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Our open call for local authors received so many brilliant applications we are holding two local author showcase events this year.
Darlington Library will host Michael Brown, Geoffrey Chapman, Emma Conally-Barklem, LM Milford, Dominic Nelson-Ashley and Tim Prescott.
Middlesbrough Central Library will host Bob Beagrie, Paul Cooper, Michael Jarvie, Rebecca Philipson and Max Wrigley.
Each author will introduce themselves and their books. Authors will have books for sale and there will be the opportunity for informal networking and conversation.
Bob Beagrie – Bob is a Middlesbrough based writer who has published fifteen collections of poetry, several chapbooks and has also edited poetry anthologies. Bob’s most recent collection is The Hand of Glory: a biography, an absurd narrative told as a sequence of prose poems which relate the adventures and exploits of the infamous mummified human hand currently displayed in Whitby Musuem. As in internationally recognised poet Bob is looking forward to sharing his experiences with other local authors and the audience.
Michael Brown – Michael is an award winning poet from Middlesbrough. In 2025 he won the Overton Poetry Prize which led to the publication of Our Fathers. Michael was a winner of the Northern Writers’ Award in 2017 and published his first full collection Where Grown Men Go in 2019. He brings a wide range of experience to the local author showcase and is currently studying for a PhD at Loughborough University conducting research into the relationship between mental health and poetry.
Geoffrey Chapman – English teacher Geoff will introduce his children’s novel The Merry Tails of Fox who Lived in a Bin. The novel was written for Geoff’s sons to inspire a love of reading, reconnect families and resurrect the bedtime story as a shared family moment of joy. The people and places of the Tees Valley have inspired Geoff’s writing and he can’t wait to share his enthusiasm with the local community.
Emma Conally-Barklem – Guisborough based Emma will introduce her third collection of poetry Car Office which is about characters she observed whilst parked on a Darlington housing estate for two days a week during the pandemic. Emma will also talk about High Flight – fifty poems inspired by Emily Bronte’s Hawk. Emma appeared at last year’s local author showcase and found it an enriching experience and enjoyed connecting with other authors and the audience.
Paul Cooper – Paul’s writing centres on his experiences growing up in the care system, serving in front-line policing and creating technology now used across the UK by police officers. He will introduce his books From Trauma to Triumph – The Pocket Sergeant Journey and Sh*t Magnet. Paul is keen to share his story with local readers and also meet other local authors and learn from their journeys.
Michael Jarvie – Michael is the author of six books including a thriller, translated poetry and novellas and a collection of working-class life writing. He holds an MA with distinction in Creative Writing from Teesside University and is an editor for Newcastle based co-operative Culture Matters. Michael was also shortlisted for 2025’s Crossing the Tees short story competition.
L M Milford – Lynne is the author of The Allensbury Mysteries, a cosy murder mystery series following the adventures of local news reporter Dan Sullivan. Lynne started her career as a local news reporter at the Sunderland Echo. Having moved to Yarm last year Lynne is keen to share her work with readers and other writers from Teesside.
Dominic Nelson-Ashley – Dominic has written twelve poetry collections and curated one anthology. His works cover the themes of black fatherhood, role models, mental health and his travels. His most recent book, Riot Music, was inspired by the riots of 2024. Dominic was a finalist for the North East Culture Awards Writer of the Year 2025 and also received a lifetime achievement award from the North East Black Community for his contribution.
Rebecca Philipson – Rebecca’s debut novel How to Get Away with Murder is a fresh, feminist take on the crime thriller genre. The story revolves around a serial killer writing a guide to murder and ensuing police investigation. It is set to be published in fifteen countries and nine languages. Rebecca is a member of the Teesside Writers’ Group and is passionate about the North East writing and book scene. She’s looking forward to meeting other authors and readers from the area.
Tim Prescott – Tim has written two psychological thrillers. Who Cares Who Wins is set in the care system in Teesside and Hurtmoor is set in North Yorkshire featuring a group of people in their early seventies. Both novels reflect Tim’s many years working as a clinical psychologist. Tim began writing as a coping strategy during the pandemic. He is interested to meet other writers and engage with the local community.
Max Wrigley – Max’s debut children’s book is Sammy the Seagull aimed at children aged 5 -7. The story teaches about sharing and patience and Max has enjoyed visiting local schools to read his book to children. Max wrote the book during his first year at university. He has an SpLD which has meant education has been challenging but firmly believes that anything is possible. He is keen to introduce his book to a new audience.
