition 2019 – now ended

*COMPETITION NOW ENDED*

Every autumn I run this competition to celebrate another year in business on the blog, which turned 8 a couple of weeks ago. There was too much going on at the time, with my Month of Canadian Fiction and last week’s guest post by Ken Elkes on Flash Fiction, both of which received a welcome deluge of support and shares on social media. Naturally I’m hoping the same happens for this competition – last year’s record number of entries made such a great reading list that they ended up with their own post.  **CLICK HERE for this year’s!**

For me these have been eight years of interesting, moving and original books, hosting authors and sharing my favourite discoveries with those who visit the Literary Sofa.  The biggest compliment I get is that my choices are different and unpredictable – I’m covering more titles by small independents because I admire what they do, but still keep a keen eye on larger publishers’ lists – it really is the book that counts.  But as any author knows (and I am one), writing a great book and getting it published is only half the story – for it to succeed, people need to know about it and as there’s nothing I love more than talking about books, it’s a pleasure to do my bit!

I have an exciting schedule lined up, notably the Autumn Sofa Spotlight on Monday 4 November followed by guest posts from some of the authors.  The seven books include novels, a story collection and a memoir, settings from around the world and three translations!

A big thank you as always to everyone who supports and contributes to the Literary Sofa: guest authors, editors, publicists, and most of all everyone who reads it.  I’m busier than ever with work projects in addition to my own writing, but as long as you keep reading, I’ll keep at it.

So, the competition …if you like food, wine and book chat, keep reading.  Past literary lunches have been very enjoyable for all concerned and not necessarily all that ‘literary’. I don’t care if you read one book a year or a hundred – you only need one to enter this competition – I’m also interested in writing (obviously), travel, box sets, art and hearing about you (see my bio for more about me). For the first time, there’s a northern prize option as well.

Thanks to all who entered for your fantastic reading suggestions which will once again get their own post – this year’s winner is Shannon Savvas.