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Local Author Showcase
Meet six inspiring Tees Valley based authors as they introduce themselves and their books. Following an open call for local authors the festival welcomes Emma Conally-Barklem, Mike Edwards, Eric Foster, Em Lynas, Katie Mitchelson and Stuart Rudge. Each author will have books for sale and there will be the opportunity for informal networking and conversation. For more information on each author please visit crossingthetees.org. Book Dragon will also be in attendance.
Emma Conally-Barklem will introduce two collections of poetry. The Ridings reflects on the county of Yorkshire and its everyday happenings. Broadly autobiographical, it is couched in the writer’s own working-class background and holds grief, identity and human connection at its heart. Hymns from the Sisters vividly captures the voices of the Bronte sisters in this moving paeon to their legacy. Emma is looking forward to connecting with fellow writers and to inspire other local authors.
Mike Edwards’ debut middle grade novel Riverskin is loosley based on the myth of Peg Powler and is set in and around the River Tees. In the story, Tess lives in the ‘turns’, a network of tunnels under the river with her Aunt Peg and her monstrous Unkle Darkwater. Mike is a spoken word performer and is looking forward to sharing how his book draws on the folklore of the area.
Eric Foster’s historical novel Becoming St Patrick tells the story of Patrick. Set in fifth century Britain, Ireland and Gaul, the story is told as an action adventure novel in two parts. Eric has researched the life of St Patrick and fifth century Irish history to bring this story to life. Eric has also been shortlisted for this year’s Crossing the Tees short story competition.
Em Lynas is a children’s author who writes rhyming picture books and a middle grade series called Witch School. Her latest book out in May is The Bear and the Hare and the Fair. Em is keen to develop links with other children’s authors in the region.
Katie Mitchelson’s debut sci-fi novel for young adults is called Wrecked and was published in January 2025. She developed the book as part of her PhD in creative writing. The story is based in an alternative reality in the fictional town of Waterfall which was inspired by Katie’s hometown of Hartlepool.
Stuart Rudge has written a series of books called Legend of the Cid which follow the adventures of the eleventh century knight Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar. Stuart conceived the idea with support of Writers Block NE and has self-published the series using Amazon. Stuart is hoping to develop his skills to promote his books by appearing on the panel.
